MINUTES

Retreat – Board of Trustees

August 10-11, 2007

 

In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of Texas Government Code, the Board of Trustees of the Austin Community College District convened in public session on Friday, August 10, 2007, at 6:05 p.m. in Rooms 1013-15 of the Pinnacle Campus of Austin Community College located at 7748 Highway 290 West, Austin, Texas, with the following members present: Mr. John Hernandez, Chair/Presiding Officer; Ms. Nan McRaven, Board Vice Chair; Dr. James W. McGuffee, Secretary; Mr. Allen H. Kaplan; Dr. Barbara P. Mink; Mr. Rafael Quintanilla; Mr. Jeffrey Richard; and Ms. Veronica Rivera.  Trustee Lillian J. Davis was absent.

 

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.

 

Items for Discussion and Possible Action

 

Agenda Item 8363

Update Regarding Governor’s Veto

Mr. Hernandez introduced the item and Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, College President, provided information regarding the status of the Governor’s veto actions in the 80th Texas Legislative Session which adversely affected Texas’ community colleges.  Trustees discussed the need to make all legislators aware of the role of community colleges.  Dr. Kinslow stated that ACC’s Public Information and College Marketing were developing a College marketing plan.  Trustees volunteered to meet with legislators, community groups, media, and other groups to provide information regarding the Austin Community College District.

 

Trustees discussed a meeting of the full Higher Education Committee to be held on September 6.  Testimony would be presented by Trustees and Presidents of Texas community colleges regarding the critical effects of the Governor’s veto, and a request that the funding be restored to the community colleges.

 

Trustees discussed the Texas Association Community Colleges and a possible need for another state organization. 

 

Trustee Allen Kaplan discussed the possibility of organizing a Texas Association of Community College Trustees and distributed information concerning the Community College Caucus of the 80th Texas Legislature, a proposed Texas Community College Trustees website, and a database of Texas legislators which represent every community college in Texas.  Trustees indicated a desire for a timeframe before the 81st Texas Legislature and stated that a decision is needed regarding a state association before the end of 2007.  Trustee Kaplan said he would be meeting with Trustees from other community colleges in Texas during the September 26-29 meeting of the Association of Community College Trustees and would provide information to the ACC Board of Trustees. Trustees emphasized the need to garner support from Texas legislators.  Trustees also expressed a need to change the perceived image of community colleges.  Trustees stated the need to have information before the next budget cycle since money would need to be included for this activity.

 

Agenda Item 8364

ACC Legislative Update

Mr. Hernandez introduced the item and Ms. Linda Young, Special Assistant to the President for Government and Community Relations, provided information regarding key bills of the 80th Texas Legislature and discussed the Texas College Compact.  Trustees discussed the recent comments made by the Governor and called attention to the Legislators who continue to be strong supporters of community colleges.

 

Recess

Mr. Hernandez recessed the August 10-11, 2007, Retreat of the Board of Trustees of Austin Community College on Friday, August 10, 2007, at 8:15 p.m.

 

Reconvene

In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of Texas Government Code, the Board of Trustees of the Austin Community College District reconvened in public session on Saturday, August 11, 2007, at 8:40 a.m. in Rooms 1013-15 of the Pinnacle Campus of Austin Community College located at 7748 Highway 290 West, Austin, Texas, with the following members present:  Mr. John Hernandez, Chair/Presiding Officer; Ms. Nan McRaven, Board Vice Chair; Dr. James W. McGuffee, Secretary; Dr. Lillian J. Davis [left the meeting at 11:10 a.m.]; Mr. Allen H. Kaplan; Dr. Barbara P. Mink [left the meeting at 10:05 a.m.]; Mr. Rafael Quintanilla; Mr. Jeffrey Richard [left the meeting at 11:10 a.m.]; and Ms. Veronica Rivera.

 

Agenda Item 8365

College Vision/Priorities

Mr. Hernandez introduced the item and Trustees discussed the role of Trustees and the role of the College President.

 

Ms. Soon Merz, Associate Vice President for Effectiveness and Accountability, provided information regarding the College’s mission and discussed a proposed Mission Statement.  Trustees provided input regarding the Mission Statement.

 

Trustees discussed branding for the College, and Ms. Brette Lea, Executive Director of Public Information and College Marketing, provided information regarding marketing the College and advertising. 

 

Dr. Kinslow discussed annexation efforts within the ACC service area and noted the status of each.

 

Trustees evaluated the Board’s performance and provided information to strengthen its role and teamwork.

 

Comments were provided by senior staff and faculty regarding the Board’s work.

 

Executive Session

There was no Executive Session.

 

Announcements

There were no announcements.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the August 10-11, 2007, Retreat of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2007.

 

Approved By

James W. McGuffee, Secretary