REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
September 15, 2011
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, September 15, 2011 at the HCC Administration Building, Second Floor
Auditorium, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Richard Schechter, Chair
Mary Ann Perez, Vice Chair
Eva Loredo, Secretary
Bruce A. Austin
Yolanda Navarro Flores
Sandie Mullins
Christopher Oliver
Neeta Sane
Dr. Michael P. Williams
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Shantay Grays, Interim Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Madeline Burillo for Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Instruction
Diana Pino, Vice Chancellor, Student Services
Daniel Seymour, Vice Chancellor, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
Cheryl Peters for William Harmon, President, Central College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations and Sustainability
Kelly Zuniga, Executive Director, HCC Foundation
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Tod Bisch for Thomas Urban, President, Faculty Senate
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – September 15, 2011 – Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Schechter, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:38 p.m. and declared the Board
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Bruce Austin led the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from Special Meeting of July 19, 2011, Budget Committee Meeting
of July 26, 2011, Special Meeting of August 1, 2011, Budget Committee Meeting of
August 3, 2011, Academic Affairs/Student Services Committee Meeting of August 11,
2011, Board Governance Committee Meeting of August 11, 2011, Committee of the
Whole Meeting of August 11, 2011, External Relations Committee Meeting of August
11, 2011, Special Meeting of August 11, 2011, and Regular Meeting of August 18,
2011.
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Ms. Perez seconded to approve the minutes as
presented. Mrs. Flores mentioned that she was not present at the committee meetings;
therefore, she would be abstaining from the vote on the minutes.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0-1 with Mrs. Flores abstaining.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Recognition of Harriet and Joe Foster Scholarship Program
(Ms. Mullins stepped out at 4:48 p.m. and returned at 4:50 p.m.)
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Ms. Perez expressed appreciation to Talento Bilingue de Houston for their performance
at the reception recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month.
Ms. Perez apprised that Dan Arguijo, Chief Communications Officer, has been named
Communicator of the Year.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Dr. Spangler provided the following information and recognitions:
•
Fall enrollment is up approximately 5%. All the colleges show positive growth with
distance education leading the trend at 18%. Two main goals of the Budget Task
Force for last year were: (1) to not furlough or RIFF anyone and (2) to not cancel
classes. Most other Texas colleges and universities have done one or both in the
face of crippling budget reductions. HCC met both these goals and managed to
increase access.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 4:52 p.m.)
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – September 15, 2011 – Page 3
(Ms. Perez stepped out at 4:52 p.m.)
•
•
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) announced that the
state has received a $1 million Completion Innovation Challenge Grant from
Complete College America, a national nonprofit founded in 2009 that awarded
grants to ten states producing the best plans to substantially increase college
completion for traditionally underrepresented populations. HCC is one of the
participating colleges.
ACE Fellows Program
o Dr. Peter Wooldridge, Executive Dean of Student Learning and Assessment
at Durham Technical Community College will spend the fall and spring
semesters with HCC, Dr. Zach Hodges will be his primary mentor. This is our
third consecutive year hosting an ACE Fellow.
o Dr. Johnella Bradford is returning from her year as a Fellow, having been
selected to engage in the same type of professional development activities at
other institutions.
•
The Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE), a national
annual survey to measure students’ engagement and satisfaction, gives insight into
how effective an institution is with respect to 5 key areas. The CCSSE provides
information about effective educational practice in community colleges and assists
institutions in using that information to promote improvements in student learning
and persistence. The full report will be available online shortly. Dr. Spangler noted of
a couple key findings as we address the matter of increasing our graduation rates.
o This year HCC spiked in 2 areas: Active and Collaborative Learning. After
averaging 50.5 for the last six years, this category jumped to 54.2, a 4.5%
increase over 2010. And after averaging 52.3, Support for Learners jumped
up to 55.5, a 3.7% increase over 2010.
o This year, HCC scored above not only the 2011 Cohort mean but also well
above our Peer Group of 79 extra-large colleges.
o Top Performer scores are significantly higher than HCC’s scores; however,
HCC is above the mean in all five areas: Active/Collaborative Learning,
Student Effort, Academic Challenge, Student/Faculty Interaction, and Support
for Learners.
•
HCC will be receiving the prestigious International Education Initiative Leadership
Award from the International Trade Center of Houston. The award as well as a
$1000.00 scholarship contribution to the international student fund will be given at
this year’s International Trade Center Grand Ball.
