Update on Chancellor's Staff meeting of June 13, 2016

Faculty Council President Matt Hinckley reported the following from the June 13, 2016 Chancellor's Staff meeting:

Textbooks:

At today’s Chancellor’s Staff meeting, Dr. May stated that the proposed changes to the textbook delivery model, “will not affect how faculty select their textbooks.” Moreover, he said, “We hire faculty to make textbook decisions. I know faculty go out of their way, including often at their own expense, to get materials to students (who can’t afford to purchase them), but that’s not the job or role of faculty to do so.” Mary Brumbach also said, “This is not about what materials are chosen; this is about how to get the materials that faculty choose to the students as quickly as possible.”

Dr. May in particular is interested in a model that would get a PDF/digital copy of textbooks to students at no cost to them, with options to purchase print on demand rights and/or printed copies if they choose. Dr. May also said that Vital Source and other providers can work with even small boutique academic publishers to convert materials that faculty choose to PDF format.

Board of Trustees:

Runoff election votes will be canvassed on Wednesday, June 29. New board members will be sworn into office immediately and take their seats at the meeting. Dr. May also plans an orientation for the new board members at a date TBD. John Robertson was asked to provide a more detailed budget work session at a date TBD (when the board members are available to attend).

Handguns on Campus:

Dr. May and Rob Wendland are reviewing the latest developments in the campus carry debate. Specifically, State Rep. Abel Herrero, Democratic chair of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, has asked Attorney General Ken Paxton to review if public community colleges may be exempt from campus carry because they offer programs for minors, such as Dual Credit and Early College High School. However Paxton rules, the legislature could come under pressure--either from gun rights groups or from concerned parents groups--to modify the law during the January-May 2017 legislative session. Nevertheless, Dr. May said he plans to engage faculty, students, and staff, starting in the Fall 2016 semester, to prepare our colleges to deal with campus carry that. As the law stands right now, we would have to allow CHL holders to carry their handguns on campus starting with the Fall 2017 semester. 

TCCTA publishes new article on "guns on campus" issue

TCCTA has published a new article on their blog about the issue of guns on campus. All DCCFA members are encouraged to peruse the article located at this link.

Faculty Council affirms official DCCCD policy prohibiting firearms on campuses

The recent shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon again has brought to our attention the issue of firearms on campuses.

The District Faculty Council affirms and endorses the official Dallas County Community College District policy regarding firearms on campus, as articulated in the Board of Trustees policy manual, under "Student Rights and Responsibilities," 

All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct. In addition to activities prohibited by law...the following types of behavior shall be prohibited:

1. Intentionally causing physical harm to any person on College District premises or at College District sponsored activities, or intentionally or recklessly causing reasonable apprehension of such harm or hazing.

2. Unauthorized use, possession, or storage of any weapon on College District premises or at College District sponsored activities.

3. Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning, or threat of fire, explosion, or other emergency on College District premises or at College District sponsored activities.

4. Intentionally interfering with normal College District sponsored activities, including but not limited to, studying, teaching, conducting research, duties of the College District administration, or fire, security, or emergency services. 

The Faculty Council also affirms and endorses the following Board of Trustees policy regarding weapons on campus.

Students shall not bring on College District property or to any college or College District sponsored or related activity any gun, weapon, simulated weapon, or any device identified below:

1.Razors;
2.Chains; or
3.Any other object, 

including school/college supplies, used in a way that threatens or inflicts bodily injury on another person. 

The Faculty Council also affirms and endorses the following purpose for the aforementioned policies:

The purpose of policies about student conduct and discipline are to provide guidelines for the educational environment of the College District. This environment views students in a holistic manner, encouraging and inviting them to learn and grow independently. Such an environment presupposes both rights and responsibilities. Free inquiry and expression are essential parts of this freedom to learn, to grow, and to develop. However, this environment also demands appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. Students must exercise these freedoms with responsibility.

Message from TCCTA regarding Umpqua Community College shooting

Dear Colleague,

We are all shocked and saddened by yesterday’s tragic events at Umpqua Community College, in Oregon. As a response in the wake of the tragedy, Alliance Work Partners (AWP) through its partnership with TCCTA has agreed to offer pro bono counseling services to all Texas community college employees who may be affected by the shootings in Oregon.

Even with no direct contact, employees are going through a range of reactions and responses. There may be fear, concern, etc., as a result of yesterday's events.

Let faculty and staff know that AWP EAP services are available to them 24/7 as they continue serving their students. Anyone wishing to do so, may receive counseling at no charge by calling 1-800-343-3822.

TCCTA and AWP are here for Texas Community College employees.

Many thanks,

Richard Moore
TCCTA