Caiman Clues | Fall 2023

Don’t Miss Your Caiman Clues — Your Hostos Helping Hand to Success 

WEEK 13

This week, attend Hostos’ Business Management Industry Summit, save time and money by registering for math and writing workshops, and RSVP to get food for Thanksgiving at the food pantry. Plus, more. 

• Business Management Industry Summit: Join Hostos' Business Management Industry Summit on Thursday, November 16, at 9 a.m., in the Savoy Multi-Purpose Room (D-Building). Hear from faculty and business leaders about industry needs and Hostos’ business program. 
• Winter 2023 Workshops Registration is Open: Save time and money! Register for free math and writing workshops using schedule builder through CUNYfirst. Click here for more information.
• Thesis Statements Workshop: Let the Writing Center help you craft a strong thesis statement on Wednesday, November 15, 6 p.m. via Zoom. Register here. 
• Hostos Food Pantry: If you are dealing with food insecurity this Thanksgiving, the food pantry will be distributing chicken, turkey, and sides in the D-Building (1^st floor) on Tuesday, November 21, from 12-3 p.m. To RSVP, contact Madeline Cruz at mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu.
   

WEEK 12

 
Congratulations on making it to WEEK 12!  We hope that you were able to go out and vote on Tuesday! November is a month full of events and activities. Don’t miss this week’s clues! 

• Family Empowerment: The Family Empowerment Program is offering “Active Parenting NOW” workshops, which will provide techniques for engaging in positive communication with children and skills for a more satisfying family life. Workshops are offered on Fridays, November 10 (TODAY!), 17, and 24, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. RSVP here.   
• Hostos Performing Arts: Get free admission to “The Other Side Story,” a musical comedy that explores Puerto Rican migration to the U.S. mainland since 1862, on Thursday, November 16, at 2 p.m. RSVP here.

WEEK 11

 
Welcome to WEEK 11! There are many different events coming up that we’d like you to know about. If you're completing your degree requirements this semester, this is your reminder to apply for graduation! 

• TAP Week at Hostos: Need help filling out the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application? Financial aid counselors and the micro-lab (located in D-B102) are there to help you! You can also attend TAP Week events, happening now, to learn how to navigate the application process. See the schedule here.  
• Attention, Fall 2023 graduates: The last day to apply for graduation is Monday, November 6. Submit your application through CUNYfirst. If you need assistance, reach out to your Success Coach/Advisor. 
• Summer Abroad 2023: Join Hostos students who participated in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland last summer as they reflect on their incredible experiences performing abroad! The presentation will be held at the Black Box Theatre (C-151) on Monday, November 6, at 3:30 p.m.
• Let’s Talk About It: The Counseling Center invites students to join them in a discussion about college expectations, relationships, managing conflicts, and more on November 7 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in C-391. RSVP here. 

 

WEEK 10

Welcome to week 10! We hope you are getting through midterms alright. This week, we encourage you to check out the Student Government Association (SGA), see if you qualify for Hostos’ Honors Program, and prepare for the Spring 2024 semester! Plus, don’t forget about the great resources available to you via the One Stop Center and Hostos Academic Learning Center (HALC).  

• Hostos Honors Program: Students with a GPA of 3.2 and above may enroll in an Honors course to receive mentorship, engage in community service and enjoy participant benefits. Learn more about Hostos’ Honors Program here. 
• Spring 2024 Enrollment: Registration is now open. Watch this video on how to view your degree plan and enroll using Schedule Builder.
• Student Government Senate: Are you interested in expanding your leadership skills on campus? Be the voice of the student body, apply to be a part of the SGA. Applications are available in the Office of Student Activities (C-371). 
• Need Help or Resources? Staff at the One Stop Center conduct free benefits screenings for Medicaid, food vouchers, housing, and public assistance. Additionally, students qualify for free and confidential counseling at the Hostos Counseling Center.
   

WEEK 9

• 2024 Course Planning: Being a college student is also about preparing yourself for the future! Check your major’s degree maps for curriculum sequencing by term. The tools you’ll need to register for next semester’s classes, DegreeWorks and CUNYfirst’s Schedule Builder, will be synched.  
• Enrollment is Opening: Get ready to enroll for next semester! Early registration for the Winter and Spring 2024 semesters opens Monday, October 23! Check your Educational Plan in DegreeWorks for a list of recommended courses suggested by your Success Coach or Academic Advisor.  
• Be a Part of the Solution: Share your story and raise your voice to strengthen the campus community. Participate in Communities Building Circles on October 24 (C-361) and November 14 (C-391) from 3 – 5 p.m. Refreshments will be served.  
• “Study Smarter, Not Harder” (Part 1): Learn how to strengthen your study habits and time management skills at the “Study Smarter, Not Harder” workshop taking place on October 19, 2-3 p.m. This is brought to you by the Hostos Academic Learning Center (HALC). To join, click here.  

WEEK 8

Welcome to week 8! This week, take advantage of campus resources that’ll help enhance your studies, then relax with some dancing and finish out the week at a costume party!

