BCC Recognized Among Nation's Leaders in Student Satisfaction

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) has been recognized as one of the nation's highest-performing colleges and universities for student satisfaction, according to higher education technology company EdSights, earning a place on EdSights' 2026 Student Voice Score Honors List.
 
The Student Voice Score Honors List recognizes the top-performing 20 percent of participating colleges and universities within each higher education sector, celebrating institutions that are setting the national standard for student experience and success.
 
The recognition comes as the newly released 2026 Student Voice Score Report found that student satisfaction has increased nationally for the third consecutive year, offering an encouraging counterpoint to many of the challenges currently facing higher education.
 
"At BCC, student success is at the center of everything we do. Being recognized by our own students as one of America's leading institutions for student satisfaction is a tremendous honor. It reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and campus community," said BCC President Hara Charlier.
 
Key Findings from the 2026 Student Voice Score Report
The 2026 Student Voice Score Report reflects feedback from more than 125,000 students attending 257 colleges and universities across the United States and found:
  • Student satisfaction increased for the third consecutive year, with the national Student Voice Score rising from 15.0 in 2024 to 22.3 in 2025 and 30.0 in 2026.
  • Students consistently report that supportive relationships with faculty and staff, a strong sense of belonging, and access to timely support services have the greatest influence on their overall college experience.
  • Institutions that actively listen and respond to student feedback are outperforming peers on measures of student satisfaction and engagement.
The report also identifies opportunities for continued improvement across higher education, including administrative communication, financial aid processes, campus services, and access to academic resources.
 
The Student Voice Score (SVS) is the nation's first ongoing benchmark that captures student satisfaction directly from students and at scale. Developed by EdSights, the SVS provides colleges and universities with a standardized measure of the student experience while recognizing institutions that consistently earn exceptional feedback from their students.

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Pittsfield Holiday Inn Temporarily Closes

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Holiday Inn & Suites is temporarily shut down, and 101 Restaurant & Bar has closed its doors until further notice. 

The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, after its last working elevator of three broke down.  The Berkshire Eagle reported that guests were forced to evacuate because an elevator broke down. 

On Wednesday, 101 Restaurant & Bar posted on Facebook that they would close until further notice due to circumstances beyond their control and the closure of the Holiday Inn. 

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We thank you and our staff for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able," the owners wrote. 

The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms.  Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access. 

The Holiday Inn recently demolished its crumbling parking garage and is replacing it with a smaller one.  The building at 1 West Street was constructed in 1972; it was formerly known as the Crowne Plaza. 

101 Restaurant opened five years ago within the hotel.  It is owned by John and Tucker McNinch, who formerly operated the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox. 

Signs on the hotel's entrance explain that the doors are temporarily locked.  Anyone with questions is encouraged to call (413) 499-2000. 

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