In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, the Board of Trustees Committee of the Whole of the Austin Community College District convened in public session on Monday, March 22, 1999, at 6:02 p.m. in the Board Room (201) of the Highland Business Center of Austin Community College located at 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, Texas, with the following members present: Allen Kaplan Vice Chair/Presiding Officer; Hunter Ellinger, Secretary; Lillian Davis; Rafael Quintanilla; Beverly Silas; and John Worley. Beverly Watts Davis, Chair, and Trustees Della May Moore and Carol Nasworthy were absent from the meeting.

It is further found and determined that in accordance with the policies and orders of this Board, the notice of this meeting has been posted and return thereof made pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, and there has been full compliance with the terms and provisions of said act, including the timely posting of the subjects of this meeting.

Vice Chair Allen Kaplan welcomed the following participants to the Work Session with the Board of Trustees: Richard Fonte, Dilip Anketell, Tyra Duncan-Hall, David Fonken, Milton Gatewood, Donetta Goodall, John Hastings, John Herndon, W. Lee Hisle, Margie Huerta, Steve Kinslow, Joe Lostracco (for Dolores Segura), Martha Oburn, Ed Osborn, Crystal Ouzillou, Rex Peebles, Sheila Rosenberg, Frank Schorn, Myrna Villanueva, and Linda Young. Absent were: Ron Brey, Maggie Culp, Janis Koenig, Dolores Segura, Richard Smith, and Tomi Welch.

Mr. Kaplan introduced the item and stated that the work session dealt with a very important part of the life of the College--the Strategic Plan. He said the session would provide an opportunity to hear opinions from staff and for Board members to also comment. He indicated that the Work Session basically would involve dialogue regarding the academic side of the College. The work side will be dealt with at another session.

President Fonte stated much thought has gone into the Strategic Plan. He expressed appreciation for the work of Martha Oburn, Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, in coordinating information contained in the Plan. He stated there were a number of sessions in which College groups provided information. He said he asked for many of the objectives to be costed out; however, discussion at this work session would not focus on dollars and cents, but the purpose of the objectives.

Mr. Kaplan stated the three strategic planning work sessions will enable the College to respond quickly to information requested by the Citizens' Advisory Committee concerning needs. He indicated this is a "wish list" and the Committee will provide realistic expectations.

Dr. Fonte noted that the Plan is a vision statement. He stated these are the priorities set out by the College and represent the best thinking of College staff. The Citizens' Advisory Committee will determine whether they could be afforded by the College. He said some items would not have an associated cost.

Dr. Fonte introduced Strategic Priority 1--Expand Existing and Develop New Instructional Programs to Meet Identified Community Needs and participants discussed Key Objective: Increase and Strengthen credit degree and certificate programs in instructional areas to meet identified community needs. Discussion concerned establishment of the Biotechnology program, a degree in Statistical Techniques and Research Methods, enhancement of Physics, method by which a needs analysis is done for courses such as Physics, whether the College is addressing all programs/programs in line with articulation agreements of the College, international exchange of learning opportunities--including adjunct faculty and staff, and location of sister cities.

Dr. Fonte indicated that Key Objective: Expand alternative credit programs and services for workforce, continuing education, and life-long learning will be discussed during dialogue on the workforce programs.

President Fonte introduced Key Objective: Increase the infusion of an international perspective at ACC to provide students with a global perspective and to better serve community needs and Key Objective: Create learning communities within ACC to enhance student learning and strengthen inter-connections between students at ACC. Discussion concerned unmet needs of the community regarding English as a Second Language and addressing and serving unmet needs of the international community.

Strategic Priority 2--Explore Instructional Delivery Alternatives for Courses and Programs to Ensure Instructional Flexibility, Key Objective: Increase integration of technology into the teaching and learning processes was introduced by Dr. Fonte. He stated this deals with the general idea of integrating technology, and 100 percent of ACC's classrooms are wired--which is not the case of other colleges. He said the infrastructure is there and now needs to be completed. The amount of money to be spent in this area must be determined. Discussion concerned: success of the Webmaster Certificate Program, increased effort regarding open access to computer facilities, coaching instructors to use technology, and cable access programs.

Dr. Fonte called attention to Key Objective: Increase instructional delivery options for students. Discussion concerned: awarding college-credit for experiential learning and previous life experience, competence in administering the college-credit test, success of weekend College program.

