Notes from the President

Feb 1, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

This February, Bellevue College celebrates Black History Month, a time to honor the rich heritage of the Black and African American community, and the many contributions they have made to our society. At the same time, we must also recognize the significant, life-threatening challenges they continue to face as the result of systemic racism. The brutal murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of police officers on January 7 is just the latest incident that demonstrates we have not done enough to ensure that our Black friends, colleagues, family, and community members are safe during a traffic stop, in their home, or even jogging in the street, and that the culture within police departments—across all racial and ethnic groups—needs reform.

I strongly encourage everyone to participate in upcoming Black History Month events, including the Opening Day program, Resiliency: Empowerment of Black Women in History and Now, today at noon. Students are also invited to Black Hockey History Night at the Climate Pledge Arena on Feb. 18 (tickets are limited so they need to register no later than Feb. 6). Our Library Media Center has compiled a wonderful collection of books and graphic novels to explore, and more information and events centered around Black History Month can be found at blackhistorymonth.gov. Thanks to all our campus members, departments, and organizations who have worked hard to create these events and resources.

Updates

Enjoy the Jazz Festival

The BC Music Department is hosting the 25th Annual Jazz Band Festival on February 3-4, 2023 where there will be 40 middle school, high school, and college jazz bands and combos. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the Music Department website.

Participate in Campus Community Day on February 7

The day will focus on the important topic of emergency preparedness and attendees will have the opportunity to attend workshops and training sessions to learn about various types of emergency situations and gain knowledge on what to do and not do in an emergency. You can learn more at the College-Wide Events SharePoint site.

Promote Discovery Day

BC will host Discovery Day on February 11 from 10 am to 2 pm, an open house event for current and prospective students, parents, and community members who are interested in exploring BC’s programs and services. The last Discovery Day brought over 300 attendees, so we are eager to build off that momentum!

Upcoming Save the Dates

Mark Your Calendars for the Year End Celebration

The Year End Employee Celebration & Excellence Awards will be held Wednesday, June 7 at 3 PM. This event is a time when faculty and staff gather and recognize employment milestones of our colleagues and celebrate the winners of the 2023 BC Faculty & Staff Excellence Awards.

Save the Date for Commencement

BC will celebrate Commencement on Friday, June 23, 2023 at T-Mobile Park. The ceremony will be livestreamed for those unable to participate in-person and so family and friends anywhere in the world can enjoy this special moment.

Kudos

CARE Team

Thank you to the members of the CARE Team for your thoughtful approach to promoting the safety and well-being of our BC campus community. The Concern, Assistance, Resources, and Empowerment (CARE) Team is a multidisciplinary committee made up of designees from departments across campus who are “dedicated to a proactive, coordinated approach to the identification, prevention, assessment, management and reduction of interpersonal or behavioral threats to the safety and well-being of Bellevue College students, faculty, staff and visitors.” If you are concerned about someone who may be struggling with academic or personal concerns, submit a CARE Report online.

Final Thoughts

In reflecting on this first month of the new year, it is hard not to think of the impact of having students back on campus. We are seeing them walking to class, engaging in labs, participating in clubs, and of course, attending events. It was so meaningful to have the huge number of students present for our celebratory gala back in early January. Students dressed up and filled tables, spoke with donors and invitees, volunteered during the event and danced the night away at the after party. From start to finish, our students truly represented the very best of Bellevue College and reminded all of us why we choose to work here.

Gary Locke

Interim President

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Notes from the President

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Interim President these past three years. As I said at the Year-End Celebration, I never saw my interim position as a placeholder—to hold down the fort—but rather to help bring some stability to the campus, accelerate change, and to help reset the table for the next president. Working with so many dedicated and passionate staff and faculty, we have accomplished a lot. From the Online Excellence Teaching Academy; two pride crosswalks; an outdoor art corridor highlighting diversity and social justice; stabilized and now growing enrollments; strong college finances; funding for a new W building; increased diversity of students, faculty and staff; to finally integrating and operationalizing Guided Pathways and Achieving the Dream.

It has indeed been a great honor and a privilege.

Notes from the President

Dear Colleagues,

In case you haven’t heard yet, the Washington State Legislature’s budget for 2023-2024 approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for higher education employees. Both classified and exempt employees will receive a COLA of 4% on July 1, 2023 while full- and part-time faculty will receive COLAs of 8.9% and 9.5%, respectively.