New and Improved Campus Renovations  

Following months of campus-wide listening sessions with a wide swath of campus stakeholders to strengthen campus spirit, collaboration, and sense of belonging, President Johnson generated several lists, one of which included facility updates. Everyone at Guttman knows that the ways we use our space is vital to each goal we pursue—and first among them is augmenting the student experience. Dr. J. asked Facilities Planning Director Shirley Law and her team to focus the summer months on the following budget-friendly changes with an August 23 completion:

• Create a more welcoming environment for students: Fresh paint with Guttman colors in classrooms, all hallways and staircases, new signage and seating nooks.  

• Create an academic environment in the Library and Academic Success Center that promotes individual work and quiet space: Created new reception desk and reading area by the entrance, repainted and rearranged furniture. 



• Enhance informal student gathering areas on the Lower Level to create more space and better flow between activities: Reconstructed student lounge and game room to become one large welcoming space, built a pantry for students to get to food more conveniently. 

Further enhancements this year will aim to improve Information Technology Classrooms for industry-ready networking and cybersecurity graduates. Department Chairs and the Academic Technology Committee are planning updates to non-IT classrooms as well.

First Cohort of Cybersecurity Certificate Program Underway 

Guttman’s new Cybersecurity Certificate Program, in concert with Henry Street Settlement, welcomed the first cohort of 28 evening and weekend students on August 28 in a pinning ceremony at the start of Summer Bridge. “Henry Street has been a terrific partner, helping to recruit students and supporting them in their enrollment journey. Adults and out-of-school youth don’t have access to a guidance counselor, so Henry Street’s wonderful team has been able to help individuals matriculate into the college,” said Interim Dean of Academic Innovation and Career Success Curtis Dann-Messier.  

The Cybersecurity Certificate cohort began their Bridge experience at Guttman South, then continued their onboarding at Henry Street Settlement on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, where they delved into community-building activities, foundational reading and writing, computer literacy assessment, and fall schedule details. They engaged in shared institutional experiences, focusing on math, computer basics, and hybrid learning skills. Online, they explored career preparation, portfolio building, virtual classroom navigation, motivational and logistical details.  

In their 1-year hybrid asynchronous undergraduate certificate program taught by Guttman Information Technology professors, students can attain up to 33 transferrable credits with access to holistic and career development services to support their completion. The program also introduces participants to New York City Cybersecurity employer partners and prepares students to test for industry-recognized credentials (ITIL, Network +, Security+, CompTIA A+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), and CYSA+. Their first day of classes began Saturday, September 9 on Guttman’s campus.

Global Summer for Guttman Students and Faculty  

“Seeing the damage caused [by Category 5 hurricanes] and being able to help, even in a small way, felt important. My experience in Tortola and Anegada reinforced my dedication to protecting coastal marine life,” said Guttman Science major Demi Uwechue. Read more.  

Guttman student Shenise Alexander’s summer in the Netherlands and France as a participant in the Emerson Scholars’ James Baldwin Writer's Colony was an amazing experience. “I worked and traveled with a very talented and intelligent group of writers and creatives who have inspired me in so many ways,” she said.

“We’re Here and We’re Growing!” Development and Grants

• Thanks to a generous—and anonymous—donor, Guttman received $50,000 to develop special programs with the United Men of Color and the Connect Center to empower students and remove obstacles toward their academic progress.

• Guttman’s Immigrant Success Initiative is receiving a grant up to $1600 from the TheDream.US to execute an inclusive career development-focused event on campus for immigrant students in partnership with the College’s Center for Career Preparation and Partnerships and John Jay’s Immigrant Success program.

• Dr. Kristina Baines received a Humanities NY Community Conversation $1000 Micro-Grant on Democracy and Public Health.

• $35,000 was received from the CUNY Office of Career and Industry Partnerships.



• An anonymous donor gifted $28,571 for current use scholarships.

Summer Bridge and Convocation

“Remember we are here for you, with you, and because of you. Let your voice be heard. We’ll be here to listen,” Dr. Alia Tyner-Mullings, Humanities and Social Sciences Department Chair, assured the 431 incoming First-Year students at the September 6 Convocation held at 9 a.m. in Bryant Park. The Vincent Bohanan & SOV Choir and a Drumline performance by New York Alliance performed for the incoming class following their completion of Summer Bridge. 

The Bridge experience ran Monday August 28 until Thursday August 31. “This year was the first that we enrolled students on the spot and six percent of students completed Bridge online,” said Director of Advising & Transfer Support Vicki Romero. Incoming students were introduced to Guttman’s academic expectations while learning strategies and skills needed to meet them. Participants explored their strengths and challenges and practiced academic and professional goal-setting. They interacted with Peer Leaders to gain practical guidance navigating campus resources, and wellness management support in juggling family, work and academic obligations. 

Students participated in faculty-facilitated workshops that focused on critical reading and investigating communities, utilizing Colson Whitehead’s "The Colossus of New York" as the common read. Students continued the theme of community in LaBSS class discussions moderated by Student Success Advisors discussing Guttman’s signature First Year Experience and learning communities while learning how to use platforms such as CUNYfirst, Blackboard and Starfish. Students also engaged in team-building and financial aid workshops hosted by Enrollment Management and Student Affairs staff.