Ray Bartholomew

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.

The meeting included standing committee reports and updates from the Campus Life and Student issues, Technology, Facilities and Security, and Budget Committees. Discussions covered student lounge spaces, cafeteria use, email centralization, Blackboard replacement, helpdesk response times, and Cleared4 issues. The President's report addressed enrollment reductions, retention strategies, and support services for students. New business included a proposal to celebrate BMCC personnel. The budget committee presented the financial plan, enrollment levels, and projected losses, focusing on increasing new students, retention, and efficient resource use.

The College Council meeting included updates on standing committees such as Campus Life & Student Issues, Technology, Facilities & Security, and Budget. The President's Report highlighted a significant increase in applications and accepted students for Spring 2026, as well as increased registrations and attendance at the Fall 2025 Open House. Enrollment data as of October 17, 2025, showed an increase in both total headcount and FTE. Preliminary budget adjustments for FY 2026 were discussed, including enrollment increases and personnel requests. Academic Affairs covered progress report dates and critical dates for Fall 2025, the impact of positive feedback and academic support services on student re-enrollment, and the Five Pillars of CUNY Beyond. Student Affairs addressed federal funding for the CCAMPIS grant and the Conexiones program, an affordable meal program, ELIC applications, and housing supported by Trinity. The LGBTQIA+ events for October were promoted. Multifactor Authentication (MFA) enablement for CUNY systems was announced. Institutional Advancement reported on FY26 cash contributions and the postponement of the BMCC Foundation Scholarship Gala. Recent grant awards were announced by the Office of Sponsored Programs. Updates on the Middle States Self Study were shared.

The meeting included updates from various standing committees, including the Campus Life and Student Issues Committee, the Technology Committee, the Facilities and Security Committee, and the Budget Committee. The President's report highlighted BMCC's large enrollment, faculty hiring processes, campus safety, student support services, budget details, library redesign, career pathways, student completion rates, evening student support, international student enrollment, and multifactor authentication. Academic Affairs discussed academic progress report dates, Navigate Journeys, CUNY Beyond, religious accommodations, and support for students unsure about coming to campus. Student Affairs announced the opening of the Elizabeth Margaritis Butson Women's Center and The Center Belonging and Inclusion, and the Student Services Super Fair. The Information Resource Technology department reported on computer updates and Multifactor Authentication enablement. The Office of Sponsored Programs highlighted recent awards and a webinar on federal grants. The Middle States Self Study has begun, with working groups, town halls, and student charrettes planned.