Carlos Ruiz

The College Council meeting included reports from standing committees, the President's update on enrollment trends for the upcoming terms, and data on international student engagement and study abroad experiences. The budget update provided a review of FY 2026 figures, while the Academic Affairs report highlighted progress on Middle States accreditation and retention goals. Additionally, the Information Resource Technology team outlined an upcoming system migration schedule, and the Institutional Advancement office reported on recent fundraising success and upcoming community events.

The College Council meeting covered extensive updates across several departments. The President's report highlighted enrollment and admissions growth, including increases in applications and confirmed students, alongside details on recruitment events and the Reconnect Grant. International programs and academic initiatives were discussed, such as the New Brightspace Math Supplement Hub and preparations for Middle States accreditation. Student Affairs updates focused on the implementation of AI training modules for students and guidelines for Student Government Association elections. Information Resource Technology provided updates on infrastructure upgrades, IT service management tools, and the transition of student email accounts to a new CUNY-managed system. Institutional Advancement reported on current cash contributions and upcoming events like the scholarship gala and women's center dedication. Finally, the Sponsored Programs office reviewed year-to-date grant submissions and awards.

The meeting agenda included standing committee updates from Campus Life & Student Issues, Technology, Facilities & Security, and Budget Committees. The President's Report provided enrollment updates showing significant year-over-year increases in applications, admissions, and confirmations for the Spring 2026 funnel, alongside recruitment event summaries and college tour performance metrics. Enrollment data also indicated headcount and FTE increases for Spring and Summer 2026 terms, and a comparison of Fall enrollment projections. Budget discussions covered the projected FY2026 operating surplus/deficit. Academic Affairs reported on the status of the Middle States update and the implementation and outcomes of the faculty-raised "Never Attended" alert system for at-risk students. Student Affairs detailed updates on the Enhanced Learning in the Classroom (ELIC) applications, plans for the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 commemoration, changes to Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) emergency funding policy, and the provision of Reflection Rooms and Warming Spaces for housing insecure students. Information Resource Technology summarized updates on Adobe Enterprise Licensing centralization and preparation for the Student Technology Fee (STF) season. Institutional Advancement shared updates on FY26 cash contributions and upcoming foundation events.

The College Council meeting included the President's Report which detailed significant increases in Spring 2026 admissions funnel metrics, including total applications, freshmen applications, and transfer applications, despite a slight decrease in total accepted students. Enrollment data showed positive growth for Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 headcount and FTE compared to the previous year, although Winter 2026 headcount decreased due to Immersion program registration adjustments. Updates were provided on recruitment activities, including information sessions and campus tours. The Budget Committee section presented preliminary FY 2026 budget figures showing a projected operating deficit. Academic Affairs highlighted the success of the Women in STEM program, noting engagement statistics and upcoming events like Science Cafes and networking sessions, and provided an update on the Five Pillars of CUNY Beyond, including the Journey's pilot and initiatives for Career-Connected Learning. Student Affairs covered upcoming events such as Women's Herstory Month and the Career Fair, provided resources for students with immigration status concerns, affirmed commitment to religious accommodations, and detailed the streamlined reporting process for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity issues. Information Resource Technology reported on ongoing projects including the AI Student Insights & Data Lake and the Microsoft 365 Tenant Migration. Institutional Advancement noted current FY26 cash contributions and provided updates on the CUNY Tuesday Annual Fund Giving Campaign, alongside announcing the postponement of the BMCC Foundation Scholarship Gala. The Office of Sponsored Programs reported on recent grant awards from the Solon E. Summerfield Foundation and The Teagle Foundation.

The College Council meeting included updates from various standing committees such as Campus Life & Student Issues, Technology, Facilities & Security, and Budget. The President's Report highlighted enrollment statistics, including increases in applications and confirmations, along with updates on college tours and CBO/High School group visits. There was a FY 2026 budget update, discussion of academic affairs, including appointments, student attendance, and communication sent. Updates on the Five Pillars of CUNY Beyond were provided. Student Affairs discussed tuition waivers for winter classes, the State Farm Grant, ARC Food Pantry & Emergency Funds, and upcoming heritage months. Information Resource Technology covered CUNY MFA and cybersecurity training. Institutional Advancement reported on FY26 cash contributions, scholarships, and the postponement of the BMCC Foundation Scholarship Gala. The Office of Sponsored Programs noted awards received and upcoming deadlines.