SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
July 19, 2011
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Special Meeting on
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at the HCC Administration Building, 3100 Main, 2nd Floor,
Seminar Room A, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Richard Schechter, Chair
Mary Ann Perez, Vice Chair
Eva Loredo, Secretary
Bruce Austin
Yolanda Navarro Flores
Sandie Mullins
Neeta Sane
Dr. Michael P. Williams
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Doretha Eason, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
Destinee Waiters for Renee Byas, General Counsel
William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Instruction
Daniel Seymour, Vice Chancellor, Planning and Institution Effectiveness
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Thomas Urban, President Elect, Faculty Senate
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Perez, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 2:15 p.m. and declared the Board
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
Houston Community College
Special Meeting – July 19, 2011- Page 2
REPORT ON SYSTEM-WIDE TRANSFORMATION OF COUNSELING AND
STUDENT ADVISING
Dr. Spangler apprised that the report consists of a summary of the issues with
counseling and student advising services. She noted that historically the faculty
counselors have performed both advising and counseling services.
(Mrs. Flores arrived at 2:17 p.m.)
Dr. Spangler presented an overview of the reorganization for HCC counseling and
advising, and noted the following:
•
•
•
•
As enrollment increased, counselors spent less time counseling and more of their
time advising
Budget Task Force recommended a staffing review, which included a review of
clerical, IT, and counseling/advising
Consultant was engaged to provide an objective review of advising and
counseling services
Transformation involves utilizing resources more efficiently across the institution
to deliver services differently
Dr. Spangler noted that the overall intended outcome is:
•
•
•
•
Improve student/advisor ratio
Improve student persistence and retention through a management approach
Improve student adjustment to life changes and challenges
Clarify roles and responsibilities of counselors/advisors
Ms. Perez recessed the meeting at 2:29 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 2:37 p.m.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Flores, Loredo, Mullins, Perez, Sane, and Williams)
Dr. Spangler continued with the overview of the proposed transformation, which
consisted of the following phases:
•
Phase I (September 1, 2011)
o One-time buyout offer
o Counselors become twelve month professional staff
o Student Services Associate retitled to Advisor
o Options of Student Services Associates without bachelor’s degree
 Buyout
 Aggressively pursue bachelor’s degree
 Student Services Assistant
Houston Community College
Special Meeting – July 19, 2011- Page 3
•
Phase II (September 1, 2012)
o Twenty-two Counselors to handle disability, career, at-risk, and personal
counseling
o License required or obtained in three-years
o Remainder become Senior Advisors to work with first-time college
students
Mr. Austin inquired if there has been conversation with the cohorts affected by the plan.
Dr. Spangler informed that there has been dialogue regarding the reorganization plan.
She noted that the initial concept was presented and a secondary proposal was
presented based on the response.
Dr. Williams requested the job description for the various positions and salary levels. He
noted that he has problems with the process and noted that this is a crucial area for the
students.
Dr. Spangler continued with the overview of Phase II of the reorganization plan. She
noted that the number of counselor positions will decrease from 50 counselors to 22
and noted that the remainder will move into Senior Advisor positions and the 41 Student
Services Associates will become Advisors.
Dr. Williams noted that even though the Chancellor has the authority to reorganize, it
should be done in accordance to the law and in fairness. He noted that employee
morale has to be taken into consideration. He inquired if employees in these positions
with longevity and tenure would receive a pay reduction.
Dr. Tyler provided an overview of the salary structure. He noted that to his
understanding, there was a discussion of the job description. Mr. Willie Williams
informed that Dr. Pino developed the initial draft of the descriptions; however, they will
be revised accordingly in preparation to the implementation of the plan. He noted that
nothing will be effective immediately except the title change.
Ms. Mullins inquired as to what inspired the change. Dr. Spangler noted that there were
several issues such as the necessity to respond to students’ needs and the expressed
concern from counselors and advisors of their role and responsibilities. She apprised
that an anonymous suggestion was to conduct a staffing audit.
Ms. Mullins asked if other community colleges are restructuring similar to HCC. Dr.
Seymour apprised that it is taking place throughout the country.
Ms. Mullins asked how HCC ranks in comparison nationally. Dr. Spangler noted that the
ratio is one counselor for 1,618 students and the advisor ratio is one for 2,696 students,
which is significantly higher than other community colleges.
Houston Community College
Special Meeting – July 19, 2011- Page 4
Mr. Austin asked what the downside of moving from faculty to staff is. Dr. Tyler apprised
that they are moving from faculty to professional staff and noted that the employees
would now be on a twelve-month pay scale instead of the ten-month contract.