• FALL 2023 Advisement Week: Meet with ASAP, the Student Success Coaching Unit and/or College Discovery Staff for advisement support, explore your major, and get acquainted with Career Services and the Transfer Office during Advisement Week, beginning October 16. Check out the full schedule of activities here.
• Study Smarter, Not Harder: Learn how to strengthen your study habits and time management skills at the Study Smarter, Not Harder workshop taking place on October 12, 12-2 p.m. To join, click here.
• Personal Statement Writing Workshop: Get helpful guidelines and tips on writing scholarship-winning personal statements October 11, 2023 at 2 p.m. Register here.
• Mind, Body & Health: Enjoy the wonderful benefits of dance. Every Tuesday through December 5, salsa classes are held 2 - 3 p.m., and bachata classes are held 3 - 4 p.m. African dance classes are held every Thursday through December 7, 12:30- 1:30 p.m. All classes take place in Hostos’ dance studio (C-152).
• Come to the Costume Party: Urban Unity presents the "Turn Up Hostos: Costume Party" on Friday, October 13, 5–8 p.m., at the Hostos Cafeteria (3rd floor, C-building). There will be games, activities, and limited daycare for students with children.

 

WEEK 7

We’ve made it to the midway point of the semester! Take some time to reflect on your progress so far and enrich your personal and academic growth with one of the activities shared in this week’s Caiman Clues. 

• Mid-Semester Assessment: Check in with yourself and plan for the remaining weeks of the semester or schedule a meeting with your Academic Advisor or Success Coach on Succeed@Hostos. Go here to learn how to schedule a meeting.   
• Scholarship Workshop: Get tips on how to prepare a standout scholarship application during an interactive, virtual workshop on Wednesday, October 4, at 2 p.m. Register here. 
• STEM & Dual Degree Majors: Attend your majors’ orientation for information on curriculum, related events, and next steps. See the schedule here. 
• Immigrant Rights Panel: Join us Wednesday, October 4, from 3:30-5 p.m., in room B-501, for a discussion with Michael Eatroff, Senior Staff Attorney at New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), who’ll share information on immigrant rights, programs, and protections. 

WEEK 6

Welcome to Week 6! Enjoy the activities and celebrations taking place this week.  

• Communication is Key: Meet with your instructor to discuss your grades, areas of improvement, and how to meet your upcoming deadlines. Faculty are willing and ready to help you stay on track.   
• Wednesday Wellness: On Wednesdays, we unwind. Relax with yoga from 5 to 6 p.m. in C-152. Yoga mats are provided, but feel free to supply your own. Or get crafty in the A-Atrium (near the piano) from 3 – 5 p.m. and make a scarf, coaster, or headband at the Crafty Fall Outlet.  
• Grab & Go: Visit the One Stop Food Pantry in the Savoy Building, D-101, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. to grab a healthy snack between classes.  
• Friday Celebrations! Join us today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of the College’s new advisement center, located at 429 Grand Concourse. The ceremony will be immediately followed by the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Management’s (SDEM) Fall-Fest BBQ at the Gym (C-building, third floor) from 12–3 p.m. Stop by, grab a bite, capture memories in the photo booth, and make some art.

 

WEEK 5

There’s a ton of new events happening at Hostos. Make sure to check out the workshops and events that are taking place this week.  

• Virtual Technology Workshops: Several hands-on virtual workshops are being held this week. Learn how to track your progress toward degree completion and stay connected with advisors and faculty using Degreeworks and Succeed@Hostos (September 20 at 1 p.m., September 21 at 5 p.m.) and/or CUNYfirst and Blackboard (September 20 at 5 p.m., September 21 at 1 p.m.)   
• Fall Wellness Festival: On September 27, come to the C-building lobby from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for health screenings, wellness information, and much more.  
• Reminder: There will be no classes on Monday, September 25, 2023 in observance of Yom Kippur!

WEEK 4

We hope you’re making the most of your college experience and enjoying your classes so far. This week we want to remind you of some paid internship info sessions and technology workshops and share how you can access free tutoring!   

• Digital Learning Workshops: This Fall, improve your digital technology skills. Learn how to use software and online tools to excel academically and professionally. Join us Wednesday, September 20 and Thursday 21 for CUNYfirst/Blackboard and Succeed@Hostos/ Degree Works workshops. Click here for full schedule. Also take a look at our Student Workshop Link and Microsoft Office Self Pace Training.
• CUNY Paid Internship Opportunity: 2024 Spring Forward is a paid internship program for students interested in science, technology, non-profits, and the healthcare industry. Information sessions will be held on today at 11 a.m. (RSVP), September 18 at 12 p.m. (RSVP) and September 20 at 1 p.m. (RSVP). Visit the Career Services Office to prepare your application!  
• Tutoring is available! Find out how Hostos students receive free tutoring, in-person or online, at the Writing Center and Hostos Academic Learning Center (HALC) at the HALC Open House on September 20 from 12 – 4 p.m. in C-596. Learn how to schedule a HALC appointment here and visit the Writing Center’s webpage.   

