December 12, 2024 at 12:30 PM - Regular Meeting

1. Roll Call
 

2. Invocation
 

3. Approval of 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 data for the Community Education Program for the month of November 2020-2024.
 

6.A.2. Center for Business/Industry Training.  The Director, Center for Business/Industry Training, reports the attached enrollment data for November 2020 - 2024.
 

6.B. Report of Taxes Collected.  Attached is the report of taxes collected for the month of November 2024.
 

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 resignation and retirement from the following contract-level employees:  

Lisa Gilliam, Sr. System Services Administrator
Monty Payne, Faculty, Pipefitting
Deborah Ewing, Director, Community Education
Arnold Ramirez, Director, Counseling and Testing
 

6.E. Fund Development Report.  The Sr. Vice President, Student Success and Advancement, provides the attached report on fund development activities of the Brazosport College Foundation for December 2024 and January 2025.
 

6.F. Annual Confirmation of Regent Training.  All regents have met legal requirements for Training in Open Government Training – Open Meeting Act, Public Information Act, Protecting Public Funds, Cybersecurity, and THECB Governing Board Training.
 

6.G. Annual Employee Development Center Report.  The Vice President, Human Resources, provides the attached Employee Development Center Report for FY2024.
 

6.H. Guided Pathways Update.  The Assistant Vice President, Academic Affairs, provides the attached report as of December 2024 on Guided Pathways. Guided Pathways is a conceptual framework for higher education that emphasizes highly structured, comprehensive educational programs that align with students’ goals. The December 2024 report provides an update on the year’s activities. 
 

6.I. Law Enforcement Academy Graduation.  The Law Enforcement Academy Graduation is scheduled for Friday, December 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., in Gator Hall at Brazosport College.
 

6.J. January 2025 Board Meeting.  The January 2025 meeting of the Board of Regents is set for Tuesday, January 21, 2025, due to a college holiday on Monday.
 

6.K. 2025 Board Workshop.  As part of the College’s evolving planning process, the Board meets in an annual workshop to study information, measure progress toward milestones, and discuss future directions. 

The 2025 Board Workshop is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 7 – 8, 2025. Professional Development workshop sessions will take place on Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., in Gator Hall located in Bonnen Central Building.  A Special Board Meeting will be held on Saturday morning beginning at 8:30 a.m., in the Corporate Learning Center at Brazosport College. The Board meeting will provide an opportunity to review the College’s ten-year financial outlook and review and consider strategies and objectives for Brazosport College’s Strategic Plan Vision 2030. These workshop sessions will be held in-person.
 

6.L. 2025 Board of Trustees Institute.  The 2025 Board of Trustee Institute (BOTI), as part of the Texas Success Center, has been set for Thursday, February 27, 2025, and Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Westin Domain in Austin, TX. Two members of the Board of Regents are invited to attend, in addition to Dr. Vincent Solis, President. Reservations are to be made through Annaliza Gideon, Chief of Staff and Board Relations.
 

6.M. Counselor/Administrator Dinner.  The annual Counselor/Administrator Dinner is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Corporate Learning Center. The dinner and program provide a forum for conveying appreciation for the work of ISD administrators and counselors who collaboratively work with Brazosport College to support college readiness and student success. Members of the Board of Regents are invited to attend. 
 

6.N. 2025 Career Fair.  Brazosport College will host its 31st annual Career Fair on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The event serves approximately 1,700 juniors from partner ISDs, as well as private, online, and homeschool students. Students will participate in two educational sessions on specific career areas, one skill-building session, and a vendor fair where students can engage with over 50 community partners. This year’s event will feature interactive questions for students to reflect on their learning and future career paths. This tradition is a cooperative effort between Brazosport College, the ISDs, business, industry, and civic organizations. We are grateful to all who participate in making this event successful each year.
 

6.O. Commencement 2025.  Commencement exercises for the 2024-2025 academic year are scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, in the Dow Academic Center at Brazosport College. The two ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The college will host a lunch at Gator Hall for faculty, staff, commencement guests, and board members in between the two ceremonies.
 

6.P. 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.

Board Policy ACB (LEGAL) Geographic Boundaries and Service Areas: Service Areas 
Board Policy ACC (LEGAL) Geographic Boundaries and Service Areas: Branch Campuses 
Board Policy AD (LOCAL) Education, Role, Mission, Purpose, and Responsibility
Board Policy AF (LEGAL) Institutional Effectiveness
Board Policy AFA (LEGAL) Institutional Effectiveness: Performance and Institution Reports
 

6.Q. Brazosport College Calendar.  The Brazosport College Calendar for December 13, 2024, through February 24, 2025, is attached.
 

7. Reports/Presentations
 

7.A. ESports Presentation.  The Brazosport College Director of ESports will provide an overview of the ESports Team, student population, impact on student GPAs, service, and the proposed associate degree program. 
 

7.B. President's Report.

1.)  College Update
2.)  Regents' Visibility
 

7.C. Board Committee Report.

1.)  Finance Committee 
 

8. Unfinished Business
 

8.A. Proposed Amended Board Policy – FFDB (LOCAL) Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation: Other Protected Characteristics.  The Vice President, Human Resources, requests the review of the amended Policy FFDB (LOCAL).  This policy prohibits discrimination and harassment of any student on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. 

Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, deleted language appearing in red font with a line through it, and new language in blue.

This proposed policy is presented for second reading and adoption.
 

