Executive Council Minutes
September 21, 2011
Present: Alan Scheibmeir, Giles Brown, Jeanie Hardin, Rick Lynn, Gary
Paikowski, Marc Payne, and Roy Renfro
Recorder: Shelle Cassell
Agenda Items
Curriculum Changes
Jeanie Hardin presented the recommendations of the Curriculum Committee. Most
changes are being made to address the revision of the Fine Arts/Humanities Core list,
which now excludes ENGL 1302. (Earlier in the college’s history, ENGL 1302 had
enough broad literature components to meet the Fine Arts/Humanities criteria.)
Recommendations are:
• Medical Laboratory Technology (AAS) –Delete ENGL 1302 (Composition II);
Delete Elective (a course previously required for Tech Prep); and Increase hours
in MLAB 2338 (from 1-4-2 to 2-4-3) to try to improve outcomes.
• EMS- Paramedicine (AAS) – Delete ENGL 1302 (Composition II); Add Fine
Arts/Humanities Core Course
• Criminal Justice (AAS) – Keep ENGL 1302; Add Fine Arts/ Humanities Core.
Credit hours for degree increase from 66 to 69.
• Dental Assisting (AAS) - Delete ENGL 1302 (Composition II); Add Fine
Arts/Humanities Core Course
• ADN Transitional Entry (AAS) - Delete ENGL 1302 (Composition II); Add Fine
Arts/Humanities Core Course
ENGL 1302 will be accepted to meet the Fine Arts/Humanities core elective if taken prior
to the Fall 2011. This will remain in effect for student seeking admission through Spring
2014. After that time, all students seeking the AAS degree must have taken a Fine
Arts/Humanities core elective. AAS degree-seeking students enrolled in ENGL 1302 for
Fall 2011 were notified of the change prior to the start of the semester and advised that
the course would not meet their Fine Arts/Humanities requirement.
• THECB has identified two low-producing programs (defined as not having at least
5 graduates per year or 25 over a five-year period). The Computer Software and
System Technician (AAS) and Microcomputer Multi-Media Specialist (AAS and
CERT) will be fully deactivated effective May 2013.
Steve Davis will develop teach-out plans with affected students, and no new students will
enter these degree programs. SACS will be notified of the deactivation.
Jeanie noted that all of the curriculum adjustments attempted to keep contact hour losses
at a minimum. She also forewarned of core curriculum changes that are being considered
statewide that will be finalized in a couple of years.
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Action/Motion: The Council unanimously supported the motion by Marc Payne, second
by Rick Lynn, to accept the recommendations as presented. The program deactivation
recommendations will be presented to the Board of Trustees for consideration.
Student Services Fee Increase for Spring
Giles Brown initiated a discussion on increasing the Student Services fee from $2 per
credit hour to $6 per credit hour. The suggestion is based on the need for the Student
Services fee to support student service programs at an appropriate level (which is not the
case now), and to offset the loss in revenue due to lower than projected enrollment.
Records indicate that this fee has not been raised commensurate with an increase in
services (it was $2 in 1990). The increase could yield approximately $250,000 for the
current budget year. Giles provided a survey of Texas Community College tuition and
fees that indicates the average in-district tuition and mandatory fees rate was $67.77 for
Spring 2011. The proposed fee increase would raise GCC’s rate to $56. Policy requires a
9-member Student Fee Advisory Committee (comprised of 5 students, 4 representatives
of the college district) to review the proposed increase prior to recommendation to the
Board of Trustees. Members also discussed the burden this could place on the student and
the uncertainty of the state’s financial condition.
Motion: Giles Brown made the motion, second by Gary Paikowski, to increase the
Student Services fee by $4 per credit hour effective with Spring 2012, and to seek input
from the Student Fee Advisory Committee. The motion passed 6-1, with Marc Payne
opposing.
Action: Giles Brown will ask the Student Fee Advisory Committee to convene next
Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Marc Payne will select the students. The item will be
added to next week’s agenda for additional thoughts and feedback. The proposed increase
will need to be presented at the October Board meeting, prior to early registration for
Spring.
Janitorial Concerns
Giles Brown noted on-going concerns with the performance of the contracted janitorial
services. Despite several attempts to improve services, complaints are still increasing.
Giles proposed releasing the current contract and returning to GCC staffing. He pledged
that the new arrangement would not exceed the current budget allocation.
Action/Motion: Council members unanimously supported the motion by Giles Brown,
second by Rick Lynn; to have janitorial services provided by college employees.
Maintenance Electrician Replacement
Giles Brown asked for approval to replace the vacant Electrician position.
Action/Motion: Council members unanimously approved the replacement of the
Electrician position as presented by Giles Brown. Giles made the motion, second by
Jeanie Hardin.
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Security Video Camera Update
Marc Payne reported that security camera installation is about 75% complete. The new
system has already been used to solve two theft crimes.
Action/Motion: No action necessary.
Coffee Bar Status & Golf Course Club Permit
Giles Brown announced that the contract to have a coffee bar in the Bridge would not be
executed. He also reported that Mike Hurley has received the beer and wine permit for the
Golf Course Clubhouse. Beer and wine sales will begin October 1.
Action/Motion: No action necessary.
IT Staffing
Gary Paikowski said he was optimistic about the lead candidate for the new staff person
for his office. He was pleased with the customer service and technical experience.
Action/Motion: No action necessary.
Year End Budget Review
Dr. Scheibmeir asked members to analyze each line item on the year-end budget summary
to learn and make improvements for the next budget cycle.
Action/Motion: No action necessary.
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