Mrs. Sane inquired how well has the documentation presented been relayed to those
affected. She requested assurance that the counselors and advisors were informed of
the process.
Dr. Williams noted that he has no problem with the change; however, the process is of
his concern. He noted that the livelihood of many individuals would be affected and
noted that every opportunity must be provided to help individuals keep their jobs.
Ms. Mullins noted that there are some creditability issues with the public, especially with
the requirement of a degree and especially since the college is an institution of higher
learning. She noted that even though it is a small aspect, there needs to be someone
with credentials assisting students.
Mr. Austin noted that he supports encouragement for staff to earn degrees; however,
his concern is with employees that were grandfathered in and asked what were the pros
and cons as well as the possibility of working to a resolve.
Dr. Williams noted that individuals in student support services should at least hold an
associate degree and noted that HCC should be responsible for the cost if position
requirements are changing.
Mrs. Flores associated with Mr. Austin and Dr. Williams. She noted that there has been
concern whether those affected have been provided a platform to express their
concerns. She noted that there is a concern regarding the decrease of income of some
individuals. She noted that there should have been participation by those who are
directly affected.
Ms. Loredo noted that counselors are needed and the position should be regarded as a
specialty field.
(Mr. Schechter arrived 3:21 p.m. and presided over the meeting)
Ms. Loredo noted that as it relates to the student service advisors; they should be
required to earn credentials and should get professional development in the interim to
make certain they are accurately advising students.
Mr. Schechter apprised that no one is happy about the change. He noted that one
reason for the changes comes from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
regarding graduation completers. He noted the second issue is the $30 plus million
shortfall from state funding.
Houston Community College
Special Meeting – July 19, 2011- Page 5
Mr. Schechter noted that the current counselors will keep their same pay for six months.
He noted there are two who will receive a pay raise and only three will be affected after
the six-month period.
Dr. Williams apprised that there is a disconnect of what is said outside the meeting
room and what is being explained to the Board.
Mr. Schechter stated he was informed that the buyout option came from the counselors
and he noted that counselors would be given three years to obtain licenses.
Ms. Perez apprised that student success completion rate is vital and noted that the
changes introduced represent fairness.
Dr. Seymour apprised that the consultant process began in March 2011. He noted that
the IT project was also included as a part of the review conducted by the consultant and
noted that the cost for both processes was under $25,000.
(Ms. Perez stepped out at 3:58 p.m.)
Mr. Schechter noted that it is his desire that everyone work together for the betterment
of the students.
(Ms. Perez returned at 4:00 p.m.)
Dr. Williams asked if a report was presented regarding the process with the librarians.
Dr. Spangler apprised that the report was presented at the Budget Committee meeting
in June 2011.
Dr. Williams mentioned that action should be taken in the form of the Board accepting or
not accepting the report. Mr. Schechter noted that an inquiry was made with Board
Counsel who apprised that the Chancellor has the right to make reorganization
decisions.
VOLUNATRY SEPARATION PLAN (VSP)
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Ms. Perez seconded.
Mr. Schechter apprised that General Counsel and Board Counsel have reviewed the
Voluntary Separation Plan (VSP).
Dr. Tyler provided an overview of the 2011 VSP for HCC Counselors and Student
Services Associates. He noted that the timeline for receiving payment under the plan is
approximately 52 days (45 days to accept and an additional 7 days if an individual
accepts the plan and decides to have buyer’s remorse).
Ms. Perez recommended adding a signature line apprising that they understand the
terms of the agreement.
Houston Community College
Special Meeting – July 19, 2011- Page 6
Dr. Tyler provided a review of the total cost if there is acceptance of the plan. He noted
that there will be some cost of replacement, which will provide for a breakeven
opportunity next year.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 7-0-1 with Mrs. Flores abstaining.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Schechter adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 4:19 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. Mr. Schechter 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.
Mr. Schechter reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 5:11 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Loredo, Perez, Sane, and Schechter)
PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF CAUSE NO. 2009-38334; DENISE MCGUIRE V.
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM; CHALLENGE OFFICE PRODUCTS,
INC.; AND JOHN BARBOSA; IN THE 165TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF
HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
Motion – Ms. Perez moved and Mrs. Sane seconded to authorize Board Counsel to
settle the lawsuit pursuant to the terms discussed in closed executive session. The
motion passed with a vote 5-0.
REPORT ON REORGANIZATION OF ALIEF HAYES AND ALIEF BISSONNET
CAMPUSES
Mr. Schechter stated that the item will be postponed until the August 2011 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m.
Recorded by:
Sharon R. Wright, Manager, Board Services
Submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved: