Budget and Strategic Advisory Committee (BSAC)

BSAC is charged by the President of the College to provide analysis, assessment, and recommendations on strategic issues that impact the College’s financial sustainability and institutional priorities in both the short and long term.

BSAC is also responsible for monitoring and evaluating institutional performance through key performance indicators, peer benchmarking, and external rankings, with the goal of promoting institutional health, accountability, and continued excellence.

BSAC serves as a bridge between senior leadership and the Occidental community on matters related to the institutional budget, strategic priorities, and overall performance. The committee is committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and consistent communication across the College community.

Focus Areas

During FY25/26, BSAC will concentrate on three core areas central to the College’s ongoing operations and financial well-being:

Annual Operating Budget and Multi-Year Planning

Advise on annual tuition and fee assumptions, financial aid funding levels, student enrollment, retention and graduation projections, and employee compensation pools, as well as multi-year financial planning assumptions.

Institutional Health

Review and monitor BSAC Key Performance Indicators (KPIs); benchmark institutional performance against peer and aspirant institutions; evaluate external rankings; and recommend goals and strategies for continuous improvement.

Challenges and Opportunities

Identify and analyze emerging challenges and opportunities facing the College; provide guidance on medium- and long-term financial and strategic planning initiatives.

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BSAC Membership, 2025-26

Co-Chairs:

• Amos Himmelstein, Vice President and Chief Financial & Operating Officer
• Kathryn Leonard, Interim Dean of the College and Vice President for Academic Affairs