(Ms. Perez returned at 4:54 p.m.)
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Regular Meeting – September 15, 2011 – Page 4
(Mr. Oliver returned at 4:54 p.m.)
•
Dr. Spangler informed that the new HCC Eagle Mascot was announced at the first
ever HCC pep rally. She thanked Trustee Mary Ann Perez for attending and Dr.
Fena Garza for hosting the event. She also expressed appreciation to the University
of Houston Cougar Brass Basketball Pep Band and members of the Houston
Texans Cheerleaders who also participated as part of HCC’s partnership as the
Official Education Partner of the Houston Texans.
Swoop will appear at HCC community events and activities in addition to joining the
soon-to-be-named HCC cheerleaders on the sidelines to spur on players for HCC’s
30 club-level sporting activities.
FACULTY SENATE REPORT
President Elect Tod Bisch (HCC, Northeast Corrections Program) delivered prepared
remarks for President Tom Urban, President for Faculty Senate. Mr. Bisch recognized
the shared policy that allows the faculty to be actively engaged in decisions of the
college. The immediate focus of faculty is to work with administration to implement and
correct problems and fine tune the new HCC instructional leadership structure.
Mr. Bisch informed that future efforts will include a strong interest in working with the
Board and Administration to identify, enrich, and enliven the values that flow from the
HCC adopted principles of freedom, community mindedness, integrity, excellence, and
accountability.
Mr. Bisch closed by announcing the Bedichek-Orman Faculty Development Fund
Auction will be held on Friday, October 14, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. at the West Loop
Campus.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Mr. Oliver seconded to approve the consent agenda
with the exception of items A.2, A.3, B.4 and B.8. The motion passed with a vote of 9-0.
The following items were approved:
•
Administrative and Technology Security Policy
•
Renewal of Lease Agreement for Space in Greenbriar Square (Stafford, Texas)
•
Tuition and Fees for Non-Credit Classes
•
Agreement Between Harris County and Houston Community College Relating to
Joint Elections to be Held on November 8, 2011
POSTING OF HCC TRUSTEES CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS ONLINE
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Mr. Oliver seconded to approve posting HCC Trustee
campaign finance reports online. The motion passed with a vote of 9-0.
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Regular Meeting – September 15, 2011 – Page 5
HCC BOARD RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OVERSIGHT OF EDUCATIONAL
QUALITY
Motion – Mr. Austin motioned and Dr. Williams seconded to approve the
recommendation of the Board Governance Committee.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 5:14 p.m.)
Mr. Austin apprised that the purpose of presenting the recommendation was to
establish educational oversight. He noted that the Board is responsible for the
effectiveness and efficiency of the College operations including the protection of assets
from fraud, waste, and abuse and apprised that administration has the primary
responsibility for the implementation of internal controls to deter and prevent fraud.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
(Mr. Oliver returned at 5:19 p.m.)
CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING/OBSERVATION AND GEOTECHNICAL
ENGINEERING SERVICES (PROJECT NO. 11-25)
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Dr. Williams seconded.
Mr. Oliver noted that the item was vetted at the Committee of the Whole meeting and it
was suggested that the term be set at 18 months. He inquired if the Board could amend
to change the term from 18 to 36 months.
Amendment – Mr. Oliver moved and Mrs. Sane seconded to amend the term to 36
months.
Dr. Williams informed that he was not clear on the rationale. Mr. Oliver informed that
given the amount of funds that will be expended especially regarding San Jacinto
Renovation, it will take at least 18 months to start on this particular contract. Dr. Tyler
informed that there are some exterior of the building that will require Geotechnical
services. Mr. Dahse informed that the term is not material; however, once begun the
process would have to continue with the contracted services. He noted that whoever is
utilized at the beginning of a project will be used throughout completion.
Dr. Williams asked if these are system-wide projects and is there a continuous need for
the services during the entire 3 year period. Mr. Dahse informed that services are
needed year-round and informed that utilization will be on a rotation basis. He noted
that a balance is utilized as much as possible among the pool of vendors.
Mr. Austin informed that when qualified bidders are used, there is a bid as the services
are needed and the list is refreshed over a period of time. He noted that it allows quick
and immediate access to the services.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – September 15, 2011 – Page 6
Dr. Williams asked if there is a limit similar to the Job Order Contract (JOC). Mr. Dahse
noted that it is different from JOC; however, this situation will be reviewed according to
the job size.
