COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION College Student Commission Recommendation Number: (2025MMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Renewing College Food Insecurity Grant Program WHEREAS, The College Student Commission passed Recommendation 20210122-3b: College Food Insecurity Grant Program in January 2021; and WHEREAS, The College Student Commission passed Recommendation 20230324-10: Continuing College Food Insecurity Grant Program in March 2023; and WHEREAS, there are over 100,000 college students in the City of Austin, living across all 10 council districts, including students at Austin Community College, Concordia University, Huston-Tillotson University, St. Edwards University, and the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, the College Food Access Grant Program is designed to allow applicants to address food access in the manner that will best support their campuses through mini-grants; and WHEREAS, learning from student experiences is crucial to addressing food insecurity, and the program model is designed to facilitate student input in grant proposals; and WHEREAS, the College Food Access Grant Program was allocated $50,000 in direct support and $7,500 to support administration as part of the City of Austin's FY 2021-2022 Budget; and WHEREAS, the College Food Access Grant Program was allocated $100,000 in direct support and $7,500 to support administration as part of the City of Austin's FY 2023-2024 Budget; and WHEREAS, the Central Texas Food bank administered the College Food Access Grant program during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years, providing funding to 4 colleges; and WHEREAS, food insecurity continues to affect Austin-area college campuses with rising costs of food, housing, and other resources; and WHEREAS, throughout the previous periods, colleges experienced higher than expected use of food pantries funded by this program; and WHEREAS, this program was not renewed in the FY 2024-2025 budget, leaving food pantries on some campuses struggling to maintain an adequate supply of food; and WHEREAS, creating a more equitable and affordable city is an ongoing process, and current students are in need of immediate relief; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the College Student Commission recommends Austin City Council allocate $107,500 in ongoing funding for the College Food Access Grant Program for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION College Student Commission Recommendation Number: (2025MMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Designating Austin’s Public Libraries as “Book Sanctuaries” WHEREAS, the State of Texas has routinely been a national leader in the number of books banned from libraries and school curriculums throughout the state; and WHEREAS, as of October 2024, PEN America found 538 instances of book bans across Texas; and WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature passed the READER Act, HB 900, during the 88th Legislative Session, which requires school libraries to remove books based on vague standards; and WHEREAS, across the nation, book bans predominantly impact books written by or featuring characters who are members of minority groups or the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, books that have been banned throughout the state overwhelmingly deal with topics such as race, gender, and sexuality, as well as literature critical of authoritarian governments; and WHEREAS, access to knowledge and creative works, especially those that the government finds objectionable, is an essential facet of a free society; and WHEREAS, access to varying points of view is an essential aspect of higher education, where students of different backgrounds ought to be free to be exposed to diversity of thought. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the College Student Commission recommends that the Austin City Council designate Austin’s public libraries as “Book Sanctuaries” and guarantee that the city’s libraries will continue to offer for public access books that have been banned in K-12 and higher education curriculums or otherwise removed from libraries throughout Texas. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
REGULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION April 25th, 2025, AT 3:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Board and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Elisha McGreggor, Austin Community College Andrew Lyons, Austin Community College Aidyn Ogle, Concordia University Lorian Lopez, Concordia University Carson Domey, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin Caleb Brizuela, Huston-Tillotson University Dominic Polidor, Huston-Tillotson University Prisca Dhital, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Regular Meeting from April 4, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Introduction of new commissioners and assignment to working groups. Presentation from City of Austin 3-1-1 department on services their department provides and how college students can utilize 3-1-1. Chair and Vice Chair Elections. Update on the College Student Commission bylaws meeting requirement. Discussion on the status of food pantries on all campuses; voting on recommendation. Discussion on banned books; voting on recommendation. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 7. 8. Update from TRANSPORTATION working group on if they were able to meet. Update from MENTAL HEALTH working group on campus services. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Dr. Chiquita Eugene at the Youth Initiatives Office, at (512-972-5003), for …
REGULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION April 4th, 2025, AT 3:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Board and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Elisha McGreggor, Austin Community College Aidyn Ogle, Concordia University Carson Domey, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Caleb Brizuela, Huston-Tillotson University Dominic Polidor, Huston-Tillotson University Prisca Dhital, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University AGENDA The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Regular Meeting from March 7, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. 2. Introduction of new commissioners and assignment to working groups. Discussion on attaining a pedestrian crosswalk near Huston-Tillotson University. Discussion on the status of food pantries on all campuses. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from TRANSPORTATION working group on priority issues for the spring. Update from MENTAL HEALTH working group on priority issues for the spring. Update from BANNED BOOKS working group on recommendation draft. 3. 4. 5. 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Dr. Chiquita Eugene at the Youth Initiatives Office, at (512-972-5003), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the College Student Commission, please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene at (512-972-5003).
REFULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION March 7th, 2025, AT 3:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Board and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Carson Domey, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin CALL TO ORDER Caleb Brizuela, Huston-Tillotson University Dominic Polidor, Huston-Tillotson University Prisca Dhital, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Regular Meeting from January 31, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Update from staff on the status of new commissioners Discussion on attaining a pedestrian crosswalk near Huston-Tillotson University. Discussion on the status of food pantries on all campuses. 1. 1. 2. 3. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from TRANSPORTATION working group on priority issues for the spring Update from MENTAL HEALTH working group on priority issues for the spring Update from BANNED BOOKS working group on resolution draft. 4. 5. 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Chiquita Eugene at the Youth Initiatives Office, at (512-972-5003), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the College Student Commission, please contact Chiquita Eugene at (512-972-5003).
COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 7, MARCH, 2025 The College Student Commission convened in a regular meeting on 7, March 2025 at 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 in Austin, Texas. Chair Charlie Mossberger called the College Student Commission Meeting to order at 3:15 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Charlie Mossberger, Carson Domey Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely:, Dominic Polidor, Halle Kocian, Jacob Hamerslough, Mariama Mbacke, Caleb Brizuela, Mariana Ponce PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Community member Betsy presented on the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) proposed updates. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The motion to approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Regular Meeting on January 31th, 2025, was approved on Carson Domey’s motion, Halle Kocian’s second on an 8-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. None DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. None PUBLIC HEARINGS None 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Staff Liaison Abrianna Citta gave updates on the status of incoming commissioners. 1 WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 6. Update from TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP. The Transportation Working Group established a meeting time. 7. 8. Update was given by Jacob Hamerslough. Update from MENTAL HEALTH WORKING GROUP. The Mental Health Working Group established a meeting time. Update was given by Halle Kocian. Update from BANNED BOOKS WORKING GROUP. The Banned Books Working Group has drafted a potential resolution. Members are still coordinating a meeting with the Austin Public Library department to learn more about current banned books initiatives. Update was given by Charlie Mossberger. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 9. None Chair Charlie Mossberger adjourned the meeting at 3:59 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the April 4th, 2025, meeting on Carson Domey’s motion, Andrew Lyons’ second on a 8-0 vote. 2
1. 1. REFULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION January 31, 2025, AT 3:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Board and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Carson Domey, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin CALL TO ORDER Caleb Brizuela, Huston-Tillotson University Dominic Polidor, Huston-Tillotson University Prisca Dhital, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Regular Meeting from January 17, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Update from staff on the status of new commissioners WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from TRANSPORTATION working group on priority issues for the spring Update from MENTAL HEALTH working group on priority issues for the spring Update from BANNED BOOKS working group on priority issues for the spring 2. 3. 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Chiquita Eugene at the Youth Initiatives Office, at (512-972-5003), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the College Student Commission, please contact Chiquita Eugene at (512-972-5003).
COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 31, JANUARY, 2025 The College Student Commission convened in a regular meeting on 31, January 2025 at 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 in Austin, Texas. Chair Charlie Mossberger called the College Student Commission Meeting to order at 3:17 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Charlie Mossberger, Halle Kocian, Carson Domey Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely:, Dominic Polidor, Jacob Hamerslough, Mariama Mbacke, Caleb Brizuela, Mariana Ponce The motion to approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Regular Meeting on January 17th, 2025, was approved on Carson Domey’s motion, Jacob Hamerslough’s second on an 9-0 vote. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS None 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. None PUBLIC HEARINGS None 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 1 Staff Liaison Abrianna Citta gave updates on the status of incoming commissioners. 7. 8. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 6. Update from TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP. The Transportation Working Group will meet before the next Commission meeting to discuss priority issues. Update was given by Jacob Hamerslough. Update from MENTAL HEALTH WORKING GROUP. The Mental Health Working Group wants to meet twice before the next Commission meeting. Members will continue to conduct outreach on their respective campuses to identify priority issues. a. Halle Kocian provided information on the structure of the University of Texas’ counselor system. Update was given by Halle Kocian. Update from BANNED BOOKS WORKING GROUP. The Banned Books Working Group has drafted a potential resolution. Members desire to meet with the Austin Public Library department to learn more about current banned books initiatives. Update was given by Charlie Mossberger. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS None 9. Chair Charlie Mossberger adjourned the meeting at 3:48 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the March 7th, 2025, meeting on Carson Domey’s motion, Halle Kocian’s second on a 8-0 vote. 2
1. 1. 2. REFULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION January 17, 2025, AT 3:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Board and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Carson Domey, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin CALL TO ORDER Caleb Brizuela, Huston-Tillotson University Dominic Polidor, Huston-Tillotson University Prisca Dhital, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Special Call Meeting from December 6, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Update from staff on the status of new commissioners and campus advisors Update from staff on Audit and Finance Committee hearing WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. 4. Update from TRANSPORTATION working group on chair elections and priority issue for the spring Update from MENTAL HEALTH working group on chair elections and priority issue for the spring FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Chiquita Eugene at the Youth Initiatives Office, at (512-972-5003), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the College Student Commission, please contact Chiquita Eugene at (512-972-5003).
