Recent Announcements for Faculty

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.

• Regular session: Grade rosters close Dec 26, 11:00pm.
• 8-Week-2 session: End/finals: Mon, Dec 22. Grade rosters open: Dec 22-27, 11:00pm
• Final exam schedules here: Tues, Dec 16-Mon, Dec 22 (8-Wk-2: Dec 22). Faculty may not change the date/time of finals. Exam time must be used. (Faculty Handbook)

2. Immigrant and Undocumented Student Support: Quick Guide for John Jay Faculty Developed by Nancy Yang, with Cynthia Carvajal (CUNY) and Denise Vivar, this guide provides key campus and CUNY-wide resources to help faculty support undocumented and mixed-status students at John Jay. Faculty are encouraged to be aware of these resources, share them widely with students, and make referrals as needed.
3. If you missed the Fall 2025 All Faculty Meeting, the slides presented are posted HERE.
4. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (Only 26%to go – YAY – almost there!!!  THANK YOU!).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• We are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Requesting Feedback  

At (nearly) the end of the semester, we want to check in with faculty on our integrated  Student Success Communication Campaign. Recall that students received weekly Tips for Success, faculty received a slide, PDF and infographic reinforcing that message, and the Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC in these emails supported the same theme. 

     Invitation for Feedback! Please take a few minutes to share feedback on how the campaign worked for you – as well as on this weekly Dean of Faculty email more generally. Your input is sincerely appreciated!  Brief Survey: Communication Feedback

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Reminder Notes. Grading, Meetings, Emails. Student needs. Our own necessary lives. Right now, let’s ease the pressure on ourselves by creating reminder notes as we engage with all of these demands. For example, jotting down what we're learning as we grade and engage in end-of-term communications with students--reminder notes can short, in the moment words, phrases, or other means of recording what we'll want to know in January before classes start and don't have time to think through and act on now. These can be analog or digital and will support our spring course prep as pre-resolution drafts.

Enjoy the winter break and make time to renew and restore. Many thanks for teaching and guiding our students!

     Explore TLC News & Opportunities, JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site and John Jay AI Plus hub. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q & A Webinar, Weds, Dec 17, 2-3pm, ZOOM. Meeting ID:  876 9513 4614; Passcode: 318927.
2. TODAY! OAR Research Open Forum: Weds, Dec 17, 12:00pm–1:15pm, Zoom. Open to faculty and staff engaged or interested in research, proposal development, funding opportunities, or available support services. Hear updates and learn about two systems that will improve how we apply for and manage grants across CUNY:  
   • OneRF – RFCUNY’s new finance, grant management, procurement and HR system
   • Cayuse – CUNY’s Electronic Research Administration system for proposal prep, submission, routing, and compliance.
3. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-In Lab, Thurs, Dec 18, 1:40-2:50pm, L2.72.05NB.
4. NEW!  The Italian Diaspora Studies Summer Seminar™ (IDSSS) is delighted to offer free enrollment for IDSSS this summer, June 15-July 3, 2026, for up to four members of the teaching faculty and HEO series. Funded by fellowships from CUNY EVC for Academic Affairs Alicia Alvero, four CUNY colleagues will attend the professional development seminar on the Italian diaspora at no cost. Participants stay at a 4-star hotel for 3 weeks, attend classes at Roma Tre University, and receive breakfast and lunch. The fellowship covers the seminar’s $3,500 fee (airfare and other fees not included). Direct inquiries to The John D. Calandra Italian American Institute Director of Administration, Rosaria Musco, Rosaria.Musco@qc.cuny.edu. Interested faculty and HEOs should complete the application form and send it to calandra@qc.cuny.edu as soon as possible, no later than February 27, 2026.  Informational flier and application form HERE.

5.  Prizes/Awards  

1. Please share this award opportunity with students:  Black History Month Student Recognition Award (BHM-SRA): Established to encourage general interest and academic research related to Black History. Undergrads (including BA/MA), from any major, are eligible to apply for the monetary award. Top award for 2026 will be $1000. To apply: Students a submit cover page and academic/research paper to mjohnson@jjay.cuny.edu by Mon, Jan 5 with subject line: BHM-SRA Application. Complete instructions here: BHM-SRA Page. Award recipient(s) will be announced during Black History Month (Feb 2026). Questions: mjohnson@jjay.cuny.edu
2. New! Call for Nominations! The John Jay Distinguished Faculty Service to the College Award recognizes a full- or part-time faculty member for special achievement in service and/or leadership. Honorees will have a sustained record of outstanding service contributions to the College and receive $1,000. Nominations may be submitted by faculty or staff. Deadline - Feb 15: Nomination Form. Questions to Angela Crossman at: apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Nominations OPEN for The Faculty Service to Students Award, presented each year to a full- or part-time faculty member who makes exceptional contributions to the lives of students at JJ. Demonstrations of service may include but are not limited to ad-hoc or formal mentoring, support of student activities, and advisement. The recipient receives recognition and $1,000. Nominations are due on or before February 20, 2026.  Please submit a 1-page nomination letter outlining reasons a faculty member is deserving of the award to Michael Lee, Administrative Executive Assistant, milee@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Nominations OPEN for 2026  Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Application deadline: April 1, 2026. Faculty submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding research/creative work mentors to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Faculty Survey on EAB Navigate – Due Dec 17 

Invitation! Please complete this brief survey about faculty experiences with EAB Navigate alerts and progress check-ins. Responses are anonymous and will be used to help improve the user experience and implementation of coordinated care. You can also email feedback to the team directly at navigatesupport@jjay.cuny.edu. 
Deadline TODAY – Weds, Dec 17: https://jjay.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKivJjBXFfHhlxY

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  Regular session: Last day of classes: Mon, Dec 15. Grade rosters open: Dec 16-26.  8-Week-2 Grad session: Last day/finals: Mon, Dec 22. Grade rosters open: Dec 22-27
2. PSC CUNY Programs - Dec 15 deadline: PSC-CUNY Research Award Program Guidelines
3. Student Evaluation of Faculty (SEOF): Tues, Dec 2 – Mon, Dec 15. Please provide 20 mins of class time for SEOF completion and encourage/remind students to participate.
4. Final exams (schedules here): Tues, Dec 16 – Mon, Dec 22. (8-Wk-2: Dec 22)
   • Faculty MAY NOT CHANGE the date/time of their final exams. Scheduled exam time must be used. (See Faculty Handbook for info on final exams and grades.)
5. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (Only 28%to go – YAY – almost there!!!  THANK YOU!).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• We are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 16

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Supports to Prepare for Finals. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

• The Student message is HERE under Week 16.
• Faculty – please reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Planning for Final Grade Decisions:  INC and Academic Integrity.

1. Incomplete (INC) grades: should be given only when a student would pass the course if they satisfactorily complete the remaining course requirements, at your discretion.
   -   INC grades should only be given in consultation with the student. 
   -   There should be an agreed-upon plan for the student to resolve the INC grade on time. A sample agreement is posted here under “General forms”.
   -   A grade of WU (unofficial withdrawal) should only be assigned to students who have stopped participating and have not completed the course.   
   -   College grade info (INC guidelines and what W grades mean) available HERE.
    
2. Academic integrity concerns: When concerns about cheating, plagiarism, etc. arise, the first step for instructors is to talk with their students as early as possible:
   • Invite student to explain their process (e.g., Walk me through how you approached the assignment. What resources did you use? Can you explain this section to me?)
   • Review what the academic integrity policy means in relation to your assignment/class.
   • Directly solicit the student’s response to your concerns about their work (e.g., Do you understand the concerns? Do you see/acknowledge the problem with your work?)
   • Clarify or reinforce expectations; consider alternatives (e.g., ‘regret clause’: student rescinds problematic assignment for 0 credit; revise/resubmit for partial credit, etc.).
     
     The CUNY/College Academic Integrity Policies require that instructors share their concerns and students be given the opportunity to respond before any further steps are taken. However, at the end of the semester there may not be sufficient time to hold this discussion before final grades are due. In that case, please review the Academic Integrity Reporting process here. For further guidance, please contact Jennifer Dobbins (jedobbins@jjay.cuny.edu) as early as possible, especially if a student’s grade could be impacted. You may want to contact your chair as well for support or advice.

Explore TLC News & Opportunities, JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site and John Jay AI Plus hub. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! AI Ethics: TLC Brown Bag Lunch Discussion, Weds, Dec 10, 12-1pm, 335HH (TLC): Offloading & Deskilling.
2. ODL LMS Brightspace Open Q & A Webinar, Weds, Dec 10, 2-3pm, ZOOM. 
   Meeting ID:  893 9253 3014; Passcode: 124565
3. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-In Lab, Thurs, Dec 11, 1:40-2:50pm, L2.72.05NB.
4. Workshop:Create Explainer Videos with Notebook LM, Fri, Dec 12, 1-2pm, Virtual.  Hands-on NYCIT workshop on Notebook LM, an AI-powered tool to organize content and generate engaging explainer videos. Transform complex topics into clear, concise visual narratives with curated sources, structured outlines and AI-assisted scripts. Emphasizes pedagogical strategies for storytelling, accessibility and engagement. Register Here.

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY! All Faculty Meeting, Wed, Dec 10, 1:30-3pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). ZOOM. Meeting ID: 899 3699 5757; Passcode: 385762. Questions to Raeanne Raices, rraices@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. Finalist for Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs will be on campus to meet the JJ community Thurs, Dec 11. Open forum, L.63, 1:45-2:45pm.
3. OAR Research Open Forum: Weds, Dec 17, 12:00pm–1:15pm,  Zoom. Open to faculty and staff engaged or interested in research, proposal development, funding opportunities, or available support services. Hear updates and learn about two systems that will improve how we apply for and manage grants across CUNY:  
   • OneRF – RFCUNY’s new finance, grant management, procurement and HR system
   • Cayuse – CUNY’s new Electronic Research Administration system for proposal preparation, submission, routing, and research compliance.

More community events here

6.  Prizes/Awards 

1. NEW! Please share this award opportunity with your students!  Black History Month Student Recognition Award (BHM-SRA): Established to encourage general interest and academic research related to Black History. Undergraduates (including BA/MA), regardless of major, are eligible to apply for the monetary award that will be presented during Black History Month. Top award for 2026 will be $1000. 
   To Apply: Students submit cover page and academic/research paper, described below, to mjohnson@jjay.cuny.edu by Mon, Jan 5 with subject line: BHM-SRA Application.   
     1]  Cover Page form (visible here BHM-SRA Page) includes: title of paper, student author’s name, date of submission and Abstract of the paper that describes/ outlines relevance of the manuscript to research and investigation in Black History
     2]  Academic/research paper without the student’s name or identifying information. It is acceptable for students to receive advice and editing in preparation of their submission, but the paper must be written by the student alone.
        Submissions will be ‘blind’ reviewed by a faculty panel. The awarded papers(s) will demonstrate/illustrate the value of Black History as an academic endeavor. At the discretion of the faculty panel, applicants may be required to orally defend their submission via a virtual review (Zoom) session. Award recipient(s) will be announced during Black History Month – February 2026. Questions to mjohnson@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. Nominations OPEN for The Faculty Service to Students Award, presented each year to a full- or part-time faculty member who makes exceptional contributions to the lives of students at JJ. Demonstrations of service may include but are not limited to ad-hoc or formal mentoring, support of student activities, and advisement. The recipient receives recognition and $1,000. Nominations are due on or before February 20, 2026.  Please submit a 1-page nomination letter outlining reasons a faculty member is deserving of the award to Michael Lee, Administrative Executive Assistant, milee@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Nominations OPEN for 2026  Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Application deadline: April 1, 2026. Faculty submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding research/creative work mentors to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.         

7.  Faculty Survey on EAB Navigate – Due Dec 17 

Invitation! Please complete this brief survey about faculty experiences with EAB Navigate alerts and progress check-ins. Responses are anonymous and will be used to help improve the user experience and implementation of coordinated care. You can also email feedback to the team directly at navigatesupport@jjay.cuny.edu. 
Deadline – Weds, Dec 17: https://jjay.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKivJjBXFfHhlxY

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  Deadline to submit grade changes in CUNYfirst for resolution of INC grades from Winter Spring or Summer 2025 is Fri, Dec 5. Last day of fall classes, Mon, Dec 15.
2. PSC-CUNY Research Awards Program: Dec 15 deadline. See: RF CUNY - PSC CUNY Programs and RF CUNY - PSC-CUNY Research Award Program Guidelines
3. Student Evaluation of Faculty (SEOF): Tues, Dec 2 – Mon, Dec 15. Please provide 20 mins of class time for SEOF completion. Encourage and remind students to participate. You can remind them that:  it’s an opportunity to support your growth as a teacher; you will implement suggestions in future semesters (and have in the past); and results are not available until the next semester. You could try giving credit for a group threshold (e.g., everyone gets 0.5 pt on final exam score if 75% of students respond.)
4. Final exams (schedules posted here): Tues, Dec 16 – Mon, Dec 22. (8-Wk-2: Dec 22)
   • Faculty MAY NOT CHANGE the date/time of their final exams.
   • The scheduled final exam time must be used (e.g., give an exam; class discussion; student meetings). (See Faculty Handbook for more info on final exams and grades.
5. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (Only 30%  to go – getting there!!!  THANK YOU!).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• We are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 15 

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Bust Your Stress to Boost Your Finals. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

• Find the Students message HERE under Week 15.
• Faculty – please reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Address Stress to Ease the End of Fall Term.  This week’s student success tip includes strategies to address end of term stress. We can take notes! Whether we make the most of the attached tips or find our own ways to take breaks and nurture our teaching and personal selves, as instructors we need to practice self-care. Being kind to ourselves helps us improve our focus, compassion, and overall quality of instruction.

The attached PDF, designed by Cornelia Preda in Student Academic Success Programs (and lightly edited by TLC Director Gina Rae Foster), can be posted over your desk or kept open on your devices for quick consultation when you want ideas for returning to your center.

And don’t forget to submit a proposal for Spring 2025 Faculty Development Day! See call for proposals below. Explore TLC News & Opportunities, JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site and John Jay AI Plus hub. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS Computing Final Grades in Brightspace, Weds, Dec 3, 2-3pm, Zoom.
   Meeting ID: 864 9380 3352, Passcode: 113996.
2. TODAY! Library Hybrid Workshop (registration not required): Weds, Dec 3, 1:40pm-2:10pm in the library classroom and Zoom How to increase your scholarly reach by uploading publications to CUNY Academic Works, our institutional repository.
3. CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay.  Conference website here.  Register here.
4. Faculty 1st Friday: Enacting Our 7 Principles in the Classroom, Fri, Dec 5, 1:30-3pm, 335HH or Zoom. With Drs. Jessica Gordon-Nembhard (AFR) and Mangai Natarajan (CRJ). RSVP by Thurs, Dec 4 at apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
5. Student-Led, Interactive Faculty Workshop: The Trust Crisis and Your Syllabus: What Students Wish You Knew About AI, Care and Connection, Tues, Dec 9, 1:40-2:55pm, 335HH (TLC). Your syllabus is the first impression you make. Does it say "I see you as a learner" or "I'm watching for cheaters"?  Facilitated by PASS student leaders Joshua Cedeno, Nataly Gonzales, Yexayra Cabrera Martinez.
6. AI Ethics: TLC Brown Bag Lunch Discussion, Weds, Dec 10, 12-1pm, 335HH (TLC): Offloading & Deskilling.
7. ODL LMS Brightspace Open Q & A, Weds, Dec 10, 2-3pm.
8. ODL LMS Walk-In Session, Thurs, Dec 11, 1:40-2:50pm, L2.72.05NB.

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY Is Academic Freedom Dying at American Universities? Wed, Dec 3, 1:30-2:50pm, L.63. Speaker: Jonathan R. Cole (Columbia), Moderator Verónica Michel (POL). Register HERE.
2. Town Hall, Mon, Dec 8, 1:40-2:55pm, L.61NB or Zoom (Meeting ID: 841 6864 0814, Passcode: 152886). Comments or questions can be shared at TownHall@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. All Faculty Meeting, Wed, Dec 10, 1:30-3pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). ZOOM. Meeting ID: 899 3699 5757; Passcode: 385762. Questions to Raeanne Raices, rraices@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Finalists for Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs will be on campus to meet the JJ community Weds, Dec 10 & Thurs, Dec 11. Both days: Open forums, L.63, 1:45-2:45pm. An additional session will be held for faculty, Dec 10, L.63, 3pm (after the All Faculty meeting). Names, resumes, zoom link to be shared Dec 5.

More community events here

6.  Faculty Prizes/Awards/Participants

1. Nominations OPEN for the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Prize. Annual award honoring excellence in teaching. Nominees must have taught at least 3 consecutive years at John Jay (Spring 2023-Fall 2025). Questions to Dr. Gina Rae Foster, TLC Director, gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  Deadline: Mon, Dec 8.  Nomination form: here.
2. NEW! Call for Proposals: Spring 2026 Faculty Development Day, Thurs, Jan 22, 9am-2:30pm. Theme: Taking the Lead: How we Educate for Justice in a Changing World. See FDD details and submit proposals HERE. Submission deadline: Tues, Dec 9, 11:59pm.
3. Nominations OPEN for 2026 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. The OSRC gives 3-4 annual awards to recognize faculty providing exceptional mentoring of students in research or creative work. Application deadline: April 1, 2026. Faculty submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding mentors to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.                 

7.  Faculty Voices:  3 Survey Invitations!  

1. Invitation! John Jay’s AAC&U Institute for AI, Pedagogy, & the Curriculum Team is exploring how JJ is engaging with Generative AI (GenAI)—and wants to hear from you! Their survey (approx 10 mins) invites you to share how you’re learning about and using GenAI tools and what kinds of support or training would be most helpful to you. Your perspective matters. Please complete this faculty survey by Fri, Dec 5.
2. Invitation! The Office for the Advancement of Research is planning their Spring 2026 Bootcamp Series and wants to ensure the topics align with faculty needs and interests. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey and share any suggestions for additional topics you’d like to see in future bootcamps by Fri, Dec 5.
3. We know faculty and staff engage in Professional Development (PD) on and off campus! CUNY is requesting info on our PD – and we want to share all you do. If you participate in PD, particularly outside JJ, please share it using the link below. Feel free to save the link to add over time. Professional Development Activity - REPORT FORM

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  College is closed Nov 27-28. No classes Nov 29-30. Annual Health Benefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment ends Nov 30.
2. Final exams (schedules posted here):  Tues, Dec 16 – Mon, Dec 22.
   • Faculty MAY NOT CHANGE the date/time of their final exams.
     • The scheduled final exam time must be used to meet with students (e.g., give an exam; discuss the semester; feedback on paper drafts before final draft due). (See Faculty Handbook for more info on final exams and grades.
3. Student Evaluation of Faculty (SEOF) dates:  Tues, Dec 2 – Mon, Dec 15.
4. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (Only 31%  to go – getting there!!!  THANK YOU!).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• We are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC:  Rest and Enjoy! 

No Student Success Communication Campaign message this week. Instead, we focus directly on you. If you are experiencing stress due to almost-end-of-semester pressures, or maybe from holiday pressures, here are some research-backed suggestions for relief:

• Listen to calming music, perhaps while visualizing a peaceful scene.
• Practice deep breathing (e.g., box breathing: inhale 4 seconds; hold 4; exhale 4; hold 4).
• Enjoy a piece of dark chocolate or sip some herbal tea.
• Engage in physical activity (e.g., a walk in nature; some jumping jacks; yoga stretches).
• Connect with friends and/or family – laugh as much as possible.    

For more support, the TLC Faculty Student Wellbeing Resource Page shares tips, readings, videos, and podcasts (curated by our colleague Stephanie Simpson). And all faculty (and our families) can access support with free services through the Employee Assistance Program: CCA@YourService. Call 1-800-833-8707, go to www.myccaonline.com, Code: CUNY.

3.  Professional Development Opportunities

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS Brightspace Open Q & A, Weds, Nov 26, 2-3pm, Zoom.
   Meeting ID: 835 6549 0425, Passcode: 244463
2. OAS Workshop:  Last Minute Accommodations, Mon, Dec 1, 1:40-2:55pm, 335HH (TLC). With Dr. Elena Beharry. Learn: how students apply for accommodations; how faculty are notified of student accommodation needs; and how faculty can access accommodations for their students. Specific accommodations will be reviewed and questions answered.
3. Library Hybrid Workshops (registration not required):
   • Mon, Dec 1, 1:40pm-2:10pm, library classroom and Zoom:  How to use RefWorks to manage and format your research sources/citations.
   • Weds, Dec 3, 1:40pm-2:10pm, library classroom and Zoom:  How to increase your scholarly reach by uploading publications to CUNYAcademic Works, our institutional repository.
4. CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay. Conference website here.  Register here.
5. Faculty 1st Friday: Enacting Our 7 Principles in the Classroom, Fri, Dec 5, 1:30-3pm, 335HH or Zoom. With Drs. Jessica Gordon-Nembhard (AFR) and Mangai Natarajan (CRJ). RSVP to me by Thurs, Dec 4 at apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Community Events 

1. BRAVO! Employee and Team Recognition Event, Tues, Dec 2, 1-3pm (lunch at 12:30pm), Student Dining Hall. RSVP required: https://jjay.cc/BRAVO25.  
2. Is Academic Freedom Dying at American Universities? Wed, Dec 3, 1:30-2:50pm, L.63. Speaker: Jonathan R. Cole (Columbia), Moderator Verónica Michel (POL). Register HERE.
3. All Faculty Meeting, Wed, Dec 10, 1:30-3pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). ZOOM. Meeting ID: 899 3699 5757; Passcode: 385762. Questions to Raeanne Raices, rraices@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Save the Dates! Finalists for Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs will be on campus to meet the JJ community Weds, Dec 10 & Thurs, Dec 11. Both days: Open forums, L.63, 1:45-2:45pm. An additional session will be held for faculty, Dec 10, L.63, 3pm (after the All Faculty meeting). Names, resumes, zoom link to be shared Dec 5.

More community events here

5.  Faculty Awards/Funding

1. Call for Proposals: CUNY  AI Innovation Fund. Full-time faculty, administrators and staff are eligible to apply for up to $25k for projects in these 4 priority areas:  AI Education & Literacy; AI-Enabled Student & Academic Support; AI in Courses; or Addressing Ethical & Social Implications of AI.  Application HERE.  Deadline: Mon, Dec 1, 5pm.
2. Nominations OPEN for the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Prize. Annual award honoring excellence in teaching. Nominees must have taught at least 3 consecutive years at John Jay (Spring 2023-Fall 2025). Questions to Dr. Gina Rae Foster, TLC Director, gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  Deadline: Monday, December 8.  Nomination form: here.
3. Nominations OPEN for the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. The Office of Student Research & Creativity gives 3 or 4 annual awards to recognize faculty providing exceptional mentoring of students in scholarly research or creative work. Application deadline: April 1, 2026. Faculty formally self-nominate and submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding mentors to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions to osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Faculty Voices:  3 Survey Invitations!  

1. Invitation!Our AAC&U Institute for AI, Pedagogy, & the Curriculum Team is exploring how JJ is engaging with Generative AI (GenAI)—and would like to hear from you! This survey (~ 10 mins) invites you to share how you’re learning about and using GenAI tools and what support/training would be most helpful to you. Your feedback will shape training, resources and campus initiatives around use of GenAI. Whether new to it or using it regularly, your perspective matters. Please complete THIS SURVEY by Fri, Dec 5.
2. Invitation! The Office for the Advancement of Research is planning their Spring 2026 Bootcamp Series and wants to ensure the topics align with faculty needs and interests. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey and share any suggestions for additional topics you’d like to see in future bootcamps by December 5.
3. We know faculty and staff engage in Professional Development (PD) – on and off campus! CUNY is requesting info on our PD – and we’d love to share all you’re doing. If you participate in PD, particularly outside JJ, please share it using the link below. Feel free to flag trainings you think colleagues would like. If you save the link, you can keep adding more over time. Thanks! Professional Development Activity - Report Form

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  College is closed Nov 27-28. No classes Nov 29-30.
2. Final exams (schedules posted here):   Tues, Dec 16 – Mon, Dec 22.
   • Faculty MAY NOT CHANGE the date/time of their final exams.
     • The scheduled final exam time must be used to meet with students (e.g., give an exam; discuss the semester; feedback on paper drafts before final draft due). (See Faculty Handbook for more info on final exams and grades.
3. Student Evaluation of Faculty (SEOF) dates:  Tues, Dec 2 – Mon, Dec 15.
4. Annual Health Benefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment ends Nov 30.
5. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (We are at 68% completion – getting there!!!   😊).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• We are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 13  

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Preparing for Finals. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

• Find the Students message HERE under Week 13.
• Faculty – please reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC:  Supporting Finals Prep  

As our students prepare for finals, here are some ways we can support their preparations. 

• Revisit your policies on grading, attendance, and participation
• Discuss good preparation strategies (see suggestions here)
• Review remaining assignments and due dates to help planning. (Exam schedules here)
• Review the academic integrity policy. If concerns arise, discuss them with the impacted student and invite them to explain their work process. See the AI violation reporting process and resources here. You can consult with our Academic Integrity Officer Jennifer Dobbins (jedobbins@jjay.cuny.edu) as needed.
• Referrals to the Wellness Center (for health, counseling, accessibility, emergency funding, food, and other needs) and academic support services may be timely.

Explore TLC News & Opportunities, JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site and John Jay AI Plus hub. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! Full-time faculty: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Wed, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50, 1.76NB.
2. TODAY! ODL LMS Brightspace Grading, Weds, Nov 19, 2-3pm, Zoom.
   Meeting ID: 884 2213 2568, Passcode: 523346.
3. Workshop: Join Dr. Tina Skinner of the Researcher Wellbeing Project. Learn to maintain emotional wellbeing when researching emotionally challenging topics. Thurs, Nov 20, 11am-2pm, 520.18HH. Lunch provided. Space limited. RSVP rbarberet@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay. Conference website here.  Register here.

5.  Community Events 

1. 60^th Anniversary Campus Celebration, Thurs, Nov 20, 2-6pm: Kroll Atrium, Hound Square, Mezzanine and Jay Walk (weather permitting).  RSVP HERE.  All are welcome!
2. Food for Thought lunch & learn. Mon, Nov 24, 1:30-2:45pm, Faculty/Staff Dining Room (2^nd fl NB). Host: English. Speakers will be Drs. Ray Rosas and Charissa Che. RSVP HERE by NOON, Friday, 11/21.  (Last one of the fall semester)
3. The Lysistrata Project or No Womb Left Behind, play sponsored by the ENG Dept. Mon, Nov 24 & Tues, Nov 25:   1:40-3:15pm & 7:30-9pm, Lynch Theater. GET TICKETS HERE.
4. Rescheduled:  Immigration Town Hall, Tuesday, Nov 25, 1:30-3:30pm, 335HH (TLC). International colleagues - learn about immigration processes and timing, meet immigration attorneys from Gibney law firm, confer on individual situations. RSVP by Mon, Nov 24^th to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
5. All Faculty Meeting, Wed, Dec 10, 1:30-3pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court).

More community events here

6.  Faculty Awards/Funding  

1. NEW! Call for Proposals: CUNY AI Innovation Fund. Full-time faculty, administrators and staff are eligible to apply for up to $25k for projects in these 4 priority areas:
        * AI Education & Literacy
        * AI-Enabled Student & Academic Support
        * AI in Courses 
        * Addressing Ethical & Social Implications of AI
       See attached for more info on how to apply. Application Deadline: Mon, Dec 1, 5pm
    
2. Nominations OPEN for the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Prize. Annual award honoring excellence in teaching. Nominees must have taught at least 3 consecutive years at John Jay (Spring 2023-Fall 2025). Questions to Dr. Gina Rae Foster, TLC Director, gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  Deadline: Monday, December 8.  Nomination form: here.
    
3. NEW! Nominations OPEN for the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Each year, the Office of Student Research & Creativity gives 3 or 4 awards to recognize faculty providing exceptional mentoring of students in scholarly research or creative work.  Application deadline: April 1, 2026. 
   
   Awards are: Junior Mentor Award (within first 6 years as a mentor; $1200), Senior Mentor Award ($1500) and Lifetime Mentor Achievement Award (biennially; $2000). Faculty formally self-nominate and submit all materials, but students (including graduate students) and colleagues should encourage role models and peers to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions to osrc@jjay.cuny.edu

7.  Faculty Professional Development Resource Sharing  

1. The Office of Digital Learning has concluded this semester’s 5-part GenAI series focused on how to approach AI for teaching and learning. If you were unable to attend any of the sessions or would like to view the recordings and resources shared, please visit the Brightspace organization, Innovative Pedagogy with GenAI: A Self-Paced Workshop. 

     To add yourself to this organization, please follow these steps: 

          1.      Click on “Discover” at the top of the Brightspace homepage.
          2.      Next, type in “genai” into the search field.
          3.      Once the workshop displays, select the name, and then click on Enroll in Course.
          4.      While in the workshop, materials are in the Live Session Materials module. 
     To suggest sessions/topics for spring, email digitallearning@jjay.cuny.edu.

2. We know faculty and staff engage in Professional Development (PD) – on and off campus! CUNY is requesting info on our PD – and we’d love to share all you’re doing. If you participate in PD, particularly outside JJ, please share it using the link below. Feel free to flag trainings you think colleagues would like. If you save the link, you can keep adding more over time. Thanks! Professional Development Activity - Report Form

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  College is closed Nov 27-28. No classes Nov 29-30.
2. Annual HealthBenefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment ends Nov 30.  HR Virtual Office Hours: Fridays, 11am-1pm, Zoom. Inquiries to Benefits@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Blackboard retirement: Dec 18. Deadline for Blackboard course restoration requests: Nov 15. Deadline for Blackboard assistance from LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu: Dec 1.
4. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. October 31was the due date (we are at 61% completion).

• Log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 12 

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Winter & Spring Registration is Now Open. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

• Find the Students message HERE under Week 12.
• Faculty – please reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC:  Celebrating our Teaching Wins 

As nominations for the Distinguished Teaching Prize come in, I’m reminded that our faculty have many, many teaching wins to celebrate. We can do this for ourselves at any time, and right now, just past the mid-term crush, is a critical time to remember what we do well.

Counting our wins includes

·      being specific about what is working and why

·      reflecting on what is context-dependent (such as this group of students, this set of readings, activities, assignments, or classroom set up)

·      making notes about what we want to repeat next term or with the next class sessions

·      identifying common factors or features of our wins that define our teaching styles

When we count our teaching wins, we validate and reactivate our commitments to our students and our disciplines. We also gather evidence to include in conversations about teaching with colleagues in our departments and across the college.

Explore TLC News & Opportunities and JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site celebrating our fantastic teachers! Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! AI Ethics: TLC Brown Bag Lunch Discussion, Weds, Nov 12, 12-1pm, 335HH (TLC): Bias and Misinformation.
2. TODAY! ODL LMS Brightspace Quizzes, Weds, Nov 12, 2-3pm, Zoom.
   Meeting ID: 815 0725 3810, Passcode: 901590
3. Scholarly Publishing Workshop: Impact Factor & Other Research Metrics: What They Mean and What They Don’t, Thurs, Nov 13, 6:30-7:30pm & Fri, Nov 14, 2-3pm. Info and registration: Library Events - CUNY Graduate Center's Mina Rees Library
4. CITA Workshop: Designing Adult-Centered Curriculum, Fri, Nov 14, 11am-noon, virtual. Practical approaches for creating flexible, relevant, career-connected courses. REGISTER.
5. Full-time faculty: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Wed, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50, 1.76NB
6. Workshop:  Join Dr. Tina Skinner of the Researcher Wellbeing Project. Learn to maintain emotional wellbeing when researching emotionally challenging topics. Thurs, Nov 20, 11am-2pm, 520.18HH. Lunch provided. Space limited. RSVP rbarberet@jjay.cuny.edu
7. CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay. Conference website here.  Register here.

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY! Academic Affairs OPEN FORUM, Weds, Nov 12, 1:40-2:55pm, L.61NB or Zoom (ID: 861 0875 5237, Code: 126626). Join Provost Pease and the Academic Deans to discuss our strategic plan, academic advising model, education in an age of AI … etc.
2. Town Hall, Thurs, Nov 13, 1:40-2:55pm, L.61NB or Zoom (Meeting ID: 825 6582 3934, Passcode: 168206)
3. HBO Film Screening: The Alabama Solution, Thurs, Nov 13, Moot Court (6.68NB). Reception @ 5:15pm, Screening @ 6pm, Talk back & discussion @ 8pm. A great extra credit opportunity! RSVP here. Questions to externalaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. The Anya and Andrew Shiva Gallery exhibition, On Absence, will be on view Nov 13-Feb 6 (M-F, 10am-5pm). Opening reception: Thurs, Nov 13, 5:30-7pm. Gallery is at 59^th St/11^th Ave. Email Dr. Macushla Robinson (AMU), Gallery Director, to arrange a class visit.
5. Immigration Town Hall, Mon, Nov 17, 1:30-3:30pm, 335HH (TLC). International colleagues - learn about immigration processes and timing, meet immigration attorneys from Gibney law firm, confer on individual situations. RSVP to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
6. Fall 2025 All-Staff Meeting, Mon, Nov 17, 1:30pm, 9.64NB & Zoom.
   Meeting ID: 895 6371 6956, Passcode: 001898
7. JJ Academic Freedom Series, Tues, Nov 18, L.63, community hour. Topic: Antisemitism, Islamophobia & the Preservation of Universities as a Space for Academic Deliberations. Moderated by Dr. Avram Bornstein (ANT), the event will feature Dr. Mucahit Bilici (SOC) and Dr. Jack Jacobs (POL). Refreshments will be provided and all are welcome.
8. Food for Thought lunch & learn. Mon, Nov 24, 1:30-2:45pm, Faculty/ Staff Dining Room (2^nd fl NB). Host: English. Speakers will be Drs. Ray Rosas and Charissa Che. RSVP HERE by NOON, Friday, 11/21.  (Last one of the fall semester)

More community events here

6.  Call for Faculty Participants  

1. Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI Challenge– Goal is for 50 faculty to complete the self-paced Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI workshop on Brightspace. To self-enroll, log into Brightspace, look for the Discover tab, type “genai” in the search bar and enroll.
2. Call for Nominations is OPEN for the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Prize! The DTP ($5,000) is awarded annually to up to two (2) full time or part time members of the JJ faculty to honor excellence in teaching. Nominees must have taught at least three (3) consecutive years at John Jay (from Spring 2023-Fall 2025). Questions to Dr. Gina Rae Foster, Teaching and Learning Center Director, gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  Nomination Deadline: Monday, December 8.  Nomination form:  here.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  Nov 6: Last day to drop regular fall class with grade of W.  8-Week-2 Graduate Classes:  VOE rosters close Nov 7.
2. Full-Time Faculty:   The online  e-Workload application is open for your review, editing and approval until Fri, Nov 7. Please check to ensure your fall information is accurate.
3. Annual Health Benefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment ends Nov 30. HR Virtual Office Hours: Fridays, 11am-1pm, Zoom. Inquiries to Benefits@jjay.cuny.edu
4. Blackboard sunsets in December. Request help downloading your course content from LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu by Nov 15. Workshop TODAY!  See 4a below.
5. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. October 31was the due date (we are at 48% completion).
   • Log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click faculty link.
   • Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
   • Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
   • If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 11  

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Registering for Winter and Spring.

• Find the super cute Students message HERE under Week 11.  
• Faculty – please reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC: Plans and Connections  

This week, many of our students start registering for their spring courses. How can we support these plans while maintaining our students’ focus on their learning with us now? Encouraging our students to make plans to finish the term well and to make connections in their learning across terms are two easy strategies for academic success.

End Goal Plans: With 6 weeks left, prompt students to plan backwards from their final projects and exams to the present. For each week, they can list their goals and assigned work, their available time, their resources, and any challenges they foresee in staying on track. The attached table may be helpful to modify for your needs and share with students.

Learning Connections: Try a short freewriting exercise in which your students identify what they are learning now that they believe will be important to their success in spring courses. Or, support partner and small group discussion for 5-10 minutes on this topic. Invite students, live or asynchronously, to write down their connections and share for feedback. Making their ideas visible will amplify the connections and deepen critical thinking.

Explore TLC News & Opportunities and JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site celebrating our fantastic teachers! Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY!  Blackboard Retirement: What you need to know, Weds, Nov 5, 2-3pm, Zoom. 
   Meeting ID: 858 5413 4829, Passcode: 173995
2. Faculty 1st Friday: Thinking About Service Strategically + Personnel Process Primer, Fri, Nov 7, 1:30-3pm, 335HH or Zoom. RSVP by Thurs, Nov 6 to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. ODL: Using AI to Aid in Course Design, Preparation and to Enhance Instruction, Tues, Nov 11, 1:40-2:40 pm. Registration link. Learn practical and ethical strategies.
4. CUNY Professional Development Conference (Nov 12-13, virtual).  Conference Agenda. Register here by Mon, Nov 10.
5. Scholarly Publishing Workshop: Impact Factor & Other Research Metrics: What They Mean and What They Don’t, Thurs, Nov 13, 6:30-7:30pm & Fri, Nov 14, 2-3pm. Info and registration: Library Events - CUNY Graduate Center's Mina Rees Library
6. CITA Workshop: Designing Adult-Centered Curriculum, Fri, Nov 14, 11am-noon, virtual. Practical approaches for creating flexible, relevant, career-connected courses. REGISTER.
7. Full-time faculty: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Wed, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50, 1.76NB
8. Workshop: Join Dr. Tina Skinner of the Researcher Wellbeing Project to learn tools to maintain emotional wellbeing when researching emotionally challenging topics. Thurs, Nov 20, 11am-2pm, 520.18HH. Lunch provided. Space limited. RSVP rbarberet@jjay.cuny.edu
9. CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay. Conference website here.  Register here. 

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY! "I Stand with Immigrants" National Day of Action, Weds, Nov 5, 1:40-2:40pm in Hound Square. Community activities recognizing and uplifting the contributions, struggles, and voices of immigrant communities, within our campus and beyond.
2. Library Author Series: Thurs, Nov 6, 1:40-2:50pm, 2^nd fl library class. Vicente Lecuna (MLL), A Promising Past Remodeling Fictions in Parque Central, Caracas.  RSVP to attend.
3. Leaders of Justice Series: The Honorable Raymond P. Fernandez, Supreme Court Justice, Bronx County, in conversation with President Mason. Thurs, Nov 6, 1:45pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Refreshments provided. RSVP: www.jjay.cuny.edu/fernandez. Event page.
4. OAR Book Talk: Gloria J. Browne-Marshall (LPS), A Protest History of the United States, Thurs, Nov 6, 4:30-6pm, 630 HH. RSVP here.
5. Film Screening: Sixteen Years, Tues, Nov 11, 6-8pm, L.63NB. This private film screening continues the exploration of Jeffrey Deskovic’s wrongful conviction and fight for justice.
6. HBO Film Screening: The Alabama Solution, Thurs, Nov 13, Moot Court (6.68NB). Reception @ 5:15pm, Screening @ 6pm, Talk back & discussion @ 8pm. Could be a great extra credit opportunity! RSVP here. Questions to externalaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu. 

More community events here

6.  Call for Faculty Participants  

1. Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI Challenge – Goal is for 50 faculty to complete the self-paced Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI workshop on Brightspace. To self-enroll, log into Brightspace, look for the Discover tab, type “genai” in the search bar and enroll.
2. Call for Nominations is OPEN for the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Prize! The DTP ($5,000) is awarded annually to up to two (2) full time or part time members of the JJ faculty to honor excellence in teaching. Nominees must have taught at least three (3) consecutive years at John Jay (from Spring 2023-Fall 2025). Questions to Dr. Gina Rae Foster, Teaching and Learning Center Director, gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  Nomination Deadline: Monday, December 8.  Nomination form:  here.

7.  Cheering on our JJ Bloodhound Scholar Athletes!

We know that JJ’s scholar athletes kill it inside the classroom. This semester, they are also, yet again, killing it in the gym and on the field!  The #1 ranked Women’s Soccer team will play City College on Saturday, Nov 8, 11:30am at York College to defend their CUNYAC championship title. The game will be live streamed (https://johnjayathletics.com/), but drop by to watch if you’re in the area!   Whatever your sport of choice (women’s volleyball won the regular season title last night; CUNYAC championships are Nov 13 & 14) – check out the Bloodhound contests livestreamed here. 

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  Nov 6: Last day to drop regular fall class with grade of W.  8-Week-2 Graduate Classes:  VOE rosters open from Nov 3 - Nov 7.
2. Fall Multiple Position Reports are due Fri, Nov 7. Questions about your report or the policy? Ask TODAY! Weds, Oct 29, 1:40 PM, Zoom, Meeting: 461 223 6540, Code: 1023
3. Full-Time Faculty:   The online e-Workload application is open for your review, editing and approval until Fri, Nov 7. Please check to ensure your fall information is accurate.
4. Annual Health Benefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment ends Nov 30. HR Virtual Office Hours: Fridays, 11am-1pm, Zoom. Inquiries to Benefits@jjay.cuny.edu
5. OAS Support for Faculty:  Faculty view accommodation letters, approve exam requests, and upload exams with CUNY Accommodate - see Handbook for Faculty for its use.
6. Blackboard sunsets in December. Request help downloading course content from LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu by Nov 15.
7. It’s that time again! Book Adoptions – to ensure students can find the most affordable course materials (and meet their accessibility needs), please post your book/material adoption information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES, even if no purchases are required.
   • October 31 is the adoption due date (we are at 25%).
   • To submit or indicate “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click the faculty link.
   • Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
   • Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
   • If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 10 

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Staying Engaged for a Strong Finish. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

• Find the super cute Students message HERE under Week 10.  
• Faculty – please reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC: Staying Engaged for a Strong Finish

     Next week, students will decide whether they are staying in our classes or choosing to withdraw. How can we help them make informed, supported decisions?

     This is a great week not only to include the Student Success Communication slide linked above, but also to share this information in live class sessions and emails to our students. (Brightspace makes emailing our classes easy!)

Some information you might add when you share:

·      Benefits that students experience when they attend classes and participate (e.g., additional information, different perspectives, opportunities to ask questions)

·      Learning centers  

·      Counseling Center 

·      Academic Advisement Center:  Note the virtual walk-in time, 11:15 am-2:45 pm

We can invite questions about progress and make referrals early (Navigate360) when we sense students may need support to stay with their courses and achieve their goals.

Explore TLC News & Opportunities and JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site celebrating our fantastic teachers! Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.

4.  Professional Development Opportunities

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY!  ODL LMS Brightspace Open Q&A, Weds, Oct 29, 2-3pm, Zoom. 
   Meeting ID: 837 2466 6249, Passcode: 757614
2. Faculty 1st Friday – Monthly new faculty orientation meeting: Thinking About Service Strategically + Brief Personnel Process Primer, Fri, Nov 7, 1:30-2:30pm, 335HH or Zoom with Karen Kaplowitz. RSVP (apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu) by Weds, Nov 5.
3. Registration open!  2025 CUNY Professional Development Conference, Nov 12-13, virtual. Theme: The Human Renaissance: Reimagining Leadership and Innovation in Higher Ed. Conference Agenda here. Register here.  Deadline: Mon, Nov 10.
4. Save the date! Learn how to get involved in JJ Study Abroad. Full-time faculty are invited to: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Weds, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50pm, 1.76NB.
5. Registration open! CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay. Theme: “Moving Forward: Reimagining CUNY in an AI-Enhanced World.” Conference website here.  Register here.  Keynote: C. Edward Watson, VP for Digital Innovation at AAC&U.

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY!  Dia de los Muertos, Wed, Oct 29, 1:35-3:00pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). 5^th annual event brought to us by LLS.
2. Alumni Reunion, Thurs, Oct 30, 6pm+ - 100% of net proceeds to benefit student success. Register today. Schedule: 6:30pm-Cocktail reception, 7:15pm-Recognition of Honorees, 8:30pm-After Party. Inquiries to Rosann Santos, rsantos@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Final Fall 2025 Library Author Series talk: Thurs, Nov 6, 1:40-2:50pm, 2^nd fl library classroom Vicente Lecuna (MLL) will discuss his book, A Promising Past Remodeling Fictions in Parque Central, Caracas.  RSVP to attend
4. Leaders of Justice Series: The Honorable Raymond P. Fernandez, Supreme Court Justice, Bronx County, in conversation with President Mason. Thurs, Nov 6, 1:45pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Refreshments provided. RSVP: www.jjay.cuny.edu/fernandez. Event page.
5. OAR Book Talk: Gloria J. Browne-Marshall (LPS) presents her book, A Protest History of the United States, Thurs, Nov 6, 4:30-6pm, 630 HH. RSVP here.

6.  Asian American/Asian Research Institute Faculty Funding Opportunity 

NEW 2026 CUNY Faculty Research Support Program – Submissions Due 11/3/25

The Asian American/Asian Research Institute is accepting proposals for the 2026 CUNY Faculty Research Support Program to support research on Asian American and Asian diasporic communities.

Focus: Research across all disciplines, including the social sciences, humanities, arts, and health sciences. Priority is given to projects that support a work in progress (e.g., a book, article, or major proposal) or address current policy questions. AAARI seeks to fund research on a diversity of Asian ethnic communities.

Funding: Up to five (5) awards of up to $10,000 per award. Funds must be spent by the end of the Spring 2026 semester.

Eligible to Apply: CUNY full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty, full-time Doctoral Lecturers

Use of Funds:  Funds are intended to support research in progress and can be paid as either:

• Summer Salary or Stipend (paid directly to you, subject to payroll taxes)
• Released Time (up to $7,000 for a course release). Note: Requires written confirmation from your campus Provost.

Commitments:  Awardees must agree to:

• Produce a white paper (or creative work) by 6/3/26 and allow AAARI to post it online
• Deliver an in-person presentation on their research at an AAARI-sponsored event in the Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 semesters.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE. Classes meet on a Monday schedule, Fri, Oct 24.
   8-Week-1 Graduate Classes:  Grade rosters close Sat, Oct 25.
   8-Week-2 Graduate Classes:  Session begins Tues, Oct 28.
2. Annual Health Benefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment is Oct 15 - Nov 30. Want to make changes? Want a flu shot? Visit TODAY: JJ Benefits Fair, Oct 22, 11am-2pm, Student Dining Hall East, NB. Or connect with HR during Virtual Office Hours: Fridays, 11am-1pm, Zoom (Meeting ID 882 6174 5353, Passcode: 967236). Inquiries to HEgrant@jjay.cuny.edu or at Benefits@jjay.cuny.edu
3. OAS Support for Faculty: CUNY Accommodate is our accommodation management system. Students use it to request accommodations, exams, and begin their application with the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS). Faculty can view accommodation letters, view approved exam requests, upload exams.  OAS created this Handbook for Faculty to assist with navigation of the system.  See the OAS website with faculty resources.
4. Blackboard sunsets in December. Please plan ahead: request help from LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu by Nov 15 with downloading your course content.
5. The PSC-CUNY Research Awards Program changed. Due Dec 15. PSC CUNY Programs.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 9 

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Planning for Winter & Spring Registration. See Timely Teaching Tip about feedback.

• Find the Students message HERE under Week 9.
• Faculty – please reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC:  Feedback Strategies 

At this point of the term, timely, effective feedback is increasingly important to our students. At the same time, some of us may be hitting our mid-term points of fatigue. With small, focused activities, we can meet students’ feedback needs and take care of our energies. Here are two excerpts on live feedback strategies that are quick, but impactful (with links).

Formative Assessments in Large Classes.  Formative assessments are often low stakes, with little or no point value. They engage students and provide timely feedback to students and faculty.  Some ways to add formative assessments in class: short quizzes, polls, in-class problems, and discussion-oriented activities. Students practice course-related skills and demonstrate comprehension, but these do not require time intensive grading. Tulane University, Teaching Large Classes Guide.

