Mr. Speaker,
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Bermuda College, I am pleased to table the 2023/24 annual report in accordance with section 8(2) of the Bermuda College Act 1974.
Mr. Speaker,
I would like to thank, the Chairman and Governors of the Bermuda College Board; the Interim President; the Acting Vice-President, Academic & Student Affairs; and all other contributors to the report.
Mr. Speaker,
Teaching and learning at the College level continues to evolve. Students began the previous academic year with a hybrid format and concluded the year with all in-person learning. All students started the 2023-2024 school year in-person, and as the College now has the infrastructure to support online learning when it is needed.
Grants, tuition and donated funds supported the learning of 552 students in 2023, including 304 full-time students and 248 part-time students (8). The College has identified lower enrolment as an ongoing challenge in the face of a decreasing youth population. The College continues to diversify programming and is focused on increasing non-traditional students and professional and career education through the APACE Division.
In 2023, there were 102 total graduates and I am pleased that 80% indicated that they would recommend Bermuda College to others.
Mr. Speaker, Other highlights from the financial year are:
1. The critical role of the Bermuda College Foundation (BCF), which provided $450,000 of grants, including:
a. $388,000 for the installation of solar panels
b. $47,000 for automotive technology and training, and
c. $7,500 for the aquaponics programme.
Their contributions continue to contribute to the funding of multi-purpose upgrades that will enhance the safety, functionality and overall positive campus experience for staff, students and other stakeholders.
The Starr Foundation gifted the Bermuda College $750,000 for the C.V. Starr Scholarship Fund, to grant Starr Foundation Awards. As per the audit report, “Given the creation of the Bermuda College Foundation to fundraise, administer, steward and distribute funds, in August 2023, the donor agreed to transfer the funds from the College to the BCF in October 2023” (11 of the audit report).
Mr. Speaker,
The College, BCF and student beneficiaries of the Starr Foundation Awards are extremely grateful for this generous donation, which will benefit countless students, and increase access to local post-secondary education.
Mr. Speaker,
The College continues to expand academic options for students, which is exemplified by new transfer pathway agreements with:
- Troy University in Alabama
- Kentucky State University, and
- Thomas College in Maine.
The College facilitated the availability of online nursing degrees at:
- The University of South Carolina Upstate,
- The University of Bridgewater in Connecticut, and
- Walden University.
Additional online degree programmes are being offered by Walden University such as degrees at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral level, plus degrees in public health, information technology, education, health sciences, counselling and psychology.
Other online programmes have been facilitated, such as:
- Risk management at Eastern Kentucky University
- Psychology at St. Mary’s University in Halifax
- Graduate degrees in business, educational technology and nutrition education at Framingham State University in Massachusetts
- Educational studies at the University of Ontario, and 3
- Programmes at Southern New Hampshire University.
These pathway agreements, also referred to as articulation agreements allow students to begin their studies more affordably at the Bermuda College before transferring credits to one of nearly 40 post-secondary institutions in Canada, the Caribbean, the US, or the UK.
Mr. Speaker,
Bermuda College students continue to benefit from a number of initiatives, including work experience and partnerships with external industry and non-profit partners.
A select group of students majoring in actuarial science, accounting and business, along with faculty, met with leading industry executives at the Insurance Linked Securities (ILS) conference at the Hamilton Princess. They were also partnered with mentors and granted internship opportunities, resulting in hands on experience in their future industries.
Computer Information System students graduated from the Technology Leadership Forum Internship Programme, where they developed practical skills and real-world experience in technology and leadership fields through participation in hands-on ICT projects, workshops, and leadership development activities.
During the 2023-2024 financial year, the College also continued to prepare for the next phase of accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Students participated in overseas clinical experiences during a two-week programme at Lahey Hospital and Medical Centre.
They also benefited from pro bono assistance by Terra Law, which helped them with the required paperwork.
Mr. Speaker,
A major resource for students is the Counselling and Career Centre (CCC), which offers various support services for students’ personal and professional development.
Despite challenges, largely as a result of a shift in their organizational structure, the CCC team worked together to achieve success in the delivery of their services for students.
This included a successful bid to the UK Government’s Turing Scheme that provides funding for international opportunities for education and training around the world. Eligible students will be able to apply for internships in 2025.
Nearly 50 students benefited from the first Career and Readiness Conference which featured workshops on mental health, using LinkedIn and personal branding. 4 The CCC distributed almost $500,000 in awards, scholarships, and needs-based funding, helping to reduce financial barriers to education and professional development.
During the year, the CCC:
- Had 3,362 contacts with students across all service areas
- Had 156 contacts with students in career development, student employment, consultations, workshops and on-campus employment
- Engaged 370 students in group services, and
- 159 students were seen by the Accessibilities Co-ordinator.
Mr. Speaker,
In reference to the previous year’s annual report, I announced that the College had launched a Presidential Search, which successfully culminated in the appointment of Dr. David Sam, who has been welcomed by the College community. Mrs. Branwen Smith-King, exemplifying dedication to public service, ably served as Interim President following the retirement of Dr. Duranda Greene, the former president. I have previously thanked Mrs. Smith-King, but would like to ask the House to join me in the acknowledgement of her dedicated efforts and results in leading Bermuda College during this transitional period.
Mr. Speaker,
As I announced last week, I remind Honourable Colleagues about an important initiative launched by Bermuda College as it embarks on the preparation of its strategic plan for the period 2025– 2030. This process represents a pivotal opportunity for all Bermudians to contribute to shaping the College’s vision for the future. As the College celebrates its 50th anniversary—five decades of excellence and commitment to our community—it seeks to build on its previous achievements by setting a new course for the next five years. College President, Dr. David Sam, has emphasized that this effort is centered on student outcomes and equity, laying a strong foundation for the institution's continued growth.
Mr. Speaker,
The strategic plan is not just a roadmap for Bermuda College; it’s a blueprint for the future of higher education in our country. I encourage all members of this Honourable House, and indeed all resident of Bermuda, to engage with this process and help shape the College’s vision for the next chapter in its remarkable journey. Persons interested in additional information, can contact Necheeka Trott, Interim Assistant to the President for Special Projects at ntrott@college.bm.
Mr. Speaker,
I would also like to express gratitude to the Bermuda College Foundation; and the faculty and students who worked towards personal and professional growth as exemplified by the experiences and successes highlighted in the annual report. As we celebrate 50 years since the establishment of Bermuda College as our only tertiary educational institution, I am extremely grateful and proud that we are working in the present, and continually looking forward with intention and innovation in mind, in order to sustain Bermuda College for another half-century and beyond.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker