April 7, 2025 | Annie Del Principe | Leave a comment 7 April 2025 News Editor Jane Weiss Emergency Contact Information The English department is currently updating its emergency contact information. The forms have already been sent out. If you have not yet completed the form or need to update your contact details, please reach out to Madeline Trice at [email protected] Spring 2025 Syllabi There are still a few syllabi pending submission. If you have not submitted yours yet, please send it to Madeline Trice at [email protected] as soon as possible. University Faculty Senate Election The election for KCC representatives to the University Faculty Senate will place this week. We will elect one senator and two alternates. The mission of the UFS is to “represent the entire faculty in shared governance on all matters relevant to the educational interests of the University.” The term for Senator is three years. Alternate senators serve in that position for one year. You can find out more about the responsibilities of Senator and Alternate here: https://www1.cuny.edu/sites/cunyufs/about/ufs-charter/article-ii-membership/ . Keep an eye on your KCC email for the link to vote in these elections. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Literature Committee Meeting Thursday 10 April 2025 3:00-4:30 in C317 The Literature Committee will meet on Thursday 10 April 2025 at 3:00 in C317 and will include some syllabus sharing for inspiration and discussion. David B. Silver Scholarship Poetry Competition 2025 Deadline: Sunday 20 April 2025 Student entries are invited for the David B. Silver Poetry Competition. The deadline for submission of entries is Sunday, April 20, 2024. Rules for competition: Only KCC students may participate; each student may submit a maximum of two entries; poems must be fifty lines or fewer; all entries must include the student’s full name, address, telephone number, and email address. Entries should be emailed to [email protected] The poems will be judged on these criteria: originality of perspective; appropriateness of English language, form, and content; evocative trigger of emotional reaction; economical use of language. Awards: First Prize: $500; Second Prize: $300; Third Prize: $200. The David B. Silver Scholarship Faculty Committee will evaluate all entries. Awards will be presented during the KCC Awards ceremony on Wednesday June 12, 2025. Questions about the poetry competition should be directed to: [email protected] Poetry Reading: Kimiko Hahn and Nicole Cooley Tuesday 22 April 2025 3:00-4:30 in V219 Award-winning poets Kimiko Hahn and Nicole Cooley, colleagues from Queens College, will read their work on Tuesday 22 April 2025 from 3:00-4:30 in V219. There will be a book raffle of their new collections! This event is sponsored by the Creative Writing and Literary Studies programs, and the KCC Student Union and Intercultural Center. Please invite your students. Steven Weidenborner Essay Prize A message from Anthony Iantosca: The Stephen Weidenborner Memorial Prize recognizes a CUNY student whose work exemplifies his interest in good writing and social justice. Stephen Weidenborner, former chair of the English Department, believed passionately in preparing students to think critically as responsible citizens of our society, and to think seriously about the burning issues of fairness and justice in America. Essays from any KCC English course are eligible! Award winners will receive $150. Winning essays are published on the English Department website. Entries must be typed essays of at least 1000 words that investigate a contemporary issue about social justice by referring to a series of related sources and texts. Email entries to Anthony Iantosca at [email protected]. Faculty Mentor and Support Hours in E219 A message from Hope Parisi: Hope Parisi is in E219 this semester, available for informal chats with new and experienced part-time faculty, and all faculty, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:40pm-2:10pm, with more availability by phone or Zoom according to wish or need. Please come by this welcoming environment if you’re on campus. Hope’s email is [email protected]. KCC Commencement Wednesday 18 June 2025 10 AM at the Coney Island Amphitheatre John Keller is the English department’s official commencement liaison, and Kingsborough Community College is gearing up for an exciting 60th AnniversaryGraduation Ceremony to be held this year at the Coney Island Amphitheatre on June 18th @ 10 AM. In the next few weeks, John will send out an RSVP form that faculty will be required to fill out in order to enter the venue. A few other important details: The website is now open to order or rent regalia/gowns: https://facultydirect.herffjones.com/. Orders are due by May 1st, and can be picked up on campus on June 3rd at no additional charge. The committee is looking for faculty volunteers for 1) student cap and gown and ticket distribution beginning June 3rd, and in the days following; 2) graduation day, to help with the check-in process and 3) to act as marshals (ushers) during the ceremony. If you’re interested in serving the college in this capacity, or if you have questions or comments, please reach out to John at [email protected]. A Note about the Newsletter A message from Jane Weiss, News editor: The next newsletter will come out on Monday 21 April 2025. Send items to be included by Friday 18 April 2025 to Jane Weiss at [email protected]. Please keep items brief (preferably 100 or fewer words). Longer items will be abridged. Many faculty members would like to learn more about colleagues’ areas of scholarship, so if you would like to share what you’re working on, the Newsletter will welcome descriptions of your research and recent or upcoming presentations, publications, performances, and creative achievements of all kinds.