Dear BMCC Community,
BMCC is inviting faculty, staff and students to serve as members in one of three focus area committees supporting this year’s review of proposals for funding from The President’s Fund for Excellence and Innovation (“The Fund”).
The Fund has been established through the generous and ground-breaking donation of philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott, in recognition and support of the exceptional mission and success of BMCC. The Fund will support and allow for strategic investment in innovative projects, initiatives, and programming that advance the College’s mission, moves BMCC towards realization of the vision, and honors Ms. Scott’s desire to focus on basic needs, equity and inclusion, economic mobility, and support for the demographic population served by BMCC/ minoritized communities. Proposals can be submitted by following the two-step process outlined on the Fund’s website.
The three committees described below will review proposals in three areas of focus, and will recommend for funding those they determine best support the donor’s intent, the College’s mission and on-going efforts to increase student success and retention.
Our goal is to assure participation in this process across the college and to include all constituents. Individuals who wish to express interest in serving as a member of a committee must FILL OUT THIS FORM by no later than April 9.
COMMITTEES
Teaching and Curriculum Initiatives (co-chaired by Jim Berg, Associate Dean of Faculty, and faculty or staff co-chair T/B/D)
- Guidelines for proposals: The committee’s goal is to develop instructional practices aimed at advancing transformational learning, encouraging innovation and improving retention. Proposals submitted to this committee should support the creation of new teaching and learning materials and strategies, professional development, implementation of educational innovations, and pedagogical research. Proposals which link credit with adult education courses and utilize evidence-based practices are especially welcomed. For the current funding cycle an estimated $300,000 has been set aside with average award expected to be $50,000.
Transformational Student Support (co-chaired by Michael Hutmaker, Dean for Student Affairs, and faculty or staff co-chair T/B/D)
- Guidelines for proposals: The committee’s goal is to unlock creative and imaginative ideas that address significant problems that impact or challenge BMCC students, both inside and outside the classroom. Proposals submitted to this committee should support innovative projects, initiatives, and programming that are aligned with the BMCC Strategic Plan and promote co-curricular experience, including leadership, undergraduate research, community-engaged learning, study abroad, internships, and entrepreneurship. For the current funding cycle an estimated $300,000 has been set aside with average award expected to be $60,000.
Innovative Programs (co-chaired by Christopher Shults, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning, and faculty or staff co-chair T/B/D)
- Guidelines for proposals: Innovative Programs is a seed-grant program designed to further BMCC’s Strategic Planning initiatives and to promote creative and innovative support and programming. Proposals submitted to this committee should support the College’s mission, vision, and values, and should think “boldly” in formulating activities designed to increase student access and success. Proposals that include strategies to sustain, replicate, and scale these innovations across disciplines and throughout the college are especially welcome. A maximum of $125,000 will be made for each award during the 21-22 Academic Year.
Our goal is to assure that the committees include representation of BMCC faculty, staff and students. We encourage participation across the college and from all levels. Special consideration will be given to those who express interest in this way.
College Council will be voting to identify two members they recommend be on each committee. Their voting will be done through an electronic ballot which will be emailed in the near future. The committee chairs will identify the remaining members of the committees. Each of the three review committees will include a minimum of two faculty and two staff members.
We appreciate your continued interest and enthusiasm on this important initiative.
Sincerely,
Anthony E. Munroe
President, Borough of Manhattan Community College