Immediate Versus Delayed Feedback Classes.  Timing of feedback matters. Immediate feedback is helpful for learning concepts, delayed feedback for applying learning. Immediate feedback could include in-class concept questions where students know right away whether they understood material they just learned. Or in-class discussions, where students hear feedback on their ideas in real time. Delayed feedback (e.g., homework problem set, essays): students apply what they learned and receive ‘delayed’ feedback via grading. From MIT, Teaching+Learning Lab.

Explore TLC News & Opportunities and JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site celebrating our fantastic teachers! Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! Workshop: Pros & Profs: Collaborative Academic & Career Advising, Weds, Oct 22, 10am-1pm, L.61NB or zoom. Faculty are invited to this professional development morning of presentations (10am & 11am), lunch & networking (noon) to share strategies for guiding students toward their academic and career goals. RSVP HERE. Or join zoom: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/85831050386?pwd=b9Tp0xUzgmZ2YBMjzP1nB3hlziLslm.1
2. TODAY! ODL LMS Brightspace Grading, Weds, Oct 22, 2-3pm, Zoom. Link: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/81338212392?pwd=5TzefP0Jeeh0SBa1JdycQrjpjGlMeD.1
3. OAR’s “Elevate Your Scholarship” Bootcamp Series, Thurs, Oct 23, 1:45 PM, in the TLC (335 HH). Hands-on session, "Identifying Funding Opportunities that Match Your Project Goals," by Susy Mendes Cullen, Director of Sponsored Programs, and Molly McLaughlin, Pre-Award Specialist, will help you explore and align potential funding sources with your projects. Please bring your laptop and RSVP. Zoom option will also be available - link will be sent to those who register. Questions to Preeti Chauhan at pchauhan@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Workshop:  Tenure & Promotion, Mon, Oct 27, 1:40-2:55pm, 335HH (TLC) or zoom. With Kyeanna Bailey, Angela Crossman. Meeting ID: 861 0817 0212, Passcode: 290177. Link: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/86108170212?pwd=14Sa7PhDXpb47vCZzB1hcBAKMa02Md.1
5. ODL LMS Brightspace Open Q&A, Weds, Oct 29, 2-3pm, Zoom.
6. Registration open! 2025 CUNY Professional Development Conference, Nov 12-13, virtual. This year’s theme: The Human Renaissance: Reimagining Leadership and Innovation in Higher Ed. Conference Agenda here. Register here.  Deadline: Mon, Nov 10.
7. Save the date! Learn how to get involved in JJ Study Abroad. Full-time faculty are invited to: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Weds, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50pm, 1.76NB.
8. Registration open! CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay. This year’s theme: Moving Forward: Reimagining CUNY in an AI-Enhanced World. Conference website here.   Register here. Keynote: C. Edward Watson, VP for Digital Innovation at AAC&U.  

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY! Library Author Series: Wed, Oct 22, 1:40-2:50pm, 2^nd fl library classroom. Simone Martin-Howard (PAD) will discuss, Correctional Staff: COVID-19, Confinement, and Culture at Rikers Island Jail. RSVP at https://jjay.libcal.com/event/15433727?hs=a.
2. Save the Date! Our annual Alumni Reunion, Thurs, Oct 30, 6pm+! 100% of net proceeds to benefit student success. Register today. Discounted package to the reception and after party is available, along with sponsorship opportunities. Schedule: 6:30pm-Cocktail reception, 7:15pm-Recognition of Honorees, 8:30pm-After Party. For details on the event and premier sponsorship opportunities, contact Rosann Santos, rsantos@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  IMPORTANT REMINDER:  Sign up for MFA NOW…  

… Or Lose Brightspace (etc) Access.  If you have not yet set up CUNY MFA - Please ACT NOW

All JJ students, faculty, and staff will be required to use CUNY MFA to access key university systems. Without CUNY MFA the following university systems will be inaccessible to you:

• Brightspace (D2L), CUNYfirst, Zoom, EAB Navigate, CUNYBuy, DegreeWorks, LinkedIn Learning, CUNY Library Ezproxy … among others!

If you have not setup CUNY MFA, please take immediate action to ensure continued access to university systems. 

  The John Jay website with information on how to configure CUNY MFA for DUO and Microsoft Authenticator can be found here: https://doitapps2.jjay.cuny.edu/MFA/index.php

  For assistance configuring CUNY MFA, or for any other questions, please contact the John Jay Helpdesk at helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu, 212-237-8200 or in person floor L2 in the new building.

7.  AI Tools for Research and Pedagogy: 2 Calls for Faculty Participants  

1. Scopus AI Trial – Library Invitation. Our library is conducting a trial of Scopus AI this Oct. Please test the tool with your own research questions or how you envision your students using it.You can get started with this short intro webinar or this longer advanced webinar. Or schedule a walk-through with Prof Ignacio Sanchez, electronic resources librarian (isanchez@jjay.cuny.edu) – he would be grateful for your feedback.  

2. Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI Challenge - AAC&U AI, Pedagogy & Curriculum team  

   Goal:  50 faculty complete the self-paced Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI workshop on Brightspace. Created by our Office for Digital Learning, the workshop is available for self-enrollment. To access it, log into Brightspace and look for the Discover tab. Then type “genai” in the search bar and enroll in the course.   

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE. No classes Mon, Oct 20. Classes on Mon schedule, Fri, Oct 24
   8-Week-1 Graduate Classes: Finals/session end: Oct 20. Grade rosters open Oct 20-25.
2. Annual Health Benefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment for the NYC HealthBenefit Program is Oct 15 - Nov 30. Want to make changes? Thinking of retirement? Get info at the JJ Benefits Fair, Oct 22, 11am-2pm, Student Dining Hall East, NB. Or connect with HR during Virtual Office Hours: Fridays, 11am-1pm, Zoom (Meeting ID 882 6174 5353, Passcode: 967236). Inquiries to HEgrant@jjay.cuny.edu or at Benefits@jjay.cuny.edu
3. Adjunct-CET Professional Development Fund: Funds for adjunct faculty professional development. Next deadline Nov 3 for Dec-Feb 2026.  Information here.
4. Blackboard sunsets in December. Please plan ahead: request help from LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu by Nov 15 with downloading your course content.
5. The  PSC-CUNY Research Awards Program changed. Due Dec 15. PSC CUNY Programs

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 8   

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Mid-Semester Progress. See the Timely Teaching Tip about the halfway point.

• Find the Students message HERE under Week 8.
• Faculty – please reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC:  Mid-Semester Progress 

Midterm weeks are excellent times to check in with students on their progress. It supports their time management, prioritization, planning, and other academic and professional skills.

   Be sure to remind students of advising support, tutoring/academic supports, and withdrawal deadlines (Nov 6; Grad 8-Wk-2: Nov 7). Perhaps try one of these strategies:

   Brightspace: Remind students to check their Brightspace courses under the top menu item “Course Progress.” Offer tips on how much of the course overall you expect them to have completed and how they can make steps towards recovery, if needed.

   Syllabi: Ask students to review the syllabus schedule and check off what they’ve already accomplished. Reflective writing, peer discussion, and online anonymous polls can help students make connections and form insights about their learning over the past 7.5 weeks.

   Learning objectives: Try reflective writing, small group, partner or class discussion to identify evidence of learning objective progress. What has been accomplished? What needs to be learned to meet the objectives? Remind students that you will work together for success.

   Explore TLC News & Opportunities and JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site celebrating our fantastic teachers! Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! AI Ethics: TLC Brown Bag Lunch Discussion, Weds, Oct 15, 12-1pm, 335HH (TLC): Equity and access.
2. TODAY! ODL LMS Brightspace Quizzes, Weds, Oct 15, 2-3pm, Zoom. 
   https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/85882091872?pwd=odpoPWkFwo5GuqzADVVTxlO6lgXanS.1 
   Meeting ID: 858 8209 1872, Passcode: 591616
3. ODL: AI Considerations: Empowering Students to Responsibly Use AI, Tues, Oct 21, 1:40-2:40 pm,  Zoom only. Link to come.
4. Workshop: Pros & Profs: Collaborative Academic & Career Advising, Weds, Oct 22, 10am-1pm, L.61NB or zoom.  Faculty are invited to a professional development morning of presentations and collaborative discussion (followed by lunch and networking) to share strategies for guiding students toward their academic and career goals. RSVP with this link: https://cunyasap.formstack.com/forms/advising_career_pd_co. Or join via zoom: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/85831050386?pwd=b9Tp0xUzgmZ2YBMjzP1nB3hlziLslm.1 Meeting ID: 858 3105 0386,  Passcode: 165613  (RSVP link being fixed if doesn’t work.)
5. ODL LMS Brightspace Grading, Weds, Oct 22, 2-3pm, Zoom.
6. Save the date! Learn how to get involved in JJ Study Abroad. Full-time faculty are invited to: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Weds, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50pm, 1.76NB.

5.  Community Events 

1. TODAY!  Panel discussion: Institutional Neutrality, Weds, Oct 15, 1:30-2:50pm, Zoom.Register here. Conversation on academic neutrality: what it is, why it matters, and how it guides campus life. Panelists Brian Soucek (UC-Davis), Will Creeley (FIRE), moderator George Andreopoulos (POL).
2. TODAY! OAR Book Talk: Helen Kapstein (ENG) presents, Petroforms: Oil and the Shaping of Nigerian Aesthetics, Weds, Oct 15, 4:30-6pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Register here.
3. TODAY! Roundtable & performance: FEMICIDE, Oct 15, 5:30-7pm, Shiva Gallery. Speakers George Andreopoulos, Veronica Michel-Luviano, Irina Zakirova. Performer: Hayoon Jay Lee
4. JJ Rocks the Vote: Student Mock NYC Mayoral Debate, Thurs, Oct 16, 1:45pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). Mock student mayoral debate led by Dr. Brian Arbour (POL).
5. Economics Justice Speaker Series: Mamdani and Public Safety: Charting a New Path, Thurs, Oct 16, 1:40-3pm, L2.85NB.  Speaker: Dr. Alex Vitale (Sociology, Brooklyn College) will discuss the campaign’s proposal to create a new Department of Community Safety.
6. Food for Thought lunch & learn. Tues, Oct 21, 1:30-2:45pm, Faculty/ Staff Dining Room (2^nd fl NB). Host: Art & Music. Speakers will be Drs. Ben Lapidus & Erin Thompson. RSVP HERE by NOON, Monday, 10/20.  (See flier below.)
7. Film Screening & Talk Back: Pain & Peace, Tues, Oct 21, 6pm, L63NB. Open only to JJ. A powerful documentary exploring the roots of hate and strength of forgiveness. Featuring stories from the TOPS supermarket tragedy in Buffalo, NY, and other survivors of hate-fueled violence, a testament to resilience and healing in the face of tragedy. Perhaps offer extra credit to undergraduate and graduate classes to attend. Register:   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1735702375529?aff=oddtdtcreator
8. Library Author Series: Wed, Oct 22, 1:40-2:50pm, 2^nd fl library classroom. Simone Martin-Howard (PAD) will discuss her book, Correctional Staff: COVID-19, Confinement, and Culture at Rikers Island Jail. RSVP at https://jjay.libcal.com/event/15433727?hs=a.
9. Save the Date! Our annual Alumni Reunion, Thurs, Oct 30, 6pm+! 100% of net proceeds to benefit student success. Register today. Discounted package to the reception and after party is available, along with sponsorship opportunities. Schedule: 6:30pm-Cocktail reception, 7:15pm-Recognition of Honorees, 8:30pm-After Party. For details on the event and premier sponsorship opportunities, contact Rosann Santos, rsantos@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  AI Tools for Research and Pedagogy: 2 Calls for Faculty Participants 

1. Scopus AI Trial – Test it out with your Research questions today!   Library Invitation

   Background: Our library is conducting a trial of Scopus AI for the rest of Oct. The tool’s purpose is to facilitate the process of finding and analyzing research literature.  On Scopus, you will see a tab labeled "Scopus AI," as an option under “Start Exploring”.

   Request to Faculty:   Please test the tool with your own research questions or how you envision your students using it. Many library vendors are developing these AI tools, and we are trying to test and understand their functionality before they become available to everyone, especially our students. The library would be grateful for your feedback.

   You can easily get started with this short intro webinar or this longer advanced webinar. Or schedule a personalized walk-through with Prof Ignacio Sanchez, electronic resources librarian (isanchez@jjay.cuny.edu).  

2. Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI Challenge - AAC&U AI, Pedagogy & Curriculum team 

   Goal:  50 faculty complete the self-paced Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI workshop on Brightspace. Created by our Office for Digital Learning, the workshop designed for faculty across disciplines, requires no technical background is available for self-enrollment. To access it, log into Brightspace and look for the Discover tab. Then type “genai” in the search bar and enroll in the course. 

   We will offer trainings and licenses for selected Gen AI apps in January. Complete this course if you’re interested in access!   

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  College is closed Mon, Oct 13.  Classes follow Monday schedule on Tues, Oct 14.
2. Electrical shutdown to affect the entire Haaren Hall building Oct 12 and 13. There will be no lights, power, HVAC or vertical transportation these days from 7am to 7pm. All computers, phones, printers and other equipment in Haaren Hall and Westport will be offline. Electrical service will be restored prior to Tues, Oct 14. Please safeguard your electronic equipment and save work before Oct 12. Questions: abracco@jjay.cuny.edu. Email helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu (x8200) if you have technical issues after maintenance.
3. Adjunct-CET Professional Development Fund: Funds for adjunct faculty professional development (e.g., conference travel; research projects). Next deadline is Nov 3 for Dec-Feb 2026. https://psc-cuny.org/benefits/adjunct-cet-professional-development-fund/
4. Blackboard officially sunsets in December (see Oct 8 below). Please plan ahead: request help from LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu by Nov 15 with downloading your course content.
5. The PSC-CUNY Research Awards Program has changed. Dec 15 deadline. See: RF CUNY - PSC CUNY Programs and RF CUNY - PSC-CUNY Research Award Program Guidelines

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 7

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Career Engagement. See the Timely Teaching Tip about making career connections.

• Find the Students message HERE under Week 7.
• Faculty are invited to reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC: Supporting Career Connections  

This week’s Student Success Campaign message encourages students to take practical steps towards their career goals. We can also support our students progress towards their careers through making these connections:

• Career Learning Lab: Ask your students if they’ve visited the Career Learning Lab (CLL). Remind them where they can find the CLL and what resources are available.
• Disciplinary and soft skills: Ask students to identify the disciplinary and soft skills in your course they will use in their careers. Which might be impacted by AI or political changes? How might they transfer their learning with you to an internship or entry level position?
• Guest speakers: We all know someone with an interesting and inspiring story of how they achieved their career success. Many of us have colleagues and friends in the fields our students want to enter. A 10 minute or full class session with a guest speaker can infuse energy into our classes and validate our students’ aspirations.
• Our own career stories: When we tell our own stories, we humanize ourselves for our students. We become real people with real lives, and our real struggles and hard decisions can reassure our students that they can also persist and succeed.

There are many more ways we can make career connections meaningful in our courses: try sharing practices when waiting for meetings to start or during a coffee/tea break with your peers!  And don’t forget to remind students about CareerCon!  (See flier below.)

Explore the TLC News & Opportunities page and our new John Jay Distinguished Teaching Academy site that celebrates our fantastic teachers! To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS Webinar: Blackboard Retirement: What you need to know, Weds, Oct 8, 2-3pm, Zoom link (will be recorded). Meeting ID: 826 7475 3398, Passcode: 678867.
2. ODL: AI Considerations: Designing Assignments & Assessments to Motivate Human Effort in the Age of GenAI, Thurs, Oct 9, 1:40-2:40 pm, Zoom only. Registration Link. Description: Redesign assignments that value human creativity and critical thinking.
3. CUNY professional development series on adult learning. Session 1 – Foundations of Adult Learning, Fri, Oct 10, 11:00am–12:00 pm. Jennifer Valad (CUNY) and Meghan Gilbert (Guttman) provide an introduction to the adult learning. Register Here
4. CUNY elevatED: Navigating Generative AI in Education: A Faculty Guide Part II, Fri, Oct 10, 1pm, Zoom. Explore ethics of AI in education, strategies to ensure responsible use of AI tools. Uses Generative AI Information & Guidelines Faculty Handbook. Register Here
5. AI Ethics: TLC Brown Bag Lunch Discussion, Weds, Oct 15, 12-1pm, 335HH (TLC): Equity and access.
6. ODL LMS Brightspace Quizzes, Weds, Oct 15, 2-3pm, Zoom.
7. Save the date! Learn how to get involved in JJ Study Abroad. Full-time faculty are invited to: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Weds, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50pm, 1.76NB.

