REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
June 26, 2008
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular
Meeting on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at the System Administration Building, Second
Floor Auditorium, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Bruce A. Austin, Vice Chair
Diane Olmos Guzman, Secretary
Mills Worsham, Deputy Secretary
Abel Davila
Christopher Oliver
Neeta Sane
Richard Schechter
Dr. Michael P. Williams
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Doretha Eason, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor for Instructions
William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Irene Porcarello, Vice Chancellor, Student Success
Winston Dahse, Interim President, Southwest College
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southeast College
William Harmon, President, Central College
Butch Herod for Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Marsal Stoll, President, Coleman College of Health Science
Willie Williams, Associate Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
Daniel Seymour, Associate Vice Chancellor, CTCE
Daniel Arguijo, Associate Vice Chancellor, Communications
Kelly Zuniga, Executive Director, HCC Foundation
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations
OTHERS PRESENT
Maureen Singleton, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Gene Locke, Consultant, Andrews & Kurth
Linda Koffel, President, Faculty Senate Association
Dwight Boykins, Consultant, dBoykins
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media

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Regular Meeting – June 26, 2008 – Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Austin, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:19 p.m. and declared the Board convened to consider matters pertaining to the Houston Community College System as listed on the duly posted Meeting Notice.
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Worsham led the prayer and pledge of allegiance to the flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from the Board Governance & Policy Committee Meeting of May
15, 2008, Committee of the Whole Meeting of May 15, 2008, and Regular Meeting of
May 22, 2008.
Motion – Mrs. Guzman moved and Mrs. Sane seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
Mr. Charles Lingerfelt signed up to speak before the Board; however, Mr. Lingerfelt was not present.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATION
•
Mr. Barry Johnson, Director of External Affairs for Texas and Mr. Dave
Kapavik, Account Representative with Verizon presented a check for $10,000 to the HCC Foundation for HCC Adult Education Program “Pass It On” initative.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Approve Resolution to the Family of Dr. James Harding
Motion – Mrs. Sane moved to approve a resolution in recognition of the late Dr. James
Harding former HCC Interim President. Mrs. Guzman seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Austin presented the resolution to the family of Dr. James Harding in honor and recognition of his service to Houston Community College. Dr. Harding’s daughter, Ms.
Tracy Harding, and his son, Mr. James Harding, Jr. were present to receive the resolution.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
•
Congratulations
Trustee Mills Worsham on his recent appointment to the Harris County
Republic Party Finance Committee and will also serve as a member of the sub-committee responsible for corporate fundraising.
Trustee Neeta Sane who was featured in the online Houston Chronicle news on June 18, 2008 for her efforts to unify the area’s diverse population. She

Houston Community College System
Regular Meeting – June 26, 2008 – Page 3 organized the International Festival for Ft. Bend County in January 2007 that has drawn 300 volunteers and approximately five to eight thousand on the debut.
•
Introduction
Mrs. Renee Byas, new General Counsel for HCC who joined the college on
June 2, 2008.
•
Resignation
Dr. Marshal Stoll is resigning as President at HCC Coleman College for
Health Sciences after three year tenure.
•
Recognition
Dr. Anthony Harris, Professor at Sam Houston State University attending with six students from the Community College Executive Leadership
Program.
•
Kudos/Acknowledgments
Gabriel Gomez, Culinary Arts student, who was won the Greater Houston
Restaurant Association $5,000 scholarship.
Dr. Art Tyler, Irene Porcarello, Bill Carter, Cheryl Sterling, and Avis Horde for their efforts in regards to the financial aid in implementation of the first live process on mass package for the 2008-2009 school year completed on June
16, 2008.
Kelly Zuniga and HCC Foundation who received a $250,000 check for
Opportunity 14 from Nancy Kinder with the Kinder Foundation
Dr. Art ,Tyler, Karla Bender, Jackie Swindle, and six college presidents for their dedication and quality work in development of the budget for fiscal year
2008-09
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office approved HCC’s trademark application for the HCC logo. Dr. Spangler has approved protecting the trademark in other countries by taking advantage of certain international trademark treaties. The international applications include Mexico, Canada,
India, Malaysia, Brazil, and Vietnam.
HCC hosted two visitors from Brazil in collaboration with the Brazil-U.S.
Network for Exchange Program the week of June 11, 2008
(Mr. Oliver arrived at 4:35 p.m.)
The book “Letters to the Next President: Strengthening America’s
Foundation in Higher Education” was released this week. The book will be

