REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
May 24, 2012
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, May 24, 2012 at the HCC Administration Building, Second Floor Auditorium,
3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Mary Ann Perez, Chair
Bruce A. Austin, Vice Chair
Neeta Sane, Secretary
Eva Loredo
Sandie Mullins
Christopher W. Oliver
Carroll G. Robinson
Richard Schechter
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Shantay Grays, Interim Executive Officer to the Chancellor
William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Instruction
Diana Pino, Vice Chancellor, Student Success
Warren Hurd for Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Julian Fisher for Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Michael Edwards for Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Winston Dahse, Chief Administration Officer
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
OTHERS PRESENT
Derrick Mitchell, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Lisa Eason, President COPA
Thomas Urban, Faculty Senate President
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
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Regular Meeting – May 24, 2012 – Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Perez, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:03 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
Ms. Mullins led the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
(Mr. Schechter and Mrs. Sane joined the meeting at 4:04 p.m.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from Audit Committee Meeting of April 12, 2012, Committee of the
Whole Meeting of April 12, 2012, Minority Male Initiative Committee Meeting of April 12,
2012, and Regular Meeting of April 19, 2012
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Ms. Loredo seconded to approve the minutes. The
motion passed with a vote of 6-0.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
•
Board Retreat
A Board Retreat is scheduled for Friday, June 22, 2012 and Saturday, June 23,
2012. Additional information including the time and location will be forthcoming
from the Board Services Office.
(Mr. Austin joined the meeting at 4:08 p.m.)
•
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In recognition of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mrs. Sane
provided information regarding the roundtable discussion she has been asked to
participate in with the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific
Islander (WHIAAPI).
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
•
Central Trio Program Awarded Federal Funding
The Trio Program at Central College was awarded federal funding for the next
five years; year of the grant is worth over $500,000. Dean Johnson, Ms.
Jereland Lott, and the Upward Bound staff are to be commended for the
noteworthy accomplishment.
(Mr. Oliver joined at 4:26 p.m.)
(Mr. Schechter stepped out at 4:27 p.m.)
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – May 24, 2012 – Page 3
•
HCC Top Ranking in Conferring Most Degrees to Minorities in 2012
Houston Community College has received a Top 10 ranking in conferring the
most degrees to minorities in 2012 by the publication Diverse: Issues In Higher
Education. Each year, the publication singles out the Top 100 Degree Producers
by rankings, and this year, Houston Community College made the Top 10 list in
the following categories (listed by ranking):
9.
8.
10.
8.
African American Associates – All Disciplines Combined
Asian American Associates – All Disciplines Combined
Hispanic Associates – All Disciplines Combined
Total Minority Associates – All Disciplines Combined
According to Diverse, the Top 10 Degree Producers edition is the only national
analysis of degrees awarded to students of color.
•
HCC Communications Department Receives TellyAward
HCC Communications Department was awarded a bronze Telly at the 33rd
Annual Telly Awards. The award was for the HCC Faculty Campaign. This is
the 5th TellyAward received in the past five years for outstanding local and
regional cable television commercial and marketing campaigns.
•
2011-2012 National Association of College and Universities Attorneys
(NACUA) Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Spangler congratulated Renee Smith Byas, General Counsel, Houston
Community College, for receiving the 2011-2012 NACUA Distinguished Service
Award.
•
Congratulations HCC Coleman College Dental Hygiene Students
HCC Coleman Dental Hygiene senior students participated at the Star of the
South meeting at the George R. Brown Convention Center March 29. They
presented Table Clinic on research topics related to oral health, which is part of
the requirement for the Community Health Class. All the table clinics were judged
on their presentation board and delivery. There were four table clinic
presentations by HCC Coleman Dental Hygiene students and seven from The
University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry at Houston. The
topic chosen by HCC Coleman College students, “HPV’s Connection to Oral
Cancer,” was awarded First Place. The HCC Coleman students who presented
this table clinic were Sam Chaudhari, Marlo Carroll, and Quyen Le.
•
HCC Diversity and Inclusion Council
The Diversity and Inclusion Council along with co-chairs from the nine employee
resource groups from the Office of Institutional Equity participated in a day long
retreat. The retreat focused on participants working as a community to develop
actionable and measurable items under the four major themes, which emerged
from the Fall kick-off: acceptance, respect, recognition and advancement. The
members will compile information and ideas to align with institutional strategic
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – May 24, 2012 – Page 4
plan and goals. The council extends appreciation to the presidents who
attended.
•
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Scholarship Banquet
Dr. Spangler and Dr. Tyler attended the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Scholarship Banquet with Ashley Metzler, HCC’s scholarship recipient. Last
month the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo presented a check for $100,000 to
HCC.
•
$300,000 Gift from George Foundation
HCC received a $300,000 gift from the George Foundation to launch Capital
Ideas at the Stafford Campus, Southwest College. The gift will provide academic
sponsorship for up to forty HCC Capital Idea students beginning Fall 2012 and
provide selected students the support they need to devote their energy and time
to education. The program provides funding, case management, employment
and career growth opportunities.
•
2012 Faculty and Staff Campaign
Dr. Spangler thanked all employees who participated in the 2012 Faculty and
Staff Campaign. The campaign raises money for the HCC Foundation, which
raised $82,487.55 exceeding its goal for this year. Dr. Spangler thanked the
senior executive team for 100% participation and Barnes and Noble Booksellers
for their generous matching grant, they contributed $142,975.10. For the fifth
year in a row, Coleman College had the highest participation rate, the District
came in second place and Southwest College came in third place.
•
Omega Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa
Mark Belmarez from the Omega Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa made a brief
presentation to the Board to introduce officers and recognize awards received on
regional and international levels. Mr. Belmarez presented the Commit to
Complete banner signed by Students throughout the District.
•
Faculty Senate Report
Dr. Thomas Urban apprised that at the last meeting he focused on passion. He
expressed the need to encourage an atmosphere of respect. He noted that at the
graduation ceremony, many begin to leave after the first degree was awarded
and there is something very sad and disrespectful about that, we can do better.
He announced that several members of the faculty will be attending the National
Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) conference to
engage on efforts to do better as well as review how others have implemented
efforts to do better.
(Mr. Schechter returned at 4:31 p.m.)
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – May 24, 2012 – Page 5
Ms. Perez took a point of personal privilege and expressed appreciation to the
Communications Department as well as the faculty and administration for a job well
done at graduation. Ms. Perez also acknowledged Trustees Austin, Loredo and
Robinson for attending the Honors College luncheon.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Robinson seconded to approve the consent agenda
with the exception of items A.1, A.2, A.3. A.4 and B.5. The motion passed with a vote of
9-0. The following consent agenda item(s) was approved:
•
Method of Project Delivery for Roof Replacement at 3100 Main, System
Administration Building
WAIVER OF TUITION AND FEES FOR PREP 0100 FOR SUMMER 2012 COURSE
SECTIONS
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Mrs. Sane seconded to approve.
Mr. Robinson expressed appreciation to the Board Chair and Chancellor for the efforts
regarding dual credit. He noted that dual credit is vital in the higher education of
community college. He requested more be done for developmental education.
Mr. Schechter associated with Mr. Robinson and noted that so many students enter
developmental education and are not successful in receiving a college degree;
however, efforts and goals have been identified by the college to assist students in
streamlining the process and assist with furthering the students in their educational
obtainment.
Mr. Schechter also associated with Mr. Robinson regarding working with ISDs to
identify means for assisting the students earlier to advance their educational efforts.
Mr. Austin suggested reviewing a learning concept that involves middle and high
schools in the summer. He noted that there should not be a candy coating of the
educational disparity that is present in the country. He noted that he presented a
concept several years ago to bridge the concept regarding critical thinking. He
recommended reviewing what Vanderbilt University and the New Jersey Institute of
Technology and what they are doing in their pre-college programs and apprised that
HISD needs to be engaged as colleagues in a common discussion.
Mrs. Sane noted that there needs to be support and push at the District level so that the
college presidents move forward on developing relationships with HISD and other ISDs.
She noted that there must be a focus on including other ISDs and not just HISD.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 4:42 p.m.)
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 7-0.
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Regular Meeting – May 24, 2012 – Page 6
COURSE FEE FOR ENGL 1301 STUDENTS AT NORTHWEST COLLEGE
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Robinson seconded.
Mr. Robinson apprised that the effort is a great one that will provide a cost reduction to
the students. He noted that the effort will provide some financial relief to the students
and noted that it is a desire that the effort is engaged throughout the district.
(Mr. Oliver returned at 4:47 p.m.)
Mr. Schechter associated with Mr. Robinson and inquired if the effort will present a
similar opportunity for the other colleges. Dr. Cook apprised that additional efforts are
forthcoming.
Mr. Schechter informed that with the Board voting for the item there should be a notion
of transferring the college from teaching to learning. He noted that the new reality in
higher education is that the teaching format has changed and students will be required
to do more on their own. He informed that he is enthused about the item as a paradigm
shift in the college.
Mr. Robinson inquired about the pilot program regarding on-line handheld devices at
Southeast College. He requested an overview of the outcome and status of the pilot.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
GED TESTING FEE
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Schechter seconded.
Mr. Robinson noted that he does not have a discussion on the item; however, he would
not be voting on the item.
Mr. Schechter noted that the Board is not elated regarding the issue; however, the
current cost exceeds even the proposed rate and the college simply cannot continue to
subsidize. He discussed the issue with the Foundation regarding allocating funds to
assist those needing assistance.
Ms. Loredo inquired if there are any grants available to assist students in these areas.
Ms. Mullins inquired of the percentage of repeats regarding GED Testing. Dr. Pino
informed that for 2010-11 there were 1,100 re-testers. She noted that there are
approximately 2,000 testers annually.
Ms. Mullins apprised that the relationship with ISDs needs to be strengthened because
the cost is not affordable for taxpayers, students, or the college.
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Regular Meeting – May 24, 2012 – Page 7
Mr. Austin noted that when there are that many failures in a course, there needs to be
some form of prep course to assist the students prior to taking the test. Dr. Cook
informed that the state is working on new Texas Success Initiative requirements, which
will be a single test providing three scores: (1) college readiness, (2) developmental
education and (3) adult education. All colleges will have to provide all students scoring
below developmental education with adult education and continuing education options.
Dr. Cook informed that literacy will be taught in workforce program, so students will also
learn a skill.
Mr. Austin noted that as an interim concept maybe a link could be placed on the website
to direct individuals to various sites that will assist with GED testing and various
subjects.
Mr. Robinson noted that he would not vote for an item that raises fees and apprised that
the funding could come from Fund 3.
Mr. Schechter clarified that the increase was regarding the testing cost. He also
inquired if the individual from another institution could take the GED test here.
Mr. Robinson inquired as to who is punishing the college for the failing rate. Dr. Cook
informed that the test reflects on the institution providing the course. Mr. Robinson
inquired is it legal to prohibit students from other institutions from taking the GED test at
HCC.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 6-2 with Trustees Loredo and Robinson
opposing.
SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN HISD AND HCC FOR THE HOUSTON
INNOVATIVE LEARNING ZONE (HILZ) PROJECT
Motion – Mr. Robinson and Mr. Schechter moved to approve.
Ms. Loredo commented that this is an opportunity to work with the ISDs and noted that
the Academic Committee is looking forward to working with the six high schools.
Mr. Schechter informed that he pulled the item to highlight the educational efforts
emerging from the partnership. Dr. Cook provided a brief overview of the program.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
Mr. Austin suggested that the educational specialists attend the Career Academy
Coalition’s national conference.
CHANGE ORDER FOR STAFFORD CAMPUS RENOVATIONS - BUILDING B
(PROJECT NO. 11-38)
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Ms. Mullins approved.
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Regular Meeting – May 24, 2012 – Page 8
Mr. Oliver inquired if there are any more changes anticipated regarding the project so
that they could be included if necessary.
Mr. Robinson inquired as the building is renovated will parking be compatible to the
parking that is currently on the other side of the building. Dr. Tyler informed that the
effort is to utilize the facility as a multi-purpose facility. He noted that there is a
cooperative effort that would include parking.
Mrs. Sane inquired if the project is part of the deferred maintenance projects. Dr. Tyler
informed that the item is part of the deferred maintenance projects.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION:
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2012 March 2012 AND
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR APRIL 2012
Motion – Ms. Mullins moved and Mr. Oliver seconded to approve.
Dr. Tyler acknowledged the Investment team for the efforts, Mr. Ron Defalco, Mr. Brian
Malone and the entire investment staff. He reported that the college continues to make
revenue from its investments.
Vote on Investment Report – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
Dr. Tyler provided an overview of the financial report.
Mr. Robinson informed that the students stated that they would like to increase their
athletic fees and notified that they would like to utilize the fee to build athletic facilities.
He noted that the students have a polling survey and apprised that he referred the
students to administration.
Mr. Oliver referenced the $17 million mentioned by Dr. Tyler regarding the difference in
cash and cash equivalents. Dr. Tyler noted that the difference is in regards to the
bottom line; last year expenditures were approximately 66.6% of the funds as opposed
to only expending 65% this year. He informed that the college is approximately 13.6 %
above in regards to revenue, which is approximately 10% above the expenses. He
apprised that the increase is primarily due to the well intention efficiencies efforts of the
Budget and Finance Task Team.
Ms. Mullins inquired as to how the positive numbers will affect the hiring chill. Dr. Tyler
informed that the chill is not a freeze but merely a review of the needs. He noted that
vacancies are reviewed with the Chancellor’s cabinet team.
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Regular Meeting – May 24, 2012 – Page 9
Dr. Spangler clarified that the chill is not just a 90 day waiting period to hire but also an
assessment as to whether the position needs to be moved.
Mr. Austin recommended reviewing the sinking funds needs given the areas of
emergency spending required in the last years.
Mr. Robinson inquired if there is a callback on the faculty contracts. Dr. Tyler informed
that if a faculty has been advanced a salary and the class is cut due to not enough
students filling the class, the dean will discuss the issue with the faculty member
regarding the prepaid salary.
Mr. Schechter commented that the 10 ½ month contract was a part of the budgeting
process and the faculty was provided an option of a 9 ½ or 10 ½ month contract with
the knowledge that if you choose the 10 ½ month contract and the class is cut, you
would be obligated to make-up the class the following term.
Mr. Schechter noted that some bonds were refinanced and inquired if some of the funds
have been set aside for the next budget year. Dr. Tyler informed that Mr. Schechter’s
comments are correct.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-1 with Trustee Robinson abstaining.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
The following citizen(s) spoke before the Board:
•
Edna Forte, Superintendent of Schools for North Forest ISD
Ms. Forte presented a plaque to the college for their support to North Forest ISD. She
requested an opportunity to hold discussions regarding planning for future
accommodations as it relates to the current contract with North Forest ISD that expires
July 31, 2012.
Ms. Loredo acknowledged that Memorial Day will be celebrated this week and
expressed appreciation to the veterans for their service.
Mrs. Sane announced that the Asian luncheon will be held in June 2012.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 5:43 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted:
June 21, 2012