Tansey Topics: A Weekly Look At What's Happening At BCCC | Eastern North Carolina Now

    As an update on the recent discussions regarding the state community college system budget for 2015-2016, I received an email from a fellow community college president following the recent State Community College Board retreat. As expected, the state board revised the recommendations made by the college presidents in response to the Office of State Budget and Management. The state board directed the system office to respond with a letter indicating that it does not support any cuts to the system and recommended that any resources created by the recommended options be re-invested in the community colleges to address salary issues. However, as a result of their discussion, the response to the OSBM request to reduce the system budget by $20.8 million will include several options. The state board is recommending a tuition increase of $3 per credit hour, as compared to the $1.50 increase recommended by the presidents. It recommends eliminating funds for the botanical lab, reducing funds for categoricals not identified as top priorities by the presidents and elimination of Small Business Center funds as a last resort. As I said last week, this response is only the beginning of a long process that will continue when the General Assembly convenes in January. I will continue to keep you up to date with news regarding the budget as it becomes available.


    Here's a look at other BCCC events happening on campus and in the community:

• Don't forget! Open enrollment ends today for participants in the State Health Plan and N.C. Flex. This is your chance to elect new benefits or drop others.

• Ten BCCC students were recognized as "BCCC's Best" earlier this week. The students were cited for their dependability in school or in life. Congratulations to Erica Burke, William Cherry, Jackson Lancaster, Christopher Reid and Jennifer Waters of Washington; Catherine Spring of Belhaven: Lilani Masters of Chocowinity; Daniel Garza Salazar of Columbia; Chase Carawan of Swan Quarter, and LaLether Shepard of Vanceboro. Next month's character trait is "inquisitive" or someone who demonstrates a natural desire to learn and seeks information for their own benefit. The nomination deadline, is Tuesday, November 18 with the recognition ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, November 25. Thanks to Vice President of Student Services Rick Anderson and Director of Counseling Kimberly Jackson for developing this project to honor our students!

• In news regarding the Digital Sign Campaign, Foundation Director Judy Jennette reports that $52,198.32 in donations and pledges has been received, over 60 percent of the way towards the final goal! To make a donation, contact Judy at 252-940-6326.

• Seven BCCC students have been awarded a scholarship established earlier this year by the State Employees' Credit Union Foundation to fund studies by those in short-term training programs. Chosen for the award are Elizabeth B. Baucom, Shermika R. Hughey, Nakia Johnson, Precious Johnson, Marissa N. Jones, Robin Lutz and Marisol Wade. The scholarships are intended to remove financial barriers for students seeking to gain new or upgrade current job-related skills. I thank the SECU Foundation for establishing this scholarship as well as the Division of Continuing Education's Healthcare Programs Coordinator Sue Gurley for overseeing this scholarship.

• Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society has recently elected its officers for the 2014-2015 Academic Year and has begun planning events. Lorri Moree of Bath will serve as President of the organization. She will be joined by are Cameron D. Sparrow of Chocowinity, vice president; Miriam Lamb, secretary; Anthony D. Burton, treasurer, and Norlina Kelly, historian/reporter. The group has begun a food drive for Eagle's Wings, a local food pantry. Non-perishable food items are being collected through Monday, November 17, at drop-off sites in Buildings 9, 11 and 12. Let's all support this worthwhile effort to aid those of us who need food assistance.

• Stacy Drakeford, director of Police and Fire Services for the City of Washington, has made me aware of a scam that is making the rounds in town. Some local residents have received telephone calls indicating that their children or grandchilden have been arrested. If you receive a telephone call requesting bail money for these individuals, Stacy recommends that you verify the information or hang up. You are asked to call 252-946-2144 and the police department will quickly confirm whether the telephone call is legitimate.

• Registration for Spring Semester 2015 continues through Friday, November 7. Spring 2015 Semester begins Wednesday, January 7.

• BCCC's Travel/Study Group got a first-hand account of Belize history and culture this week when Belize resident Randy Marfield visited the campus and gave a presentation to the group and to other faculty and staff. Randy stayed after the session to answer questions and meet members of the travel group. The group is planning to visit Belize in May. For more information about the trip, contact Study Abroad Program Advisor Suzanne Stotesbury at 252-940-6339 or by email at suzannes@beaufortccc.edu.

• Congratulations to LaLether Shepard of Vanceboro. LaLether won the Open House raffle of a $1,500 scholarship at BCCC. LaLether is a student in our Human Services Technology Program who plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Thanks very much to Open House Chairman Jay Sullivan and Co-Chairman Sara Singleton for their work on the event and this scholarship raffle.
• Congratulations also to students Lorri Moree and Cameron Sparrow. The two were elected to statewide offices at a recent Gamma Beta Phi conference. Lorri will serve as North Carolina/Virginia President of Financial Affairs. Cameron will serve as North Carolina/Virginia Vice President.
• Finally, congratulations to two individuals with ties to BCCC who received good news this week. BCCC graduate Michael Cobb was accepted into the master's of chemistry program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. After earning his bachelor's degree, Michael returned to BCCC this semester as a peer tutor. Hayley Stowe, daughter of Business and Industry Services Director Lentz Stowe has been accepted into the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

November 4	Election Day!
November 4	Gamma Beta Phi, meeting, noon, Room 1220, Building 12.
November 4	Men of Success, meeting, noon, Room 112, Building 1.
November 4	Professional Development - Using Interactive Whiteboards in Instruction, noon, Room 104, Building 1.
November 4	Faculty Senate Executive Council, meeting, noon, Conference Room, Building 12.
November 7	Division of Student Services, meeting, 8:30 a.m., Room 928, Building 9. November 10 – Veteran’s Breakfast, 9 a.m., Student Lounge, Building 9.
November 11	Holiday.
November 13	Registration Retreat Work Group meeting, 2 p.m., Room 104, Building 1.
November 14	Last day to withdraw from Fall Semester without grade penalty.
November 14	Division of Student Services meeting, 8:30 a.m., Room 928, Building 9.
November 15	Chowan University Open House for students served by TRiO/Student Support Services. Depart from BCCC at 7:45 a.m.
November 18	Professional Development - How to Take Total Advantage of Blackboard, noon, Room 104, Building 1.
November 19	Gullfest Team, meeting, 2 p.m., Core Team; 3 p.m., Leaders Team, Board Room, Building 10.