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY! Library Author Series:  Weds, Oct 8, 1:40-2:50pm, 2^nd floor library classroom. Philip Yanos (PSY) will discuss Exiles in New York City: Warehousing the Marginalized on Ward’s Island. RSVP link: https://ExilesNYC.eventbrite.com.
2. TODAY!  OAR Research Open Forum: Weds, Oct 8, 1:40 – 2:55 PM, via Zoom. Open to all faculty and staff to ask questions about research and fundraising.
3. Panel discussion: Institutional Neutrality, Weds, Oct 15, 1:30-2:50pm, Zoom.Register here. Conversation will focus on academic neutrality: what it is, why it matters, and how it guides campus life. Panelists Brian Soucek (UC-Davis), Will Creeley (FIRE), moderator George Andreopoulos (POL).
4. OAR Book Talk: Helen Kapstein (ENG) presents her work, Petroforms: Oil and the Shaping of Nigerian Aesthetics, Weds, Oct 15, 4:30-6pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Register here.
5. Roundtable & performance: FEMICIDE, Oct 15, 5:30-7pm, Shiva Gallery. Speakers George Andreopoulos, Veronica Michel-Luviano, Irina Zakirova. Performance: Hayoon Jay Lee.
6. Economics Justice Speaker Series: Mamdani and Public Safety: Charting a New Path, Thurs, Oct 16, 1:40-3pm, L2.85NB.  Speaker: Dr. Alex Vitale (Sociology, Brooklyn College) will discuss the campaign’s proposal to create a new Department of Community Safety.  

6.  Call for Participants: Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI Challenge  

Join the first 50 faculty to complete Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI!  Your AAC&U AI, Pedagogy, & the Curriculum team has set a challenge for JJ! We are looking for 50 faculty (or more) to complete the self-paced Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI workshop on Brightspace. This workshop was designed by our Office for Digital Learning instructional designers and is available for self-enrollment.

   Whether you are already experimenting with AI or haven't tried it yet, this workshop meets you where you are. It's designed for faculty across disciplines and requires no technical background. To access it, log into Brightspace and look for the Discover tab. Then type “genai” in the search bar and enroll in the course.

   We will offer trainings and licenses for selected Gen AI apps in January. Complete this course if you’re interested in access!  

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars are HERE.  No classes Weds Oct 1 & Thurs Oct 2. College is closed Mon, Oct 13.  Classes follow Monday schedule on Tues, Oct 14.
2. The PSC-CUNY Research Awards Program has changed. See: RF CUNY - PSC CUNY Programs and RF CUNY - PSC-CUNY Research Award Program Guidelines
3. Adjunct-CET Professional Development Fund: The PSC-CUNY contract provides small grants for adjunct faculty members’ professional development (e.g., conference travel; research projects). Next deadline is Nov 3 for Dec 2025, Jan & Feb 2026. Details here:  https://psc-cuny.org/benefits/adjunct-cet-professional-development-fund/
4. Blackboard officially sunsets in December (see Oct 8 below). Please plan ahead: request help from LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu by Nov 15 with downloading your course content.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 6  

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Finding and Accessing Resources – with EAB Navigate! See the Timely Teaching Tip.

• Find the Students message HERE under Week 6.
• Faculty are invited to reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic

3.  Timely Teaching Tip: Helping Students Find & Access Resources  

Navigate360 Updates:  Strengthening Coordinated Care

   This fall, Navigate360 continues to expand as a hub for coordinated student support: our shared effort to connect students with the right help at the right time.

   Early Check-In requests should be in your mailboxes. Submissions are open until October 8. Your participation helps us connect students with resources before they fall too far behind. 

   Faculty can also submit on-going Alerts, as needed, about emerging concerns (e.g., “missing assignments,” “attendance concerns”) that trigger follow-up from advising or support staff. These alerts may prompt an advisor to reach out and help the student get back on track. 

   Students can now also submit their own “Hand Raises” in Navigate to request help directly. 

   Faculty engagement is vital to making these tools effective. To learn more or for suggestions, email Kate Szur, Associate Dean for Student Success and Innovation kszur@jjay.cuny.edu. For Navigate360 technical assistance, email navigatesupport@jjay.cuny.edu. 

   And bookmark the TLC News & Opportunities page. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS Brightspace Open Q & A, Weds, Oct 1, 2-3pm, Zoom link. 
   Meeting ID: 871 7267 5413; Passcode: 907947
2. Faculty First Friday – Monthly new faculty orientation meeting: Staying in the Lines: Policies & Faculty Responsibilities, Fri, Oct 3, 1:30-2:30pm, in 335HH (TLC) with Kinya Chandler & Myrna Forney. RSVP (apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu) by Weds, Oct 1 at 5pm.
3. Workshop: Streamlining Accommodations – Universal Design for Accessible Courses, Mon, Oct 6, 1:40-2:55pm, Zoom (register here), with Nicole Azran, Office of Accessibility Services. Explore ways to streamline courses to provide accommodations and effective approaches to making course materials more accessible for all students.
4. ODL LMS Webinar: Blackboard Retirement: What you need to know, Weds, Oct 8, 2-3pm, Zoom (will be recorded).
5. ODL: AI Considerations: Designing Assignments & Assessments to Motivate Human Effort in the Age of GenAI, Thurs, Oct 9, 1:40-2:40 pm, Zoom only. Registration Link. 

Description: Redesign assignments that value human creativity and critical thinking. Participants will prompt their LLM of choice to attempt existing assignments, analyze where AI shortcuts are possible and revise prompts to require reflection, iteration, and synthesis. Participants will consider how to use this activity to build student skills to critique and improve their responses, while also making it harder to cheat.

6. CUNY Office of Faculty Affairs/CUNY Innovative Teaching Academy (CITA) professional development series on adult learning. Session 1 – Foundations of Adult Learning, Fri, Oct 10, 11:00am–12:00 pm. Jennifer Valad (CUNY Central) and Meghan Gilbert (Guttman CC) will provide an introductory dive into the world of adult learning. Register Here
7. CUNY elevatED workshop: Navigating Generative AI in Education: A Faculty Guide Part II, Fri, Oct 10, 1pm, Zoom. Explore ethical considerations and challenges associated with AI in education and learn strategies to ensure the responsible use of AI tools. We will use Generative AI Information & Guidelines Faculty Handbook. Register Here
8. Save the date! Have you ever wondered, how can I participate in JJ’s Study Abroad? Here is your chance to learn more! Full-time faculty are invited to a workshop: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Weds, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50pm, 1.76NB. Lunch will be provided.

5.  Community Events  

1. Library Author Series:  Weds, Oct 8, 1:40-2:50pm, 2^nd fl library classroom. Philip Yanos (PSY) will discuss Exiles in New York City: Warehousing the Marginalized on Ward’s Island. RSVP link: https://ExilesNYC.eventbrite.com.
2. OAR Research Open Forum: Weds, Oct 8, 1:40 – 2:55 PM, via Zoom. Open to all faculty and staff to ask questions about research and fundraising.

6.  Call for Applications: Be a Faculty Mentor, Find a Faculty Mentor  

1. Please volunteer TODAY!  Invitation to share your wisdom!  If you earned tenure/CCE and/or promotion and want to get to know a new colleague, you are qualified and encouraged to become a faculty peer mentor!  It’s a wonderful way to contribute to the success of a colleague – and it’s fun! This year we are working with OAR to match with research mentors.  Sign up by Wed, Oct 1:  https://forms.gle/eS2c3sVsVPVcxeWc8   
2. Last Call! Find a peer mentor!  Full-time faculty wishing to find a mentor for navigating JJ or grant writing (e.g., new faculty; associate professors planning for promotion, full professors looking to get research funding), please submit your request by Mon, Oct 6: https://forms.gle/MDSp8M7rNaBxHS3H8
3. Please don’t forget: John Jay has an  NCFDD institutional membership – so all faculty – part-time, full-time, and doctoral students – have access to a free individual account. They have webinars and lots of great resources. See NCFDD Fall 2025 Events. 

The spring Faculty Success Program begins Jan 26, 2026. Full-time faculty can apply for funding to participate with the Faculty Opportunity Fund (application): Please apply for funds by Oct 8. The next 14-day writing challenge runs Nov 3-Nov 16 (register by Oct 24).

To claim your NCFDD account: (a) Go to https://www.ncfdd.org/join; (b) choose John Jay from the drop-down menu; (c) select “Activate my Membership”; (d) complete registration with your jjay email address; (e) confirm in jjay email by clicking “Activate Account”.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars are HERE.  No classes Weds Sept 24, Weds Oct 1 & Thurs Oct 2.
2. Note: The PSC-CUNY Research Awards Program has changed – Deadline is still Dec 15. Reach out to OAR@jjay.cuny.edu with questions. For details, see: RF CUNY - PSC CUNY Programs and RF CUNY - PSC-CUNY Research Award Program Guidelines
3. Blackboard officially sunsets in December (see Oct 8 below). Please plan ahead: request help from  LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu by Nov 15 with downloading your course content.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 5 

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Academic Support. Knowing when we need help and asking for it is an important skill that we can help students build. See Timely Teaching Tip for ideas.

• Find the Students message HERE under Week 5.
• Faculty are invited to reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC 

Helping Students Seek Help. Reaching out for the help we want and need is a learned skill. In some cases, we may feel nearly as anxious as our students about sending emails, making phone calls, and dropping into offices for the first time, particularly when we feel vulnerable. We can help our students learn to advocate for themselves and find help by:

• sharing our own experiences of discomfort and bravery in asking for academic help
  • suggesting that students choose at least one method of academic support for this term and make a plan to access it (e.g., study group, tutoring, office hour visits)
  • inviting students to share success stories from their academic support activities

A commitment to learning is also a commitment to humility: we don’t know it all. We learn through practice, errors, and guidance. This is a great mindset to share with students.

Be sure to bookmark the TLC News & Opportunities page. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS Brightspace Discussions, Weds, Sept 24, 2-3pm, Zoom. 
   Meeting ID: 871 9658 0612; Passcode: 522491
2. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-in Lab, Thurs, Sept 25, 1:40-2:50pm, L2.72.03NB.
3. ODL: AI Considerations: Cheating and Detection, Policies, Grading & Rethinking Quality, Thurs, Sept 25, 1:40-2:40 pm, Hyflex (Digital Creation Lab (334HH) and Zoom). In person-please bring a laptop for hands-on session. Complete this survey in advance.
4. Call for Applications: TLC Funded Faculty Seminars. Deadline: Sun, Sept 28, 11:59pm ET
   1. Flipping the Pyramid: Critical Thinking, AI, & the Bloom Revised Taxonomy Seminar (upper level/grad course focus). Apply here: https://forms.gle/ZPgYPekZESrUvujV6
   2. What’s Love Got to Do with It: Understanding Emotions In Critical Pedagogy Seminar. Apply here: https://forms.gle/7u2tJHR9RxUw5Lmf7
   3. Social Science AI Learning Communities: AI + Positionality: Learning & Practice Communities for Social Sciences. Apply here: https://forms.gle/TmXvn7AsuqCRe1LEA
5. Faculty 1st Friday – Monthly new faculty orientation: Staying in the Lines: Policies & Faculty Responsibilities, Fri, Oct 3, 1:30-3pm, in 335HH (TLC) with Kinya Chandler & Myrna Forney. RSVP (apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu) by Weds, Oct 1 at 5pm.
6. ODL LMS Brightspace Open Q & A, Weds, Oct 1, 2-3pm, Zoom.
7. ODL LMS:  CUNY Blackboard Retirement: What faculty need to know to prepare, Weds, Oct 8, 2-3pm, Zoom.

5.  Community Events 

1. Pop-Up Library: Thurs, Sept 25, 1:40-2:40pm, Kroll Atrium. Free books, zines, and snacks.
2. Leaders of Justice Series Celebrating LatinX Heritage Month, Thurs, Sept 25, 1:45-2:45pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court): The Hon. Denise M. Miranda, Esq. To RSVP or for questions, email externalaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Food for Thought lunch & learn. Mon, Sept 29, 1:30-2:45pm, Faculty/ Staff Dining Room (2^nd fl NB). Host: Latin American & Latinx Studies. Speakers will be Drs. John Gutierrez, Belinda Rincón & Lisandro Pérez. RSVP HERE by 5pm, Thurs 9/25.
4. Student Dialogue on Free Speech, Mon, Sept 29, 1:40-2:55pm, L2.85NB. Students and faculty interested in practicing constructive dialogue on challenging political topics. Contact: Cam Silver (csilver@jjay.cuny.edu). (By POL, TLC, Pi Sigma Alpha)
5. 9/11 Memorial & Museum Clean Up: Tues, Sept 30, 10am-12pm, 180 Greenwich Street. To RSVP, contact csternberg@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Call for Applications: Be a Faculty Mentor, Find a Faculty Mentor 

1. Invitation to share your wisdom!  If you earned tenure/CCE and/or promotion and want to get to know a new colleague, you are qualified and encouraged to become a faculty peer mentor!  It’s a wonderful way to contribute to the success of a colleague – and it’s fun! This year we are working with OAR to match with research mentors.  
   Sign up by Wed, Oct 1:  https://forms.gle/eS2c3sVsVPVcxeWc8   

    

2. Find a peer mentor!  Full-time faculty wishing to find a mentor for navigating JJ or grant writing (e.g., new faculty; associate professors planning for promotion, full professors looking to get research funding), please submit your request by Mon, Oct 6: https://forms.gle/MDSp8M7rNaBxHS3H8

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars are HERE.  No classes Sept 22-24.
2. The CUNY Immigration Assistance Program provides free legal assistance to the CUNY community, including faculty impacted by changing immigration policies.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 4  

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. We invite you to share the weekly slide and information to emphasize the recommendations. 

This week’s theme: Make the Most of Your Time! A great way students set themselves up for success is with effective time management – a skill we can help them to build. See the Timely Teaching Tip for ways to help students understand and practice their timing skills.

• Find the Students message HERE under Week 4.
  • Faculty can reinforce this message by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.   

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Time Management – A Strategy for Life!  We know that effective time management is an important skill for success. The start of a term is a great time to encourage students to build time management plans matched to their course syllabi (during office hours? see Week 3).   

Do  students know how? In addition to sharing this week’s Tip for Success on time management (see infographic, shown below), here are a few ways to help:

• Share a table showing policies and consequences for late and make-up work. Be sure to discuss the table with your students and include a reminder link with assignments.
• Add time estimates for required weekly activities such as readings, discussion boards, and assignments.
• Use checklists, calendar reminders, and email announcements to help students practice time management skills. These strategies can redirect students’ attention to their work and help them prioritize their efforts.
• Pace and “chunk” assignments into steps that guide students through completing work one part at a time and understanding linear and recursive learning processes.   