8.B. Proposed Amended Board Policy – FLD (LOCAL) Student Rights and Responsibilities: Student Complaints.  The Vice President, Human Resources, requests the review of the amended Policy FLD (LOCAL).  This policy applies to College District-related problems, conditions, or decisions that adversely affect a student’s educational opportunities and are not otherwise redressable under other College District policies.  

Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, deleted language appearing in red font with a line through it, and new language in blue.

This proposed policy is presented for second reading and adoption.
 

8.C. Proposed Amended Board Policy – FMA (LOCAL) Discipline and Penalties: Discipline Procedure.  The Vice President, Human Resources, requests the review of the amended Policy FMA (LOCAL).  This policy sets forth the College District’s student disciplinary procedures relating to allegations of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct or Board policy, excluding allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, which are addressed in policy FFDA (LOCAL).

Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, deleted language appearing in red font with a line through it, and new language in blue.

This proposed policy is presented for second reading and adoption.
 

9. New Business
 

9.A. Audit Report.  A representative from KM&L, LLC will be present to discuss the audit report and answer questions. 

It would be appropriate for the Board to approve the audit report.
 

9.B. Board Authorization for Contract Negotiation with Food Services Contractor.  After more than two decades of service, Tom Conine retired in August 2024.  The college issued three RFPs for food service providers and had two food tastings with finalists. The final step in the selection process includes negotiating a contract or contracts with the selected firm or firms.

It would be appropriate for the Board to authorize the President or designee to engage in contract negotiations with the firm or firms selected for the provision of campus food services and enter a contract with the selected firm(s).
 

9.C. Faculty Tenure Recommendations.  The Faculty Committee on Tenure joined by the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness and the Office of the President are bringing forth the first cohort of faculty recommended for tenure. 

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

9.D. Faculty Sabbatical Recommendation.  Eligible full-time faculty have the opportunity to apply for a paid leave of absence for one long semester to allow faculty to enhance their skills in their respective discipline, engage in scholarly pursuits, improve teaching and learning, or engage in service opportunities. The first candidate, Dr. Marc Diefenderfer submitted an application for review and approval. 

The President joins in this recommendation.  It would be appropriate for the Board to approve the recommendation.

 

9.E. Board Policies.
 

9.E.1. Proposed Amended Board Policy – FI (LOCAL) Solicitations.  The Vice President, Human Resources, requests the review of the amended Policy FI (LOCAL).  This policy establishes limitations on solicitation and sanctions on the sale or offer for sale of any property or service, whether for immediate or future delivery, and the receipt of or request for any gift or contribution by a student or registered student organization.
Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, deleted language appearing in red font with a line through it, and new language in blue.

This proposed policy is presented for first reading.  
 

9.E.2. Proposed Amended Board Policy – FM (LOCAL) Discipline and Penalties.  The Vice President, Human Resources, requests the review of the amended Policy FM (LOCAL).  This policy applies to a student on probation who shall be obligated to know if he or she has satisfied the conditions for continuing his or her education in the College District.  An ineligible student who registers with the College District shall be subject to dismissal with forfeiture of all tuition and fees.

Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, deleted language appearing in red font with a line through it, and new language in blue.

This proposed policy is presented for first reading.  
 

9.E.3. Proposed Amended Board Policy – FFDA (LOCAL) Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation, Sex and Sexual Violence.  The Vice President, Human Resources, requests the review of the amended Policy FFDA (LOCAL).  This policy addresses student complaints of sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking perpetrated by students, employees, or third parties under the control of the College District. For legally referenced material relating to this subject, see FFDA(LEGAL).

Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, deleted language appearing in red font with a line through it, and new language in blue.

This proposed policy is presented for first reading.  
 

9.E.4. Proposed Amended Board Policy – FLA (LOCAL) Student Rights and Responsibilities: Student Expression and Use of College Facilities.  The Vice President, Human Resources, requests the review of the amended Policy FLA (LOCAL).  This policy establishes procedures for the distribution and limitations of content of written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials not sponsored by the College District in addition to defining the use of facilities by students or registered student organizations.
Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, deleted language appearing in red font with a line through it, and new language in blue.

This proposed policy is presented for first reading. 
 

9.E.5. Proposed Amended Board Policy – FKC (LOCAL) Student Activities: Registered Student Organizations.  The Vice President, Human Resources, requests the review of the amended Policy FKC (LOCAL).  This policy establishes that membership in an organization is limited to students, staff, and faculty and may become a registered student organization by complying with the registration procedures established by the dean of student success or designee.

Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, deleted language appearing in red font with a line through it, and new language in blue.

This proposed policy is presented for first reading.  
 

9.E.6. Proposed Amended Board Policy – FJ (LOCAL) Student Records.  The Vice President, Human Resources, requests the review of the amended Policy FJ (LOCAL).  This policy establishes that the College President shall develop and maintain a comprehensive system of student records and reports dealing with all facets of the College District program operation and shall ensure through reasonable procedures that records are accessed by authorized persons only, as allowed by this policy.

Attached is a copy of the proposed amended policy with existing policy language appearing as regular text, deleted language appearing in red font with a line through it, and new language in blue.

This proposed policy is presented for first reading. 
 

9.F. Financial Report.  Due to the timing of the December meeting, critical information was not available.  Therefore, the November and December 2024 financial statements will be included in the agenda for the January 2025 Board meeting.