 

WEEK 3

We hope you had a safe and enjoyable long weekend. This week, we want to encourage you to use Hostos’ campus resources, learn how to navigate Blackboard, and check out upcoming scholarship opportunities!  

• Hostos Study Spaces: The student computer center (C-595) has multiple computer stations and trained staff available to provide tech guidance and support Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. The Writing Center (C-596) also has a drop-in study area. And note that updated Library hours for the fall term include Saturday afternoon 12 - 4:45 p.m.  
• Blackboard Q&A: The CUNY Student User Guide provides useful information on how to get the most out of Blackboard. Also, check out these video tutorials to learn how to use Blackboard’s built-in calendar and set up notifications.  
• Scholarship Opportunities: The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship Program is offering students up to $55,000/year to attend a four-year undergraduate school. Apply here before November 16, 2023! The Hispanic Federation Undocumented Student Support Fund also has great scholarships open to all undocumented students regardless of country of birth. Learn more here.

 

WEEK 2

Welcome to WEEK 2. By this time, we hope you all have had a chance to attend your classes, meet your professors, and maybe even get started on your homework! This week’s clues include some available academic support and events. Don’t forget to attend your classes, and we hope to see you all at our Virtual Welcome on Friday!

• New Students Virtual Orientation: Join us on Friday, September 1, at 11 a.m. Get information about the college experience, financial aid, technology, and tools to have a successful first year! Click here to Join: FYE Hostos Orientation with meeting code: 889055 (See the full agenda here). 
• Fall 2023 Class Schedule: The CUNYFirst Student Center “Course Planning and Enrollment” box confirms your current class enrollment and schedule. You will be able to view the class time, location, and instructor’s name. Here is a Student Center Navigation Guide and tutorial video.  
• Class Attendance Matters! Avoid WN grade (Withdrawn, Never Attended) in the first three weeks of classes. Your professor(s) are aware of in-person and online attendance. Attend class, access your Blackboard course link frequently, and keep open communication with the instructor/professor.    
• Online Learning Prep: “Are you Ready” is a virtual workshop designed to prepare students for taking an online course. Whether hybrid, synchronous, or asynchronous, this online self-paced course will cover a variety of topics that are essential to online learning at Hostos and CUNY. Start the course here. 

Have a safe Labor Day weekend!

 

Welcome to WEEK 1 and the first day of classes of Fall 2023! We are so excited to welcome you to a new semester at Hostos Community College. Every week, the College will send out Caiman Clues — important tips and deadline reminders about everything from financial aid to advisement. These are designed to help you have a successful semester at Hostos.

• Get involved! Welcome Days August 25–August 31: Join us on campus and engage in campus community activities; get to know your peers, advisors, counselors, mentors, and faculty members. Join us at the 2023 Welcome Day BBQ today, Friday, August 25, from 12–3 p.m., at the Evelina Antonetty Playground (on Grand Concourse between E 147th St. — E 149th St.; behind A-building). Check out the full Welcome Days schedule of activities here. 
• Hostos Clubs & Activities: Visit the Office of Student Activities in C-371 to learn about how to join a student club or become part of the Student Government Association (SGA). Click here for more information. 
• Get your Hostos ID in the B-building: The office is at the basement level (BC–042A). The hours of operation are Monday – Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 3 – 5:30 p.m., and Friday, from 9:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.– 5 p.m. Additional fall term days: Saturday, August 26, and Saturday, September 9 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.   
• Thursday, August 31: This is the last day to add/drop a class. Beginning August 25, a fee of $18 will be applied to all students wishing to change their programs and the late registration fee is $25.

 

The Caiman Clues team hopes you had a great summer break! We are excited to welcome you to a new semester! Every Wednesday, Caiman Clues sends out tips, updates, and reminders to help you navigate the college experience and inform you of the resources available to help you have a successful term.   

• New Student Orientation: Join us on Saturday, August 19, for the back-to-school activities for first-year students to learn about Hostos resources and how to connect with your advisor, complete your financial aid packet, and much more to get ready for your first year. We’ll hold this event at the Gym, 3rd floor, C-building, at 10 a.m. 
• Fall 2023 Welcome Days – August 25 – August 31: Join us on campus and engage in all hands-on activities, get to know your peers, advisors, counselors, mentors, and faculty members. Some of the events include a Campus Resource Fair, getting to know your advisor, career exploration, library tours, clubs/organizations, and much more. Check out the full Welcome Days schedule of activities here. 
• Get the Dates: The Fall 2023 semester begins on August 25. Check out the semester's academic calendar and note registration/late registration fees, deadlines, and CUNY’s holiday schedule.  
• Don't know where you’re going? Find your way around Hostos with the campus map. Take a look at our Campus Resources guide and find out how you can connect with advisors, coaches, tutors, and all other campus services. 

 

Don’t forget to check back in for next week’s Caiman Clues.

 
Simply follow our Facebook (@HostosCC), Twitter (@HostosCollege) and Instagram (@HostosCollege) for helpful hints you can use all year round.