TCCTA Blog

Fall Conference Program Now Complete

TCCTA has a reputation for low-cost, high-quality professional development programs. The annual Fall Conference for Faculty Leaders certainly fits this model. Designed for teachers, the meeting is open to all community and technical college educators wishing to learn the latest strategies for campus leadership.

The event is scheduled for October 7-8, at the beautiful Omni Southpark Hotel in Austin. A link is provided below with details and registration information.

This conference represents the first chance to hear from TCCTA lobbyist Beaman Floyd in person about the recent—and historic—Regular Session of the Texas Legislature. In addition, faculty panels and speakers will discuss their all-important role in student success, faculty senate "best practices," and college governance. Finally, TCCTA attorney Frank Hill will update the group on the latest legal developments affecting two-year college teachers.

The conference is also a wonderful opportunity to compare notes and converse with professional colleagues from all over the state, representing large colleges and small. Attendees always return home with valuable information to share with peers on campus.

Here's a link with the full program, registration, costs, and hotel information. Join us!

A Message from the TCCTA President

The following is a back-to-school message from TCCTA President Annie J. Benifield, Lone Star College–Tomball.

Welcome!

I am honored to serve as your president for the coming year. Although the fall semester is just getting started, rest assured that your TCCTA leadership is working hard to make 2011-12 successful for you and your colleagues.

If you have not already done so, please join TCCTA. Participation in our association has been extremely rewarding for me over the years, and I know it will be for you, too. 

You can learn about the tangible benefits of joining from our Web site or from the printed material provided by your campus representative. I guarantee that you will not find a better bargain anywhere on membership dues and professional liability insurance.

You can join TCCTA or renew your membership securely online here. I also highly recommend the optional liability insurance coverage, no matter what or where you teach. Many community and technical college educators find it indispensable to their security and peace of mind in these contentious times.

But joining is just the beginning. In order to fully appreciate TCCTA, I urge you to attend our conferences. First up is the 32nd Annual Fall Conference for Faculty Leaders, to be held on October 7-8, at the beautiful Omni Southpark Hotel in Austin. Please read all about it here and please consult this site for details and updates. Those who attend this meeting always return to campus with a wealth of information to share with colleagues.

And make plans now to attend our annual convention, on March 1-3, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Frisco. Whatever your teaching field or area of expertise, you’ll find plenty of amazing opportunities for professional development. The meeting also features an outstanding exhibit area, with displays from all the major publishers and technology companies. I might also add that the conference is great fun, and provides you with a chance to mix and mingle with your peers across the entire state, from large colleges and small.

Obviously, we have just completed a tumultuous Regular Session of the Texas Legislature. But we must not get discouraged. TCCTA provides a host of ways to participate in the legislative process, beginning with an array of opportunities to stay informed on vital issues. TCCTA is always front and center, providing vital and timely information. Your membership dues this year include a subscription to the Blog, updated daily, covering all issues of concern to community and technical college educators.

In the coming months, there will be important matters arising in legislative interim committees, and from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. One of our most important resources is our outstanding lobbyist, Beaman Floyd. I hope you’ll pay attention to his regular columns and get a chance to hear him speak at our conferences.

Since community and technical colleges are the foundation for success in Texas, please join us in our effort to move the state forward.

Obviously we have many challenges to face as educators. But I believe that, for each challenge, there is an opportunity for growth and progress. In order for this to happen, however, we must be united as a profession.

Please don’t hesitate to contact any of our officers or the state office in Austin if we can be of any assistance.

TCCTA is there for you. Join us!

Come to the Great Teaching Round-Up!

TCCTA is again proud to promote its most popular, genuinely unique, and budget-minded professional development experience: The Great Teaching Round-Up!

Modeled after the seminars by Gottshall and Garrison, the entire program is designed by faculty for faculty. We hope you will choose to be an active participant this year, adding to the diversity and richness of this highly celebrated approach to professional growth.

This year's Round-Up will be held at the YO Ranch Resort in Kerrville, Texas, May 23-26.

Here's a link for more information.

Mark Your Calendars for TCCTA Events

Plans are underway for three outstanding TCCTA programs, the Great Teaching Round-Up, the Leading from the Middle conference, and the Fall Conference for Faculty Leaders.

The Round-Up is scheduled for May 23-26, at the beautiful YO Ranch Resort in Kerrville.

Leading from the Middle (geared toward individuals in administrative roles or faculty who may be interested in such positions) will be held at the Omni Southpark Hotel in Austin, July 17-19.

The Fall Conference for Faculty Leaders is scheduled for October 7-8, at the Omni Southpark Hotel in Austin.

Join us!

Here's the link for more information about the Great Teaching Round-Up.

Here's the link for more information about the Leading from the Middle Conference.

Details about the Fall Conference will be posted online as they become available.

