April 19, 2021 at 6:30 PM - Regular Meeting

1. Roll Call
 

2. Invocation
 

3. Approval of Minutes
 

3.A. March 15, 2021 Minutes
 

3.B. March 22, 2021 Minutes
 

4. Communications
 

5. Audience to Patrons and Petitions
 

6. Information Items
 

6.A. Enrollment Reports
 

6.A.1. Community Education Courses. The Director, Community Education, reports the attached enrollment and participation hours for March 2017-2021.
 

6.A.2. Center for Business/Industry Training. The Director, Center for Business/Industry Training, reports the following enrollment and participant hours for March 2017-2021.
 

6.B. Report of Taxes Collected. Attached are the reports of taxes collected for the months of February and March 2021.
 

6.C. Report of Unfilled Positions. The Vice President, Human Resources, provides the attached report on vacant positions that are currently being advertised.
 

6.D. Resignations and Retirements. Pursuant to Board Policy DMD (LOCAL), the President has accepted the written notice of retirement from the following contract-level employee:  

Mr. Robert Lewis, Assistant Professor and Faculty Coordinator, Drafting, submitted his retirement, effective August 31, 2021.
 

6.E. New Teachers for Community Education Program. There are no new teachers to report for the Community Education Department for the month of March 2021.
 

6.F. Fund Development Report. The Vice President, College Advancement, provides the attached report on fund development activities of the Brazosport College Foundation for the months of March and April 2021.
 

6.G. Board Focus Report. The Vice President, College Advancement, provides the Board Focus Report for the first quarter of 2021.  The report is a summary of Regent Visibility activities from January 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021.
 

6.H. Bookstore Performance Report. The Vice President, Industry & Community Relations, provides the attached Bookstore Performance Report, relating to the performance and management of the Texas Book Company bookstore.
 

6.I. Title IX Incident Report. Effective September 1, 2019, under Texas Education Code, Section 51.253(c), the Chief Executive Officer of a postsecondary educational institution is required to submit a data report at least once each fall or spring semester to the institution’s governing body concerning incidents that constitute sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking.  In compliance with this new legislation, the President provides the attached Title IX Incident Report.
 

6.J. Budget Amendment - Carl D. Perkins Grant. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has approved a budget increase for the Carl D. Perkins Grant.  Attached is a memo from the Director, Business Services, requesting approval for this change.

The President, under authority granted by the Board, has approved this change.
 

6.K. DataVox Purchase. To provide needed audio-visual upgrades to a math computer lab, services and equipment were purchased under a State of Texas contract. The total purchase in the amount of $78,989.18 was paid using funds from the Title V Grant.

The President, under the authority granted by the Board, has approved this purchase.
 

6.L. Community Education 2021 Summer Schedule. The Director, Community Education, provides the attached Summer 2021 Community Education Schedule. This schedule may be modified based on federal, state, or local government guidance regarding COVID-19.

The President, under authority granted by the Board, has approved this recommendation.
 

6.M. Gator Grab Auction. The annual Gator Grab Auction is scheduled for Thursday, April 22, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will be held in an online format.  The event is to raise funds for scholarships. To view items and place bids, visit https://www.32auctions.com/GatorGrab2021.
 

6.N. BC Foundation Gator Classic. The Brazosport College Foundation Gator Classic, presented by Freeport LNG, will be held Friday, April 23, 2021. The Blue Jacket Social, chaired by Courtney Birdsong, has been delayed due to the global pandemic and will return in April 2022.  

The Golf Tournament, chaired by Jay Gibson, will be held Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Wilderness Golf Course. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. Due to the pandemic, the tournament will not have a shotgun start, but will allow teams to schedule tee times which can accommodate up to 168 individual golfers. Along the course, players will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of skills challenge holes as well as enjoy delicious cuisine prepared and served by area corporations.  The tournament will feature a virtual helicopter ball drop. Individuals can purchase ball drop tickets and view the ball drop through Facebook Live.
 

6.O. Distinguished Student Ceremony. Brazosport College annually recognizes up to 20 students who, through a college-wide nomination process, are selected as distinguished students. The 2020-2021 Distinguished Student Awards Ceremony will be held Monday, April 26, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. in The Clarion at Brazosport College. Due to safety concerns surrounding the global pandemic, this will be an invitation only event with limited and socially distanced audience.
 

6.P. ADN Pinning Ceremony. The ADN Pinning Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. in The Clarion at Brazosport College. Due to safety concerns surrounding global pandemic, this will be an invitation only event with limited and socially distanced audience.
 

6.Q. Commencement 2021. Brazosport College will host a virtual commencement ceremony for more than 500 graduates on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.  The virtual ceremony will be produced in house through a joint effort from the Commencement Planning Committee, BC Marketing and IT Departments to celebrate and honor our 2021 graduates. Commencement invitations were mailed to members of the Board of Regents. To view the ceremony, visit https://brazosport.edu/commencement/.

The 2021 Brazosport College Distinguished Alumnus, James R. “Chezo” Cesarini, will serve as this year’s Commencement Speaker. James is a native resident of Brazoria County and began his college education at Brazosport College. He earned three associate degrees from Brazosport College in addition to two baccalaureate degrees from Texas A&M University. James began his professional career at Dow Chemical Company in the Engineering Department, and since has gone on to start or acquire an additional five small businesses, all in the energy services sector. A more detailed biography of James Cesarini is attached.
 

6.R. Law Enforcement Academy Graduation. The Law Enforcement Academy Graduation will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. in The Clarion at Brazosport College.  Due to safety concerns surrounding the global pandemic, this will be an invitation only event with limited and socially distanced audience.
 

6.S. 2021 CCATT Annual Conference and Board of Trustees Institute. The Community College Association of Texas Trustees (CCATT) and Texas Success Center will jointly host the CCATT Annual Conference and the Board of Trustees Institute (BOTI) which has been set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 16-18, 2021, at The Westin Hotel at The Domain in Austin, TX. Members of the Board of Regents are encouraged to attend with Dr. Millicent Valek, President. Registration for the conference is to be made through Kasie Guthrie, Executive Assistant to the President.
 

6.T. ACCT Annual Leadership Congress. The 2021 ACCT Annual Leadership Congress is scheduled for October 13-16, 2021 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego in San Diego, CA. Members of the Board of Regents are encouraged to attend the conference with Dr. Millicent Valek, President. Registration for the conference opens May 2021. Registration is to be made through Kasie Guthrie, Executive Assistant to the President. Presentation proposals are due by Friday, July 2, 2021.  More information on the ACCT Leadership Conference can be found at https://www.congress.acct.org/.
 

6.U. Board Policy Review. At the Board Workshop on February 13-14, 2009, Regents initiated a systematic review of Board policy.  It was suggested that a number of Board policies be included for review as part of each monthly agenda. Questions regarding the referenced policy may be addressed to the President prior to the meeting for clarification and/or discussion.

The attached policies, DIAB (LEGAL) and DIAB (LOCAL), regarding employee’s freedom from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation related to protected characteristics other than sex and sexual violence can be found at: https://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/215?filename=DIAB(LEGAL).pdf and https://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/215?filename=DIAB(LOCAL).pdf. 
 

6.V. Brazosport College Calendar. The Brazosport College Calendar for April 22, 2021 through May 17, 2021 is attached.
 

7. Reports/Presentations
 

7.A. Student Senate/Student Life/Intramural Reports. Representatives from Student Government, the Student Life Board, and Intramurals will provide information on their 2020-2021 goal accomplishments as well as an update on events and activities held during this last academic year.
 

7.B. President's Report.
 

7.B.1. College Update.
 

7.B.2. Legislative Update.
 

7.B.3. Regents' Visibility.
 

8. Unfinished Business
 

8.A. Presidential Succession and Engagement of Executive Search Firm. In anticipation of Dr. Valek’s retirement, the Board invited proposals and held interviews with two search firms at a Special Board meeting on March 22, 2021.  Following the meeting, each Regent completed a rubric to provide feedback.  A compilation of these ratings determined that ACCT Executive Search Services was the top ranked firm.  Board officers proceeded with reference checks from other colleges who had used the services of ACCT Executive Search Services.  Responses were positive and both the Chair and Vice Chair will be available to provide additional information at the April meeting.

It would be appropriate for the Board to engage the services of ACCT Executive Services and authorize the President to sign a contract with this firm.
 

8.B. Proposed Amended Board Policy - EFB (LOCAL) - Curriculum Design - Degrees and Certificates. The Vice President, Human Resources, recommends adoption of amended Policy EFB (LOCAL) regarding curriculum design – degrees and certificates.  Board policy provides that new or amended policies are to be presented at one meeting and adopted at a subsequent meeting. Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, new language in underlined font, and deleted language with a strike-through.

This proposed amended policy is presented for second reading and adoption.
 

8.C. Proposed Amended Board Policy - DHC (LOCAL) - Employee Standards of Conduct - Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting. The Vice President, Human Resources, recommends adoption of amended Policy DHC (LOCAL) regarding child abuse and neglect reporting.  Board policy provides that new or amended policies are to be presented at one meeting and adopted at a subsequent meeting. Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, new language in blue underlined font, and deleted language with a strike-through.

This proposed amended policy is presented for second reading and adoption.
 

9. New Business
 

9.A. Mission, Vision, and Core Values. At the annual Board Workshop, the Mission, Vision and Core Values were reviewed and are attached.

It would be appropriate for the Board to reaffirm the Brazosport College Mission, Vision and Core Values.
 

9.B. Vision 2025. Vision 2025 is presented to the Board as part of the annual planning process. Input for these proposed changes and additions were gathered from the annual Board Workshop, the college community, and the Planning and Institutional Effectiveness Council. The attachments include an Executive Summary and Vision 2025.  

