The webinar was recorded and is found here:
For 2022 competition, see General Questions
We plan to record our presentation in advance. So when it is our appointment time to present, we will meet on the meeting platform, share our screen to show the video, then await questions from the reviewers?
Yes, please add the link to your presentation on the Bellwether Finalist Information Survey. We will share the presentation schedule with the lead person for the 30 Bellwether Finalists the week after Thanksgiving break.
How will the virtual gallery operate?
All the Bellwether Finalist team members will find their session listed on the virtual gallery for the Community College Futures Assembly. When in your session, you and your team will see a green button or link that says “Begin Session.” At the scheduled time of your presentation, you or a member of your team will click the link to begin the pre-recorded presentation. Team members are advised to test microphones and video 15 minutes prior to your start time.
Please begin at the scheduled time. After the “Begin Session” button is clicked both presenters and audience members will see the recorded presentation. When the presentation ends, invite questions via the chat function. Be mindful of the time and close at the designated end time. At that point, take a breath, high-five your teammates and enjoy the rest of the event!
Can the one-minute video required for the second round of competition be hosted on Vimeo, YouTube or another webhosting video platform?
Yes, the video can be hosted on any of these platforms named or another that is viewable by the public. A working link of the video is essential so our judges can view without issue. Please test the video link before sending it to us.
Is it suggested that the presentation be a speaker narrating slides? Or would a recording of a traditional presentation be preferred? We would likely try to edit in some student voice clips if that is allowed.
Audience members seem to engage more when a person is pictured narrating their slide deck. Two or more speakers also create a more dynamic presentation and student voices are a strong addition to any presentation.
Is our binder a document we create locally? I assume a PDF is the preferred format but I wanted to make sure I understood this as well.
Yes, the team builds the digital binder as a PDF and provides the link to Robert Acosta at racosta18@alamo.edu. Please share the program title, college and award category when sending the link. Binder Deadline: January 12
What should be included in the digital binder?
Reference the overall judging criteria used to score the submission and the presentation. See the Bellwether Finalist Preparatory webinar for more detailed information. Bookmarks are highly encouraged so our judges can quickly find key information.
2022 Conference
Will there be an in-person conference in 2022?
Yes, there will be an in-person conference in San Antonio, TX on Jan 30th, 2022 (Tentative).
Will there be a virtual event option?
We are currently planning an in-person conference. Depending on registrations and the status of the COVID pandemic, we may provide a virtual option, but it will not be simultaneous to the in-person conference.
Will there be protocols in place to ensure a safe conference for all who attend?
We will be following the CDC guidelines for social distancing, mask-wearing, and all other health measures that they have in place for large in-person gatherings at the time of the event. We will also be looking at Texas’s state guidelines, as well as the guideline set by our host hotel.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Are all the 30 Bellwether Finalists considered Bellwether College Consortium members?
All 30 colleges are invited to become members and are considered contenders for the Bellwether Award after they complete their membership registration which includes numerous valuable benefits including registration for the Community College Futures Assembly.
Can a college submit more than one entry to a category?
Each community college can submit one entry per category (i.e. instructional programs and services, workforce development, and planning, governance and finance) for the 2022 national competition. We welcome colleges who have never participated before as well as our past award finalists and winners.
When and where will the 2021 Policy Summit and Community College Futures Assembly be held?
The 2021 Bellwether Policy Summit will be held on January 22nd and the Community College Futures Assembly will be held on January 25th and 26th. Both will take place as virtual conferences. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Which colleges can submit an application?
All community colleges in the United States and its territories can apply. The 30 Bellwether Finalists are those community colleges who are scored highest in the first round of competition.
Where is the application and how do I send it?
The application portal is found on the Bellwether College Consortium website. The electronic application is easy to complete and only requires a click on the “submit” button to have it included in the competition.
What should I include in my application?
The application should address each of the criteria detailed on the BCC website in a complete and concise manner.
What are the Bellwether Awards?
The Bellwether Awards are an integral part of the Community College Futures Assembly, established in 1995.The Assembly is sponsored by the Alamo Colleges District and focuses on cutting-edge, trendsetting programs that other colleges might find worthy of replicating.The Bellwether Awards are given annually in three categories to colleges with outstanding and innovative programs or practices.
The Bellwether Award has been compared to football’s Heisman Award because it is competitively judged and is an award given by your peers in community colleges, with no cash award. It has also been called “the award of awards” because many institutions with programs that have won other awards apply for the Bellwether Award. Moreover, previous recipients of the Bellwether Award have said that it has been a springboard for other types of recognition and/or funding.
NOMINATION AND APPLICATION
Why do I have to apply if I was already nominated?
Selection of the finalists is a competitive process. It is essential that those nominated provide key information addressing specific criteria, in order to be competitively judged in the selection of finalists.
Can you tell me who nominated me?
It is our practice not to reveal the specific source of nominations.In general, Bellwether nominations come from numerous sources, including co-sponsoring organizations, state officials, previously competitively reviewed presentations at other national conventions, and programs featured in the media.
Should I submit additional materials with my application?
No. Additional materials are requested only from finalists after they have been notified of their finalist status. Please stick to the application guidelines.
Can I submit my application electronically?
Yes. Applications will be accepted ONLY via the online application submission page. We are not accepting applications via mail, fax, or email.
Can a program be submitted in more than one category?
No. Only one category can be chosen per program, so choose the category your program fits best. However, multiple programs can be applied for different categories.
What are the three award categories?
- Instructional Programs & Services: Programs or activities that have been designed and successfully implemented to foster or support teaching and learning in the community college.
- Planning, Governance & Finance: Programs or activities that have been designed and successfully implemented to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the community college.
- Workforce Development: Public and/or private strategic alliances and partnerships that promote community and economic development.