Monday, May 17- Last Day of Classes
Tuesday, May 18- Reading Day
Wednesday, May 19- Tuesday May 25- Final Examinations
Tuesday, May 25- End of Spring Term

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.

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)

Interested in getting involved with clubs? Make sure to check out their virtual events and activities by going onto MyBaruch! Continue to check this webpage in the future to find more engagement opportunities throughout the academic year. Visit MyBaruch for more information.

Spill the Tea: May BOTM
Books & Beyond
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
12:45 – 2:00 p.m.

Using Sources Strategically Workshop
The Writing Center
Thursday, May 13, 2021
12:30 – 1:45 p.m.

Spring Showcase 2021
Lexington Music
Friday, May 14, 2021
6:00 – 8:00 p.m

We are pleased to announce that through the generosity of Tedd Drattell, Debra Phillipes and The A Team Consulting, we have (2) $1,000 awards to grant to an outstanding undergraduate student and an outstanding graduate student. Award recipients will be selected through a 250-400 word written submission that demonstrates perseverance, motivation and/or “grit” in overcoming challenges toward successfully achieving their Accounting or Taxation degrees.

Criteria to be eligible for the True Grit Award:

• Currently enrolled at Baruch, pursuing a BBA, MBA or MS degree in Accounting or Taxation
• Meet minimum 3.2 GPA

For consideration, complete and return your application, résumé, 250-400 word written statement, and copy of your unofficial transcript electronically via email to Lauren Braun at lauren.braun@baruch.cuny.edu by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday May, 23, 2021. Decisions regarding the True Grift award will be announced by Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

Please note that applications will not be accepted from students who require a U.S. work visa or sponsorship now or in the future.  We look forward to reviewing your applications!

Are you graduating this year? Did you know that you will have access to our wide range of benefits and perks as soon as you graduate? Join the Office of Alumni Relations and Volunteer Engagement to learn how to take advantage of the perks you gain as a Baruch Alumni! Learn about our networks, career services, Alumni events, how to stay connected to Baruch, and much more. Join us on May 11 from 5:00- 6:00 p.m., register today!

Modern Health is facilitating free healing circles through April for Asian/Asian-American/Pacific-Islander students who are in search of safe spaces to process the recent violence against AAPI-identified people. Modern Health is also offering educational webinars about how to combat Anti-Asian Racism that are open to all. For more information visit Modern Health’s website.

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.

Creative Inquiry Day on May 9th- 16th celebrates the strength and diversity of undergraduate research and artistic expr ession at Baruch College. This spirited day of intellectual engagement and collegiality provides an invaluable opportunity for our students to participate in a community of ideas, articulate the exigency of their research in the world beyond the classroom, broaden their scholarly, professional, and personal communication skills, take risks, and have fun.

Students in all majors can submit individual or group projects, which they will present to fellow students, faculty, administrators, and others from the Baruch community. The type of project is flexible, for example:

– a summative PowerPoint slide of a project with audio highlights
– a poetry reading or musical composition
– portfolio of artwork

See the Creative Inquiry Day website for more information.

May 11, 2021 from 1:00-1:45 p.m. on Zoom (Zoom ID: 811 9267 3994; Password: BCCC) Need to decompress before finals? Join the Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention (SHAP) Committee for a free Yoga Session. Instructor Miriam Woodruff is certified in power vinyasa since 2015 and her style incorporates mindful movement with strong focus on breath and balance between strength and flexibility.

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.

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

• Ernesto Malave Merit Scholarship- $1,500
• Graduate Peer Mentoring Scholarship- $1,000
• Donald and Mary Ellen Passantino International Students Scholarship- $1,000
• Donald and Mary Ellen Passantino Students with Disabilities Scholarship-$1,000

Application opens on May 6, 2021 and closes on June 7, 2021.

Only Eligible Students will receive a notifications in CUNYfirst.

For questions email us at: scholarshipuss@CUNY.edu

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.

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.

ARC facilities remain closed through May 31.

CUNYAC Scholar Athlete of the Year Honoree: Lejla Redzematovic (Women’s Tennis).

CUNYAC Scholar Athlete of the Year Honoree: Jack Santoro (Men’s Cross Country).

Bearcat Soccer & Cross Country Alumni Chat with Justin Starrantino (Goldman Sachs).

Interested in Playing College Sports? Volleyball, Soccer, Cross Country, Tennis Seeking New Talent.

Athletics participates in Starr Career Development Center’s Sports Panel.

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.

In the midst of COVID-19, stay safe, stay home, and register to vote online through DMV with a State issued ID and apply for an absentee ballot online.  If online is not an option, you can access these forms under the Register to Vote heading on this site.
– Register to Vote Primary Election Deadline:  May 28, 2021
– Absentee Ballot Application Deadline:  June 15, 2021
– Primary Election:  June 22, 2021

All 2021 NYC special and primary elections will use Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) as a new voting system following 73.5% of NYC voters selecting this system in a 2019 ballot referendum. Now, with RCV:

• all NYC voters will vote for their top five candidates in order of preference
• any candidate must win 51% of the vote to win an election

When no candidate in an election for a local office wins 51% of the vote:

• votes are then counted in rounds
• each round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated
• if your highest rated candidate is eliminated, your vote will move to your next highest rated candidate
• rounds will continue, eliminating candidates with the lowest votes, until a candidate receives 51% or more of votes

With this new system, a winning candidate better reflects voters’ preferences because they are able to rank and support multiple candidates. This system will also save NYC taxpayers millions of dollars because it prevents expensive runoff elections. Visit NYC Campaign Finance Board for more info.

NYC Votes and CUNY are aiming to get 25,000 CUNY students to pledge to vote in 2021. When you sign up, you will receive election updates and reminders to help you stay engaged. Use your power. Vote. Take the pledge to vote in 2021.

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