Be sure to bookmark the TLC News & Opportunities page. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! AI Ethics: TLC Brown Bag Lunch Discussion, Weds, Sept 17, 12-1pm, 335HH (TLC): Academic Integrity.
2. The Write Space writing group, Thurs, Sept 18 & Sept 25, 9:30-11:30am, Zoom. (TLC)
3. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-in Lab, Thurs, Sept 18, 1:40-2:50pm, L2.72.03NB.
4. ‘I am a Ready Responder’ Training:  Thurs, Sept 18, 1:45pm, 3:15pm or 4:30pm, L.61NB. Register: http://bit.ly/4f74ujC
5. ODL LMS Brightspace Discussions, Weds, Sept 24, 2-3pm, Zoom.
6. ODL: AI Considerations: Cheating and Detection, Policies, Grading & Rethinking Quality, Thurs, Sept 25, 1:40-2:40 pm, Hyflex (Digital Creation Lab (334HH) and Zoom). In person-please bring a laptop for hands-on session. Complete this survey in advance.
7. Call for Applications: TLC Funded Faculty Seminars. Deadline: Sun, Sept 28, 11:59pm ET
   • Flipping the Pyramid: Critical Thinking, AI, & the Bloom Revised Taxonomy Seminar (upper level/grad course focus). Apply here: https://forms.gle/ZPgYPekZESrUvujV6

• What’s Love Got to Do with It: Understanding Emotions In Critical Pedagogy Seminar. Apply here: https://forms.gle/7u2tJHR9RxUw5Lmf7
• Social Science AI Learning Communities: AI + Positionality: Learning & Practice Communities for Social Sciences. Apply here: https://forms.gle/TmXvn7AsuqCRe1LEA

5.  Community Events  

1. Town Hall, Weds, Sept 17, 1:40-2:55pm, L.61NB (Zoom ID: 848 7384 2616, code 519740)
2. Faculty and staff are invited to the Frick Collection’s Evening for Educators, Thurs, Sept 18, 4 to 7 pm, 1 E70 St. Enjoy gallery talks, art-making activities, live music and discussions with Frick educators and librarians. Free with registration and open to guests 21 and up. Invitees are welcome to bring a guest. See HERE for more free and low-cost NYC cultural opportunities for CUNY faculty, staff and students through CUNY Arts.
3. Pop-Up Library: Stop by for free books, zines, and snacks. Library-related questions? JJ librarians have answers. Remind your students! Thurs, Sept 25, 1:40-2:40pm, Kroll Atrium.
4. Food for Thought lunch and learn with colleagues. Mon, Sept 29, 1:30-2:45pm in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room (2^nd fl NB). Host: Latin American & Latinx Studies. RSVP HERE.
5. 9/11 Memorial & Museum Clean Up: Tues, Sept 30, 10am-12pm, 180 Greenwich Street. To RSVP, contact csternberg@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Call for Applications: Be a Faculty Mentor, Find a Faculty Mentor  

1. Invitation to share your wisdom!  If you earned tenure/CCE and/or promotion and want to get to know a new colleague, you are qualified and encouraged to become a faculty peer mentor!  It’s a wonderful way to contribute to the success of a colleague – and it’s fun! This year we are working with OAR to match with research mentors.  
   Sign up by Wed, Oct 1:  https://forms.gle/eS2c3sVsVPVcxeWc8   
2. Find a peer mentor!  Full-time faculty wishing to find a mentor for navigating JJ or grant writing (e.g., new faculty; associate professors planning for promotion, full professors looking to get research funding), please submit your request by Mon, Oct 6: https://forms.gle/MDSp8M7rNaBxHS3H8

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars are HERE.  No classes Sept 22-24.

• Verification of Enrollment rosters close Mon, Sept 15, 11:59pm. Instructions here.

2. The CUNY Immigration Assistance Program provides free legal assistance to the CUNY community, including faculty impacted by changing immigration policies.
3. The 2025 CUNY IT Conference  will take place at John Jay on December 4-5, 2025. For info and to submit your proposal by Mon, Sept 15, follow this link.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 3 

Week 3: Student Success Communication Campaign! Students receive weekly Tips for Success messages. We invite you to share the weekly companion slide and information in class (or online) to emphasize these recommendations. 

This week’s theme:  Connect with Your Professors!  Attendance is great – even better is when students engage with faculty during and beyond class time. See the Timely Teaching Tip for more on student engagement via Office Hours – or Power Hours.

• Find the Students message HERE under Week 3.
  • Faculty can reinforce this message by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.   

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Connections. Here are some ideas for helping students understand that the benefits of connecting with their professors go well beyond being present (see Week 2).

1. Office Hours are our super power! Ways we might encourage students to attend:
   • Explain what “office hours” are to demystify them.
     • Rename them as “student hours” or “power hours” (see infographic; shown below), for example, to communicate their audience and purpose.
     • Invite students to use them as targeted learning opportunities, perhaps for credit (e.g., ask questions about an assignment; discuss connections between the course learning objectives and their career plans; identify which parts of the course they think will be challenging and use their responses to provide resources).
     • Share this fun “public service” video from ASU on battling FMOOWMP (Fear of Meeting One-on-One With My Professor) in FOH (Faculty Office Hours).

• Shared activities. Share course-related event info and encourage students to participate for extra credit. Or attend as a class. To fund class activities, apply to the Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Program (e.g., field trip to a local museum/event; lunch at a local restaurant; or see CUNY Arts). Two  deadlines per semester. The next is Fri, Oct 17 (for Nov-Dec events). See here for details and to apply. Questions to fse@jjay.cuny.edu.  

Bookmark this TLC News & Opportunities page to find more opportunities and helpful resources from John Jay, CUNY, and beyond. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! Weds, Sept 10, 2-3pm, Brightspace Quizzes. ZOOM link.
2. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-in Lab, Thurs, Sept 11, 1:40-2:50pm, L2.72.03NB.
3. AI Ethics: TLC Brown Bag Lunch Discussion, Weds, Sept 17, 12-1pm, 335HH (TLC): Academic Integrity.
4. The Write Space writing group, Thurs, Sept 18, 9:30-11:30am, Zoom. (TLC). In this 10-week peer writing group, participants commit to writing together for 2 hours online each week, without interruptions. To participate, please sign up here.
5. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-in Lab, Thurs, Sept 18, 1:40-2:50pm, L2.72.03NB.

5.  Community Events & Opportunities 

1. 9/11 Remembrance Book Talk:  Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss (American University) will discuss Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism, Weds, Sept 10, 1:45-3pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). For questions and registration, email externalaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. Library Author Series:  Tues, Sept 16, 1:40-2:50pm, 2^nd fl library classroom. Peter Moskos (LPS) will discuss Back from the Brink. RSVP: https://BackFromBrink.eventbrite.com
3. Pop-Up Library: Stop by for free books, zines, and snacks. Have library-related questions? Our JJ librarians have answers. Remind your students! Tues, Sept 16 & Thurs, Sept 25, 1:40-2:40pm, New Building Atrium.
4. Town Hall, Weds, Sept 17, 1:40-2:55pm, L.61NB (Zoom ID: 848 7384 2616, code 519740)
5. Faculty and staff are invited to the Frick Collection’s Evening for Educators, Thurs, Sept 18, 4 to 7 pm, 1 E70 St. Enjoy gallery talks, art-making activities, live music and discussions with Frick educators and librarians. Free with registration and open to guests 21 and up. Invitees are welcome to bring a guest. See HERE for more free and low-cost NYC cultural opportunities for CUNY faculty, staff and students through CUNY Arts.
6. Food for Thought lunch and learn with colleagues. Mon, Sept 29, 1:30-2:45pm in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room (2^nd fl NB). Host: Latin American & Latinx Studies. RSVP HERE.

6.  Volunteers Needed!  Days of 9/11 Remembrance & Service  

Call for volunteers! as John Jay commemorates 9/11 with memorial and community service events. Visit the website for more details and to RSVP (links for each event below as well).

• 9/11 Anniversary Tribute Premier: Thurs, Sept 11, 1:45pm, L.61NB or online.
• John Jay Blood Drive: Tues, Sept 16, 12:30-6:30pm, East End, Student Dining Hall (2^nd fl NB). Schedule a donation appointment (http://jjay.cc/45ywgSO) or just drop by!
• Pack-a-thon: Tues, Sept 16, 1:30-4pm, West End, Student Dining Hall (2^nd fl NB). Email externalaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu to volunteer to pack items for DV survivors.
• Begin ‘I am a Ready Responder’ Training:  Thurs, Sept 18, 1:45pm, 3:15pm or 4:30pm, L.61NB. Register at http://bit.ly/4f74ujC
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum Clean Up: Tues, Sept 30, 10am-12pm, 180 Greenwich Street. To RSVP, contact csternberg@jjay.cuny.edu. 

7.  Multi-Factor Authentication  

CUNY Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): CUNY has added cybersecurity measures to protect its systems. Faculty, students and staff must use CUNY MFA to access these CUNY systems (among others): Brightspace, CUNYBuy, CUNYfirst, DegreeWorks, EAB Navigate, FACTS, CUNY Library Ezproxy, LinkedIn Learning, Zoom, etc. [CUNY MFA is not the same as Microsoft 365 MFA or John Jay DUO, which we use to access JJ webmail]. 

Instructions to setup CUNY MFA are below. You will need a computer and cell phone. For assistance/questions, contact the JJ Helpdesk: helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu, 212-237-8200.

1. Visit the CUNY MFA Self‑Service portal (https://ssologin.cuny.edu/oaa/rui)
2. Log in with your CUNY Login credentials (firstname.lastname##@login.cuny.edu)
3. Allow location sharing and respond to any prompts
4. Go to Manage > My Authentication Factors and click Add Authentication Factor → Mobile Authenticator – TOTP (Time-Based One Time Password)
5. Assign a Friendly Name such as “CUNY MFA”
6. Open Microsoft Authenticator → choose Work/School account → Scan QR code
7. Click Verify and Save, then log out.

8.  Compliance Corner: A Few CUNY Policy Reminders  

1. CUNY  Policy for Use of a Learning Management System (LMS) for Online Classes:  Faculty teaching online classes must use the LMS that is vetted (for security) and supported (for help) by campuses. We use Brightspace.  See the Quick Start Checklist.
2. Faculty should work with the Office of Accessibility Services to decide how to meet students’ reasonable accommodation needs. Please reply promptly to OAS outreach – but we cannot refuse to comply. Accessibility Reference Sheet & Accessibility Checklist.
3. Faculty should use their JJ email addresses for JJ business per CUNY policy: “A cuny.edu (that is, CUNY provided) email account should be used to issue and receive CUNY-related email communications.”
4. CUNY Camera Use Guidance for Online and Hybrid Courses. Briefly: ANY faculty who intend to or might want to require camera use at some point must clearly state this on their syllabus and cover the requirement with students on the first day of class. Note: CUNY’s verification of enrollment policy does not require the use of a live camera.
5. All employees are required to complete annual trainings, available in Brightspace in the “Compliance” section under My Courses. They are ESPARC (Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course), WVP (Workplace Violence Prevention Training) and GBVT (Gender-Based Violence Training; only supervisors). FAQs HERE.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars are HERE.

• Verification of Enrollment rosters are now open. Details on what VOE means here.
  • 8-Week-1 session:   Rosters close Fri, Sept 5, 11;59pm.
    • Regular session:   Rosters close Mon, Sept 15, 11:59pm.

2. The CUNY Immigration Assistance Program provides free legal assistance to the CUNY community, including faculty impacted by changing immigration policies. On Tuesday, September 9, at 6:00 pm, they will host their first informational webinar to share details about the services offered and provide legal updates and resources. Link to register:  2025_CUNY Immigration Assistance Program (CIAP) September Webinar.
3. The 2025 CUNY IT Conference  will take place at John Jay on December 4-5, 2025. For info and to submit your proposal by Mon, Sept 15, follow this link.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Resources for Faculty  

Week 2: Student Success Communication Campaign! Our students are receiving weekly Tips for Success messages. We invite you to share the weekly companion slide and information in class (or online) to emphasize these recommendations. 

     This week’s theme:  Attend Class Like You Mean It!  Let’s keep our students enrolled! Remind students to engage with their classes and Brightspace in time for the verification of attendance deadline and in time to meet the drop deadline.  See the Timely Teaching Tip for more on student attendance.

• Find the Students message HERE under Week 2.
• Faculty can reinforce this week’s message by sharing this Infographic, PDF or Slide.   

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC 

Attend Class Like You Mean It!  Once our students find us (see Week 1) – it’s important that they continue to show up. Some absences may be inevitable and the College provides guidance on attendance in the Faculty Handbook (under College Bulletins: Attendance Policy). Faculty have discretion in setting attendance policies for their courses and these should be clearly stated on syllabi, including clear makeup policies for missed time or work.

     Are there ways to encourage student attendance (engagement online)? We know that meaningful interactions keep students interested: try sharing a story about your path to your profession and what made the difference in your academic success. Invite students to share their stories of what brought them John Jay and your course (this can be done on discussion boards, in partner or small groups, or free writing in class).

     Prioritizing introductory and early activities that make class time transparently valuable to their learning might help as well. Short informal writing activities, low stakes quizzes, or small group conversations in which students discuss assignment instructions to predict the time, skills, and resources they will need to complete the work are useful. However, if a student is already frequently absent or demonstrates a lack of necessary skills or knowledge in early assignments, we have excellent support resources. Please refer such students to the Counseling Center, Wellness Center and/or Office of Accessibility Services. 

     Bookmark this TLC News & Opportunities page to find more opportunities and helpful resources from John Jay, CUNY, and beyond. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! Weds, Sept 3, 2-3pm, Brightspace Assignments, including Turnitin. Zoom link
2. Brightspace Drop-in Labs, Thurs, Sept 4 & Thurs, Sept 11, 1:40-2:50pm, L2.72.03NB.
3. Faculty First Friday – new faculty orientation event:  Teaching at John Jay, Fri, Sept 5, 1:30-3pm, in the TLC (335HH). I will order lunch so please let me know if you are coming (apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu) by Weds, Sept 3 at 5pm.
4. AI-Assisted Faculty: Using AI to Enhance Teaching and Learning Productivity, Sept 9, 1:40-2:40 pm, Zoom:  https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/meeting/register/Q_vWELSdTt-S302Rtbwqfg. Before the session, please take this survey on AI in teaching and learning.
5. Weds, Sept 10, 2-3pm, Brightspace Quizzes. ZOOM. 

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY! The Anya and Andrew Shiva Gallery exhibition, Femicide, will be on view Sept 3 - Oct 24. Opening reception: Weds, Sept 3, 5-7:30pm. Gallery is at 11^th Ave & 59^th St.
2. Open Forum with Provost Pease and Academic Affairs Deans, Mon, Sept 8, 1:40-2:50pm, 9.64 NB. Please come share your questions and concerns.
3. Save the dates!  The Fall Library Author Series kicks off Tues, Sept 16, with Peter Moskos (LPS) discussing his book Back from the Brink. RSVP: https://BackFromBrink.eventbrite.com

• Weds, Oct 8, Philip Yanos (PSY) will discuss Exiles in New York City.  
• Weds, Oct 22, Simone Martin-Howard (PAD) will discuss Conversations with Correctional Staff: COVID-19, Confinement, and Culture at Rikers Island Jail.  
• Thurs, Nov 6, Vicente Lecuna (MLL) will discuss A Promising Past: Remodeling Fictions in Parque Central, Caracas.  Talks are in the library classroom during community hour.

4. Our fall Food for Thought schedule is set! Join us to lunch and learn with colleagues. Each event is 1:30-2:45pm in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room.  First up: Mon, Sept 29, Latin American & Latinx Studies.   RSVP HERE. 

6.  Volunteers Needed!   Days of 9/11 Remembrance & Service   

Call for faculty, staff and student volunteers! As we do each year, John Jay commemorates 9/11 with a series of memorial and community service events. Please join – bring a colleague, encourage a student to attend!  Volunteers welcome and needed! Visit the website for more details and to RSVP (links for each event below as well).

• Flag Planting: Tues, Sept 9, Jay Walk, 1:00pm set up, 1:45pm flag planting, 2:15pm large flag unfurling.
• 9/11 Anniversary Tribute Premier: Thurs, Sept 11, 1:45pm, L.61NB or online.
• John Jay Blood Drive: Tues, Sept 16, 12:30-6:30pm, East End, Student Dining Hall (2^nd fl NB). Last year, donations to NYC hospitals saved > 100 lives. Let’s beat that this year! Schedule a donation appointment (http://jjay.cc/45ywgSO) or just drop by!
• Pack-a-thon: Tues, Sept 16, 1:30-4pm, West End, Student Dining Hall (2^nd fl NB). Volunteer to pack items for adult and child domestic violence survivors by emailing externalaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu.
• Begin ‘I am a Ready Responder’ Training:  Thurs, Sept 18, 1:45pm, 3:15pm or 4:30pm, L.61NB. Register at http://bit.ly/4f74ujC
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum Clean Up: Tues, Sept 30, 10am-12pm, 180 Greenwich Street. To RSVP, contact csternberg@jjay.cuny.edu. 

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars are HERE.