President Fonte stated that Priorities 3 and 4 are linked and could be discussed at the same time.

• Key Objective: Implement integrated enrollment management system which includes educational planning and the early identification and support of educationally at-risk students
• Key Objective: Ensure that ACC has the educational programs and support services to improve the opportunity for students to meet their educational goals
• Key Objective: Increase the number of students who transfer to 4-year colleges and universities
• Key Objective: Implement a systematic job placement program linked to students exiting workforce education programs

Priority 4--Expand Student Recruitment Efforts to Increase Access to Higher Education for ACC Service Area

• Key Objective: Promote access of under-served populations to ACC programs
• Key Objective: Ensure a consistent message is effectively communicated to ACC's constituencies through expanded promotional efforts that match ACC's programs and services to the needs of targeted populations

Dr. Fonte stated that these are objectives that can be achieved and are a key part of next year's planning process. Discussion concerned: Need for highest emphasis on these objectives; possible budget priority; possibility of ACC providing textbooks associated with courses; creation of ACC financial aid program to assist ACC students, provision of classroom and support facilities, adequate space needed for students, better utilization of space, and demonstration of facility needs.

No one registered to address the Board.

The Board of Trustees recessed into Executive Session at 8:00 p.m. to consult with Legal Counsel regarding pending or contemplated litigation or a settlement offer pursuant to Government Code 551.071.

The Board of Trustees of Austin Community College reconvened in public session at 8:15 p.m. pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.

Mr. Kaplan introduced the items. Cecile Sanders, Dean, Allied Health Programs, stated that these three proposed programs are adjunct to an existing program. Two of the programs are a direct result of growth in the Austin area. Ms. Sanders introduced: Margaret Bishop, Instructor, Diagnostic Medical Imaging - Radiology; Rudy Garza, Program Coordinator for Diagnostic Medical Imaging - Radiology; Gina Swearingen, Program Coordinator for Diagnostic Medical Imaging - Sonography; and Marcus Lines, M.D., Medical Director, Diagnostic Medical Imaging - Radiology - ACC. Dr. Lines stated this is a great program to meet significant need in the Austin community. He said training is needed in a formal setting to give students the confidence they need. Ms. Sanders and the medical staff responded to questions from Board members regarding the use of hospital equipment/hospital setting, contribution of local cardiologists/echocardiography machine, and meaning attached to facilities line in estimated cost of the programs.

Mr. Kaplan stated these programs will be on the agenda for the April 5 Board meeting.

Mr. Kaplan introduced the item and Dr. Fonte stated this item is submitted as a follow-up to information discussed at the March 1 Board meeting. Bill Carter, Director of Information Technology, discussed the analysis completed by an outside consultant regarding the inability of the current system, an IBM RS/6000 Model F50, to support the student module when it is integrated into the financial and human resources modules to complete the implementation of the Datatel system. It has been recommended and verified that an IBM RS/6000 Model S70 Advanced will provide the College with the necessary requirements to move the Datatel project forward and allow for future growth. It is further recommended that the system be secured through a lease option. The present system will be utilized to enhance the current telephone registration system and provide more services to the students. Dr. Fonte and Mr. Carter responded to questions from Board members regarding the timeline for installation, training needs, annual budget needs, and funds for rental.

Mr. Kaplan stated this item will be placed on the agenda for the April 5 Board meeting.

Mr. Kaplan introduced the item. Dr. Fonte stated that this item recommends the College contract with Liberty Press for a considerable savings in time and funds. Ed Osborn, ACC Marketing Executive, responded to questions from Board members concerning the proposed contract.

Mr. Kaplan stated this item will appear on the agenda for the April 5 Board meeting.

Mr. Kaplan introduced the item and Hunter Ellinger distributed information concerning comments from earlier discussions and materials submitted by Board members. He suggested any additional information be forwarded to the President's Office during the next week for inclusion in the item for the April 5 Board meeting. It is anticipated that this item will be included on the agendas of the April 5 and April 19 Board meetings with possible action at the May or June Board meetings.

Dr. Fonte discussed Requests for Proposals for special services of the College including Legal Counsel, Financial Advisor, and External Auditor. Dr. Fonte stated the College will proceed with the Requests for Proposals.

Hunter Ellinger, Secretary