48th Annual DCFA Convention Agenda

48th Annual DCFA Convention

Friday, November 14, 2025, 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm

Agenda

Call to order: ~ 2:00 – 2:10 pm- Jennifer Siemantel

Welcome: ~ 2:10 – 2:15 pm

Motion for adoption of the agenda: ~ 2:15 – 2:25 pm

As chair of the convention, I propose that we accept the agenda for this meeting, including the rules for debate and voting, developed in consultation with the parliamentarian, Nathaniel Means.

Rules of Debate

For agenda items requiring consideration for a vote, debate will be limited to 2 minutes per person per agenda item.

Debate for any one agenda item shall not exceed 10 minutes, after which the president shall close the discussion on that item.

Resolutions from the Floor on items not specified on the agenda will be entertained – in writing– following the conclusion of all regular business listed on the agenda and time permitting, following the same limitation for debate as agenda items.

Voting – how, when, and where

For all agenda items under consideration for a vote following adoption of this agenda, the vote shall be postponed after close of discussion on that item and resumed either after the adoption of the budget or no later than 3:50 pm on a single ballot.

Final versions of all motions to amend the constitution and motions to amend the by-laws posted by the 14-day advance posting deadline on October 31, 2025, and all resolutions that were motioned and seconded with the agenda shall be included in the final online ballot for voting when called to after the adoption of the budget.

NOTE: You must be present, either in-person or virtually, to vote. In-person voting will be done by a physical raise of hands and members voting virtually will raise their virtual hand on Zoom.

A member who expects to be absent from a general or special convention may authorize someone else to act in his or her place at the meeting through a proxy executed in writing and supplied to the secretary no less that one hour prior to the opening of a general or special convention. No individual may act on behalf of more than five (5) members at a time, counting the individual holding the proxies. If the member decides to attend the meeting, their proxy becomes void upon casting the first vote for which the member is present.

Motion to Adjourn or Recess

If voting on the proposed amendment reaches a majority vote of members in attendance (virtually and physically), the chair will recognize the Parliamentarian to issue a motion to adjourn the meeting.

If the voting on the proposed amendment does not immediately reach a majority, at 4:00 pm the chair will call a close of the ballot (face-to-face and virtual) and will recognize the Parliamentarian to issue a motion to adjourn.

If for any reason the chair is unable to open the ballot by 3:30 pm, the chair may recognize the Parliamentarian to issue a motion to adjourn or to recess and return at a later date upon which the online ballot can be kept open for a reasonable amount of time for members to vote.

Introduction of new faculty present at convention; recognition of dearly departed

President’s Address- Jennifer Siemantel, including introductions and recognitions: 2:25 – 2:40 pm

Standing committee reports 2:40 – 3:20 pm (5 minutes each)

Communications – Geoff Manzi

Instructional Goals and Academic Freedom – Jennifer Siemantel

Welfare and Benefits – Patrice Johnson

Political Information – Geoff Manzi

Convention Planning – Jennifer Holland

Membership – Tamar Slider

Budget and Finance – Adrien Cuellar McGuire

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Tracie Hernandez

Treasurer’s Report - Adrien Cuellar McGuire

Adoption of 2025-2026 DCFA Budget – 3:20 – 3:30 pm

Adoption of the budget

Motions to transfer funds

Proposed Amendments to the DCFA Constitution – 10 minutes per agenda item.

The Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the general convention as follows:

Proposed amendments must be presented to the Council at least fourteen (14) days before the official publication goes to press.

Amendments will be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the membership in attendance provided the proposed amendment shall have been published in the official publication at least fourteen (14) days before the voting.

There were no proposed amendments to the DCFA Constitution prior to the deadline.

Proposed Amendments to the DCFA Bylaws – 10 minutes per agenda item

The Bylaws shall be amended by a majority vote of the members present at a general convention. Proposed amendments to the Bylaws may be offered by the Council or any standing committee at least one month before a general convention and must be published for all members to review at least two weeks before a general convention.

PROPOSAL ONE: TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION COMMITTEE

Purpose: To better align with institutions that have made changes to their offices and titles resulting from the passage of SB 17, the Dallas College Faculty Association's Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) standing committee proposes a name change to the Representation & Belonging (R&B) Committee.

WHEREAS the current name of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee no longer meets state requirements;

BE IT RESOLVED that the name should be changed to the Representation & Belonging (R & B) Committee.