Houston Community College System
Regular Meeting – June 26, 2008 – Page 4 presented to the United States presidential candidates as well as legislators throughout the state and nation. The goal is to provide advice on how to ensure American higher educational institutions continue to educate our population broadly and equitably in order to compete in a global market place. The book contains twenty-one essays by leaders from across the spectrum of higher education. Dr. Spangler contributed one essay entitled
“Community Colleges the Relevant and Essential Link”. She presented the
Board with a copy of the book.
•
Faculty Senate Report – Ms. Linda Koffel informed that this would be her final board meeting as president of Faculty Senate. She recognized and expressed appreciation to several Liberians (George Tio, Dennis
Clappersach, Bill Horde, Judy Kentwell, Mike Mitchell, and Jennifer Statum) for providing services to the faculty. Ms. Koffel announced that Ms. Mary
Paige will assume the role as president of the Faculty Senate.
•
Financial Report
Mr. Schechter asked for clarification regarding tuition and fees and mentioned that even though there is an increase, there will be a shortfall from projections. Dr. Tyler apprised that there are a number of things that are probable such as some of the waivers. He noted that the Board has waived fees for dual credit and apprised that the jail program that increased this year. He noted that there is still a 10% tracking as projected.
Mr. Schechter noted that dual credit waivers was not included and therefore, should not have had an affect of the decrease. Dr. Tyler noted that there is a sizable increase in dual credit. He also noted that valuations of taxes are up significantly which more than make up for the shortfall.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Mr. Worsham seconded to approve the consent agenda.
The motion passed with a vote of 6-0. The following items were approved:
ƒ Approve Purchase of Voice Over IP Deployment
ƒ
Approve the Investment Report for the Month of April 2008
ƒ Approve Payment to Bracewell & Giuliani LLP for Professional Services (May
2008)
ƒ Approve Financial Statement Opinion Audit Services (Project #08-09)
Approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Houston and HCC
Regarding Highway 288 Project
(Dr. Williams arrived at 4:52 p.m.)

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Regular Meeting – June 26, 2008 – Page 5
Mr. Oliver apprised that a press conference was held with the City of Houston Mayor’s office at the 288 facility in which it was agreed to jointly share the infrastructure costs.
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Mr. Worsham seconded the motion.
Mrs. Guzman asked if there is an actual MOU for review by the Board. Mr. Oliver apprised that city is going to assume most of the cost. Dr. Tyler apprised that the final cost has not been identified, but the infrastructure will be approximately $2.5 million. He noted that the city’s portion is more substantial the college.
Mrs. Guzman noted that the item should be a motion to negotiate an MOU instead of approving because the MOU has not been received. Mr. Oliver agreed and stated that the recommendation is appropriate.
Amend motion – Mr. Oliver moved to amend the motion to authorize the Chancellor to negotiate a MOU with City of Houston. Mr. Worsham seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote 7-0.
Vote on main motion – The motion pass with vote of 7-0.
Approve Adult Education Grant Funded Subcontracts for Fiscal Year 2008-2009
Motion – Mrs. Sane motioned to approve and Dr. Williams seconded.
Mrs. Sane asked if HCC is responsible for measuring the performance for the agencies and if so, what are the criteria used for measuring the performance.
Dr. Seymour apprised that the college is responsible; however, there is a large number of criteria utilized for measuring the performance. He apprised that there are eighteen different measurements.
Mrs. Sane asked which agency the college uses for tracking in terms of criteria. Dr.
Seymour apprised that the college uses Texas Learn.
Mrs. Guzman asked how are the firms measured and requested that the reports from
Texas Learn are made available to the Board.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
Approve Renewal of Software Licenses for Continuation of Maintenance and
Support for Information Technology for Fiscal Year 2008-2009
Motion
Dr. Williams moved and Mr. Oliver seconded.
(Mr. Davila arrived at 4:58 p.m.)