Faculty Senate Dialogue Remains Vital

At the TCCTA Conference for Faculty Leaders, on October 8, attendees proved that "Faculty Senate Best Practices" remains an important topic for community college educators. For many years TCCTA has offered sessions on this subject, utilizing a variety of formats. Interest shows no signs of lagging, based on robust attendance and lively participation.

Experience has demonstrated repeatedly that faculty organizations on some campuses work more effectively than others. Instructors find it beneficial to engage in conversation with colleagues from around the state on approaches that appear to be constructive. One senate template doesn't fit all circumstances and personalities, which makes focused collaboration very important.

At the most recent TCCTA gathering in Galveston, attendees submitted written questions to faculty panelists Linda Dulin, McLennan Community College, Mary Osentowski, Richland College, and Jesse Warren, Galveston College. Facilitating and coordinating were David Lydic, Austin Community College, and Essie Childers, Blinn College.

Here is a sample of questions the group discussed:

• What are your school's requirement for faculty office hours?
• Do you represent all faculty (full-time and adjunct)? Is there a separate voice for adjunct?
• How many classes can your adjuncts teach?
• How many colleges have tenure?
• On the case of a college with multi-campuses in which student population varies greatly and so does the number of faculty senate members, how could you avoid bias when it comes to the selection of the agenda or voting for a very important item? Is number always a major factor in voting?
• What is the best way to deal with the media when they call you as the faculty association president on a "hot button" issue?
• How do you create greater faculty involvement?
• Do you meet with your president on a monthly basis?
• Do you receive compensation for being president of the senate?
• Do you have shared governance?
• How is your senate dealing with growth/workload issues?
• Has your college's president or chancellor changed the course load after the annual contract has begun? That is, an immediate change within the current semester. If so, how did the faculty and administration come to some resolution?
• What are some of the frequent issues brought to you, such as pay, workload, etc. What were some of the solutions?
• How should we deal with faculty apathy and reluctance do be a part of the faculty association?
• How do you measure your faculty senate effectiveness?
• Do your administrators recognize your faculty senate as an authority on your campus?
• What recommendations would you give to establish a faculty senate?
• How many, on the average, of your (faculty) recommendations ever become policy at your college?
• Does your faculty senate have a formal, direct relationship with your governing board? How does the relationship work?

The group didn't have the opportunity to consider a number of other questions submitted. Members are urged ot attend the annual convention in San Antonio for another planned session on "Faculty Senate Best Practices."

 

TCCTA Officer Recommendations Sought

The chair of the TCCTA Nominating Committee, Ellen M. Brennan, San Antonio College, invites recommendations of individuals for consideration as officer nominees for 2011-12.

Recommendations should be submitted soon in order to be considered by the committee in its November meeting.

Here is a link to the Professional Data Form in pdf format, which can be printed prior to mailing.

Recommendations, which are due by Nov. 1, should be sent to:

Ellen M. Brennan
TCCTA Nominating Committee
San Antonio College
1300 San Pedro Ave.
San Antonio, Texas  78212

Fall Conference Set for Galveston

The 31st Annual TCCTA Fall Conference for Faculty Leaders will be held October 8-9, 2010, at the San Luis Hotel in Galveston.

The Professional Development, Legislative, Membership Services, and Publications Committees will also conduct meetings at 1:30 p.m., on October 8, during the conference. Response forms for committee members are due by September 13, and are available at this link, along with other pertinent information.

Registration begins at 2:30 p.m. Friday. At 3:30, the program will feature breakout sessions on the subject of “Faculty Senate Best Practices.” Previous meetings on this topic at TCCTA conferences have garnered much interest. Volunteers will serve as facilitators.

The program will continue, at 5:30, with an informal social hour and dinner.

The evening program, at 6:45, will feature “Prospects of the next Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.” Scheduled to speak is Beaman Floyd, a professional contract lobbyist who represents TCCTA.

Mr. Floyd specializes in legislative issues relating to insurance, including teachers’ health benefits and retirement, workers’ compensation, public education, and financial institutions. He has worked with the Texas Legislature since 1993, and will address the inner workings of the legislative process, and the challenges and opportunities for the next Regular Session.

Saturday morning, at 8:00, registration will continue and a sponsored breakfast will be served for all participants.

The program continues Saturday morning with “Crucial Conversations,” a two part interactive session with Greg Stephens, a master trainer with VitalSmarts.

An innovator in training and organizational performance, VitalSmarts helps teams and organizations achieve the results they care about most. With award-winning training products based on more than 30 years of ongoing research, VitalSmarts has helped more than 300 of the Fortune 500 realize significant results using a proven method for driving rapid, sustainable, and measurable change in behaviors. VitalSmarts has been ranked twice by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in America and has taught more than 2 million people worldwide.

Regarding Saturday’s program, Mr. Stephens says, “Get unstuck with best practice skills for high-stakes interactions! Whenever you’re not getting the results you’re looking for, it’s likely that a crucial conversation is keeping you stuck. Whether it’s a problem with poor quality, declining satisfaction, or a strained relationship, if you can’t talk honestly with nearly anybody about almost anything, you can expect poor results. Make crucial conversations skills your best practices and everything gets better.”