• No classes Aug 30-31. College is closed Mon Sept 1. Note “conversion” dates (e.g., classes follow Mon schedule on Tues, Oct 14 and Fri, Oct 24).
• Verification of Enrollment rosters open Tues, Sept 2. Instructions  here.
• On theFaculty Resources page:  Guidelines for Creating Your Syllabus and a syllabus template with required and recommended syllabus content; and an accessibility checklist for faculty from the Office of Accessibility Services.

2. TODAY! Academic Affairs Reconnect Reception, Weds, Aug 27, 4-5:30pm, Faculty/Staff Dining Room. After New Student Convocation.
3. Library:  The library has a new website (see HERE) and a WELCOME message to new faculty! Please do explore the site and send feedback to libref@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. CUNY Immigration Assistance Project (CIAP) – The City University of New York: funded by the Petrie Foundation, is a new rapid response legal resource for those impacted by recent immigration policy changes.
5. Adjunct Pay Dates: The first adjunct pay date for Fall is Sept 4 (then every 2 weeks). Please make sure you are seeing accurate payment according to your course load to avoid over- or underpayment. Contact your Department Chair if you are not paid.  (Note: Faculty hired close to the start of the semester will likely experience a pay delay.)

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Resources for Faculty 

We know that students value, and often hear, faculty voices best.  So, we are collaborating across Academic Affairs to share a new faculty and student support resource. We call it the Student Success Communication Campaign! We connect the weekly Tips for Success messages that students receive with a companion slide that faculty can share in class (or online) that amplifies the same message. The goal: by collaborating to reinforce the same messages, we hope to help students stay on track and strengthen their success skills. 

• Students Receive Weekly Messages: Short text messages that highlight important deadlines, college requirements, and success strategies.
• Faculty Receive: Links to matching slides (Google Slide, PDF, PNG) that can be shared at the start of class or online to reinforce the same message students receive.
• Pedagogy & Teaching Tips: We will also share our Timely Teaching Tip and resources to support faculty around the week’s theme.

Each week addresses new theme. This week’s theme:  Finding each other!   

     Students: They receive the message posted HERE under Week 1.

     Faculty: can reinforce this week’s message with this Infographic, PDF or Slide. 

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC 

Finding each other! As an academic and human community, each of us wants to believe that we belong together, and we want tangible, practical evidence to validate our roles in our community. The success message students receive this week is an early step in creating our class communities: let’s make sure our students know how, when, and where to find us!

• CUNY MFA
• Policies on reaching you: ensure students know your in-person or virtual office hours and have your JJ email information and clear expectations on when they will hear back from you (students often complain about faculty not responding to their emails)

To help students feel that they belong, I encourage you to learn your students’ names and ask them to do this for each other. This can be daunting with multiple classes, so you can find some tips here. And thanks to our colleague Nancy Yang, some additional resources:

• Engaging students: Sending a Course Welcome Letter That Really Welcomes
• From Rules to Buy-In: Co-Creating Class Policies with Students

Let’s connect with our students, and let’s help them connect with each other and John Jay!TLC News & Opportunities here. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional Development Opportunities

On Monday, Provost Pease shared ways in which Academic Affairs will be supporting our community to continued excellence in education, research and the success of students, faculty and staff this year.  She included our Professional Development Calendar, which will be updated regularly, so check it out!  A few samples are below.

1. ODL Brightspace Drop in Lab, Thursday, August 28, 1:40-2:50pm (Comm Hr), L2.72.03NB
2. Faculty First Friday – new faculty orientation event:  Teaching at John Jay, Fri, Sept 5, 1:30-3pm, in the TLC (335HH). I will order lunch so please let me know if you are coming (apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu) by Weds, Sept 3 at 5pm.
3. AI-Assisted Faculty: Using AI to Enhance Teaching and Learning Productivity, Sept 9, 1:40-2:40 pm, Zoom: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/meeting/register/Q_vWELSdTt-S302Rtbwqfg
   Description: Interactive workshop to discover how Generative AI (GenAI) tools can streamline course preparation tasks that take hours. Dive into practical ideas for crafting instructional materials and engage in hands-on opportunities using Large Language Models. Participants will practice using ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and other tools to generate welcoming and relatable additions to syllabi, instructor bios, assignment instructions, and beyond, based on suggestions in AI Hacks for Educators. Enhance your productivity and gain time to engage with students!   Before the session, please take this survey to help us better understand your thoughts on AI in teaching and learning.

4. AI Considerations: Cheating and Detection, Policies, Grading & Rethinking Quality, Sept 25, 1:40-2:40 pm, Hyflex (Digital Creation Lab (334HH) and Zoom: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/meeting/register/KYdVNQVIRmGmbZeYgz02eA).

   Description: Worried about AI misuse in your courses? This 60-minute session will cut through the hype and offer realistic, time-saving strategies for addressing academic integrity in the age of ChatGPT. Learn what detection tools can and can’t do, consider assignment designs that discourage cheating, and take away ready-to-use templates for syllabi and investigations. Leave with practical approaches that protect rigor while reducing your workload. If you plan to attend, in person, you are encouraged to bring your own laptop to this hands-on session. If you do not attend the first session, please take this survey to help us understand your thoughts on AI in teaching and learning.

5.  Community Events 

1. The Anya and Andrew Shiva Gallery exhibition, Femicide, will be on view Sept 3 - Oct 24. Opening reception: Weds, Sept 3, 5-7:30pm. Gallery is at 11^th Ave & 59^th St.
2. Open Forum with Provost Pease and Academic Affairs Deans, Mon, Sept 8, 1:40-2:50pm, 9.64 NB. Please come share your questions and concerns.
3. As we do each year, John Jay commemorates 9/11 with a series of community events. Please join us and encourage your students and peers to attend the events happening on and around campus. They include: flag planting (9/9, 1:45pm), tribute (9/11, 1:45pm), blood drive (9/16, 12:30-6:30pm), pack-a-thon (9/16, 1:30-4pm), ‘I am a Ready Responder’ training (9/18, 1:45pm, 3:15pm and 4:30pm) and 9/11 memorial and museum clean up (9/30, 10am-12pm). Visit the website for details and to RSVP.
4. Save the dates!  The Fall Library Author Series kicks off Tues, Sept 16, with Peter Moskos (LPS) discussing his book Back from the Brink. RSVP: https://BackFromBrink.eventbrite.com

• Weds, Oct 8, Philip Yanos (PSY) will discuss Exiles in New York City.  
• Weds, Oct 22, Simone Martin-Howard (PAD) will discuss Conversations with Correctional Staff: COVID-19, Confinement, and Culture at Rikers Island Jail.
• Thurs, Nov 6, Vicente Lecuna (MLL) will discuss A Promising Past: Remodeling Fictions in Parque Central, Caracas.  Talks are in the library classroom during community hour.

5. Save the dates! Our fall Food for Thought schedule is set! Join us to lunch and learn with colleagues. Each event is 1:30-2:45pm in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room.  Dates: Mon, Sept 29 (Latin American & Latinx Studies); Tues, Oct 21 (Art & Music); Mon, Nov 24 (English); Weds, Dec 10 (History).  RSVP HERE. 

6.  CUNY MFA:   Coordinated Message for your students  

CUNY added cybersecurity measures, like CUNY MFA, for students, faculty and staff to protect its systems, like CUNY First and Brightspace. Hopefully by now you have gotten your own authentication set up. The instructions are below, just in case.

When students return and attempt to sign on to Brightspace, they may run into problems. To help coordinate messages to students – we invite faculty to share this infographic, PDF, or slidewith your students Week 1 of class (per our Student Success Communication Campaign described above). It will amplify the Tips for Success message they receive about setting up MFA to ensure students engage actively from the start class to be successful. 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Students, faculty, and staff will be required to use CUNY MFA to access key CUNY systems (e.g., Brightspace, CUNYfirst, EAB Navigate, Zoom). [CUNY MFA is not the same as Microsoft 365 MFA or John Jay DUO]. 

To setup CUNY MFA:

1. Visit the CUNY MFA Self‑Service portal (https://ssologin.cuny.edu/oaa/rui)
2. Log in with your CUNY Login credentials (firstname.lastname##@login.cuny.edu)
3. Allow location sharing and respond to any prompts
4. Go to Manage > My Authentication Factors and click Add Authentication Factor → Mobile Authenticator – TOTP (Time-Based One Time Password)
5. Assign a Friendly Name such as “CUNY MFA”
6. Open Microsoft Authenticator → choose Work/School account → Scan QR code
7. Click Verify and Save, then log out

For assistance/questions, contact the JJ Helpdesk: helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu, 212-237-8200.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Fall 2025 classes begin Tuesday, August 26.

• Academic calendars are HERE, including a religious holidays calendar and CUNY policy on religious accommodations.
• Note “conversion” dates.  For example, classes follow a Monday schedule on both Tuesday, Oct 14 and Friday, Oct 24.
• On the Faculty Resources page:  Guidelines for Creating Your Syllabus and a syllabus template with required and recommended syllabus content; and an accessibility checklist for faculty from the Office of Accessibility Services.

2. Faculty Development Day: Thurs, Aug 21, 9am-2:30pm. RSVP and schedule here:https://forms.gle/NjPQvJ5F7LYFUsTh9.
3. Academic Affairs Reconnect Reception, Weds, Aug 27, 4-5:30pm, Faculty/Staff Dining Room. After New Student Convocation, Weds, Aug 27, 1:40-2:50pm, Lynch Theater.
4. Book Adoptions – ALL faculty arefederally required to post book adoption information FOR ALL CLASSES by the time students register, even if no purchases are required.
   • 16% of sections MISSING. PLEASE UPLOAD YOUR INFO NOW.
   • To submit or indicate “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click the faculty link.
   • Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
   • Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
   • If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.
5. The Anya and Andrew Shiva Gallery exhibition, Femicide, will be on view Sept 3 - Oct 24. Opening reception: Weds, Sept 3, 5-7:30pm. Gallery is at 11^th Ave & 59^th St. Bring your classes – schedule with Director Macushla Robinson (marobinson@jjay.cuny.edu).

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

With fall semester fast approaching and teaching preparations underway, we hope you enjoyed this week’s Design, Refine & Shine! workshops and this month’s 10-part course prep reminder series (two parts to go; you can review the whole series here.)

As you ponder day 1 of class – beyond going over your excellent syllabus (see 1a above) and reviewing part 8 of the course prep series – consider these resources from our colleague Nancy Yang, Associate Director of First Year Programs. Nancy recently wrote and shared two excellent Substack posts that may be useful as you update your teaching toolkits and consider how to welcome and empower students on day 1. 

• Sending a Course Welcome Letter That Really Welcomes
• From Rules to Buy-In: Co-Creating Class Policies with Students

TLC News & Opportunities here. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

3.  ODL August 2025 Brightspace Training Opportunities

August workshops and offerings from the Office of Digital Learning (ODL):

ODL Brightspace Open Q & A, Monday, August 25, 2-3pm

Link: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/86457509066?pwd=eZ2XjK6wxdltqPbek0fe9lPYXDYV89.1 

ODL Brightspace Drop in Lab, Thursday, August 28, 1:40-2:50pm (Comm Hr), L2.72.03NB

See John Jay’s ODL Learning Management System news and resources for Brightspace help and training.  Faculty and staff Brightspace LMS inquiries to LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu and student inquiries to LMS.student@jjay.cuny.edu. The Office of Digital Learning website has information on ODL services. Schedule an appointment with an Instructional Designer.

4.  CUNY MFA:  Coordinated Message for your students  

CUNY has added cybersecurity measures, like CUNY MFA, for students, faculty and staff to protect its systems, like CUNY First and Brightspace. Hopefully by now you have gotten your own authentication set up. The instructions are below, just in case.

When students return and attempt to sign on to Brightspace, they may run into problems. To help coordinate messages to students – we invite faculty to share this infographic with your students on DAY 1 of class (we will send a slide next week).  It will amplify the message they receive from Academic Affairs about setting up MFA and ensuring students engage actively Day 1 of class to be successful. 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): John Jay students, faculty, and staff will be required to use CUNY MFA to access key university systems. [CUNY MFA is not the same as Microsoft 365 MFA or John Jay DUO, which we use to access JJ webmail]. CUNY MFA will be needed to access systems, such as: Brightspace, CUNYfirst, EAB Navigate, Library Ezproxy, Zoom, etc.

To setup CUNY MFA:

1. Visit the CUNY MFA Self‑Service portal (https://ssologin.cuny.edu/oaa/rui)
2. Log in with your CUNY Login credentials (firstname.lastname##@login.cuny.edu)
3. Allow location sharing and respond to any prompts
4. Go to Manage > My Authentication Factors and click Add Authentication Factor → Mobile Authenticator – TOTP (Time-Based One Time Password)
5. Assign a Friendly Name such as “CUNY MFA”
6. Open Microsoft Authenticator → choose Work/School account → Scan QR code
7. Click Verify and Save, then log out

For assistance/questions, contact the JJ Helpdesk: helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu, 212-237-8200.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. All academic calendars are posted HERE.
   • 3-Week-3:  Session ends today, Aug 13. Grade rosters open Aug 13-17
   • 5-Week-2:   Session ends Thurs, Aug 14. Grade rosters open Aug 14-18.
   • Fall 2025 classes start Tuesday, August 26.
      
2. New Faculty Orientation:  Weds, Aug 20, 8:45am-4pm, 630 Haaren Hall for new full-time and part-time faculty. For those unable to attend, we will host a brief orientation on Mon, Aug 25, 11am-1:00pm, Zoom. For either, RSVP with the link below. Questions to Maria Jeremy, mjeremy@jjay.cuny.edu or Kyeanna Bailey, kbailey@jjay.cuny.edu.    
   • Orientation RSVP (by Fri, Aug 15^th): https://forms.gle/PFai5GnTisNVCdVz5
   • Faculty Handbook
   • JJ ID cards are being distributed in room 2.65NB (Faculty/Staff Lounge)
      
3. Book Adoptions – ALL faculty arefederally required to post book adoption information FOR ALL CLASSES by the time students register, even if no purchases are required.
   • 18% of sections MISSING. PLEASE UPLOAD YOUR INFO NOW.
   • To submit or indicate “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click the faculty link.
   • Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
   • Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
   • If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.
      
4. The Lloyd Sealy Library website is getting a makeover, with a more intuitive design and improved access to research tools. Details in this blog post about what’s ahead and when to expect the switch.  Please note:  You may notice brief service disruptions as the switch happens this week. Email questions/concerns to libref@jjay.cuny.edu. 
    
5. The Anya and Andrew Shiva Gallery announces its Fall 2025 exhibition, Femicide, will be on view Sept 3 - Oct 24, 2025. Opening reception will be Weds, Sept 3, 5-7:30pm. Curated by Thalia Vrachopoulos, this urgent and timely exhibition confronts the global epidemic of gender-based violence, giving voice to a crisis that demands cultural reckoning and systemic change. The Gallery is in the New Building on the corner of 11^th Ave & 59^th St. Stop by – bring your classes!

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Syllabus Guidelines and Resources. Fall classes begin in 2 weeks. How can we make writing and revising syllabi easier, faster, and even more effective? We have resources to share!

John Jay has a 20-page guide with model syllabus sections and sample policy statements: Guidelines for Creating Your Syllabus as well as a syllabus template the incorporates required content.  

Yes, there are AI syllabus policies to fit nearly every course and instructional need: AI Syllabi Policies: A look at the collection (Lance Eaton):

And of course, your TLC has a course prep reminder series conveniently compiled into one file (Parts 1-7 with Parts 8-10 to be added) AND a page of teaching resources on syllabi, assignments, assessment, and multiple pedagogies:

Course Prep Reminder Series & Teaching Essentials. Borrow, quote, paraphrase, revise, and please give credit for your sources! Happy syllabus writing!  TLC News & Opportunities here. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

3. Pedagogy Workshops for Fall 

Fall 2025 Faculty Development Day is Thursday, August 21. RSVP and schedule are here.   

But first … Define, Refine & Shine workshops are next week!  Lineup is below.

Modifying syllabi for Gen Alpha and Gen Z students in a time of change: Lessons learned from POL 101. Presenters: Rosa Squillacote & Utku Sezgin (POL), Mon, Aug 18, 10-11:30 am.  Zoom Registration Link.

• Description: Workshop addresses how professors can adapt syllabi and course design in response to the changing needs of our newest students, focusing on optimizing engagement and building capacity in critical thinking, writing and research skills.

