MEETING OF THE
AUDIT COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
June 17, 2010
Minutes
The Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a
meeting on Thursday, June 17, 2010, at the HCC Administration Building, 3100 Main,
2nd Floor, Seminar Room A, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Bruce Austin, Committee Chair
Richard Schechter, Committee Member
Neeta Sane, Committee Member
Eva Loredo
Sandie Meyers
Mary Ann Perez
Dr. Michael P. Williams
ADMINISTRATION
Mary S. Spangler, Chancellor
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Doretha Eason, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Diana Pino, Vice Chancellor, Student Success
Daniel Seymour, Vice Chancellor, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
William Harmon, President, Central College
Maya Durnovo for Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Chester Woodard, Director, Internal Audit
Gwen Drumgoole, Manager, Risk Management
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Alan Ainsworth, President Elect, Faculty Senate
Eric Seaboard, United Educators
Other administrators, citizens, and representatives of the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Austin called the meeting to order at 3:23 p.m. and declared the Committee
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
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Audit Committee – June 17, 2010 - Page 2
RISK ASSESSMENT REPORT FROM UNITED EDUCATORS
Discussion - Report on the system-wide risk assessment areas based on an assessment
made by the representative of United Educators.
(Dr. Williams stepped out at 3:26 p.m.)
(Mr. Schechter arrived at 3:26 p.m.)
Renee Byas, General Counsel apprised that, as previously mentioned, Mr. Austin
requested a risk assessment and informed that United Educators conducted an
institutionalized risk assessment.
Mr. Eric Seaboard with United Educators provided a presentation of the background of
United Educators and provided a review of the process undertaken.
(Dr. Williams returned at 3:29 p.m.)
Mr. Seaboard apprised that the purpose of the study was to provide a synopsis of the
risk evaluation and elaborated on the risk evaluation process. He also provided a list of
hot topics in regards to higher education institutions as well as strengths. He noted that
HCC has strengths in regards to emergency response planning, business continuity,
international travel, identifying and managing minors on campus and parking facilities.
Mr. Seaboard noted that the study recommended the following risk management
priorities:
• Forming a district-wide Risk Management Committee to review:
a. Consolidate policies, procedures, and practices
b. Prioritize and communicate risk management objectives
c. Address concerns from the other campuses
d. Focus in detail on specific areas
• Consolidate Contracts and Records Management:
a. Human Resources
b. Procurement
c. Third Party Vendors
d. Ensure policies and procedures are followed
• Design a Student Threat Assessment Team:
a. Address concerns regarding specific individuals
b. Alternative process for addressing mental health issues with students
c. Develop a course of action for reporting
d. Educate the campus community on the Student Threat Assessment Team
(Dr. Williams stepped out at 3:33 p.m.)
Mr. Austin asked who would articulate the protocol district-wide and how would it work at
various campuses. Dr. Spangler noted that the protocol had not been discussed because
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Audit Committee – June 17, 2010 - Page 3
the intent was to present the item to the Audit Committee first. She apprised that the
General Counsel office would be responsible for formulating the committee since Risk
Management reports to the General Counsel.
Mr. Schechter asked if there should be a risk audit. Mr. Seaboard informed that he does
feel that an internal audit is necessary at this time and recommended a Risk
Management Committee. Mr. Seaboard apprised that an external assessment is not
necessary at this time.
Dr. Spangler apprised that the items would be included in the strategic audit plan.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.
Recorded by:
Sharon R. Wright, Manager, Board Services
Transcribed and submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved: