Jennifer Colten

The Board of Regents meetings included discussions and actions on various topics. The agenda covered committee reports, minute orders, and reports from the Committee for Student Learning and Student Development, the Committee for Fiscal Affairs, the Committee for Facilities, and the Committee for General Administration. Key actions included approving updated policies for faculty expectations, rescinding policies on adjunct faculty employment, approving tuition and fee schedules for Fall 2026, approving the operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026, and approving initial appropriation transfers. The board also discussed fraud prevention, construction projects, and compliance with Texas Education Code.

The Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focuses on improving students' job readiness and attainment of gainful employment. The plan involves a multi-faceted approach with subcommittees focusing on literature review, instructional and student services, professional development, assessment planning, budgeting, and marketing/communication. The QEP aims to enhance student learning outcomes and success through strategic interventions and continuous improvement, with a commitment to resource allocation and ongoing assessment of progress. The plan includes a detailed milestone schedule outlining key deliverables and timelines for implementation and evaluation.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss legal consultations, real property matters (including property sales and purchases), and personnel matters (including performance evaluations and compensation). Committee reports covered student learning, fiscal affairs (including approval of a deferred compensation plan, contracts related to coronavirus relief funds, an internet service agreement, the sale of an aircraft, and an investment policy), and facilities (including construction and renovation projects). The agenda also included public comments, chancellor comments, consent agenda items, unfinished business, new business, action on the closed meeting, election of officers, proposed meeting dates, and board comments.

The Audit Committee meeting agenda included review of the fiscal year 2024 audit schedule, construction audits, audit reports, and follow-up schedules. Discussions also covered Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) audits, safety and security audits, TAC 202 compliance, and statewide single audit reports (both financial and federal portions). A report on full-time equivalent state employees for fiscal year 2023 was also reviewed. Finally, the committee reviewed various internal audits, including those related to accounting controls, public funds investment act compliance, grants, procurement cards, the CRIMES system, student grievance processes, and internal/external quality assessment.

The Board of Regents meeting included an orientation for new regents, a special meeting to address resolutions for retiring regents, consideration of asset naming, and the swearing-in of new regents. The regular meeting covered committee reports on student learning, strategic relations, facilities, and fiscal affairs. Key agenda items included the acceptance of the Abilene Industrial Technology Center, approval of Sweetwater housing renovations, selection of authorized brokers, and nominations for executive committee positions. A closed meeting was held to discuss personnel matters, real property, and legal consultation.