may 12 ebulletin

7/31/2019 May 12 eBulletin

1/10

Volume LXV Number 4

April/May/June 2012


2/10

The TACT Quarterly eBulletinApril/May/June 2012 - Volume LXV Number 4

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Page 7

Page 8

Page 10

Texas Association of College Teachers

5750 Balcones Dr., Suite 201 Austin, Texas 78731

[email protected]

[p] (512) 873-7404

[f] (512) 873-7423

Copyright 2012 by the Texas Association of College Teachers. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be produced in any form without permission; Chuck Hempstead, Editor.

TACT

In this quarters TACT newsletter...

Letter from the Presidentby Peter Hugill

Executive Directors Reportby Chuck Hempstead

Southwest Teaching & Learning Conference

New TACT Ofcers

2012 Higher Education Almanac Press Release

GRF Contributions
http://../May%202012%20STATellite/May%2012%20STATellite.pdfmailto:tact%40bizaustin.rr.com?subject=mailto:tact%40bizaustin.rr.com?subject=http://../May%202012%20STATellite/May%2012%20STATellite.pdf


3/10

Contact us!

5750 Balcones Dr., Suite 201

Austin, TX 78731

[email protected]

[p] (512) 873-7404

[f] (512) 873-7423

Cover Page

Index

Letter from thePresident

Executive DirectorsReport

SW Teaching &Learning Conference

New TACT Ofcers

2012 HigherEducation Almanac

Press Release

GRF Contributions

CONTENTS

3

The TACT Quarterly eBulletinTexas Association of College TeachersDefending Academic Freedom

TACT

Possibly the most worrisome recent develop-

ment on the management, if thats the right

word, of Higher Education, is what seems

like an accelerating trend to outsourcing (aka

privatization). This has recently appearedin my university, Texas A&M, and is being

imposed on us in the name of saving money

by the Texas A&M System, which we, as

faculty, have no input through the normal

mechanisms of faculty governance, such as

senates and the like. We have already had

the privatization of the system by which we

have to request, book, and be reimbursed for

travel on state business. Although there were

plenty of problems with the old system, and

it often took an inordinate amount of time

to get reimbursed, the new system seems

both convoluted and expensive. Each request

for travel generates $7.78 for the company

that is providing this service and the faculty

member has to pay, even if they are travel-

ing on their own dime. Previously one lled

out a simple form and ones department head

signed it, saying you had ofcial reason

to travel. And then, if you have to change

anything, they charge you again for every

change! Several colleagues say the company

steers them to higher priced ights and hotelsthan they are able to nd on their own, and

since its a travel company doing it, one

presumes they are using a captive audience

to garner extra prots. From everything I

and others have seen thus far, it looks like a

convoluted mess.

Our Chancellor now wants to privatize land-

scaping, cleaning, maintenance, food ser-

vices and the like. While it is not impossible

to see that privatization may well improve

some areas, and some areas are of relatively

little concern to faculty (such as landscap-

ing and food services), the issue of mainte-

nance and cleaning are problems. Colleagues

on campuses where this has gone further

indicate that privatizing cleaning seems tohave resulted in higher levels of pilfering

and lower levels of cleanliness. On a major

research campus such as ours, one needs

access to maintenance 24/7. A power outage

or air conditioning failure in a scientic lab

can mean more than discomfort; it can spell

disaster for a major research program. One

has a clear sense that it is not so much about

saving money but rather that our administra-

tors do not want to have to do the hard work

of managing some of the people they are

supposed to manage, such as the people who

run landscaping, cleaning, maintenance, and

food services.

Although privatization has long been touted

by the right as the answer to many problems,

it has also produced its share of problems.

To take but one example, Prime Minister

Thatcher made a fetish of privatizing as

much of the British economy as she could

get away with. In the sphere of rail trans-

port, Britain saw a sharp rise in accidents as

maintenance was deferred. Now the UnitedKingdom has the ludicrous situation of a

regulatory system to prevent such accidents

that is nearly as large as the bureaucracy that

was swept away by privatization. Overall

costs have risen, not fallen, and none of its

users seems to want to defend a rail transport

system that is increasingly perverse in terms

of inscrutable pricing, service levels, and

service quality compared to the old national-

ized system.

Presidents Letter

by Peter HugillTACT President
mailto:tact%40bizaustin.rr.com?subject=mailto:tact%40bizaustin.rr.com?subject=


4/10

Contact us!


Austin, TX 78731

[email protected]

[p] (512) 873-7404

[f] (512) 873-7423

Cover Page

Index




New TACT Ofcers


Press Release

GRF Contributions

CONTENTS

4


TACT

Executive Directors Reportby Chuck HempsteadTACT Executive Director

Several weeks ago, I communicated the

following to the TACT Board of Directors

to encourage thought in preparation for our

June 2 board meeting. If you have thoughtsabout our upcoming legislative agenda, Id

like to hear them.

Chuck

April 18, 2012

Years ago at a TACT meeting, we had a

guest speaker who, if not endorsed, at least

outlined an elitist concept of higher edu-

cation in which limited resources are tar-

geted where they realize the most return on

investment. Since then, weve seen TEXAS

Grants come and go (O.K., half of them),tuition explode (including using some of it

for tuition set-asides which are under great

scrutiny in other states), Closing the Gaps

which has put many more fannies in seats

as graduation rates only inch higher limit-

ing individual access to rounded educations

by restricting hours required or available in

order to get people out so others have space

to get in, proposals to pay for hitting target

numbers such as graduates (which would

eliminate the threat of failure as an option toencourage learning), a proliferation of pro-

grams particularly professional ones such

as law and medicine using the geographic

diversity argument (but really because an

inuential legislator can get it done to bring

home the bacon), and other developments

which dilute quality. The private sector in

a time of at revenues would consolidate

people, programs and real estate but they

dont have the geographical concerns of

policy-makers elected from districts.

Education debt has surpassed credit card

debt. Former students with degrees but not

jobs spend their spare time (which is all of

their time) with other unfortunates at OccupyWall Street gatherings. Employers say they

have jobs for entry-level people if they could

work well with others and juggle multiple

projects, but that isnt taught.

Partys over. For years we have argued for

more. We want higher salaries, more tenured

professors, better benets, opportunities to

teach our specialized preferences. TACT has

been darn successful in realizing much of its

agenda because we have thoughtful leaders

who communicate well and spend their timewriting articles on these subjects and pound-

ing the pavement at the Capitol.

We will again be competing with social

services and public education for funding

in January, and we may be arguing for our

piece of a comparatively smaller pie. We

need to think and communicate harder

more targeted. In the past we have agreed

that higher salaries must be our plank to re-

cruit members. Lets think outside the box.Our agenda should be two issues this time,

and Im looking for recommendations about

what those two issues should be.

I look forward to continuing this conversa-

tion with you at our board meeting in Austin

on June 2.


5/10

Contact us!


Austin, TX 78731

[email protected]

[p] (512) 873-7404

[f] (512) 873-7423

Cover Page

Index




New TACT Ofcers


Press Release

GRF Contributions

CONTENTS

5


TACT

Southwest Teaching and Learning Conference

Texas A&M University - San Antonio.

Dr. Coulton manning theTACT booth.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio hosted the 4th Annual Southwest

Teaching and Learning Conference on their new campus March 30-31.

TACT co-sponsored the conference, which was attended by approximately

200 faculty from a variety of colleges and universities. Attendees and

participants came from as far away as Boston and California.

The focus of the conference was the use of new technologies in the

instruction of college students, especially students from traditionally

underserved populations. Texas A&M System Regent Elaine Mendozawas the keynote speaker at the plenary session luncheon. TACT was

represented at the conference by staffer Zack Phillips and Immediate Past

President Gary Coulton.


6/10

Contact us!


Austin, TX 78731

[email protected]

[p] (512) 873-7404

[f] (512) 873-7423

Cover Page

Index




New TACT Ofcers


Press Release

GRF Contributions

CONTENTS

6


TACT

Texas A&M UniversitySystem Regent Elaine

Mendoza and TACTImmediate Past PresidentGary Coulton take a breakat the Southwest Teachingand Learning Conference atTexas A&M University-San

Antonio.

Gary Coulton and ZackPhillips recruit new TACT

members at theSouthwestern Teaching& Learning Conference

at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

(Photo: Dennis L. Elam)


7/10

Contact us!


Austin, TX 78731

[email protected]

[p] (512) 873-7404

[f] (512) 873-7423

Cover Page

Index




New TACT Ofcers


Press Release

GRF Contributions

CONTENTS

7


TACT

Congratulations to the New TACT Ofcers!

President-Elect: Cynthia Simpson(Sam Houston State University)

Vice President of Legislative Affairs: Mary Jo Garcia Briggs(Texas State University)

Vice President of Membership: Chad Rose(Sam Houston State University)


8/10

Contact us!


Austin, TX 78731

[email protected]

[p] (512) 873-7404

[f] (512) 873-7423

Cover Page

Index




New TACT Ofcers


Press Release

GRF Contributions

CONTENTS

8


TACT

2012 Higher Education Almanac Press ReleaseAUSTIN The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) today formally re-

leased the 2nd edition of the Texas Public Higher Education Almanac.

In 2004, under a directive of Governor Rick Perry, the THECB launched an online Account -

ability System for public institutions of higher education. Since then, the THECB has con-

tinuously improved the system to include more data and information achieving national

recognition as a best practice model for collecting and disseminating higher education data

At a press conference held at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Gov. Perry and Texas

Higher Education Coordinating Board Chairman Fred Heldenfels IV noted that the 2012 Al-

manac represents a sustained effort to promote transparency, accountability, and the value of

higher education to Texas taxpayers, including students and their families.

Higher education plays a vital role in the development of Texas economy and our role as anational leader and global competitor, Chairman Heldenfels said. The 2012 Almanac is a

snapshot that will not only allow us to better identify our successes, but also assess areas for

improvement.

