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Dear BSC Community,
I want to thank the many students, alumni, faculty, staff, and parents who shared stories of their BSC experience on social media, in letters to the editor, and in op-eds throughout January. Those deeply meaningful stories have helped keep BSC in the spotlight as we have worked to secure bridge funding for the College.
Those efforts continue daily — even hourly — and have been encouraging enough to keep us moving forward with the plan. While we all wish we had a final (and positive) answer by now, the simple truth is that when public funds are involved, there are many, many moving parts and decision-makers. So we are working closely with our allies in Montgomery and statewide, and we expect to know something more definitive by the time the Alabama Legislature convenes on March 7, if not before.
Frequently Asked Questions
In January, we shared these FAQs with students and parents via email, and they are also posted on our website. Starting next week, faculty will meet individually with students to help them prepare for the transfer process, should that be needed. Those meetings will begin with juniors, then sophomores, then first-year students. I know it is challenging to operate on parallel tracks — planning for next year at BSC while also developing a contingency plan in case the worst happens. Please be assured that students are our top priority, and that our faculty will be prepared to give them good information and wise counsel.
Make Your Voice Heard
On Monday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. CDT, Birmingham-Southern College’s Young Alumni Council will host a live webinar on how to effectively advocate with elected officials for the causes you care about – including but not limited to BSC. The event will be led by two members of U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell’s congressional office staff: Chief of Staff Hillary Beard ’12 and Legislative Coordinator Robyn Gulley ’20. The webinar is open to BSC students, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff, and will provide real-world information on what works (and what doesn’t work) when communicating with elected officials. To register, click here. (Lecture & Arts credit will be available for students who sign in, stay until the end, and provide their student ID when they register.)
Moving Forward
Until we know more, we will operate as usual. We will compete in the SAA Conference Swimming and Diving championship next week, and I am preparing to jump in the pool again when our teams win. In pre-season conference polls, our baseball team is ranked first and our softball team is ranked second. We continue to host visits by prospective students and will hold our annual distinguished scholarship day on Feb. 11. As of today, Birmingham-Southern College has experienced great demand, with both our application and admitted student numbers at a five-year high. Applications have experienced a 25 percent growth and admitted students are tracking a 33 percent growth since the same point in time last year. Over the past four years, the College has consistently experienced growth in both metrics.
Thank you again for your loyalty to BSC, and for your efforts to keep the College visible while we press on with our plan. We will continue to keep you informed as news develops.
Forward, Ever!
Daniel B. Coleman
President
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