Resolutions from the floor, time permitting 3:40 – 3:50 pm

Other proposed resolutions from the floor submitted in writing to the DCFA Secretary and President no later than the start of the convention.

No later than 3:50 pm – Chair opens voting on all resolutions that received a motion and second within this agenda. If a majority vote is achieved by all present (virtually and in person) at the time of voting, the chair will close the voting. If a majority vote is not achieved, voting will remain open for 60 minutes. If necessary, DCFA Council members and Convention Committee members will remain available in the convention throughout to answer questions, assist with technical difficulties, and for discussion, if desired.

Closing of the ballot and adjournment

Please note: Results may not be available until the auditing team completes review of the ballot (if necessary) and confirmation of proxies, which will take time. Please watch the DCFA Advance Blog at www.dccfa.blogspot.com for posting of the results when they are ready. If a majority vote is reached, results will be made available at the conclusion of the Convention.

DCFA 2025 Annual Convention on Friday, November 14, 2025, 2:00p - 4:15p CST

DCFA 2025 Annual Convention

Friday, November 14, 2025

2:00 - 4:15 p.m. (CST)

WHO:

All Current DCFA Faculty Association Members are encouraged to attend.

WHAT:

The Annual Convention is where we discuss accomplishments, issues, present Standing Committee reports, approve the budget, and deal with resolutions.

WHERE:

In-person meeting at the Records Building (500 Elm St., # 7Y11, Dallas, TX 75202).  There is underground parking for 500 Elm St. (entrance on Elm)

The convention will also be live-streamed.

Voting will be in person and online (Synchronous Voting through defined time periods during the convention).

Reception to follow beginning at 4:30 at RJ Mexican Cuisine in the West End, 1701 N. Market St., #102 (short walk from the Records Building). Please RSVP to jdavilaholland.dcfa@gmail.com if you plan to attend the reception. THE DEADLINE TO RSVP FOR THE RECEPTION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD.

PROPOSED MOTIONS TO AMEND AND RESOLUTIONS:

Please see our previous blogpost directly below this one.

2025 DCFA Convention - Proposed Amendments to the DCFA Constitution and Bylaws

SECTION ONE: Proposed Amendments to the DCFA Constitution

The Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the general convention as follows:

Proposed amendments must be presented to the Council at least fourteen (14) days before the official publication goes to press.

Amendments will be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the membership in attendance provided the proposed amendment shall have been published in the official publication at least fourteen (14) days before the voting.

(Article XIV – Amendment, Section 1)

There were no proposed amendments to the DCFA Constitution.

SECTION TWO: Proposed Amendments to the DCFA Bylaws

The Bylaws shall be amended by a majority vote of those in attendance at any regular general convention. (DCFA Constitution, Article XIV – Amendment, Section 2)

The Bylaws shall be amended by a majority vote of the members present at a general convention. Proposed amendments to the Bylaws may be offered by the Council or any standing committee at least one month before a general convention, and must be published for all members to review at least two weeks before a general convention. (DCFA Bylaws, Article XII, Amendment)

ONE: TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION COMMITTEE

Purpose: To better align with institutions that have made changes to their offices and titles resulting from the passage of SB 17, the Dallas College Faculty Association's Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) standing committee proposes a name change to the Representation & Belonging (R&B) Committee.

WHEREAS the current name of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee no longer meets state requirements;

BE IT RESOLVED that the name should be changed to the Representation & Belonging (R & B) Committee.

Call for Proposals

To DCFA Active Members,

The DCFA 2025 Annual Convention will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 2:00 pm in person at 500 Elm Street (the Records Building) in Room 7.Y.11. The Convention will be live-streamed for members to view remotely. Voting is in person or via virtual attendance. An invitation to join us for the Annual Convention will be posted at least two (2) weeks prior to the event, but we encourage you to block out the afternoon on your calendar now to ensure you are able to attend and participate fully.

Per the change to the Bylaws through the August 2021 convention, voting is allowed by proxy (with strict rules for designating a proxy) and the details for how voting will be conducted will be shared in the invitation along with the agenda.

