BCC Humanities Program Presents 100 Years of Movies at The New Parkway Theater
The Berkeley City College Humanities Program is partnering with The New Parkway Theater to present 100 Years of Movies with Berkeley City College, showcasing classic films every Monday night through the month of February. The selected films are commonly taught in BCC Humanities courses, and each film will be introduced by BCC faculty, offering insights into the historical and cultural context behind the film.
The first screening of the series was on Monday, February 2, with Humanities instructor Justin Vaccaro, PH.D. introducing M, a 1931 German psychological thriller that pioneered sound in films coming out of the silent film era and many tropes that influence horror and thriller films to this day. About 50 patrons filled out The New Parkway’s Theater 1 to catch the screening, many of them BCC students and faculty.
The rest of the series will feature Carol, introduced by Nicole Trigg, Ph.D., In the Mood for Love, introduced by Laura Ruberto Ph.D., and Some Like it Hot, introduced by Avy Valladares, Ph.D. BCC students are able to get discounted tickets and free popcorn with their student ID.
“It’s going to be a fun opportunity to check out some major works of world cinema, get a feel for BCC’s Humanities Program, and enjoy the fabulous New Parkway Theater,” says Laura Ruberto, co-chair of Arts and Cultural Studies at Berkeley City College.
Welcome Week Events at BCC
Berkeley City College marked the start of the Spring 2026 semester with a three-day Welcome Week held during college hours in the BCC Atrium. The events were designed to support student engagement, promote campus resources, and encourage community building at the beginning of the term.
On Tuesday, January 20, the Be Open event focused on social connection through informal activities such as board games and karaoke, with food provided. On Wednesday, January 21, the Be Resourceful Resource Fair connected students with campus programs and services, supporting awareness of academic and student support resources. On Friday, January 22, the Be a Leader event featured the first Associated Students of Berkeley City College (ASBCC) meeting of the semester, highlighting opportunities for student leadership and involvement.
Thank you to Dean Raniyah Johnson and the ASBCC for organizing another engaging and exciting Welcome Week!
AI, Equity, and Course Assessment Headline BCC Spring Flex Day
On Friday, January 16, 2026, Berkeley City College held its Spring Flex Day. The morning began with a plenary session featuring administrative announcements, updates, and introductions of new members of the BCC community. The administrative team, along with the PIO and senior researcher, highlighted institutional progress and shared college-wide initiatives for the spring semester. During her remarks, President Denise Richardson centered the college community on a shared priority for the year ahead:
“At this moment in our college’s story, our highest priority is clear: enrollment and retention. And that responsibility does not live in one office, one classroom, or one division—it lives with all of us.”
Concurrent morning sessions included division meetings for faculty and a financial wellness workshop for classified professionals focused on benefits, life insurance, and retirement investment planning through the district’s 403(b) and 457(b) plans.
Midday programming included an interactive session led by Business faculty Chris Bernard on the use of artificial intelligence in education. This discussion addressed the pros and cons of AI in education and academic integrity, how he uses AI in his classes, and how Gemini and Notebook LM can function as learning tools.
Afternoon sessions were split into two workshops. The first titled Providing SAS Accommodations was a panel discussion with faculty members Tim Rose, Julia Chang, Mary Clarke-Miller, and Linda McAllister, moderated by SAS counselors Elissa Jaw and Jean Rowland, offering strategies, experiences, challenges, and success stories of implementing equitable student accommodations in their classes. The second session, titled "Easier Assessment? I’ll Take That!" involved a demonstration of the Acadea Maverick assessment platform to improve instruction and was led by the district Acadea rep Natalie Rassmussen, and Laney’s Student Learning Outcome Co- Coordinator Heather Sisneros.
The professional development day ended with department and division meetings, and a Student Services drop-in session that invited feedback on professional development needs and upcoming priorities.
Thank you to PD Committee members and Chair Katie Koelle for organizing an engaging Flex Day agenda, as well as Annie Liu, Vanessa Phillip, Francine Lewis, Dante Zedd, and Joe Bay for their support in putting on the event!
Spring Club Rush
On Tuesday, February 3, ASBCC’s Inter-Club Council hosted its Spring Club Rush. Over 40 clubs filled the BCC atrium, offering students an opportunity to meet club leaders, play games, win prizes, and sign up. Students who met with clubs filled out bingo cards to get free burritos. Thanks to ICC Chair Glenn Mah for organizing a successful club rush!
Basic Needs Winter Pop-Up
The BCC Basic Needs Center hosted a “Basic Needs Winter Popup” on Tuesday, January 27th. Students were able to receive free blankets, socks, and tote bags. There was also a craft station for students to customize their tote bags with fabric, ribbons, paint, and more. The BCC Basic Needs Center was heavily inspired to host this event thanks to Mt. San Antonio College (aka Mt. Sac) Basic Needs Center in Walnut, CA. This event allowed students to destigmatize basic needs, receive resources to stay warm, and have fun!
This article is taken from the President’s Report, written by Dr. Denise Richardson, Berkeley City College President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. To view it as a PDF, click here.
