MINUTES
Fall Retreat - Board of Trustees
October 18, 1999

Attendees: Trustees Beverly Watts Davis [arrived at 7:15 p.m.], Allen Kaplan, Hunter Ellinger, Lillian Davis, Della May Moore [arrived at 6:40 p.m.], Carol Nasworthy, Rafael Quintanilla, Beverly Silas, and John Worley and College administrators: Richard Fonte, College President; Elva Allie, Executive Vice President for Instruction; Ana M. "Cha" Guzman, Executive Vice President for Community Relations, Institutional Advancement, and Administration; and Steve Kinslow, Executive Vice President for Campus Operations, Student Affairs, and School Relations.

Discussion of Board Operations and Policy Approach
Mr. Kaplan introduced the agenda and called attention to the topics for discussion. Participants discussed:

  1. How much meeting time should the Board spend on different functions?

    2. Participants discussed the possibility of changes to Board meetings including combining regular Board meetings with Committee of the Whole meetings at the first meeting of the month; the second meeting of the month could be held at locations outside the College and concern community linkages, major issue work sessions, Board professional development, and Board evaluation, planning, and monitoring. Board Vice Chair Allen Kaplan will develop a proposal for Board discussion regarding future meetings and activities.

    Reports required by Board policy were also discussed. Trustee Hunter Ellinger will review Board policies and provide information to the Board.

    [Beverly Watts Davis arrived at 7:15 p.m.]

  2. What elements of the current policy approach need attention and possible adjustment?

    3. Participants discussed reports requested by Board members and policy context. Hunter Ellinger will prepare policy information for review by the Board regarding a process for requesting reports from College administration. Trustee Lillian Davis will write and provide to the Board a set of criteria regarding developing Board policy. Trustees will prepare a draft policy in the context of information requests and policy compliance.

  3. How can the Board increase its capabilities?

Participants discussed the need for new Trustees to receive orientation information and materials from the College regarding policies, campuses, organizational charts, etc. Beverly Silas will suggest a format and materials to be included in an orientation packet. The need for a professional development plan, including participation in local and national meetings, for each Trustee was also discussed. Participants also discussed the need for increased linkage with community organizations and attendance and participation in community meetings.

Announcements

Adjournment
The Fall Retreat of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 1999.

Approved By
Hunter Ellinger, Secretary