During the luncheon session, longtime TCCTA attorney Frank Hill will discuss “Current Legal Issues in Higher Education.” The speaker is often retained by the association, representing clients who find themselves in legal difficulty in connection with their employment as community college educators.
Mr. Hill received his law degree from Southern Methodist University. Found-ed in 1972, the firm of which he is the senior partner now includes 30 practicing attorneys, several of whom are recognized as specialists in legal matters involving rights of teachers.  Time for questions and answers with Mr. Hill will also be allowed.

The conference will adjourn at 1:30 p.m.

While designed primarily for leaders of local faculty organizations, the conference is open to all interested TCCTA members and faculty leaders. College presidents and other administrators are also encouraged to attend and participate.

REGISTRATION FEE—$75, payable on arrival (includes social hour Friday evening and Saturday’s breakfast and lunch).

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION should be completed by October 1 through the TCCTA state office, 5113 Southwest Parkway, Suite 185, Austin, Texas 78735 (1-800-288-6850, ext. 11; in Austin 1-512-328-2044, ext. 11; Fax 1-512-328-1086; e-mail cfricke@tccta.org).

HOTEL RESERVATIONS Reservations are available at $108.00 for a single, $138 for double occupancy, plus tax). The deadline for hotel registration at this rate is September 17. Self parking is complimentary for conference attendees. Valet parking is also available for $3.00 a day or $9.00 overnight. Make reservations directly to the The San Luis Resort, 5222 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77551. Phone: 1-800-445-0090 or locally 1-409-740-8659 .

An easy-to-reach destination, The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center on Galveston Island is less than an hour’s drive from Houston, three hours from Austin and five hours from Dallas/Ft. Worth.

DIRECTIONS FROM HOUSTON Take Interstate 45 South to Galveston. Take the 61st Street exit and turn right (south). Stay on 61st Street to Seawall Boulevard. Turn left (east) at Seawall Boulevard. The San Luis Resort is located past 53rd Street and Seawall Boulevard on the left (north) side.

Social Security and Retirement Planning Sessions Featured

The Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset can wipe out benefits for individuals who retire from colleges that don't participate in the Social Security system.

A representative from the Social Security Administration will explain these issues at a special Financial Planning Seminar, at 8:00 a.m., Friday, February 22, during the TCCTA Annual Convention.

Tom Clark, a public affairs specialist with the SSA, will also discuss Social Security disability, retirement, spouse's and widows benefits, and Medicare Parts A, B and D. In past conventions, these meetings have been highly popular with members representing all ages and schools.

More information on the WEP and GPO is available here.

Later Friday, at 1:00, the Financial Planning Seminar will feature "Maximizing All of Your Retirement Benefits," with Martin Mesecke, president of Self Worth Financial Planning in Dallas. Whether you are an ORP participant or member of the Texas Teacher Retirement System, you'll want to hear this important presentation.

Programs Await Faculty in All Disciplines

Over 100 discipline-specific Section Programs will be offered during the TCCTA annual convention in Dallas. Ranging from presentations by award-winning authors to panel discussions on important topics, the Section Programs are the heart of the convention.

The programs can be viewed online, and represent the best professional development opportunity available anywhere for community college teachers, counselors, and librarians.

Also, be sure to check out the Great Ideas for Teaching Students (GIFTS) Sessions and the Technology Seminars, which are designed for faculty members in all disciplines.

If you have not yet made plans to attend this year's convention, it's time you did!

Interactive Seminar to Focus on Student Success

In these times of high demand for “accountability” at all levels, community college educators are under pressure to increase—and document—student “success.” How does one define it? What works and what doesn’t?

During the TCCTA annual convention, the association's Professional Development Seminar will present a highly interactive session intended to dig deeper into the subject, featuring a panel of three educators from a variety of perspectives: government, institution, and classroom. The event is sponsored by the TCCTA Professional Development Committee.

Panelist John Fitzpatrick is executive director of the Texas High School Project and Communities Foundation of Texas. A unique public-private initiative, THSP is dedicated to all Texas students graduating high school ready for college and career success, and prepared to be contributing members of the community. THSP schools are committed to challenging students, particularly economically disadvantaged and first-generation college students, with rigorous coursework that is relevant to their lives and taught by committed educators who build relationships with them.

Mr. Fitzpatrick serves as a board member on the Texas Public Education Reform Foundation and the Commission for a College Ready Texas. He taught English and history to eighth-graders in New York. He received a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and a master’s degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.

Richard M. Rhodes became president of El Paso Community College in 2001. Previously he served as the vice president of business services at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and a Master of Arts in educational management and development from New Mexico State University. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin.

Becki Williams is professor of chemistry at Richland College. She will discuss two programs at Richland that develop study skills and build social networks among the students. These programs especially target at-risk students and have proven to increase retention rates.

Ms. Williams has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree in chemistry from Southern Methodist University.