Tansey Topics: A weekly look at what's happening at BCCC | Eastern North Carolina Now

    After being closed for the snow last week, the students, faculty, staff and leaders at Beaufort County Community College have been very busy trying to catch up on their work this week. And there has been a "flurry" of activity. Of particular note is Tuesday's meeting of the BCCC Board of Trustees which saw action on a number of issues of interest to the BCCC family. The board unanimously approved new language for Campus Watch and a Campus Sexual Violence Act Policy. The new Campus Watch language stipulates that anyone who believes they are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or other similar activity should contact Campus Police or the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. For exact wording, consult the Student Handbook and the Policy and Procedure Manual. The Campus Sexual Violence Act Policy was adopted so the college will comply with the new Violence Against Women Act. It is available for review in the Policy and Procedures Manual. To access the manual, go to the Handbooks, Manuals, Plans and Guides page on the BCCC website and click on the letter "P."

    Here's a quick look at just some of the activities this week at BCCC:

    Bereavement Procedure

    • BCCC has unfortunately experienced the death of two of its valuable employees this year. So that we can give recognition to all of our deceased employees in a dignified and equitable manner, BCCC has implemented a Bereavement Procedure that was approved January 27. The procedure calls for the lowering of the N.C. Community College flag, the planting of a tree in the employee's memory and other activities. The new procedure is available for review online in the Policy and Procedure Manual.

    BCCC Foundation News

    • Because of last week's snow, the January 30 meeting of the BCCC Foundation Board of Directors was rescheduled for Tuesday, February 18. For information about the agenda, contact Foundation Director Judy Jennette at 940-6326.

    • The snowfall also affected the deadline for faculty nominations for BCCC Ambassadors for the 2014-2015 Academic Year. Originally set for Friday, February 8, the new deadline is Friday, February 14. Those selected as Ambassadors will receive a one-year tuition scholarship and will help the college market its programs and services. To be considered for the program, students must be nominated by a faculty member and meet the following minimum qualifications: A high level of commitment to BCCC; a neat appearance and outgoing personality; good verbal communication and presentation skills; poise and ability to make a positive first impression; scheduling flexibility, and have their own transportation. Ambassadors are expected to have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher at the time of nomination and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better each semester they serve as Ambassadors. For more information about the Ambassador program, interested persons can contact Marcia Norwood in the BCCC Foundation office at 940-6218 or by email at arcian@beaufortccc.edu.

    • A Saturday, February 22, trip to see Book of Mormon at the Durham Performing Arts Center is proving very popular and only a very limited number of seats may be available. The group will depart the BCCC parking lot at 9 a.m., have lunch at The Palace International in Durham and attend a matinee performance of Book of Mormon before returning to BCCC at 7:30 p.m. The cost of the trip is $160. Please contact Judy at 940-6326 as soon as you can to see if any seats are available.

    Business and Industrial Technology

    • BCCC continues to search for a permanent solution to the loss of the Warren Field Airport for the driver training portion of our BLET classes. Our plan to use the airport in Plymouth was not approved by the agency that governs training of law enforcement officers so BLET Director Larry Barnes and Business and Industrial Technology Dean Ben Morris along with the BCCC Board of Trustees continue to work to address our BLET driver training needs.

    • Planning continues for Advanced Manufacturing Career Week at BCCC during the week of April 7 through 11. Among the events being planned are an Advanced Manufacturing Open House for current and prospective students and their parents, a Career Fair, industry tours by BCCC students and Free Day at BCCC, a chance for those interested in attending college to sample classes here at BCCC free of charge. Thanks to N.C. Advanced Manufacturing Alliance Coordinator Darwin Richards and NCAMA Recruiter Juanita Gardner and their team for organizing this outreach.

    Continuing Education

    • BCCC is beginning a new Basic Skills Class at the Beaufort County Educational Technology Center on Bridge Street in cooperation with the Beaufort County Schools. Orientation and assessments will begin Monday, February 17. The class will meet 8:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The new class is intended to serve those who live in the area and would like to take the classes but don't have transportation to the college. Thanks to Vice President of Continuing Education Chet Jarman, Director of Basic Skills Tony Taylor and their teams for their work on this project.

    • BCCC's own Steve Taylor, director of Fire and EMS Training Programs, was one of four individuals chosen by the Prehospital Care Research Forum at UCLA to give both an oral and poster presentation at the annual EMS Today Conference earlier this week in Washington, D. C. Congratulations to Steve on this honor.

    Great Eight Late-Start Classes

    • Registration is scheduled to begin Monday, February 24, and continue through Monday, March 10 for several eight-week classes that will give those interested in enrolling in college or those who would like to add an additional class a chance to do so. And about 80 percent of these eight-week courses are available online as part of BCCC's continuing effort to serve those students who live at a distance from the college. The eight-week classes begin Tuesday, March 11. Thanks to Vice President of Academics Crystal Ange and her team for putting together this selection of classes.

    Student Services:

    • Twelve BCCC students were the first to be recognized as "BCCC's Best in a ceremony on the college campus this week. Congratulations to Travis Ambrose, Matthew Anderson, Tyler Campbell, Millie Ebron, James E. Jones and Francino Shelton of Washington; Trina Cobb and Lisa Whitley of Chocowinity; Daniel Garza and Nicholas McKey of Columbia; Savannah Equils of Swan Quarter, and Jesse King of Greenville who were recognized for their motivation. Thanks to Vice President of Student Services Rick Anderson, Director of Counseling Kimberly Jackson and their team for their work on this program.

    • Planning continues for Gullfest, a new event at Beaufort County Community College, to be held outdoors on the BCCC campus Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to local vendors, the event will include live music by local performers, a live broadcast by 103.3 radio station, a car show sponsored by the BCCC Automotive Club, a Little Gulls Zone for children, a paintball competition, and other activities. Student groups are being encouraged to participate by holding fund-raising events during the festival. For more information about Gullfest, contact Student Activities Coordinator Theresa Edwards at 940-6217.

    Personnel and Personal Notes

    • Congratulations to Director of Business and Industry Services Lentz Stowe who was named Community Leader of the Year at the Washington/Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet this week. Chamber Director Catherine Glover referred to Lentz as "the consummate professional and a team player." Lentz is active with the Beaufort County Economic Development Council and works bring free workshops and seminars and counseling to prospective and current business owners. He was cited earlier this year for his award-winning work with the owners of a new Creswell restaurant.

    • Congratulations also go to Educational Media and Graphics Services Coordinator Tricia Woolard who, along with her daughter, Landis, were named Entrepreneur of the Year in the name of their business, Cottage Junkies.

    • Thanks to all the BCCC faculty who have transitioned to the use of Blackboard for use in making up class time missed due to the recent snows. I'm sure your students will appreciate your willingness to use technology in this manner when it's time for Spring Break that, otherwise, would have been canceled.

    • I am sorry to announce the retirement effective June 1 of Lead Developmental Education Instructor Dell Eneks but I know that Dell is looking forward to spending more time with her new puppy Sofi, who recently graduated from puppy training. I am also sorry to announce the departure in March of Counselor Caroline Hill, who has accepted a position at East Carolina University. I wish Caroline well in her new endeavors and know she will be successful wherever she goes! Finally, the entire BCCC family expresses condolences to BCCC Foundation Board member Floyd Brothers on the recent death of his wife, Muriel.

    And in the coming weeks, watch for the following:

   •  February 10 and 11  -  Study Abroad Silent Auction Fundraiser, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Student Lounge, Building 9.

   •  February 11  -  Financial Aid and Grant Workshop for TRIO/Student Support Services students, noon, Room 928, Building 9.

   •  February 18  -  BCCC Foundation Board of Directors, 11 a.m., Board Room, Building 10.

   •  February 13  -  Valentine's Day Social, sponsored by the Student Government Association. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Student Lounge, Building 9.

   •  February 13  -  BCCC Staff Association, 2:30 p.m., Library, Building 5.

   •  February 13  -  TRIO/Student Support Services trip to Greenville to see Driving Miss Daisy.

   •  February 21  -  TRIO/Student Support Services visit to Barton College in Wilson.

   •  February 22  -  FAFSA Day, financial aid counseling, 9 a.m. to noon, Room 927, Building 9.

   •  February 22  -  BCCC Foundation trip to see Book of Mormon at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

   •  February 24  -  Allied Health Programs Information Session for Medical Laboratory Technology, noon, Room 1204/06, Building 12.

   •  February 25  -  Clickers in the Classroom presentation by Dr. Bethann Fine of East Carolina University, noon to 12:50 p.m., Auditorium, Building 12. Sponsored by the Faculty Senate.

   •  February 25  -  Student Government Association meeting, noon, Student Lounge, Building 9.

   •  February 27  -  Breaking Every Chain, Black History Month celebration, 6 p.m., Multi-purpose Room, Building 10.