Borough of Manhattan Community College — Local services in New York

I really hate this school. This school has the most terrible system that I've ever experienced. I did not even take a class yet, but the application process that I experienced is really annoying. Most of the admission officers do not know any details of the process and even make the students get confused of what they are doing. Isn't that they have to know more than the new students trying to apply for this university? At first, I visited the admission office to submit the document for the application as a non-degree student. I brought every documents needed and written in the homepage. After I showed the officer there my I-20 which means I am an international student, he asked for the B-81 form which is for the residence. Of course, I believed that I missed a document, B-81, but never knowing that I am not qualified for this document. I went back to my University and wasted my time for finding way to get the B-81 form. As I feel doubtful one day, I called back to the office and the other officer told me that I don't need it and the documentations needed are the ones I prepared already. How can this happen? How come getting information by phone call is much clearer and more accurate than the visiting? Anyway, after I figured out (by call) that I had to get back there again to submit all those documents that I had brought at the first day, I just tried to think in a good way. So, I just visitied nyc and submitted everything, spending a day again during the final exam week. The officer told me that I will be getting the acceptance or any informing email in two weeks. It's been almost and over two week, so I called them again, because I knew phone call is better. And the officer told me I am accepted and there will be email shortly. That's all I got. If this is the only event, I would not write this review. But there is other incident that made me really mad and felt so unfair. I did not know that I need any other preparation for registration after then. I found out through livechat this time, that there is a student number needed in order to make an account in cunyfirst page. And the officer said the officer who informed your acceptance should have given the number, indeed she didn't! So I called again, and explain over and over to get the number. The admission representative taught my student ID # and I tried to make an account, but it denied. My friend who also wishes to take a summer course with me said I have to get cuny social # which is given by the BMCC with the student ID #. It really made me feel so annoyed. Of course, I had to call again and tell who I am and what makes me call again and again. Finally, when I got a chance to talk to the representative again, I explained my situation and asked for the Cuny social number, and now she said that I have to visit the office to get the number. WHAT? seriously, this is not right. My friend got both cuny social # and student id # through phone call. I told that to the officer but she kept telling me to come tomorrow. Isn't this so unfair? OMG I am currently studying in other area. Although I am in NY state, it is not that easy to go there because I want to, it's final week and I don't have time seriously. I explained that to the representative but she thinks so simply; Same state=then come tomorrow. Other than that, she was so unclear. She tried to connect me with computer service part at first and I don't know why. I will try to call again tomorrow and I hope there will be someone who is clear and know every details of his or her job.

When I first try to look those bad reviews, I was afraid if that will happen to me as well. But now, I am experiencing worse even before taking the real class. I've been reading the comment too. But I am not sure if they truly want to fix the problem or just act as if they listen to those complains very well..I gave one star so I can leave a review here. I really hope this to...

It's about what you'd expect for a CUNY school. A diverse student body, and mediocre facilities. But the one thing they excel at are support services. There's lots of help here if you know how to take advantage of it.

As a returning student I was glad to have at least 1 other older adult in every one of my classes. It didn't stop some classes from feeling like 13th grade, but you had at least one other person there taking their education seriously. Which meant at least one other person taking decent notes.

In my time there, I only encountered one truly incompetent professor. So bad that I had to speak to the Chair of the department. He was tenured so I highly doubt anything will be done on his end, but the Chair was extremely helpful with alternatives and even offered personal tutoring from another professor. I ended up dropping the class but it was a strategic move. I ended up taking the class again during the Winter session and pulled out an A.

Speaking of the Winter session, I HIGHLY recommend taking the shorter Winter & Summer sessions if you can. It's 4-5 weeks which seems daunting, but in reality it's a breeze. You don't have time to forget anything. You learn it and are immediately tested on it. The professors who choose to teach these session tend to be on top of their game. There's just no time for disorganization and a lack of focus.

I also recommend the CUNY Edge program in the Murray Building. They used to have more job fairs and seminars that gave out neat incentives like $25 Dunkin' Donuts cards, but they still offer a free (though limited) textbook library and free laptop rentals. The library in the Main building also lends scientific calculators.

DO NOT be an eager beaver and buy your textbook before the first day of class!!! I didn't even have to purchase textbooks for about half my classes. Between the editions being online for free, some classes don't use textbooks at all. Then there was my awesome Statistics professor who gave us copies of all the chapters we needed.

It's a given that you will get the literal run-around from the Financial Aid, Bursar, & Advisement departments. It looks great on my fitness tracker running from Fitterman to the Main building 4x in a row. Advisement is the worst of the three if you have transfer credits. But there are many opportunities to have multiple people go over your credits. Big shout out to the woman in the Business Dept. who helped salvage my last semester from turning into another one for no reason. Go to your major's department office. They are SO helpful.

Of special note, my Advertising prof, Professor Wei, has been helpful even after graduating. She put us in contact with a recruiter colleague and set up a resumè workshop for students at a major advertising group. Also my final group project in her class was the best one I've ever done. Group projects are usually a horror show.

Aesthetically there's only one attractive building. The Fitterman being the newest still manages to be as confusing as the conjoined twin-like Main building. The elevators don't stop on every floor and it's always a mass of confusion at the start of every semester. They just got the swimming pool back in the Main building after a long renovation and there's a sad workout room that I really should have taken more advantage of.

My only regret is not knowing anything about the Music department until it was too late. But I didn't have room for many non-major related classes anyway. This was strictly a get in and out as fast as possible endeavor. And like most community colleges, it's difficult to get your degree in just 2 years. But if you ask enough questions and take advantage of your major department, you can have a much smoother...

Review of a Disturbing Incident and Public Safety's Response at BMCC

I recently experienced an unsettling incident at Borough of Manhattan Community College that left me questioning the approach of our Public Safety department, particularly in regard to student interactions and the safeguarding of our rights.

The Incident: While studying quietly for an upcoming exam, I found myself disturbed by a group of individuals who were being excessively loud. Despite my efforts to ask them politely to lower their voices, they continued, disrupting my concentration. Frustrated, I admit I lost my temper and made some remarks out of anger - a reaction I now regret.

Public Safety's Involvement: The situation escalated to the point where Public Safety was called in. An officer arrived, but to my dismay, her demeanor was far from what I expected. Without seeking to understand the context or hear my side of the story, she demanded my BMCC ID, noted down my information, and left the scene. This interaction felt not only dismissive but also rude, leaving me feeling unheard and unfairly judged.

Reflections on Freedom of Speech and Conduct: This incident has led me to reflect on the balance between freedom of speech and the responsibility we bear in a shared space. While I understand that my reactions were driven by frustration, I also recognize that there are better ways to handle such disturbances, such as relocating to the library.

Concerns with Public Safety's Approach: My primary concern lies with the approach taken by the Public Safety officer. The lack of communication and the dismissive attitude did not contribute to resolving the situation but rather exacerbated my feeling of injustice. It's crucial for Public Safety personnel to listen to all parties involved to understand the incident fully.

Looking Forward: In hindsight, I realize that engaging with the disruptive group was not the best course of action and that removing myself from the situation might have been wiser. However, I also believe that Public Safety should strive for more empathetic and balanced interactions with students, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.

Conclusion: This experience has been a learning opportunity for me on how to better handle disturbances and the importance of maintaining composure under stress. I also hope it serves as a reminder for the Public Safety department to review their approach to student interactions, ensuring they uphold the principles of fairness and respect that form the foundation of our...