Melinda Carroll

The Faculty Senate meeting covered several key discussion topics, including upcoming updates from the chancellor and provost, the status of security and emergency training video production, and updates from the bit team regarding mental health evaluations for students. The senate also reviewed instructional council updates regarding curriculum changes in the horticulture program, the creation of a bachelor of education and educational prep programs, and a new program allowing paramedics to transition to the registered nurse program. Additionally, the senate discussed constitutional updates, student handbook revisions, and a proposal for an adjunct pay raise, alongside concerns from faculty regarding the short turnaround time for submitting student grades.

The Board meeting covered various procedural and operational updates. Key discussions included the implementation of Senate Bill 37 regarding governing board training, decision-making authority in hiring, and faculty disciplinary processes. The board received reports on the college's new Carnegie Foundation classification as a higher access institution and a review of the Open Education Resources (OER) initiative, which has achieved significant student cost savings and secured numerous grant awards. Additionally, procedures for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for athletic programs were reviewed.

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.