Per the DCFA Constitution and Bylaws, if you have a proposal to amend the Constitution or Bylaws that you would like considered at the 2025 Annual Convention, it must be received by the DCFA Council Secretary and President at least one (1) month prior to the scheduled convention. This means any proposals to amend the Constitution or Bylaws must be submitted in writing to the Secretary, Jennifer Holland; the Convention Planning Chair, Jennifer Holland; and the Council President, Jennifer Siemantel, by Tuesday, October 14, 2025. It is strongly recommended that any resolutions to be considered also be submitted by this date. For simplicity, you are welcome to email your proposed motions to amend or resolutions to dcfacouncil@gmail.com (which sends a copy to all DCFA Council members).

Sample resolution format: https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/aboutala/content/governance/council/resolution_guidelines/sample%20of%20resolution%20format_5_16_13.pdf

Following submission, the DCFA Council will review the submissions with the parliamentarian and contact the authors if any changes are suggested before posting all proposed motions to amend by the required deadline of Friday, October 31, 2025 (two weeks prior to the Convention).

DCFA 2025 Membership Drive

 The DCFA is accepting members through its official website until our convention in mid November - see below for instructions on how to join, and please consider joining today if you have not already done so!

If you navigate to www.dccfa.org, you will find a new button on the page to either “Join” or “Renew” your membership.  Upon clicking that link, there are a few separate options: one is for those renewing a membership, and the other is for those joining for the first time (and for those who are, welcome! We are delighted you are becoming a member!). Other options include level amounts: Full-Time Faculty, Adjunct Faculty, and Emeritus Faculty.

Important Notes About Joining/Renewing

• The deadline to join or renew is the second Monday in November (which also corresponds with the week of the Convention on that Friday).
  
  
• We are requiring everyone to use a personal email address and contact information when setting up your profile and logging in. This is to make sure that all of your information on file is separate from Dallas College servers and IT restrictions.

 

Please take a few moments after joining/renewing to complete the “About” section of your account, which includes fields for home address and phone number. Having this information is critical because this collected data is critical for the Political Information Committee to contact DCFA members privately about elections without violating state and district laws and regulations.  (Regular email communications about DCFA and local FA business will still be sent through work email addresses, though!)

 

If you encounter any errors or issues with joining or renewing, please email dcfa@dcccd.edu to reach the entire Council, and we can assist from there!

TCCTA Legislative Update - May 2, 2025

 Legislative Update: What Texas Faculty Need to Know —and Do — Now

On May 2, the Texas Community College Teachers Association (TCCTA) held a critical legislative update to brief faculty on the fast-moving developments in the 89th Texas Legislative Session. Hosted by TCCTA Executive Director J.P. Winston and President William Parent, and led by government relations consultant Beaman Floyd, the session spotlighted major bills with real consequences for Texas community college faculty. The message was clear: we are not the intended targets, but we are very much in the crossfire. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, and immediate action is required.

Why You Should Pay Attention

While many bills specifically refer to “universities” or “general academic teaching institutions,” vague language and legislative carelessness often mean that community colleges are frequently—and sometimes unintentionally—affected. Definitions matter. Faculty must remain alert to bills that reference “institutions of higher education,” as this phrase can encompass us depending on the context. TCCTA is actively advocating for precise language, but your awareness and engagement are essential.

 

Top Legislative Threats to Watch—and Act On

🔴 Senate Bill 12: The “Parental Bill of Rights”

• What it does: Targets K–12 but contains vague, sweeping language that could restrict discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in dual credit courses. The potential impact of this bill is significant and could drastically affect the way we teach.
• Why it matters to you: Literature, history, or government instructors could face scrutiny or pressure simply for teaching core content.
• Action: Faculty teaching dual credit should be especially vocal in opposing this bill’s ambiguous language. Clarification or amendment is needed.

🔴 Senate Bill 37: Faculty Governance and Curriculum Under Threat

• What it does: Seeks political control over curriculum and faculty senates; creates a Governor-appointed Curriculum Review Council and a new “Ombudsman” with investigative powers.
• Why it matters: This bill would dramatically reshape how courses are reviewed, potentially eroding faculty input and academic freedom across Texas. While some propose a carve-out for community colleges, no exemption currently exists.
• Action: Contact your State House representative now to oppose SB 37. This is one of the most dangerous bills in the session for higher ed.

