REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
September 20, 2012
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, September 20, 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
Yolanda Navarro Flores
Eva Loredo
Sandie Mullins
Carroll G. Robinson
Richard Schechter
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Shantay Grays, Chief of Staff
William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Instruction
Diana Pino, Vice Chancellor, Student Success
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
William Harmon, President, Coleman College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Winston Dahse, Chief Administration Officer
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Tod Bisch, Faculty Senate President
James Walker, President, COPA
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
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Regular Meeting – September 20, 2012 – Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Perez, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:04 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. Loredo led the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
(Mr. Schechter joined the meeting at 4:12 p.m.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from the Special Meeting of July 12, 2012, Board Governance
Committee Meeting of July 30, 2012, Academic Affairs/Student Services Committee
Meeting of August 9, 2012, Committee of the Whole Meeting of August 9, 2012,
External Relations Committee Meeting of August 9, 2012, Minority Male Initiative
Committee Meeting of August 9, 2012, Special Meeting of August 9, 2012, and Regular
Meeting of August 16, 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
•
Resolution Recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month
Ms. Perez recognized National Hispanic Heritage Month via a resolution
presented by the HCC Board of Trustees and designating the week of
September 24, 2012 as National Hispanic Serving Institution Week.
(Mrs. Flores arrived at 4:10 p.m.)
•
Ms. Perez congratulated Dr. Irene Porcarello, President Southeast College who
was honored by the Fiesta Patrias as the 2012 Distinguished Hispanic of the
Year.
•
Ms. Perez announced that the Hispanic Scholarship Council will host its annual
scholarship fundraiser on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at the Hilton Americas.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
•
East Early College
The U.S. Department of Education named East Early College a National Blue
Ribbon School.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – September 20, 2012 – Page 3
•
2012 Digital Education Achievement Award
HCC won the 2012 Digital Educational Achievement Award in the Community
College project category, which recognizes outstanding contributions at the
application internet, intranet and instructional levels for the benefit of online
education to students, teachers and community. The winning project at HCC is
titled Learn How Innovations at Houston Community College. Dr. Spangler
thanked Bill Carter, Vice Chancellor Information Technology, for his efforts with
the project.
•
HCC Faculty at Community College of Qatar (CCQ)
Dr. Spangler recognized Faculty member, Alfreda Haggard who provided
medical assistance in an emergency situation while on a flight to Qatar.
•
Educational Partnership with the Houston Texans
Dr. Spangler apprised that under the new agreement with the Houston Texans
four scholarships have been issued for holding opponents under 14 points and
scoring over 14 points in the Texans first two games.
•
The Parents Academy
Dr. Porcarello will be attending the Community for Working Families Community
College Network Annual Convention in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Porcarello will
receive the College Innovator Award. Southeast College was selected because
of their work with parents of students in dual credit.
•
Greater Houston Partnership Support
Dr. Spangler yielded to the Board Chair, who announced that the Greater
Houston Partnership announced their endorsement of the HCC Bond.
•
Faculty Senate Report
Dr. Tod Bisch announced that the Faculty Senate and the Vice Chancellor of
Instruction implemented a Faculty Professional Development Counsel to survey
what the faculty does best and identify best practices. He noted that faculty
guidelines will be the focus of the Senate this year. Dr. Bisch extended an
invitation to the Bedi-check Auction to be held at the HCC West Loop Campus in
the auditorium on Friday, October 19, 2012.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following consent agenda items were pulled for discussion:
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (AA) DEGREE IN ANTHROPOLOGY
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Ms. Loredo seconded.
Mr. Robinson requested the status on the signing of the documentation regarding the
Bachelor’s of Science for Nursing to be offered through Coleman College. Dr. Spangler
apprised that various strategies have been discussed; however, the Bachelors of
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Regular Meeting – September 20, 2012 – Page 4
Science degree was not included on the list. She noted that the Coordinating Board has
been opposed to the option.
Mr. Robinson apprised that the reason he is inquiring of the status is that if the voters
approved the bond measure, consideration will need to be given to the type of building
that will be erected.
Mr. Austin informed that there has been discussion with The Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board (THECB) who specifically mentioned the Bachelor’s degree plan.
He noted that many of the courses require a vast amount of hours and he noted that it
would be a good measure to have the efforts duplicated in other programs.
Mr. Schechter noted that if the College is not allowed to offer the program by the
THECB, possible partnership efforts should be reviewed.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH HCC FOUNDATION
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Ms. Mullins seconded.
Mr. Robinson noted that he supports the item and noted that the Foundation has agreed
to assist with the various fundraisers. He expressed appreciation to the administration
as well as General Counsel and outside Counsel for the Foundation for their efforts
regarding the MOU.
Mrs. Flores inquired of the balances of the various endowments established. Dr. Zuniga
informed that a report is provided quarterly to the Foundation Finance Committee.
Mrs. Flores inquired if the person establishing the endowment could setup the criteria
for the endowments. Dr. Kelly Zuniga informed that there is an agreement that the
person establishing the endowment reviews and consents to regarding the terms,
conditions and criteria.
Mr. Schechter informed that the ASPIRE campaign held its first meeting and asked Dr.
Zuniga to provide a report. Dr. Zuniga announced that the event has already raised in
excess of $40,000 and noted that the next event will be a breakfast in May 2013.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
Mr. Robinson moved and Ms. Mullins seconded to approve items A.1 and A.3. The
motion passed with a vote of 7-0. The following items were approved:
•
Agreement Between Ft. Bend County and Houston Community College System;
Agreement Between Harris County and Houston Community College, Relating to
Joint Elections to be Held November 6, 2012
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – September 20, 2012 – Page 5
•
Resolution Expressing Intent to Finance Expenditures Incurred Relating to
Property Purchased from North Forest Independent School District
APPROVE THE 2012 TAX RATE FOR MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS AND DEBT
SERVICE
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Ms. Mullins seconded.
Mr. Robinson noted that he pulled the item to note that the college is lowering the tax
rate and noted that the college has lowered the rate five times over the past seven
years.
Vote- The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2012 AND MONTHLY FINANCE
REPORT FOR AUGUST 2012
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Robinson seconded.
Dr. Tyler apprised that the college continues to out-perform expectations with
investments. He informed that $100,000 was added to the revenue stream because of
investments.
Vote on Investment Report – The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
Dr. Tyler provided a review of the financial report.
Mr. Austin apprised that there are misunderstandings and miscommunication regarding
expenditures as it relates to Qatar and asked Dr. Tyler to elaborate on the agreement
that was approved with Qatus Advisors. Dr. Tyler provided an overview of the contract
with the government of Qatar to assist with the development of CCQ. Dr. Tyler
referenced the financial statements and informed that $6.1 million has been paid
regarding salary, benefits and informed that there is a net positive balance.
Mr. Austin acknowledged that none of the general funds are utilized for the Qatar
project and inquired if the expenses are reimbursed to the college. Dr. Tyler apprised
that none of the general funds are utilized for Qatar and noted that all expenses are
reimbursed and an administrative fee is also collected.
Mr. Austin noted that other institutions are developing strategies to acquire more of
these types of enterprise funds.
Ms. Mullins inquired of the loss referenced on page 30. Dr. Tyler noted that actual
amount will be represented in the audited financial statement.
Ms. Mullins inquired regarding the $800,000 approved for the educational engagement
and asked if it is a part of the marketing campaign. Dr. Tyler noted that the funding
assists with educating the voters on the measure they have been asked to vote on. He
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Regular Meeting – September 20, 2012 – Page 6
noted that the college cannot advocate but does have a responsibility to educate the
community.
Mr. Robinson inquired of the tuition rate. Dr. Tyler noted that tuition and fees is $66.68
per credit hour. He noted that the tuition for this year was approximately $41.5 million
and fees were approximately $69.7 million. He noted the revenue generation is
approximately $10,000 for every full time equivalent student.
Mr. Robinson inquired of the international students. Dr. Tyler noted that there
international students pay approximately three times the amount of in-district students.
Mr. Robinson noted that if enrollment grows more revenue is generated and apprised
that there are various options to generate revenues.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
Mr. Schechter associated with Mr. Austin regarding the Qatus contract and inquired if
the college has purchased any property in Qatar. Dr. Tyler informed that the college
does not own and has not purchased any property in Qatar.
Mr. Schechter inquired if the contract with Qatar is a service contract only. Dr. Tyler
apprised that the contract is only to provide consulting services to the Qatar government
regarding the opening of the Qatar Community College, which is approaching two
years.
Vote on Financial Statement – The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
The following citizen(s) spoke before the Board:
•
Mona Karami
•
Thomas Williams
•
Dave Wilson
(Ms. Mullins left at 5:17 p.m.)
•
Daniel Arp
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Perez adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:18 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. Ms. Perez 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.
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Regular Meeting – September 20, 2012 – Page 7
Ms. Perez reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 5:47 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Flores, Loredo, Perez, Robinson, and Schechter)
PROPOSED SETTLEMENT BETWEEN BETTY SHINE HCC
Motion – Ms. Loredo moved and Mr. Robinson seconded. The motion passed with vote
of 6-0.
PERSONNEL AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 2012
Motion – Ms. Loredo moved and Mrs. Flores seconded. The motion passed with a vote
of 6-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted:
October 25, 2012