MEETING OF THE
ATHLETICS COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
February 21, 2008
Minutes
The Athletics Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College
System held a meeting on Thursday, February 21, 2008, at the System Administration
Building, 3100 Main, 2nd Floor Seminar Room A, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Neeta Sane, Committee Chair
Mills Worsham, Committee Member
Abel Davila
Bruce Austin
ADMINISTRATION
Charles Cook, VC for Instruction
Irene Porcarello, VC for Student Success
William Harmon, President, Central College
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Other administrators, citizens, and representatives of the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mrs. Sane called the meeting to order at 12:20 p.m. and declared the Committee
convened to consider matters pertaining to the Houston Community College System as
listed on the duly posted Meeting Notice.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT HCC
Discussion – Discuss the results of the Feasibility Study completed in September 2007
and consider the development of an athletic program at HCC.
Dr. Harmon provided background information relating to the development of athletics at
HCC. He noted that the discussion initiated from the development of the student activity
fee based on enhancement of the out of class experience for students. He apprised
that HCC is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association in Division III.
Dr. Harmon apprised that a feasibility study was completed in September 2007 with
several recommendations. He noted that one of the recommendations was to conduct a
second student survey district-wide to solicit the students interest and support in the
continued development of an athletic program.
Trustee Sane mentioned that the financial base for the program must be discussed with
feedback from the students is needed on how they anticipate paying for the program.
Houston Community College System
Athletics Committee – February 21, 2008 – Page 2
Dr. Harmon noted that literature states that athletics contribute significantly to student
success and student engagement connecting the student to the institution.
(Mr. Davila arrived at 12:21 p.m.)
Dr. Harmon noted that the question must be asked about the student understanding on
the cost. Mrs. Porcarello recommended expansion of the survey since the first survey
consisted of only 592 students out of approximately 45,000. She also noted that the
student activity fee could be used to fund the athletic programs.
Mrs. Sane noted that maybe intramural would be more feasible for the moment such as
Central College as an activity for the students to engage while on campus.
Mr. Worsham asked for an overview of what can be covered by the student activity fee.
Dr. Harmon noted that there are specific rules and regulations in terms of how the fees
can be used. He noted that students make the determination on how the fee will be
used based on proposals submitted. Dr. Harmon noted that part of the problem with the
student activity fee is that the student body changes each year and apprised that there
must be a student government body in place consistently to make certain there is a
continued interest in athletics.
Mr. Worsham asked for clarification between the athletic collegiate levels. Dr. Harmon
informed that at the division three level there are no athletic scholarships and you would
have to pay for referees, travel, uniforms, etc.
Mr. Austin mentioned the possibility of establishing hybrid programs where the students
would compete among one another.
Mr. Worsham noted that there must be an interest of the students for the cost of the
program to come from their activity fee. He noted that there must be some financial
participation from the student activity fee.
Mrs. Sane noted that maybe consideration should be given to charging only those
students interested participating in the athletics. The students would only be required to
pay a fee if they anticipate participating in athletics.
Mr. Davila noted that there must be review to give consideration to allow for consistency
within the same student body for a period of time . Mrs. Porcarello apprised that a
review is in process.
The committee recommended expanding the survey. Trustee Sane mentioned the
possibility having the surveys completed on-line. She also asked Dr. Harmon to draft
the survey questions before the end of the month.
Houston Community College System
Athletics Committee – February 21, 2008 – Page 3
Motion – Mr. Worsham moved to commission administration to complete a student
survey by the end of May 2008. Mrs. Sane seconded the motion. Motion passed with a
vote of 2-0.
Dr. Harmon recommended placing the responsibility for the survey with the student
government association at each of the colleges. The committee concluded that that
would be the most conducive means to allow for greater student participation in the
survey.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.
Recorded by:
Sharon R. Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant, Board Services
Transcribed and submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant, Board Services
Minutes Approved: