Emmanuel Awuah

The meeting agenda for the business session included constituent reports from Faculty, Foundation, Student, Classified, and College Assembly representatives, followed by a public comment period. Key discussion items featured a Program Highlight on International Education and Global Initiatives, which ranks 12th nationally for international student enrollment among associate degree-granting institutions. First Reads covered the recommendation for tenure appointments for six faculty candidates, the proposed 2026-2027 Board Meeting Dates, and the revision of Policy 4000 (Community Care and Institutional Inclusion) with the deletion of Policy 4050 (Cultural Pluralism Policy). Action items involved the revision of Policy 2050 and WAC 132H-126 (Student Conduct Code) and the revision of Policy 2200 (Admission). Quarterly reports were presented on Enrollment and Finance & Budget. The Board also planned to convene in executive session to review public employee performance and discuss litigation with legal counsel.

The primary focus of the business session was the Action items related to the 2025-2026 College Budget, which is recommended for approval on December 10, 2025. Other action items included revisions to WAC 132H-160 (Admissions, Registration, Graduation, and Tuition and Fee Waivers), Policy 1200 (Vision, Core Values, and Mission), Policy 1300 (College Planning), and multiple policies related to electronic communications and security. Additionally, the board addressed an off-cycle tenure request. The First Read agenda included revisions to Policy 2200 (Admissions) and Policy 2050/WAC 132H-126 (Student Conduct Code). Reports included updates from the President and the Board Chair, as well as constituent reports from College Assembly, Faculty, Foundation, and Student government regarding contract ratification, budget cuts impact, scholarship awards, and student governance initiatives. The board convened in Executive Session to review the performance of a public employee and discuss litigation with legal counsel.

The agenda for this regular meeting includes the approval of the agenda itself and public comments from students, faculty, staff, and community members. The board is scheduled to convene in executive session to discuss litigation or potential litigation with legal counsel. Subsequent business session topics include Accreditation, Introduction of Vice President Sean Marsh, and External Partnerships. The afternoon session includes discussions on Budget and Finance, and Board Policy & Governance Manual.

The regular business session included constituent reports covering several critical areas. The Classified report noted the ratification of the 2026 Contract, concerns over staff morale due to layoffs and bumping, and the need for collaboration. The College Assembly report detailed subgroup work on compensation, budget impact assessment, and campus improvements like wayfinding. The Faculty report expressed concerns regarding the college's capacity to implement upcoming changes without disruption, issues with budget consultation processes (specifically noting the Budget Review Advisory Committee (BRAC) was not consulted), and requested the suspension of Policy 7110. The Foundation report highlighted the arrival of the new VP of Institutional Advancement, anticipated awarding of over $850,000 in scholarships, and the launch of a sponsorship campaign for the 60th anniversary. The Student report detailed progress on committee staffing, the release of the Fall 2025 Course Material Voucher Program, and efforts to advocate for student needs during the legislative session. Discussions during the First Read section involved recommending a faculty member for tenure, revisions to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) concerning admissions and fees, and updates to policies on Vision, Core Values, Mission, College Planning, Community Care and Institutional Inclusion, and electronic communications/accessibility. Action items included approving interim revisions to the Student Conduct Code, and revisions to policies regarding Ethical Conduct and College Property Use. Quarterly reports provided enrollment figures for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025, noting enrollment growth year-over-year despite some category lags. The President's report mentioned eligibility for the 2027 Aspen Prize, submission for Leader College of Distinction recognition, and upcoming agreements with Complexe Scolaire Bellevue and Western Washington University. The Board convened in executive session to review the performance of a public employee and discuss potential litigation.

The business session included constituent reports from various groups, followed by a public comment period dedicated to individual input. Key discussion items presented for a First Read included an Off-Cycle Tenure recommendation, and revisions to several policies: WAC 132H-160 (Admissions, Registration, Graduation, and Tuition and Fee Waivers), Policy 1200 (Vision, Core Values, and Mission), Policy 1300 (College Planning), Policy 4000 (Community Care and Institutional Inclusion) and the deletion of Policy 4050 (Cultural Pluralism Policy), and revisions to policies related to Electronic Communications, Digital Accessibility, Information and Data Security, and Security Breach Notification. The Action segment involved interim revisions to Policy 2050/WAC 132H-126 (Student Conduct Code) and revisions to Policy 4250 (Standards of Ethical Conduct, Conflict of Interest, Outside Employment and Activities) and Policy 6100 and WAC 132H-140 (College Property Use). Quarterly reports focused on Enrollment, and a significant portion of the meeting involved discussions regarding the Bellevue College 2026--2031 Strategic Plan. The board also received the President's Report. The agenda concluded with an executive session to review employee performance and discuss litigation/potential litigation, followed by adjournment.