🔴 Senate Bill 2615: Return-to-Work Mandate

• What it does: Codifies a Governor’s executive order requiring in-person work for state employees, with unclear implications for remote teaching.
• Why it matters: Could strip faculty of flexibility to teach online or hybrid courses without improving student outcomes or instruction.
• Action: Urge House members to reject SB 2615 or revise it to protect virtual instruction and the autonomy of teaching.

 

Other Concerns

⚠️ Senate Bill 530 (Accreditation)

• Removes SACs (our current accreditor) from statute, opening the door to alternate agencies that may be less protective of shared governance and academic freedom.
• This change risks weakening faculty influence while promoting political interference in institutional accreditation.
• Action: Monitor administrative decisions related to accreditation and push back if proposals would compromise governance or educational integrity.

 

The Bigger Picture: Why Faculty Advocacy Matters

Community colleges are still well-regarded by lawmakers for their efficiency, community connection, and role in the workforce. Still, that reputation won’t protect us from becoming collateral damage in today’s political culture wars. The stakes are high, as legislative outcomes are being shaped now, and the final weeks of the session (ending June 2) are critical.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is actively pushing to make this one of the most conservative sessions in Texas history, and faculty are increasingly seen as ideological opponents rather than partners in education. The House remains our best chance to influence or stop harmful bills.

 

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Contact your House Representative, particularly members of the House Higher Education Committee. Be specific: Oppose SB 37 and SB 2615.
2. Stay informed through TCCTA updates and alerts.
3. Join a TCCTA committee to help amplify faculty voices.
4. Discuss with your colleagues, especially those teaching dual credit, online courses, or general education, what’s happening and why it matters.
5. Educate your community about the value of academic freedom and the broad mission of community colleges—not just job training, but also citizenship, creativity, and inquiry. 

Final Thought

Beaman Floyd reminded us that Texas lawmakers may “like” community colleges, but they’re still willing to lump us in with universities when passing restrictive or political legislation. We must protect the breadth of our mission, the freedom of our classrooms, and the integrity of our profession.

This is the time to act. Your voice, your advocacy, and your engagement are vital because no one else will do it for us. Your role in this process is not just important, it's integral.

Timeline: Key Themes & Legislative Issues Discussed

1. Confusing Legislative Language: Do “University” Bills Apply to Community Colleges?

• Beaman Floyd clarified that terms like "university" and "general academic teaching institution" do not apply to community colleges under Texas Education Code Chapter 61.
• The correct statutory term is "public junior college". However, some lawmakers carelessly use broader phrases like “institutions of higher education,” which may or may not include community colleges depending on context.
• TCCTA's advocacy role includes pressing lawmakers to use precise terms to avoid unintended consequences.

2. Spillover Effects from University-Targeted Bills

• Even if a bill targets four-year institutions, it can still create "chilling effects" or institutional pressure on two-year colleges to conform.
• Community colleges’ unique identity, characterized by local governance, elected trustees, and a workforce mission, often shields them, but they still operate within the broader higher education environment.

 

Major Bills of Concern

Senate Bill 12 – Parental Bill of Rights

• Primary Target: K-12 education; restricts teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Potential Impact: Could affect dual credit instruction at community colleges if language remains broad (e.g., applying to “anyone” teaching such content).
• Beaman flagged Section 28.0043 (p. 30–31) as a “catch-all” provision that might sweep in college faculty unintentionally.
• TCCTA is working to get this section amended or clarified.

Senate Bill 37 – Curriculum Control & Faculty Senate Restrictions

• Originally a response to the University of Texas faculty's opposition to state interference.
• Expands to community colleges, though carve-outs are being discussed.
• Key provisions:
• Oversight of faculty senates by college presidents.
• External Curriculum Review Council (13 members, appointed mostly by the Governor).
• Creation of a new Higher Ed Ombudsman with subpoena-like powers.
• Political interference in curriculum and hiring decisions is flagged as a significant concern.
• Implementation Timeline: Changes are unlikely to affect the 2025–26 academic year but could be rolled out by 2027–28.
• TCCTA is strongly opposing the bill and working for amendments in the House.

Senate Bill 2615 – Remote Work Restrictions

• Would require employees to return to in-person work, codifying a previous executive order.
• Vague on how it applies to virtual teaching.
• Community college stakeholders fear it could restrict online teaching flexibility.
• Bill has no House companion yet and faces widespread opposition.