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Regular Meeting – June 26, 2008 – Page 6
Mrs. Guzman commended the effort to provide the requested information regarding small business participation; however, there was some explanation as to primes being accounting for the small business goal. She apprised for information purposes that when a prime small business is 100% small business, that does not go towards a goal and in essence that small business has moved up to being a prime; however, small businesses that have moved to prime status should also provide opportunities for other small businesses.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 8-0.
Restricted Funds Budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mr. Oliver seconded the motion.
Mr. Schechter noted that he has two questions regarding the federal grants: why are they down $1 million and why Central College is receiving $1.7 million.
Dr. Cook apprised that a recent analysis of the tenure for Dr. Spangler (March 2007-
March 2008) and the grants have increased over $3 million in total amounts of grants.
Dr. Tyler apprised that the college will be finishing a Title V grant in September, which is very sizable grant that would not be count next year.
Mr. Schechter asked if student financial is included. He noted that the reason he is asking is to determine if the college is aggressively pursuing grant funds.
Dr. Cook acknowledged that the grants are up 2007-2008 by $3 million.
Dr. Williams apprised that the numbers should be reconciled and brought back to the
Board. He also asked if each individual college has its own grant writer. Dr. Cook apprised that most of the grants are written by faculty throughout the system; however, the colleges do not have their own grant writers to alleviate the colleges from competing with one another.
Mr. Oliver requested that in the future accurate information is provided to the Board.
Dr. Tyler noted that Dr. Cook is accurate and noted that since the award has not actually been received, it can not be counted.
Mrs. Guzman requested that attention is given to the initiative funds. Mr. Austin apprised that that may be an issue to be addressed through the legislative committee.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.

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Regular Meeting – June 26, 2008 – Page 7
TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
REPORT ON CORPORATE COLLEGE
Dr. Daniel Seymour apprised that the re-organization of CTCE has been completed and noted in Corporate College is expected to have a break-even year.
(Dr. Williams stepped out at 5:19 p.m. / returned at 5:20 p.m.)
Dr. Williams noted that he would like to be continually informed on the progress.
Mr. Schechter noted that the CTCE has been renamed under the leadership of Dr.
Seymour.
EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP WITH INDIA AND MALAYSIA
Item was pulled by administration.
INTRAMURAL ATHLETIC EVENTS IN ALL HCC COLLEGES
Motion – Mrs. Sane move and Mr. Oliver seconded.
Mrs. Sane apprised that the student survey results show that HCC student strongly support intramural athletic events at HCC. She apprised that Dr. Harmon was charged with administering the survey and commended Dr. Harmon on completion of the survey.
She noted that the survey shows that majority of the students support the development of the program.
Mrs. Sane noted that the students (via the survey) are willing to financially support the efforts and noted that it is time for HCC to offer athletic opportunities system-wide beginning in the fall 2008 semester.
Mr. Oliver apprised that there was always a push to offer athletics at HCC and commended Mr. Davila and Mrs. Sane for their effort regarding the athletic program.
Dr. Harmon asked if a student could speak on athletics.
A student representative spoke in favor of athletics system-wide and apprised that the students are working hard to make certain the program is implemented.
Mr. Austin asked who would be reviewing the finances in reference to the athletic program. Dr. Tyler noted that the item would become a restricted fund and noted that it would not be expended for other expenditures.
Dr. Williams asked if it is a volunteer contribution by the students. Dr. Tyler noted that it would be a required fee for all students and apprised that it would produce approximately $750,000 annually for the designated sports noted in the action item.

