Lauren Barber

The roundtable session focused on gathering specific input from Lamesa students to determine how Howard College can better serve them. Key student concerns raised included the need for affordable on-campus childcare, increased visibility of personal help and counseling resources (like TimelyCare), and exploring options for in-person counseling support. Additional suggestions covered campus maintenance, such as repaving the parking lot and repainting the building exterior, purchasing a cigarette butt receptacle, acquiring a heat press for the learning center, and improving campus amenities like air freshening and providing water bottles. Students also requested the availability of checkout laptops and more evening classes after 5:30 p.m.

The roundtable meeting, implemented to determine how Howard College can better serve its students, involved student introductions and a review of ground rules for addressing issues. Key student concerns discussed included shallow sinks and short faucets in dorm rooms, the need for taller chairs and desks in dorms, persistent sewer smells in the dorm and MSC lobbies, and the need for improved communication between HC and SWCD regarding activities. Academic concerns focused on welding uniform requirements (needing SWCD embroidery), the need for a new TIG machine due to shared usage and potential donations, issues with a non-functional plasma machine requiring software updates, and optimizing textbook usage in the welding program. Cafeteria feedback centered on food running out quickly and seasoning inconsistency. Finally, signage updates were requested regarding the road signs still showing 'I' in SWCD, prompting action to contact the Texas Department of Transportation.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and the President's mid-year evaluation, followed by a regular public session. Key discussion points in the regular session included the recognition of NJCAA All-Academic Teams across several athletic programs and the Rodeo team's performance. Routine matters, including June 2025 financials and auxiliary services reports, were approved. The Board reviewed and discussed four key documents—the Strategic Plan, Institutional Procedural Calendar, Schedule of Accountability Reports, and Cabinet Timeline—in preparation for the upcoming budget workshop. An update was provided on the tax rate calculation process following the receipt of certified property values, noting a significant decrease in valuation leading to an increased no-new-revenue (NNR) tax rate; formal consideration of the proposed rate is scheduled for August. The Board approved the execution of Division Orders related to mineral interests and royalties from the City of Big Spring/SOGC Oil & Gas Division. Approval was also granted for tax foreclosure property sales. Updates covered the leadership transition at the Lamesa Campus, welcoming the new Provost and thanking the outgoing Provost. Planning for the September Focus Meeting, including the development of the Nexus Plaza at the SouthWest College for the Deaf (SWCD), was reviewed. A Student Achievement Report aligned with SACSCOC Standard 8.1 was presented, detailing metrics like persistence, graduation, and transfer rates. The property and casualty renewal proposal was approved, showing a premium decrease. The Board was informed of plans by SM Energy to drill two additional lateral wells under district property. Updates on catalog changes included approving a differential tuition rate for the Aviation Technology program. Employee Handbook policy updates addressed Educational Support Services (OER adoption), new faculty training requirements, key control policies in response to executive orders, and a new policy for intermittent employee housing. Discussions concluded with updates on field fence graphics, residence hall renovations, the McKinney Center OPC finalization, the San Angelo Campus Café status, and the SWCD Dental Lab Technology project timeline. Legislative updates and confirmation of cybersecurity training completion were also noted.

Discussions focused on several areas of student concern. For the Interpreting Program, issues included low enrollment and faculty vacancies, with action items assigned to develop recruiting strategies and fill open faculty positions. Regarding Online Learning, concerns about late grade submissions and access issues with Blackboard training were addressed, leading to plans for an FAQ section in future orientation materials to clarify grading expectations. Facility issues noted a classroom leak needing repair and a plan to add needed upgrades to the deferred maintenance list. Other topics included finding solutions for student printing/copying costs, confirming tutoring availability after 5:00 p.m., ensuring dietary restriction accommodations in the Dining Hall, and addressing frequent air filter changes and recreation needs in the dorms. Safety concerns regarding campus lighting dead spots were raised, resulting in plans to install additional LED lighting on the Big Spring campus. The 8-week class schedule format was also briefly discussed.

The meeting covered several student concerns organized by topic. Academic discussions focused on feedback regarding 8-week science courses, including class size, preference for in-person versus online labs for Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, and suggestions for offering both 8-week and 16-week formats. Students also requested more library materials available locally instead of delivery from the San Angelo campus. Building and Grounds discussions centered on dormitory issues, including mold, air circulation, pest control (bugs and cockroaches), flooding at exterior-facing doors, and inconsistent room temperatures due to HVAC performance. Campus Security addressed wildlife sightings, reminding students to contact security for aggressive animals. In Student Services, suggestions for the cafeteria included posting an online daily menu, and for the Fitness Center, improving the weight room in the coliseum to alleviate overcrowding. Lastly, discussions included encouraging the formation of new student organizations and addressing transportation assistance needs for students attending off-campus courses or clinicals, noting the availability of gas cards.