Michael Berends

This strategic plan outlines goals and objectives focused on three core areas: student success, community engagement, and institutional framework. It aims to provide equitable access to learning environments, enhance student goal attainment and employability, and foster community partnerships. Additionally, the plan seeks to optimize institutional resources, including facilities, technology, and staffing, while ensuring financial sustainability and a professional working environment.

The meeting commenced with the unanimous approval of the revised consent agenda, which included minutes from previous committee meetings and various reports (Student Government, AFSCME, AFT, and Faculty Senate). A former Board of Trustee Chair announced his resignation. Speakers from AFSCME Local 1870 and the BCCC Faculty Union expressed concerns regarding staff and faculty inclusion in discussions about a potential merger or combination with UBalt. The board reviewed procurements for informational purposes, including server hardware and anti-plagiarism software. Pre-approval was granted for Management Services with the International Rescue Committee, and subsequent approvals were given for a Facilities Master Plan, WDCE Books (retroactive), Banner Annual Renewal Maintenance Software, and Argos Licenses. Financial reports indicated an increase in credit tuition revenue but a decrease in non-credit tuition, with overall revenues up due to restricted capital funds. An institutional advising model was discussed, focusing on mandatory first-year advisement and milestone-based meetings to address current long wait times. The CIO provided updates on IT infrastructure improvements, disaster recovery progress, and Banner system configuration for payroll and finance modules. Preliminary framework for Strategic Planning was presented, detailing goals, subgoals, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to be tracked via the Strategic Planning Online Platform (SPOL), emphasizing transparency. Finally, the Board approved Vice Chair Ward to receive training regarding the Open Meetings Act before moving to a closed session.

The Finance Committee open session agenda included action items for the approval of the current agenda and the minutes from the June 28, 2016 meeting. New business focused on informational updates, specifically the Financial and Budgetary Update, the BCCC 2nd Quarter YTD Financial Statements, Bookstore 2nd Quarter YTD Financial Statements, WBJC 2nd Quarter YTD Financial Statements, and the Fund Balance Update. The forward-looking calendar outlined future action items concerning quarterly financial statements, mid-year budget realignment, tuition and fee analysis, and operating/capital budget request overviews.

The Open Session Agenda for the meeting included the adoption of the agenda and consideration of several Board Actions/Consent Agenda items, such as the approval of minutes from previous Open Session, Closed Session, and Finance/Audit Committee meetings, as well as reports from the Student Government Association and various employee unions. New Business featured informational items on procurements between $25,000 and $99,999, specifically concerning Pest Control services and an HVAC Unit Rental Change Order, and a vote on pre-approval for HR Recruitment Software exceeding $100,000. A financial update was also presented. The meeting included presentations on the Enrollment Report and the Information Technology Report, followed by the President's Report which previewed the preliminary framework for Strategic Planning.

The meeting commenced with the unanimous approval of the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings and reports from constituent groups. The Board formally welcomed a new Trustee. A significant discussion centered on preliminary explorations regarding a potential collaboration or merger between BCCC and the University of Baltimore, with the Chairman clarifying that BCCC would remain independent and collective bargaining rights would be unaffected. Faculty expressed concerns about being blindsided by media reports on this matter. Procurement items included the unanimous approval of a four-year sole source contract for TouchNet software and the renewal of a sole source contract with ECSI for financial services including refunds and student statements. The monthly financial performance report indicated stable finances with offsetting changes in credit and non-credit revenue. The Board unanimously adopted a new policy regarding Immigration Enforcement at BCCC, as required by state legislation. Reports were provided on transfer data, with plans to launch a Strategic Transfer Excellence Plan in January 2026, and the introduction of dual enrollment developmental courses in English, Math, and Science starting in the spring. Updates were also given on Information Technology and the President's Report, before the Board moved into closed session to discuss personnel matters, legal advice, litigation strategy, and collective bargaining.