As you may have heard, The Bellevue College Interior Design Program (INDES) is on the chopping block—due to statewide budget constraints affecting the college—and the program is under threat of being dissolved completely. We urgently need the help of BC Alumni and professionals in the industry to speak to the impact that the Bellevue College Interior Design program has on the industry at large.  We only have a very short window of time to save the program, a critical pipeline for architecture and design firms in the region.  Reasons to sign & support the future of the program:  BC INDES is the only CIDA accredited program in western Washington. BC INDES recently passed its CIDA accreditation review with high marks, confirming its rigor, relevance, and alignment with industry needs.  BC INDES has both Bachelor's Degree and Associates Degree programs.  BC INDES graduates are trained in ADA accessibility, sustainability, and life safety and contribute to the design of critical spaces, with a significant number going on to shape our local tech companies' workplaces, multi-family housing, healthcare facilities, schools, and civic buildings.  BC INDES graduates are immediately able to contribute to real projects across commercial and residential interior design - including multi-family housing at a time when the region is facing a severe housing shortage. BC INDES grads go on to become not only Interior Designers, but some evolve into Project Managers, Product Sales Reps, Real Estate & Facilities Managers and Small Business Owners.  BC INDES provides a direct route to NCIDQ certification, an increasingly vital credential for success in the industry due to ongoing legislation efforts in the state and region.  BC INDES primarily supports women from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are unable to pursue traditional university education due to financial or circumstantial barriers, although many choose BC for its reputation alone.  BC INDES serves as a critical pipeline for architecture and design firms in the region - and there is no regional replacement that is accredited, accessible, and affordable.  5 WAYS YOU CAN HELP... SIGN THIS PETITION! Quick and easy way to show your support! But, don't stop there... SEND A LETTER via email to the decision makers below!
Share your experience either as a graduate of Bellevue College Interior Design program or experience working with alumni. Please BCC Mark Mappala on all emails so that he can track volume: mark.mappala@bellevuecollege.edu   Dr. Jess Clark, Provost: Jess.Clark@bellevuecollege.edu Dr. Benjamin Pryor, Interim Vice Provost: Ben.Pryor@bellevuecollege.edu David May, PhD, President: David.may@bellevuecollege.edu Board of Trustees (General): boardoftrustees@bellevuecollege.edu Pradnya Desh, Chair: pradnya.desh@bellevuecollege.edu Rich Fukutaki, Vice Chair: richard.fukutaki@bellevuecollege.edu Richard Leigh, Trustee: richard.leigh@bellevuecollege.edu Greg Dietzel, Trustee: greg.dietzel@bellevuecollege.edu 
SUBMIT A SHORT VIDEO BY APRIL 12th for even more impact! 
Submit a quick video emphasizing points from your letter. These will be compiled via Kudowall and shared with decision makers so they can hear our collective voices! You don’t need to download anything - and you can practice and review before the video is submitted. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just genuine.  >>> Click HERE to submit a video testimonial<<<  ATTEND THE TOWN HALL ON APRIL 13th to let our collective presence speak volumes!
There is a campus-wide Town Hall scheduled for April 13th from 1:30 - 2:30pm at Bellevue College. Building N-201. This event is campus-wide and the agenda will not be solely focused on the Interior Design program, but the status of the budget constraints and path forward for the college overall. The intent is to have a substantial physical presence to demonstrate the impact of the Interior Design program on our greater community, no matter how much air-time the INDES program gets during the town hall - we want our presence to be felt.  SPREAD THE WORD far and wide!
Send this petition to your colleagues, BC alumni, firm leaders, reps, clients, and others in the community. If this was sent to you it's because your voice matters and we're counting on you! Thank you in advance for taking the time to support this cause!  -This petition was created on behalf of the Bellevue College Interior Design Program's Professional Advisory Board   Photo Credit: Inga Hartun, INDES 472 Studio – UW Shell House Project Model