MEETING OF THE
BOARD GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
November 19, 2009
Minutes
The Board Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees of Houston Community
College held a meeting on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the HCC Administration
Building, 3100 Main, 2nd Floor, Seminar Room A, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Richard Schechter, Committee Chair
Diane Olmos Guzman, Committee Member
Dr. Michael P. Williams, Committee Member
Bruce Austin
Neeta Sane
Mills Worsham
ADMINISTRATION
Mary S. Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Doretha Eason, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
Bill Harmon, President, Central College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Other administrators, citizens, and representatives of the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Schechter called the meeting to order at 3:19 p.m. and declared the Committee
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
REVIEW REVISIONS TO BOARD BYLAWS
Mr. Schechter apprised that there are three to four revisions that need to be addressed.
Mr. Hollingsworth asked what would be the effective date. The committee concluded to
make the bylaws effective January 1, 2010.
Article A.5 - Prohibited Communications
Dr. Williams apprised that he is not in favor of setting the blackout period when the RFP
is issued. Mr. Schechter noted that he is in favor that the bylaws be changed to set the
blackout period from the date the RFP is issued until the approval.
Houston Community College
Board Governance Committee – November 19, 2009- Page 2
Motion – Dr. Williams moved that the blackout period begin the day the proposal is due
or received, whichever is earlier. Mrs. Guzman seconded. The motion passed with a
vote of 2-1.
Article B.4 Leadership
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Mrs. Guzman seconded. The motion passed with a
vote of 3-0.
Mrs. Guzman noted that she requested to add language to allow for advocacy.
Article E.2.G Chancellor
Mr. Schechter apprised that Mrs. Flores requested that timely manner be defined;
however, the question is how to define what is considered important information.
Dr. Williams asked if this is information for Board meetings or requested information.
Mr. Schechter noted that what is considered an important document will need to be
defined as a matter of standard.
The Board concluded to leave the language as originally stated.
TRAVEL POLICY
Mr. Schechter noted that he will meet with Jarvis Hollingsworth to discuss the policy.
BOARD MONITORING REPORT
Mr. Schechter noted that he would like to submit the item for approval by the Board.
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Mrs. Guzman seconded to approve.
Dr. Spangler inquired of the reason of having the item approved and asked what
happens if the CCSSE is not completed.
Dr. Williams mentioned that this is a form of mutual accountability and noted that
administration should apprise the Board, if a deadline is unable to be met.
Dr. Tyler recommended the following adjustments:
•
•
•
Audit Report – change due month to November
CCSSE – change due month to October
Budget Review – change to January/April/July/October
Motion – Dr. Williams moved to approve the amendments and Mr. Schechter seconded.
The vote passed 3-0.
Vote of amended motion – The vote passed 3-0.
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Board Governance Committee – November 19, 2009- Page 3
NEW TRUSTEE ORIENTATION
Mr. Schechter mentioned that orientations have been very sporadic since he came on
the Board. He noted that he spent a large amount of time with various areas of the
college, which was instrumental in understanding areas of the college.
Dr. Williams mentioned that there have been different types of orientation. He
mentioned that there should to be legal and programmatic overviews as well as
orientation sessions by the Board to assist in dealing with issues that are of the Board
concern.
Trustee Sane mentioned that the orientation should include campus tours, budget and
administration. Dr. Williams agreed that campus tours should be included.
Mr. Austin presented information to possibly assist with Board orientation. He noted
that the guide for Trustee roles and responsibilities from ACCT was good information
and apprised that he also included the SACS information taken from the SACS
workbook for accreditation. Mr. Austin also referenced the book by Peter Ewell.
Dr. Williams requested a bibliography and mentioned that the role of ACCT should be
included in the orientation process. He summarized that the Board sentiment is that the
best Trustee is an informed Trustee.
Mr. Schechter recommended meeting with the Chancellor to schedule a one-day
meeting in December with the new Trustees to provide an overview of the college.
Mr. Austin recommended that the orientation process be on-going for the entire Board
as a reiteration of roles and duties.
(Mr. Worsham arrived at 3:56 p.m.)
Dr. Spangler apprised that a mini orientation was held earlier today with the new
Trustees and administration. She noted that a retreat is scheduled for January to
address some of the issues expressed.
Mr. Schechter mentioned that the incoming Board Chair could possibly mentor the new
Trustees.
NAMING POLICY OPPORTUNITY
Motion – Mrs. Guzman moved to accept the policy drafted.
Mr. Hollingsworth mentioned that the Board asked the Chancellor to review policies of
other large institutions.
Dr. Williams asked if there is a general theme for naming opportunities. Dr. Spangler
mentioned that the draft presented is closer to policy than what was received from the
three other colleges.
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Board Governance Committee – November 19, 2009- Page 4
Dr. Williams mentioned that the authority for naming rights should rest with the Board.
He noted that the policy and procedure should be approved by the Board.
Mr. Austin noted that community input should be considered in implementing the policy.
Motion – Mrs. Guzman moved to accept the naming policy and the procedures be
developed later. The motion failed for lack of a second.
Mr. Schechter noted that the policy needs additional review. Dr. Williams agreed with
Mr. Schechter and asked for elaboration on his objections. Mr. Schechter noted that he
has some concern with the mechanism.
Mrs. Guzman recommended a monetary transaction for naming opportunities where the
funds could be used for scholarships in that community.
Mrs. Sane mentioned that the policy presented is broad. She noted that the policy
should be more clearly defined.
The Committee concluded that Board Counsel and Administration should meet to
discuss the policy and schedule a committee meeting prior to the December 10, 2009
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:18 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: