Meeting & Agendas

Mervin Jones: Dean of Student Affairs at Northridge Campus Patricia “Patty” Zuniga: Coordinator of Student Conduct Eileen Eiden: Supervisor of Student Loans Emily Olson: Assistant Dean for Faculty Advising for SEM AOS; representing Full-time Faculty Senate (Faculty, Academic Counselor) Lisa Marie Coppoletta (LMC): Adjunct Professor in Communication Studies; Vice President of Adjunct Faculty Sandra Elizondo: Mental Health Counselor at the Hays Campus; Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Mike Ruland: Supervisor of Assessment/Testing at the Hays Campus Kristine Elderkin: ACC’s Clery Compliance Officer in the office of Equal Opportunity Compliance Meritza Tamez: North Region Executive Dean of Student Affairs Charlene Buckley: Director of Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance Troy Jefferson: Director of Student Life Arci Anguiano: Senior Administrative Assistant for Dean of South Austin Campus Suzanne Mitchell: Full-time Professor in Psychology Department at Northridge, representing Full-Time Faculty Senate Angela Smith: Adjunct Faculty in History Department Jo Ann Larkins-Foster: EVC Health Science Admissions Office, Clinical Site Specialist: representing the Classified Employee Association

Committee members and guests introduced themselves and stated what associations they were representing. The committee reviewed the SRRC functions listed on the SRRC website, https://www.austincc.edu/facstaff/organizational-reference/shared-governance-councils-and-committees/academic-and-student-affairs-council/student-rights-and-responsibilities-committee. Previous Projects Updates from Academic Integrity subcommittee - Dr. Almasy Updates from Student Advocate subcommittee - Troy Jefferson Updates on Student Conduct - Patty Zuniga

Shared how in her new role, she is partnering with Faculty and Adjunct Faculty to feel supported and learn reporting processes in support of their students. She and her colleagues are helping faculty members with resources on when, where, and why to report for these adjuncts since many are not aware how to (they do not have enough time/ where to go). Suggested all training for Adjunct faculty members be paid or compensated.

Recommended that the committee look into the language for students conducting themselves appropriately while away from the institution or traveling on an ACC sponsored event. Troy wanted specific language about how to proceed when faced with such a dilemma.

Provided historical context to the committee in regards to students rights and responsibilities. Pointed out the student standard of conduct was reviewed in 2021 November and awaiting approval. We should look at clarifying the policies to include distant and virtual learning. Once a thorough overview and recommendations have been made to our existing policies, they should be brought to the administrative council/ASAC for approval/comments.

Eileen: Expressed concerns about when students complete the application process that they have been made aware of certain practices of the institution. Patty and Eileen wanted to look into best practices from other institutions to ensure students are informed. Some institutions “push out information” to students and the college develops a way to verify that critical information has been read or at least received. Dr. Tamaz pointed out that these communications could be “pushed out” through Work Day. Lisa: Shared information from the Distance Education Committee (Sept 8th 2023) and the college has yet to come up with policies regarding the use of AI. The college is coming up with resources and detection tools to aid faculty in identifying student uses of AI. Several faculty members are interested in how the institution will move forward with this academic challenge. Requested that members of our committee speak to the AFA (Adjunct Faculty Association) regarding campus support offered within Student Affairs. Tamez: Data could be collected regarding the student checked off regarding certain communications. Suzane agreed with this idea and recommended that we also use “Work Day” as a means to have students update critical contact information and emergency contact information. Also made a recommendation that the current policies for Student Rights and Reponsponsiblities be reviewed, recommendations made for edits/additions as needed. Angela: Discussion about Academic Dishonesty and the process being cumbersome. The Committee Chair mentioned that Student Affairs Deans or Instructional Deans can provide support as needed. Lisa stated that she appreciates that she could reach out to a Student Affairs Dean for support with student related situations. Suzanne: Any developed wording regarding Academic Dishonesty around AI technologies? The Committee Chair mentioned that this language can be used in the professor’s syllabus until an official change and approval of the language will be made.

Thank everyone for their participation and time.

Meeting Adjourned: 12:06 pm

Next Meeting Date: December 07, 2023

Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Location: Zoom