Institutional priorities for the Self-Study were developed in consultation with the College’s Executive Leadership, Academic Affairs Division, and the Self-Study Steering Committee at three separate workshops held during the fall 2024 semester.
At these meetings, facilitated by the members of the Self-Study Core Team, participants were asked to describe the College’s current strengths and weaknesses and to identify its most salient opportunities, and threats in the near future. This so-called “SWOT” analysis was used to help formulate the following four institutional priorities.
| Priority | Description |
|---|---|
Priority 1 |
Foster student success and expand access through improved retention and graduation rates, and increased enrollment of diverse student populationsThe College seeks to reverse the downward trend in retention and graduation rates by promoting student engagement, successful behaviors, and holistic support. At the same time, we aim to address enrollment challenges by enhancing recruitment efforts, developing new programs, and strategically marketing to diverse student populations, including online learners, older adults, and individuals re-entering higher education. These efforts are vital to advancing the College’s mission to improve social mobility and support our students’ diverse needs. |
Priority 2 |
Strengthen academic programs and workforce development initiativesThe College is developing its second Academic Master Plan (AMP 2.0). Through this effort, we will identify and accelerate curricular and programmatic improvements aligned with educational and employment trends, ensuring our academic and workforce development offerings meet the evolving needs of students and the surrounding community. |
Priority 3 |
Enhance institutional effectiveness through streamlined student services, increased faculty and staff development, improvements in college operations, and the physical environmentThe College aims to leverage technology, data, and human resources to support strategic priorities, improve communication, increase organizational efficiencies, and create a more seamless and supportive experience for students. |
Priority 4 |
Elevate the student experience to foster engagement, belonging, and successRecognizing many of our students’ educational and economic challenges, BCC is committed to creating a supportive and empowering student experience essential for academic success. The College prioritizes providing comprehensive resources through its student affairs areas, including academic support, career services, disability services, personal counseling, and other initiatives that promote engagement, well-being, and a sense of belonging. |
Alignment of Priorities
Alignment of Institutional Priorities with BCC’S Strategic Plan: 2020-2025
Despite nearly five years having passed between adoption of the College’s strategic plan the priorities identified by the groups are nearly identical to the goals articulated in the College’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, which suggests that there is strong agreement on the College’s path forward.
| Priority 1 | Priority 2 | Priority 3 | Priority 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal 1 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Goal 2 | ✓ | |||
| Goal 3 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Alignment of Institutional Priorities with MSCHE Standards
The four priorities are also closely aligned with the Middle States Commission’s seven Standards for Accreditation as indicated in the table.
| Priority 1 | Priority 2 | Priority 3 | Priority 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard I | ✓ | |||
| Standard II | ||||
| Standard III | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Standard IV | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Standard V | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Standard VI | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Standard VII | ✓ | ✓ |
Alignment of Institutional Priorities with BCC’S Mission Statement
The priorities also align closely with the College’s mission statement, which was updated in 2019 following BCC’s last re-accreditation. The College’s mission reads, “BCC prepares, inspires and empowers our richly diverse student body with a quality educational experience that facilitates social mobility, lifelong learning and engaged citizenship.”
| Mission Statement Element | Priority 1 | Priority 2 | Priority 3 | Priority 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare, Inspire, Empower | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Quality Educational Experiences | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Social Mobility | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Lifelong Learning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Engaged Citizenship | ✓ | ✓ |