Mr. Schechter noted that Dr. Williams was associating with the total cost. Mr. Dahse
informed that the amount will vary and is unable to be determined at this date. He noted
that for convenient purposes it is good to have the pool of vendors. Dr. Tyler referred to
the material testing line item on page 17 of the Financial Report.
Dr. Williams asked why was 36 months recommended as oppose to lesser term. Mr.
Dahse informed that it was based on consistency.
Mrs. Sane asked administration to confirm that the recommendation is based on best
value for the college and cost savings from not repeatedly going out for bid. Mrs. Sane
noted that she is ready to support 36 months since the recommendation follows the
past practices of the college. Mr. Dahse noted the recommendation was based on past
practices and provides convenience; however, it is the Board’s decision.
Vote on Amendment – The motion passed with vote of 7-0-2 with Mrs. Flores and Ms.
Loredo abstaining.
Vote on Amended Motion – The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-2 with Mrs. Flores
and Ms. Loredo abstaining.
RESOLUTION FOR A LOAN WITH A HCC APPROVED DEPOSITORY BANK FOR
CAPITAL RELATED EXPENDITURES
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Ms. Mullins seconded.
Mrs. Flores stated that she pulled the item to voice her opposition of the item given the
financial status of the college and this is not an adequate time to purchase property.
Mr. Schechter noted that the item is not for land purchase and conferred with
administration for clarification. Dr. Tyler informed that the item is for capital projects
such as IT projects. He noted that rather than utilizing operating funds, the action will
allow the funding of the IT projects with a loan.
Vote- The motion passed 8-1 with Mrs. Flores opposing.
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR JULY 2011
Dr. Tyler provided an overview of the investment status of the college.
Mr. Schechter informed that the college has continued to have an AA+ rating.
Motion – Mrs. Sane moved and Mr. Austin seconded. The motion passed with a vote of
8-0-1 with Mrs. Flores abstaining.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – September 15, 2011 – Page 7
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR AUGUST 2011
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Mr. Oliver seconded to receive the monthly financial
report.
Ms. Mullins requested a background on tuition and fees for extended learning in
comparison to last year.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 5:46 p.m.)
Ms. Burrillo informed that various factors contributed to the reduction due to
competiveness of credit classes, which poses a challenge of space for non-credit
classes. Dr. Tyler informed that the credit side has significantly increased.
Ms. Mullins inquired the status of lease space occupancy. Dr. Tyler informed that there
is a lack of space due to some construction projects and noted that a decrease is
anticipated when construction is completed. Dr. Tyler noted that the expense is below
the anticipated amount.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 8-0.
CONTRACT FOR OUTSIDE COUNSEL
Mr. Schechter informed that the institution, Board and some Administrators have been
sued by Mrs. Navarro Flores and noted that the vote is to retain Jackson Walker LLP to
defend all named parties and HCC as a named institution in the pending litigation.
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Ms. Perez seconded. The motion passed with vote
of 7-0. Mrs. Navarro Flores recused from the vote.
(Mr. Oliver returned at 5:53 p.m.)
Mr. Schechter announced that the HCC Hispanic Scholarship Council hosted a
reception prior to the meeting in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month and apprised
that the Hispanic Scholarship Council luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on
Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Hilton Americas.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Schechter adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:59 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 7:35 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Schechter, Perez, Williams, Oliver, Austin and Loredo)
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – September 15, 2011 – Page 8
REVIEW AND AMEND CHANCELLOR’S CONTRACT OR CONTRACT STATUS
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Ms. Perez seconded. The motion passed with a
vote of 6-0.
PERSONNEL AGENDA FOR JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mr. Oliver seconded. The motion passed with a vote
of 6-0.
FULL-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEE ANNUAL CONTRACTS
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved Dr. Williams seconded to approve. The motion passed
with a vote 6-0.
PROPOSED SETTLEMENT BETWEEN HCC AND LAURA WILBURN
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Ms. Perez seconded. The motion passed with a
vote of 6-0.
HEARING OF THE CITIZENS
The following citizens requested to speak before the Board:
•
•
Daniel Arp
David Wilson
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved:
October 20, 2011