It would be appropriate for the Board to consider approval of the updated Vision 2025.
 

9.C. Revised Leadership Goal for Student Success.  The revised Leadership Goal for Student Success is presented to the Board as a result of the effects of the global pandemic, specifically a decrease in first time college students nationwide and the need to rebuild the pipeline.  The attachment includes the revised Student Success Goal.

It would be appropriate for the Board to consider approval of the revised Student Success Goal.
 

9.D. Revised 2021-2022 Academic Calendar.  The Revised 2021-2022 Academic Calendar is presented to the Board.  The revisions were made at the request of all four ISDs to move Spring Break to a week later than scheduled in the previously adopted calendar.  All four superintendents have reviewed and support the changes.  These changes align with the scheduling of spring break for most ISDs and colleges in our region.

It would be appropriate for the Board to consider approval of revised Calendar.
 

9.E. Community Education Tuition and Fees for Summer Semester. Attached is a communication from the Director, Community Education, recommending tuition and fees for all Summer 2021 Community Education Courses. 

The President recommends approval of these fees as presented.
 

9.F. Investments Policy Review. In accordance with requirements of the Public Funds Investment Act, Texas Govt Code §2256.005, the Investment Policies and Strategies for Investments, must be reviewed and approved annually by the Board. Attached is Board Policy CAK (LOCAL) which includes the investment policies and strategies. In addition, when there is a change in investment officers, the Board must approve that change.

It would be appropriate for the Board to approve the investment policies and strategies of the College as detailed in Board Policy CAK (LOCAL) and appoint Lisa Templer, Vice President, Financial Services & CFO, as investment officer.
 

9.G. TexPool Resolution. Ginger Wooster, Director, Business Services, was inadvertently removed as an authorized signer by TexPool when the Board approved the signature resolutions for all cash and investment accounts in March 2021. Ginger Wooster has been an authorized signer since 2002.  Attached is a resolution redesignating Ginger Wooster as a TexPool authorized representative.    

It would be appropriate for the Board to approve the resolution.
 

9.H. Operating Agreement with Brazosport College and the Brazosport College Foundation. The attached Operating Agreement with Brazosport College and the Brazosport College Foundation is to be approved biennially. The Brazosport College Foundation Board of Directors approved the Operating Agreement on March 2, 2021 at their Board of Directors meeting.  There are no recommended revisions.   

It would be appropriate to approve the Operating Agreement as presented.
 

9.I. Personnel.
 

9.I.1. Employment of Ms. Melissa Blanks as Counselor. Included in the agenda is a communication from the Vice President, Academic & Student Affairs, recommending the employment of Ms. Melissa Blanks as Counselor for the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year and the 2021-2022 academic year. A biographical summary and position notice are also included.

The President joins in this recommendation. It would be appropriate for the Board to approve the contract for the period and conditions identified.
 

9.I.2. Employment of Ms. Jennifer Poland as Instructional Designer. Included in the agenda is a communication from the Vice President, Academic & Student Affairs, recommending the employment of Ms. Jennifer Poland as Instructional Designer for the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year and the 2021-2022 academic year. A biographical summary and position notice are also included.

The President joins in this recommendation. It would be appropriate for the Board to approve the contract for the period and conditions identified.
 

9.I.3. Employment of Ms. Cassie Bruner as Transfer Coordinator. Included in the agenda is a communication from the Vice President, Academic & Student Affairs, recommending the employment of Ms. Cassie Bruner as Transfer Coordinator for the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year and the 2021-2022 academic year. A biographical summary and position notice are also included.

The President joins in this recommendation. It would be appropriate for the Board to approve the contract for the period and conditions identified.
 

9.J. Proposed Amended Board Policy – DIAA (LOCAL) – Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation – Sex and Sexual Violence. The Vice President, Human Resources, recommends adoption of amended Policy DIAA (LOCAL) regarding employees’ right to be free from sexually-related discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.  Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, new language in underlined red font, and deleted language in red font with a strike-through.   

This proposed amended policy is presented for first reading.
 

9.K. Proposed Amended Board Policy – FFDA (LOCAL) – Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation – Sex and Sexual Violence. The Vice President, Human Resources, recommends adoption of amended Policy FFDA (LOCAL) regarding students’ right to be free from sexually-related discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.  Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, new language in underlined red font, and deleted language in red font with a strike-through.  

This proposed amended policy is presented for first reading.
 

9.L. Sale of Property Held in Trust. Attached is a communication from the Brazoria County Tax Office including a recommendation from the Property Tax Resale Committee of Brazoria County for the sale of certain property held in trust by Brazoria County (account number 8110-0703-000).

It would be appropriate for the Board to approve the sale of property held in trust.
 

9.M. Financial Report. The Vice President, Financial Services & CFO, provides the attached financial report for March 2021. 

It is recommended that the Board accept the financial report.