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Regular Meeting – June 26, 2008 – Page 8
Mr. Schechter asked for clarification in that the fee is mandatory and will be paid by the student regardless to the number of hours taken by the student. Dr. Tyler apprised that that is corrected. Mr. Schechter mentioned that there is a technology fee.
Mr. Austin noted that the item needed to be reviewed by counsel and asked if it could be referred to counsel to make certain mechanics on the item are reviewed.
Mrs. Sane requested to hear from Dr. Harmon on his opinion on how to proceed. Dr.
Harmon noted that what makes the item significant is that this is the first time student opinions have been considered on how sporting events should be financed.
Mr. Oliver asked if the item could be approved contingent review by counsel.
Mr. Schechter asked if the cost for program at all colleges has been reviewed. Dr.
Harmon noted that it has been recommended that an athletic director is hired to oversee the athletic programs.
Mr. Schechter noted that the actual cost to operate the intramural program should only require approximately $150,000 initially and asked why the students are being charged
$6.00.
Dr. Williams noted that his concern is that there has not been discussion with counsel and noted that there is not a disagreement on the principal. He asked for a budget to determine what it would take to operate the program. Dr. Harmon noted that the intramural programs have been operating in some of the colleges.
Dr. Spangler requested that a report is provided on the intramural programs currently operating with costs and anticipated expending.
Amended motion - Mr. Davila moved to amend the motion to approve contingent on counsel review and the student assessed fee up to $6.00 per student. Dr. Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
Community Outreach Initiative Update
Mrs. Guzman apprised that the report item is to provide a review and update on initiatives.
Mrs. Guzman motioned that $25,000 is included in the budget for each Trustee.
Mr. Schechter noted point of order and apprised that the issue would need to be posted as an item of action and noted that the motion is invalid.
Mrs. Guzman noted that there was $25,000 budgeted from the Board Services and
Communications budgets in an effort to establish community outreach initiatives.
Mr. Davila recommended that the item is returned to the Committee and is vetted to determine the type of budgeting sources that will be applied with the initiative.

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Regular Meeting – June 26, 2008 – Page 9
Dr. Williams noted it is vitality important that the line between educational engagement and other kinds of activities are not skirted by making sure the specificity of the community engagement funds are used for educational purposes as designed.
Mr. Austin stated that the recommendation of the Board is that the budget amount for the initiative should be vetted by the Community Outreach Committee and reviewed by counsel as well.
Operating Budget (Unrestricted Funds) for Fiscal Year 2008-2009
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Mr. Worsham seconded.
Dr. Tyler apprised that a conservative approach has been taken in regards to the projected budget. He apprised that the proposed budget is $237.9 million.
(Mr. Davila and Mr. Schechter stepped out at 5:57 p.m.)
(Mr. Davila and Mr. Schechter returned at 5:58 p.m.)
Mr. Schechter commended Dr. Spangler, Dr. Tyler, and staff on the openness of the process in the budget preparation. He noted that there is some concern regarding the tuition and fees as well as the property projections. He shared that concern with the technology issues for the CIP and noted that he would like to make certain that updated technology is available in the current facilities as well. Mr. Schechter requested that there is a close review of the retention issues because there could be greater State funding reduction.
Mr. Davila requested that administration provide a solution to the problem regarding dual credit and how to resolve without having to cap any numbers.
Mrs. Sane asked if there is any idea how the $640,000 innovations funds allocated will be expended. Dr. Tyler apprised that the Chancellor has been working with the college presidents to determine an allocation methodology similar to a grant program.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 6:19 p.m.)
Dr. Tyler apprised that specifics of how the program will be evaluated is still in development stages.
Mr. Schechter noted that exemption and waivers are included although they are not actually expended and noted that it artificially inflates the expenditures.
Dr. Williams asked if the issue was noted in the annual audit. Dr. Tyler apprised that in reviewing the management letters for the past five years, the issue was not included in the management letters.
(Mr. Davila stepped out 6:22 p.m.)

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Regular Meeting – June 26, 2008 – Page 10
Vote – the motion passed with a vote of 6-0.
(Mr. Worsham stepped out at 6:23 p.m.)
BLACKBOARD/PRESIDIUM HELP DESK SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008-09
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Mrs. Sane seconded. The motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mrs. Flores adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 6:24 p.m., notice having previously been given and reiterated in accordance with Sections 551.071, 551.072, and/or 551.074 of the Open Meetings Law. Mrs. Flores stated that any final action, vote or decision on any item discussed in Executive Session would be taken up in Open
Session or in a subsequent Public Meeting.
Mrs. Flores reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 8:16 p.m. and entertained motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Guzman, Oliver, Sane, Schechter, Dr. Williams, and
Worsham)
PERSONNEL
Mr. Oliver move to approve the personnel agenda. Mr. Worsham seconded the motion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: