Bearcat Buzz – March 12, 2021

Saturday, March 27- Sunday, April 4- Spring Recess

Email Hoaxes

It has come to our attention that students at Baruch College and other CUNY campuses have received a message with the subject “Important Message from College Finance Department.” The message offers a “covid-19 financial aid grant.” The message is NOT from the College; it is a scam designed to get students to divulge their personal information. If you have received this message, please delete it. If you responded to the message and provided your personal information, please contact helpdesk@baruch.cuny.edu for assistance with changing your passwords and taking further action, if necessary.

The College has distributed previous warnings about email scams. Please keep the following in mind regarding any message you receive:
– Do not provide personal information (home address, user names, etc.) in response to emails, text messages, or websites that come from someone you do not know or from a suspicious email sender.
– Never provide your password in an email.
– Do not deposit checks from unknown senders.
– Do not click on links or open attachments in suspicious emails.
– Be wary of messages requesting urgent action.

While we work actively to identify and prevent these messages, our ability to keep users secure is critically dependent on the Baruch community being educated and skeptical about fraudulent messages. Please remain alert, as scams can happen at any time and dupe individuals of all ages and backgrounds and all levels of tech sophistication.

Job Scams

This is a reminder to bring your attention to recent job scams and email hoaxes. Although it is not from Starr Search, we want to bring it to your attention. Here is the latest job scam that we received: Job Scam. If you received these types of job scams, please delete it immediately and flag it as spam in your Baruchmail email system. Do not engage in any correspondence with the sender. Please read this announcement to on how to look out for warning signs and to better protect yourself against these hoaxes and scams.

Warning Signs
Look out for the following warning signs in any job posting you encounter:
·    Hiring manager promises a large salary with minimal work required.
·    Hiring manager offers you a position without any sort of interviewing process being conducted.
·    Hiring manager is using a personal email or an address that doesn’t match the company name.
·    The position expects you to transfer wire funds between accounts.
·    The company sends you a large check and requires you to cash it using your personal account.
·    The company/hiring manager asks for personal information like social security number or bank account.

Remember:
·    Do not deposit any check before you start working at a new job
·    Do not lend any money or pay fees to prospective employers
·    Do not share any personal information unless it is submitted to a trusted source
·    Be aware of any free checks or calls that look questionable and ask for personal information
·    Apply for jobs directly to company website, Starr Search and any other trusted source

For more information visit The Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information on Job Scams.

Resources for Reporting Suspicious Employers and Fraudulent Job Postings
Are you the victim of a fraudulent job posting? Please see the following resources available for you to get help.
·    Starr’s resources on how to avoid job scam.
·    Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Unit accepts reports of job scams and provides instructions for filing a complaint.
·    U.S. Department of Justice accepts reports of job scam incidents that have occurred over the Internet.

Remember to trust your instincts. If communication with an employer or company feels suspicious, end the communication immediately. Report fraudulent activity to us immediately. Please contact us at careerdc@baruch.cuny.edu.

To ensure the safety, security, and well-being of our students, Baruch College has determined that a moratorium had been placed on pledging and rush activities in all Baruch social fraternities and sororities at least through May 31, 2021. Read a message from the Provost for more information on the moratorium. * To anonymously report any hazing activity please fill out the Hazing Incident Report Form.

2021 Virtual Commencement Experience will be held on May 27, 10:00 a.m.

You must file an Application for Degree form with the Registrar’s Office. Only an official notification from the Registrar’s Office should be accepted as a definitive statement of graduation. Receipt of a commencement letter from Student Life does not signify that you have fulfilled all your academic requirements and does not indicate that you are eligible to graduate.

Cap and gown are not required for the 2021 Commencement Experience on May 27. However, you may wish to order a cap, gown, hood, and/or tassel to wear for your family celebration or a watch party, or just as a keepsake. You may order by going to our Commencement Order Form. Please note that the deadline to order and have your items shipped directly to you by May 27 is April 30.Orders placed after April 30 may not arrive until after May 27. For more information visit the Student Life website.

Congratulations Class of 2021 It’s your year – Capture the moment! Senior Portraits for the 2021 “Lexicon” Yearbook Beginning Monday, March 22^nd to March 25^th (Lifetouch Studio, 515 Smith St. Farmingdale, NY 11735.) Schedule your appointment at  www.ouryear.com, entering school code 87182. Portraits will be taken in your own Business Attire, and Cap & Gown. Academic attire will be provided. There is no cost to have your portrait taken and photographs will be available for your personal portrait needs. Please be prepared to provide the photographer with your major at the time of your sitting. Don’t forget that you can use these portraits for your Professional Networking and Job Search sites.

Please do not miss this opportunity to be photographed for the 2021 Lexicon Yearbook.

Please Note: We at Prestige Portraits are very excited to be able to capture this important milestone in your school career. At this unprecedented time, we have put in place all CDC recommended guidelines for taking senior portraits. No-touch posing and social distancing will be implemented. Photographers and assistants will not make physical contact and will keep 6ft distance from subjects, customers and employees. All work areas will be cleaned after each sitting and all studio provided attire will be steamed cleaned between each subject. All photographers and assistants will be wearing face masks at all times. It is important that you arrive on time for your scheduled appointment.

No walk-ins permitted.
Additional dates are not guaranteed at this time.

PLEASE NOTE THAT BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS ACTIVITY YOU  VOLUNTARILY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL OF THE RISKS.

Lexicon’s 2021 yearbook is on sale now! The first 50 students to buy the yearbook receive the Diamond Tier Senior Package for free – this year’s package includes a Pilloplush (pillow that turns into a blanket), Bluetooth Speaker, Crewneck, Mason Jar, and Tote Bag!
The following 50 students to purchase the yearbook will receive the Platinum Tier Senior Package, which will include a Bluetooth Speaker, Crewneck, Mason Jar, and Tote Bag. After the first 100 sales, students who purchase the yearbook will receive the Gold Tier Senior Package, which will include a Crewneck, Mason Jar and Tote Bag.The last day to purchase a yearbook and receive the senior package will be May 1, 2021. To purchase a 2021 yearbook please visit here: Yearbook 2021

If you are finishing your coursework in the Spring, Summer or Fall terms, apply now for graduation! Login to your Student Center in CUNYfirst to complete the online application for graduation or submit an Application for Graduation to the Office of the Registrar. For more information, please email GraduationAudits@baruch.cuny.edu.

Application Deadlines
Summer: June 15 (online application opens February 16)
Fall: September 15 (online application opens June 16)
Spring: February 15 (online application opens September 16)

One of our favorite times of the Spring semester is here! Student Government applications will be made available Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Additional information related to the Student Government Elections can be found on the Student Life website. If you have any questions, please email student.life@baruch.cuny.edu.

We invite all members of the Baruch community to come together and join us in celebrating Women’s History Month 2021. WHM 2021 aims to highlight the strength, courage, and resilience of phenomenal women and to call attention to the ways women have and are Overcoming Obstacles. Follow our Instagram account,@baruchwhm, where we feature our events, public figures from different time periods and exceptional women from Baruch. Stories and posts will include inspirational quotes, self-care tips and an opportunity to share your personal stories.

SHE WROTE THE BOOK: Celebrating Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and her Legacy
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, poet, dramatist, scholar, nun, feminist, and most importantly: “the worst of them all.” She is known as one of the first Latin American feminists, a woman who challenged the traditional gender roles of her day to pursue the literary life of the mind that she dreamed for herself. Like many other iconic Latin American women creators, her fascinating life is reflected in her artwork. In partnership with the Women History Month 2021, ISLA is proud to present SHE WROTE THE BOOK: Celebrating Sor Juana and her Legacy, a conversation among literary and translation scholars and writers to discuss how Sor Juana Inés and her legacy inspired other Latin American and Caribbean women writers, and women in other artistic fields in the region, and the world. This conversation would be led by a Baruch College Faculty, Prof Elena Martinez.
Register to attend Celebrating Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and her Legacy 

Mariposas Poderosas
Thursday, March 18, 2021
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
WES x ASEDOM has collaborated to educate in a workshop style what women in the Dominican Republic typically have to experience in efforts to gain civil rights. Throughout history in the Dominican Republic, women have been seen as less than men and as the “housewives” who need to take care of the children and all of the chores. This has affected the opportunity to continue to higher education and become independent of the cultural norms such as marrying at a young age. We will be sharing historical moments such as the significance of the Mirabal Sisters and what they symbolize for women in the country and troubling laws that have influenced many women’s lives throughout these years. The influence they have had on the whole world and the movement of women empowerment and anti-domestic violence.
Register to attend Mariposas Poderosas

Drexel University Presents: Women100: Spring Breakthru
March 18–19, 2021
Undergraduate students from across the country will gather virtually, delving into issues of intersectional feminism, civic engagement and social justice work. Students will be given the tools and resources to grow as advocates for social change within their campus communities.
Register to attend Women100: Spring Breakthru

Refusing to be Silenced – An Open Mic Night (CUNY-wide)
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month with an open mic; showcasing the creativity and community that encompasses overcoming obstacles and having our voices heard. Artists and creators of all disciplines are encouraged to sign up to present. And make sure to join us on March 23rd to share in honoring women’s journeys and the refusal to be silent!
Register to participate in Open Mic Night sign up by March 11
Register to attend Open Mic Night

The ISACA Cybersecurity Club at Baruch College is a recognized Student Group of ISACA New York Metropolitan Chapter since 2017 which represents the global Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) professional chapter. We are proud members of the ISACA Global Chapter. While they are a cybersecurity-focused student chapter, they welcome students of all majors and all levels of technical knowledge to be part of the club and eBoard. All that is required is an interest in cybersecurity and a willingness to come and learn with us.The purpose of the ISACA Cybersecurity Club Baruch Chapter is to encourage students’ personal and professional development by introducing avenues of opportunities enabling you to learn beyond the classroom. To learn more about the club and attend and upcoming event, follow them on their social media pages!

Instagram
LinkedIn
Linktree
MyBaruch
Membership Form with internal Discord Access

Our free immigration lawyer services are up and running. The Undergraduate Student Government and the Graduate Student Assembly provide current undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to speak with an immigration lawyer twice a semester.  Appointments can be scheduled for the of Spring 2021 semester. Please make an appointment via our online form on the Student Life website. Make sure to take advantage of this amazing opportunity!

Craving a more fulfilling college experience? Want to become a part of a close-knit community of high-achieving students? Learn how to become a Provost or Inquiry Scholar within Baruch’s Honors Program. Honors students receive priority registration, individual advising with a dedicated advisor throughout their academic career, access to smaller classes, and a myriad of professional development opportunities. Contact Harmony.Osei@baruch.cuny.edu to discover what an Honors education can do for you. Club members can request to have an Honors staff member give a brief presentation to club members. For more information visit the Baruch website.

On Friday, March 12, 2021 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. join us for the CUNY Town Hall in solidarity with the Indian Farmers Revolution, which will highlight the human rights violations taking place in India through speakers, open discussion, and an open mic night. Register now!

The 2021 CUNY Emerging Leaders Conference will take place on March 19th, 2021 from 12:00 -4:00 p.m. on Zoom. The Keynote Speaker will Be Giovanni Derice. Self-ish: helping students navigate self-care though self-awareness. Register Today for the conference.

The Ombuds offers an avenue for Baruch-based support and stress reduction to all members of our community. All have access to the opportunity to share concerns and consider options as they manage conflicts within our distant but connected College campus.

The Ombuds office is open for Zoom meetings. All members of the Baruch community are welcome to discuss with the Ombuds unresolved conflicts they are experiencing involving other members of the Baruch community. The Baruch Ombuds offers a confidential, neutral, and independent space to discuss these challenges.

The Ombuds also offers Ombuds Open Office (OOO) hours on Zoom  Meeting ID: 898 4158 9501 on Thursdays, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. to provide information about the role of the Ombuds and how the Ombuds can help. Those who visit during the OOOs will be offered 10 minutes of private conversation to briefly discuss concerning issues, provide referrals, and arrange follow-up meetings. These brief individual meetings take place on a first-come, first-served basis with the Ombuds admitting a person to the Zoom session only when the previous 10-minute meeting has ended and when the next time slot becomes available. For more information visit the Baruch website.

In response to the current environment, the Counseling Center offers free and confidential individual and group counseling and Support sessions:

Individual Counseling

Please visit the Counseling Center’s website or email Counseling@Baruch.cuny.edu.

Group Counseling

Are you struggling with a new transition, feeling lonely, wanting to make new connections or having trouble in your relationships? The Counseling Center is offering two groups called Relationship to Self and Others, during 2020-2021. The groups are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 -2:00 p.m. on Zoom. To participate, in the Tuesday group, please send an email to Jenny Choi at Jenny.Choi@Baruch.cuny.edu. To participate in the Thursday group, please send an email to Kai Lin Fu at Kailin.Fu@Baruch.cuny.edu.

Black Mental Health Matters (BMHM) Support Sessions for Baruch Students

Wednesdays: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Dear Black students,

In light of the recent events of racial violence and injustice towards Black, African American and African descendant communities, the Baruch College Counseling Center would like to remind you of and invite you to join Black Mental Health Matters. These support sessions aim to foster and support the growth, networking, collaboration, success, and well-being of Black Students. Past topics have included:

• Self-care during the pandemics (Covid-19 and Racism)  
• Being Black at Baruch  
• Intersecting Identities  
• BLM Movement and Advocacy  
• Power and privilege  
• Finding motivation  
• Coping with loss  
• Social distancing   
• Remote learning  
• Developing community  
• Power dynamics in and out of the classroom  
• Microaggressions  
• Food/Housing/financial insecurities

…and much more. If you are a Black student who is interested in finding a safe space to meet and talk with others who may have similar experiences, then these support sessions are for you. These support sessions are led by two Black Psychologists, Dr. Jael Amador and Dr. Gary Dillon, who work from a social justice and multicultural framework.  

To participate in these support sessions, send an email to Dr. Jael Amador at Jail.Amador@baruch.cuny.edu from your Baruch student email account and we will send you the Zoom link.

In solidarity and support,
Drs. Amador & Dillon

Note: In a previous version of this post, it was brought to our attention that we used offensive language. Despite our intent, we acknowledge that our impact was hurtful. For that, we offer to you all our sincerest apologies and a commitment to continue to learn and grow as we continue our work. We have also corrected our communications on all platforms.

Pop in to visit with your questions, stories, or inquiries Friday 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. For more information visit the Student Disability Services website.

Zoom Meeting ID: 705 036 3745
Passcode: SDS

First-Year Seminar (FYS) peer mentors play a vital role in acclimating incoming first-year students to the rigors of college life. Peer mentors can be a major influence on the educational goals and successful transition of new students to the College. If interested email the following: Resume Brief statement (no more than 250 word count) why you are interested in becoming a FYS peer mentor 2 recommendation forms completed by campus administrators (will be sent separately) Email above information to michael.doris@baruch.cuny.edu Deadline: 5:00 p.m. EST, Friday, March 26, 2021.

Fellowships in business include opportunities for professional development, funding for internships, pre-MBA programs, and to fund graduate school. The presentation will give an overview of fellowships available (such as the Venture for America Fellowships and Fulbright Awards in Business); offer advice on selecting a fellowship opportunity; and suggest strategies on being a competitive applicant. We will also explore the Schwarzman Scholars, a leadership program anchored in obtaining a Master’s Degree in Global Affairs at Beijing’s prestigious Tsinghua University. Thursday, March 18 from 12:45- 2:00 p.m.

Zoom ID: 82287030066
Password: Baruch21

The Office of Student Life presents the LGBTQ+ Resources webpage! This page lists resources on- and off-campus that provide information and support for all Baruch students who identify as LGBTQ+ or are allies of the community. Visit the LGBTQ+ Resources webpage.

All ARC facilities (gyms, fitness center, pool, racquetball) remain closed through March 31.

Bearcat Virtual 5K Run/Walk Shamrock Shuffle Starts March 15! Free to Sign Up & Compete!

Bearcat Bites with Soccer’s Matteo Bonati.

CUNYAC/HSS Winter Feature: Kasper Gacek, Baruch.

Come and learn new and exciting recipes that are healthy and budget-friendly and of course delicious! March 18. 2021 at 12:30 p.m. via zoom: 2350403090. For any questions reach out to: healthandwellness@baruch.cuny.edu or Alise.eramian@baruch.cuny.edu.

The Application is now LIVE to apply for the Financial Women’s Association Mentoring Program! The FWA Mentoring Program is a two-year program in which undergraduate women are matched with a mentor in the financial field. The program also provides professional development and networking opportunities for mentees. Rising juniors who have TWO full years left of undergraduate studies are eligible to apply. Additionally, eligible applicants must hold a 3.5 GPA or higher, and be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. Apply on the Baruch website. Due by March 26, 2021.

Start the Spring semester off strong. File your 2021-2022 FAFSA today at studentaid.gov. Don’t forget to obtain or retrieve your Federal Student Aid ID at fsaid.ed.gov to sign the 2021-2022 FAFSA electronically; If dependent, at least one of your parents will need one, too. Baruch’s Federal Code is 007273. The NYS TAP (NY residents only) code is 1409.

Baruch College and The City University of New York (CUNY) are responding to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Working together on creating, implementing, and modifying policies and plans. To ensure that you have the most up-to-date guidance, directives, and resources, please check out:

Baruch Colleges COVID-19 Updates
Baruch’s Division of Student Affairs COVID-19 Resources
CUNY Coronavirus Updates
CUNY Continuity for Students
CDC- What You Need to Know
CDC- Key Facts
CDC- Traveling FAQs