Access to a college degree is more critical than ever, and we must maintain our dedication

to transparency, which is essential to making higher education more affordable, accountable

and accessible to Texas students, Gov. Perry said. This almanac is an important tool in those

efforts, not only because it offers transparent data that is valuable to a student in the process o

choosing a school, but also because it holds our colleges and universities accountable as they

pursue efforts to improve their graduation rates, create more affordable degree options and

achieve standards that will keep our state a leader in higher education.

Utilizing information submitted by two-year and four-year public institutions to the THECBthe 2012 Almanac spotlights state and national data relating to postsecondary costs, access and

completion. Key data and highlights include:

Enrollment in all Texas higher education institutions (two-year and four-year public, inde

pendent, and career institutions) has increased 53 percent since 2000.

The annual number of degrees and certicates awarded at all Texas higher education in-

stitutions has increased by 61 percent since 2000, but accelerated progress is needed to

meet student success goals.

Texas ranks 28th nationally in attainment of Bachelors degrees.

Texas ranks 44th nationally in attainment of Associate degrees.

Texas ranks 27th nationally in average tuition at public, four-year institutions ($6,350). Texas ranks 3rd nationally in average tuition at public, two-year institutions ($1,512).

22.6 percent of students enrolled at a public four-year university were enrolled part-time

70.8 percent of students enrolled at a public community college were enrolled part-time,

Of every 100 students enrolled (full- or part-time) at a public university, 57 students

earned a postsecondary degree within six years; 30 students were no longer enrolled a

any institution and earned no degree at the six year mark.

Of every 100 students enrolled (full- or part-time) at a public community college seek-

ing a degree, 27 studentsearned postsecondary degree or certicate within six years; 59

students were no longer enrolled at any institution and earned no postsecondary award at

the six year mark.


9/10

Contact us!


Austin, TX 78731

[email protected]

[p] (512) 873-7404

[f] (512) 873-7423

Cover Page

Index




New TACT Ofcers


Press Release

GRF Contributions

CONTENTS

9


TACT

2012 Higher Education Almanac Press Release (cont.)The THECB launched the Closing the Gaps by 2015 initiative in 2000, which intends to bring

Texas to parity in higher educational attainment with the ten largest states. In 2007, the Perry-

man Group, one of the most prominent consulting rms in Texas, studied the economic impac

that achieving the goals of Closing the Gaps would have on the state and concluded that, by

2030, Texas would experience increases of $489 billion in total spending, $194 billion in gross

state product and $122 billion in personal income. Furthermore, Texas would see an increase

of one million new jobs and experience a return on its investment in higher education of 8:1.

The Texas Public Higher Education Almanac is an indispensable resource not only for poli

cymakers, researchers and higher education leaders, but also for anyone interested in higher

education in Texas, said Senator Judith Zafrini (D-Laredo), Chair of the Senate Higher

Education Committee. By providing accurate, timely data regarding our public colleges and

universities, it enhances transparency and highlights key institutional performance measures.

Higher Education Commissioner Raymund Paredes noted that the 2012 Almanac is greatly

enhanced over the inaugural edition as it includes various data related to part-time students

and highlights key issues in higher education such as transfer, developmental education and

nance.

We recognize that traditional accountability measures are not well-suited for Texas universi

ties and community colleges that serve non-traditional students, explained Commissioner

Paredes. For this reason, the 2012 Almanac includes graduation rates for part-time students

as well as a 10-year graduation rate to account for students who take longer to complete their

degree programs. We believe this offers a far more comprehensive perspective on studen

success.

The 2012 Almanac also represents a working collaboration between the THECB and various

private philanthropy groups working with the State to improve higher education in Texas. The

THECB acknowledges the College for All Texans Foundation, Educate Texas, and Houston

Endowment, Inc. and the Lumina Foundation for Education for providing nancial support to

produce the 2012 Almanac.

The 2012 Almanac is available online at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Boards

website at www.thecb.state.tx.us/almanac.

Link to the Full Higher Education Almanac Site
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=26AEABDA-D2CC-4D37-5AB48345339DFCE1http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=26AEABDA-D2CC-4D37-5AB48345339DFCE1


10/10

Contact us!


Austin, TX 78731

[email protected]

[p] (512) 873-7404

[f] (512) 873-7423

Cover Page

Index




New TACT Ofcers


Press Release

GRF Contributions

CONTENTS

10


TACT

The James M. Puckett, Ph. D.Government Relations Fund

GRF is the voluntary contribution section of TACT. All donations are used to further

TACTs legislative activity on behalf of our members. GRF is non-partisan, but is

used to persue our legislative agenda.

Click Hereto Contribute!

Thank you to the following contributors!Jonathan Coopersmith

Gary Coulton

Mary DeShazo

Frank Fair

Chuck Hempstead

Russ Higham

Andrew James

Harvey D. Johnson

Joe Kemble

Doreen Kinkel

John Payton

Debra Price

John Rugh

Cynthia Simpson

Andrea Williams

Texas A&M Chapter

may 12 ebulletin

Documents