Jennifer Beal

The meeting provided updates on campus closures due to ice and snow, and reported no finalized updates from the Chancellor and Provost, though instructional counsel shared program updates. Key discussions included planning for safety and security training sessions, specifically the creation of active shooter videos for each campus by the interim chief of police. Another scheduled session will focus on the international student experience, involving advisers and potentially international students. Updates from instructional counsel detailed changes to certificate programs, notably the removal of mandatory end-of-course exams and capstone projects, intended to improve completion numbers. There was also discussion regarding ongoing updates on the Flower Mound campus, assuring attendees that any changes would be implemented over several years. Other agenda items covered the finalization process for constitutional amendments, the ongoing review of the student handbook, and gathering data for the adjunct pay raise proposal, aiming to align adjunct compensation with full-time faculty raises. A new concern was raised regarding the lack of clear policies for faculty and students during weather-related closures, following recent issues. Finally, a request was made to clarify the last day for students to add a course by adding it to the Registrar's important dates list. Concerns were also voiced about the impact of the newly added Veterans Day holiday on Wednesday and Thursday courses, especially those in the second eight-week sessions, as the request for the full Thanksgiving week off was tabled while prioritizing the update of the constitution per Senate Bill 37.

This document pertains to the Fall 2025 Health Science Graduation for North Central Texas College. Key discussions focused on welcoming attendees, recognizing capacity limitations, recognizing the NCTC College Ensemble and director Shane Stutter for performing the national anthem, and an affirmation offered by graduate Miguel Castro Anabo. The event featured remarks from NCTC Chancellor Dr. Brad Wallace and a keynote address by Ray Martinez III, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Community Colleges, focusing on leadership, character, and staying grounded in the local community. Various NCTC officials, the Board of Regents, faculty, and supporters were recognized, along with the distinguished faculty member of the year, Miss Alicia Deetsz.

Key discussions focused on updates related to Senate Bill 37, including the requirement for open meetings, live streaming, and advance agenda posting. The Senate is currently operating under SB 37 rules while updating its constitution. A significant portion of the meeting covered a committee report on revising the student handbook, specifically addressing student code of conduct, nonacademic disciplinary sanctions, and academic violations related to AI use. Details on professional communication, response times, email etiquette, and student responsibility were presented. Additionally, there were updates regarding solutions being explored to mitigate students being dropped from summer compressed courses due to registration/payment deadlines coinciding with weekends. The process for amending the Faculty Senate constitution to align with Senate Bill 37 was reviewed, including interaction with the legal team, and the intention to proceed with faculty elections rather than appointments for key roles.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by a student resident assistant. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the aftermath of severe weather, noting that while human and animal safety was prioritized, the Ecoin Center arena collapsed, with insurance claims initiated and expected recovery of $600,000 to $700,000 against a $100,000 deductible. Other damage from snow weight, totaling $800,000 to $900,000 across various buildings, necessitated a request to replace several roofs. A gas leak affecting the meeting building was also successfully repaired. Informative reports covered student success initiatives, including updates on a new summer program called Explore and the Support Hub, along with the announcement of $830,000 in scholarships awarded by the NCTC Foundation. The financial report detailed the first-quarter investment report and the completed financial audit, which resulted in an unqualified (clean) opinion. The meeting also marked the final board meeting for the CFO, Dr. Miller, and welcomed the new CFO, Annette Ferguson. Finally, an update on the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) highlighted that 87% of CTE programs now embed 'Aspire to be Hired' assignments, and the first destination survey response rate increased by 300% after migrating to the Handshake platform.

The meeting included updates from the chancellor and provost, covering topics such as DEI compliance, Senate Bill 12, and policies regarding children in classrooms. There was discussion regarding Senate Bill 2972, addressing public opinions on campus, and updates on the coordinating board's new chair and vice chair. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of Title 5's shutdown on the TRIO program and the split between academic and technical programs. The meeting also touched on organizational shifts, the search for a Liarts dean, adjunct pay, and changes to board meeting structures. Additional topics included safety and security training, behavioral intervention team updates, instructional council updates, and ongoing issues like constitutional amendments and student handbook reviews. The textbook committee provided updates on issues with the Barnes & Noble inclusive access program, and there was a discussion about free speech zones and related litigation.