Mixing it Up: Strategies for an Engaged Classroom. Presenter: Dustin Meier (HIS), Mon, Aug 18, 12-1:30 pm. Zoom Registration Link.

• Description: Workshop will discuss: ways to bolster student engagement in the classroom (e.g., group work, debates, role-playing, brainstorming, free-writing); integrating activities into one 75-minute class while maintaining a theme for the day; and question how to engage students with little background knowledge and find relevance to students’ lives.

Liberatory Assessment: Reimagining How We Evaluate, Empower, and Engage Students, Presenter: Shari Simon (SEEK), Tues, Aug 19, 12-1:30 pm. Zoom Registration Link.

• Description: This session invites faculty to reimagine assessment as a liberatory and humanizing practice that prioritizes student voice, values learning as a process, and shifts power through intentional feedback, self-reflection, and engagement. Explore how to build assessments that affirm growth, increase clarity, and cultivate trust. Come ready to rethink rubrics, rewrite feedback, and renew your relationship with grading.

Questions? Contact your Teaching & Learning Center: TLC@jjay.cuny.edu 

4.  ODL August 2025 Brightspace Training Opportunities 

August workshops and offerings from the Office of Digital Learning (ODL):

ODL TwT 3:  PlayPosit by WeVideo, Wednesday, August 13, 11:30am-12:30pm.  ZOOM link. 

ODL TwT 4:  Perusall, Wednesday, August 13, 2-3pm. ZOOM link.

ODL Brightspace Semester Quick Start, Monday, August 18, 2-3pm.  ZOOM link.

ODL Brightspace Open Q & A, Tuesday, August 19, 2-3pm.  ZOOM link.

ODL Brightspace Open Q & A, Monday, August 25, 2-3pm.  ZOOM link.

ODL Brightspace Drop in Lab, Thursday, August 28, 1:40-2:50pm (Comm Hr), L2.72.03NB

     See John Jay’s ODL Learning Management System news and resources for Brightspace help and training.  Faculty and staff Brightspace LMS inquiries to LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu and student inquiries to LMS.student@jjay.cuny.edu. The Office of Digital Learning website has information on ODL services. Schedule an appointment with an Instructional Designer.

5.  Important: Set Up Your CUNY MFA Today  

I know I’m repeating myself, but this is going to come up big time when students return. So it’s good to get your authentication set up now. 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): John Jay students, faculty, and staff will be required to use CUNY MFA to access key university systems. [CUNY MFA is not the same as Microsoft 365 MFA or John Jay DUO, which we use to access JJ webmail]. CUNY MFA will be needed to access these CUNY systems (among others): Brightspace, CUNYBuy, CUNYfirst, DegreeWorks, EAB Navigate, FACTS, CUNY Library Ezproxy, LinkedIn Learning, Zoom, etc.

What should you do?  Set up CUNY MFA to prevent lost access to university systems.

To setup CUNY MFA:

1. Visit the CUNY MFA Self‑Service portal (https://ssologin.cuny.edu/oaa/rui)
2. Log in with your CUNY Login credentials (firstname.lastname##@login.cuny.edu)
3. Allow location sharing and respond to any prompts
4. Go to Manage > My Authentication Factors and click Add Authentication Factor → Mobile Authenticator – TOTP (Time-Based One Time Password)
5. Assign a Friendly Name such as “CUNY MFA”
6. Open Microsoft Authenticator → choose Work/School account → Scan QR code
7. Click Verify and Save, then log out

For assistance/questions, contact the JJ Helpdesk: helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu, 212-237-8200.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. All academic calendars are posted HERE.
   • 3-Week-3:  Session ends Aug 13. Grade rosters open Aug 13-17
   • 5-Week-2:   Session ends Thurs, Aug 14. Grade rosters open Aug 14-18.
   • Fall 2025 classes start Tuesday, August 26.
2. RSVP BY TODAY for New Student Convocation, Weds, Aug 27, 1:40-2:50pm in the Lynch Theater. RSVP on this form by TODAY, Aug 6 to confirm participation and to borrow regalia. Questions: Alyssa Hollywood ahollywood@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Book Adoptions – ALL faculty arefederally required to post book adoption information FOR ALL CLASSES by the time students register, even if no purchases are required.
   • 21% of sections MISSING. PLEASE UPLOAD YOUR INFO NOW.
   • To submit or indicate “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click the faculty link.
   • Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
   • Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
   • If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.  

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC 

     Planning for Building Writing & QR Skills. Beyond technology skills (see July 30), we seek to help students build their “analog toolkits”: writing and quantitative reasoning (QR) skills.
     In nearly all courses, writing appropriate to the discipline is required: essays, summaries, arguments, posts, lab reports, analyses, research papers, etc. Through them, students gain knowledge and communication skills. Resources to plan for student writing are below.
     At the same time, we often seek to help students build quantitative reasoning skills necessary for academic success:  logical reasoning and data literacy, for example. Where do these skills support your assignments and expectations? Assignments that exercise QR skills work well with case studies and problem-based/project-based learning. Resources below.

Here are some writing and QR resources to explore to help facilitate course planning:

• Alan Siegel Writing Center (1-1 tutoring, workshops, ESL)
  https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/academics/academic-resources-services/tutoring-academic-support/alan-siegel-writing-center
• Links for Writing Across the Curriculum Faculty
  https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/faculty-staff/writing-across-curriculum/writing-intensive-project/links-writing-across-curriculum-faculty
• Math & Science Resource Center (Tutoring, Math & Statistics Resources)
  https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/academics/academic-resources-services/tutoring-academic-support/drs-duane-m-lily-e-christ-math-science-resource-center
• QR Teaching Materials (Queens College)
  https://www.qc.cuny.edu/mqr/mqr-teaching-materials/ 

Bookmark this TLC News & Opportunities page. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

3.  ODL:  Teaching with Technology Week

Next week:  The Office of Digital Learning (ODL; formerly DOES) is offering Teaching with Technology Week (TwT)!

Monday, August 11, 2-3pm, Exploring VoiceThread
Register: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/meeting/register/LJTy-5icQ-qnXdw5lwyQJQ 

Tuesday, August 12, 10am-1pm, Brightspace Bootcamp
Register: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/85714211450?pwd=87hOiX8U22RyLaUJlXNA6JU4l75bEv.1

Wednesday, Aug 13, 11:30am-12:30pm, Personalization with PlayPosit
Register:  https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/meeting/register/p280RyY7Rh6JUpoPjqXCZw

Wednesday, August 13, 2-3pm, Getting Started with Perusall
Register:  https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/meeting/register/p280RyY7Rh6JUpoPjqXCZw

See John Jay’s ODL Learning Management System news and resources for Brightspace help and training.   Faculty and staff Brightspace LMS inquiries to LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu and student inquiries to LMS.student@jjay.cuny.edu. The Office of Digital Learning website has information on ODL services. Schedule an appointment with an Instructional Designer.

4.  Important Cybersecurity Information 

CUNY and JJ are making changes to protect our systems (including required Cybersecurity Awareness training). Please be aware of this important information.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):All John Jay students, faculty, and staff will be required to use CUNY MFA to access key university systems. CUNY MFA is not the same as Microsoft 365 MFA or John Jay DUO (which we use to access JJ webmail). Without CUNY MFA the following university systems will soon be inaccessible (among others): Brightspace, CUNYfirst, CUNYBuy, DegreeWorks, EAB Navigate, FACTS, CUNY Library Ezproxy, LinkedIn Learning, Zoom, etc.

What should you do?  Set up CUNY MFA to prevent lost access to university systems.  

To setup CUNY MFA:

1. Visit the CUNY MFA Self‑Service portal (https://ssologin.cuny.edu/oaa/rui)
2. Log in with your CUNY Login credentials (firstname.lastname##@login.cuny.edu)
3. Allow location sharing and respond to any prompts
4. Go to Manage > My Authentication Factors and click Add Authentication Factor → Mobile Authenticator – TOTP (Time-Based One Time Password)
5. Assign a Friendly Name such as “CUNY MFA”
6. Open Microsoft Authenticator → choose Work/School account → Scan QR code
7. Click Verify and Save, then log out

For help or questions, contact the John Jay Helpdesk at helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu or 212-237-8200.

5.  NCFDD Community 

John Jay has an NCFDD institutional membership – so all faculty – part-time, full-time, and doctoral students – have access to a free individual account. And NCFDD just introduced a new resource to which we all have access:  the NCFDD Community. 

NCFDD Community is a members-only space for connection, support, solidarity, peer development, and for sharing strategies to overcome challenges.  The community allows faculty to:

• Connect with peers in rank-specific groups to share experiences and solutions
• Participate in weekly conversations like the Monday Motivator and Wednesday Wisdom
• Access recaps of NCFDD webinars and blog posts for deeper engagement
• Ask questions, share insights, and build supportive professional networks 

Wednesday Wisdom Giveaways in August provide faculty the chance to win full scholarships to NCFDD’s fall programs, including the Faculty Success Program and Department Chair Success Program. Learn more here: Why We Built a New Online Community for Academics

To claim your NCFDD account: (a) Go to https://www.ncfdd.org/join; (b) choose John Jay from the drop-down menu; (c) select “Activate my Membership”; (d) complete registration with your jjay email address; (e) confirm in jjay email by clicking “Activate Account”.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. All academic calendars are posted HERE.
   • 3-Week-3:  VOE closes Jul 31. Session ends Aug 13. Grade rosters open Aug 13-17
   • 5-Week-2:   Session ends Thurs, Aug 14. Grade rosters open Aug 14-18.
      
2. RSVP Today for New Student Convocation, Weds, Aug 27, 1:40-2:50pm in the Lynch Theater. RSVP: Complete this form by 12:00pm, Weds, Aug 6 to confirm participation and to borrow regalia. Questions: Alyssa Hollywood ahollywood@jjay.cuny.edu. 
    
3. Faculty feedback on Playposit invited by the Office of Digital Learning (ODL) - Deadline August 1. Survey link: https://jjay.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bxf8z5UkgeiLA8u 
    
4. Full-time Faculty: If you are up for a personnel action this fall (i.e., reappointment, CCE, tenure, and/or promotion) – all materials must be uploaded in FIDO by Sept 12 at the latest, including Form Cs. FIDO is accessed either on campus – or if off campus, by VPN. See the Faculty Services memorandum emailed by Kyeanna Bailey with detailed information. Please email me if you have questions (acrossman@jjay.cuny.edu).
    
5. Book Adoptions – ALL faculty arefederally required to post book adoption information FOR ALL CLASSES by the time students register, even if no purchases are required.
   • OVERDUE: 22% of sections STILL missing. PLEASE UPLOAD YOUR INFO NOW.
   • To submit or indicate “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click the faculty link.
   • Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
   • Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
   • If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.  

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC 

     Fall 2025 classes start in four weeks on Tuesday, August 26. If your courses are ready to go, congratulations! For the remaining 99% of us, here are some thoughts on technology.

     Brightspace: While many of us know the basics, we may not know how to streamline communications and grading or which tools and settings to use to support student accessibility needs. ODL workshops and guides can help! See links below.

     AI: What will your AI policies be? Will you use and permit use of AI in your courses? If so, what are the parameters? Revisit the college’s AI Responsible Use Guidelines and CUNY Academic Integrity policy. This article by Law Professor John Lande speaks to faculty fears about AI and offers practical suggestions and strategies, if you are interested.

     Access: Although many students use ChatGPT, there are free and paid versions. Free versions offer limited use and support. Similar to high textbook costs, app costs can block student access. This is also true for students’ devices. What resources will students need to access any technology you expect them to use and is it available on campus (e.g., library)?

     Learning Curves: Some students will be unfamiliar with technology we ask them to use (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, VoiceThread, ePortfolio, Perusall). You might want to anticipate time students will need to learn these tools when planning. 

     Starting Friday, August 1, the TLC will be sharing course prep reminders every few days until Friday, August 22. Keep an eye on your email and follow us on LinkedIn!

     Bookmark this TLC News & Opportunities page. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

3.  ODL August 2025 Brightspace Training Opportunities

     The Office of Digital Learning (ODL; formerly DOES) is offering Brightspace faculty training opportunities in August 2025. They especially welcome new faculty to join these sessions!

     Teaching with Technology Week (TwT):   Mon, Aug 11 to Weds, Aug 13. It features ODL Brightspace Bootcamp, a comprehensive, 3-hour webinar of Brightspace basics. TwT Week also includes sessions on the most popular supplemental tools integrated into Brightspace. More Brightspace webinars and a Drop-in Lab with the LMS Support Team follow.

     See John Jay’s ODL Learning Management System news and resources for Brightspace help and training.  Faculty and staff Brightspace LMS inquiries to LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu and student inquiries to LMS.student@jjay.cuny.edu. The Office of Digital Learning website has information on ODL services. Schedule an appointment with an Instructional Designer.

Schedule 

ODL Teaching with Technology Week (TwT) 1:  VoiceThread, Monday, August 11, 2-3pm
Link:  https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/83003482499?pwd=upca5iq55IlUpQ8HaWvTaoymZw7Znm.1

ODL TwT 2:  Brightspace Bootcamp, Tuesday, August 12, 10am-1pm
Link:  https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/85714211450?pwd=87hOiX8U22RyLaUJlXNA6JU4l75bEv.1

ODL TwT 3:  PlayPosit by WeVideo, Wednesday, August 13, 11:30am-12:30pm
Link:  https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/87476022658?pwd=0bSqluXpzjM3v7FkXcUqUoQVHEg01J.1

ODL TwT 4:  Perusall, Wednesday, August 13, 2-3pm
Link:  https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/87326864200?pwd=ySjBqodrn2OkuD7UD6T2YTeHFIpiUT.1 

ODL Brightspace Semester Quick Start, Monday, August 18, 2-3pm
Link:  https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/81515798536?pwd=tOL0SYMs4AFaixGbQOFmXYFrdhQfMR.1

ODL Brightspace Open Q & A, Tuesday, August 19, 2-3pm
Link:  https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/89086714985?pwd=XJsok6ERZaf9pRd5nabyBUnwfMaafB.1 

ODL Brightspace Open Q & A, Monday, August 25, 2-3pm
Link:  https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/86457509066?pwd=eZ2XjK6wxdltqPbek0fe9lPYXDYV89.1 

ODL Brightspace Drop in Lab, Thursday, August 28, 1:40-2:50pm (Comm Hr), L2.72.03NB 

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Full Summer 2025 academic calendars are posted HERE. Verification of Enrollment (VOE) submission instructions here; VOE questions to: registrar@jjay.cuny.edu.
   • 3-Week-2:   Session ends Weds, July 23. Grade rosters will be open July 23-July 27.
   • 8-Week-1:   Session ends Thurs, July 24. Grade rosters will be open July 24-July 29.
   • 3-Week-3:  Session starts Mon, July 28; VOE rosters will be open July 29-31.
2. RSVP Today for New Student Convocation, Weds, Aug 27, 1:40-2:50pm in the Lynch Theater. RSVP: Complete this form by 12:00pm, Weds, Aug 6 to confirm participation and request to borrow regalia. Questions: Alyssa Hollywood ahollywood@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Book Adoptions – ALL faculty are federally required to post book adoption information FOR ALL CLASSES by the time students register, even if no purchases are required.
   • OVERDUE: 23% of sections STILL missing. PLEASE UPLOAD YOUR INFORMATION NOW.  (*My thanks to all who have complied.)
   • To submit or indicate “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click the faculty link.
   • Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
   • Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
   • If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.
4. Faculty feedback on Playposit invited by the Office of Digital Learning (ODL) - Deadline August 1.  Survey link: https://jjay.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bxf8z5UkgeiLA8u
5. Reminder: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): John Jay students, faculty, and staff will be required to use CUNY MFA to access university systems, including Brightspace, CUNYfirst, CUNYBuy, EAB Navigate, CUNY Library Ezproxy, LinkedIn Learning, Zoom, among others. (CUNY MFA is not the same as Microsoft 365 MFA or John Jay DUO.) What should you do?  Set up CUNY MFA immediately to prevent lost access on or about July 28. Instructions in last week’s email (see below). For assistance or if you have questions, contact the John Jay Helpdesk (helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu; 212-237-8200).