 

Accreditation Concerns

• Senate Bill 530 removes SACs (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) as a statutory accreditor, allowing institutions to choose other accrediting agencies.
• Raises concerns about weakened shared governance and potential misuse of accreditation changes to bypass faculty protections.
• TCCTA stresses the importance of educating stakeholders on why strong, respected accreditation matters.

 

Legislative Climate & Strategy

• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s influence is stronger than ever, making this one of the most politically conservative sessions in Texas history.
• Patrick’s bills are prioritized; the Senate is acting swiftly to pass conservative legislation.
• The House is the key battleground, where advocacy might still influence outcomes.
• Faculty should contact their House Representatives and Higher Ed Committee members.
• TCCTA will help coordinate outreach at each legislative stage: committee → calendar, → floor vote.

 

Final Thoughts from Beaman Floyd

• Community colleges remain popular with legislators for their workforce and community engagement missions.
• However, they risk becoming collateral damage in broader ideological battles.
• Urged faculty to defend the broad mission of community colleges, not just workforce training, including academic freedom and liberal arts education.
• Encouraged ongoing faculty advocacy and community-level storytelling to preserve institutional autonomy and mission.

 

Action Items for TCCTA Members

• Contact House members to oppose SB 37 and SB 2615.
• Recruit colleagues for TCCTA committees.
• Stay informed and engaged as the session nears the May 27 deadline.

DCFA 2024 Annual Convention Friday, November 15, 2024 1:00-4:00 p.m.(CST)

 WHO:

All paid DCFA Faculty Association Members are encouraged to attend.

 

WHAT:

The Annual Convention is where we discuss accomplishments, issues, present Standing Committee reports, and approve the DCFA budget.

 

WHERE:

In-person meeting at the Records Building (500 Elm St., # 7Y11, Dallas, TX 75202).  There is underground parking for 500 Elm St. (entrance on Elm - $10)

 

The convention will also be live-streamed.

NOTE:  You must be present, either in-person or virtually, to vote.  In-person voting will be done by a physical raise of hands and members voting virtually will raise their virtual hand in Zoom. Only paid Active Members may vote.

 

1. Resolutions from the Floor on items not specified on the agenda will be entertained – in writing – following the conclusion of all regular business listed on the agenda and time permitting, following the same limitations for debate as agenda items.
2. All resolutions from the floor must be submitted in writing by Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 8:00pm sent to the entire DCFA Council to be included in the discussion of that agenda item on Friday, November 15, 2024.

 

 

Join the Zoom meeting.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/96016480264?pwd=WGhFemw2bzljMktTVHhqSWtZRHk3Zz09

Meeting ID: 960 1648 0264  Passcode:  dcfa2022b

Dial in:  1-346-248-7799

 

Reception to follow in C-100 (ECC) from 5-7pm (directly across Market St.). Note: it is very likely the convention will end earlier since no motions or resolutions were received by the deadline. In all likelihood, the reception will start around 4pm 😉

 

2024 DCFA Convention - Proposed Amendments to DCFA Constitution and By-Laws Process - Proposed Budget for 2024-2025

Hello All, 

Our DCFA convention will be held on Friday, 11/15/24 from 1-5pm in the Records Bldg. (downtown Dallas - 7Y11).  The meeting will be held in person and virtually.  Details will be given at a later date.

Proposed Amendments to DCFA Constitution and By-Laws Process 

Here is the 2024-2025 DCFA Convention/By-Laws Amendment Form.  You must be a member of the DCFA as of Monday, 11/11/24 at midnight in order to submit amendments. You must send your proposal(s) to our secretary Sherry Boyd (sboyd@dallascollege.edu) and our president Jennifer Siemantel (jsiemantel@dallascollege.edu) by Tuesday, 10/15/24 at midnight.

Here is the Proxy Form.  Any member can accept 4 proxy votes.  Please read the details outlining the procedure for accepting proxy votes.  The proxy form(s) must be submitted at least one hour prior to the start of the meeting, which is Friday, 11/15/24 at noon.

Here are the current DCFA Constitution and By-Laws.

Let Denise Griffin (dgriffin@dallascollege.edu) know if you have any questions.

To join the DCFA go to www.dccfa.org.  

Proposed Budget 

The Budget & Finance Committee met last Friday after receiving an update from Denise on the convention expenses. You can find the attached 2024-2025 budget in the meeting minutes (Approved) link. Please review prior to the convention. 

Have a great day!