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION December 6, 2024, AT 3:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Board and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Carson Domey, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Caleb Brizuela, Huston-Tillotson University Dominic Polidor, Huston-Tillotson University Prisca Dhital, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University AGENDA The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Meeting from April 19, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. 2. 3. Commitment to the Commission from commissioners to honor their commitment to attend and actively participate in the work of the Commission Approve the 2025 College Student Commission meeting schedule. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. Discussion of Working Group processes. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. 5. Update from TRANSPORTATION working group regarding Project Connect & the expansion of I-35. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Chiquita Eugene at the Youth Initiatives Office, at (512-972-5003), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the College Student Commission, please contact Chiquita Eugene at (512-972-5003).
Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. REGULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION March 22, 2024, AT 3:00PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Andrea Danberg, Austin Community College __________, Austin Community College Chelsea Biggerstaff, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin ______________, Concordia University ______________, Concordia University ______________, Concordia University Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University - Chair Miles Diggs, Huston-Tillotson University – Vice Chair Prisca Dhital, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University _______________, St. Edward’s University AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Meeting from February. 23, 2024. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. City of Austin’s Housing Department, Chris Duran – 5 Year Strategic Plan Presentation, continuation The mental health of college students in the city of Austin. (a discussion from April 2023) Discussion regarding the creation of working groups with the possibility of one being public safety. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 5. Updates from the Housing, Mental Health, Public Safety & Accessibility, Transportation (Transportation issues relating to Project Connect and the expansion of I-35’s impact on college students in the city of Austin.), Civic Engagement & Outreach, Sustainability, and Food Insecurity working groups. 6. Campus Reports & Community and Municipal Involvement. Commissioners may share reports concerning any recent developments on their campus or discuss upcoming programs/events. 7. Disability justice for college students in the city of Austin (moved to taskforce February 22, 2024) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Suggestions from commissioners on future speakers and presentations; Cap Metro for April Meeting and Library Services Director Weeks (to designate a library …
Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. REGULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION February 23, 2024, AT 3:00PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Andrea Danberg, Austin Community College __________, Austin Community College Chelsea Biggerstaff, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin ______________, Concordia University ______________, Concordia University CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL ______________, Concordia University Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University - Chair Miles Diggs, Huston-Tillotson University – Vice Chair Prisca Dhital, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University _______________, St. Edward’s University AGENDA The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Meeting from Nov. 30, 2023. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Recent commission updates from staff liaison, Dr. C. Eugene –status of hiring staff to support Commission. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. City of Austin’s Housing Department, Chris Duran – 5 Year Strategic Plan Presentation Disability justice for college students in the city of Austin. (a discussion from April 2023) The mental health of college students in the city of Austin. (a discussion from April 2023) 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Transportation issues relating to Project Connect and the expansion of I-35’s impact on college students in the city of Austin. Potential infrastructure protections for public safety during winter storms and other extreme weather events. Status update on Recommendation 20230324-010 – Continuing College Food Access Grant Program. Discussion regarding the creation of working groups with the possibility of one being public safety. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action regarding approval of the Bylaws of the College Student Commission. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Updates from the Housing, …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 BYLAWS OF THE College Student Commission ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the commission is College Student Commission. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The College Student Commission is established to represent this constituency of the City by serving as an advisory board to the city council concerning issues affecting the quality of life for higher education students in the Austin area. The purpose of the commission is to work with local higher education institutions—Austin Community College, Concordia University, Huston-Tillotson University, St. Edward’s University and the University of Texas— and representative student bodies to develop a student quality of life initiative to analyze relevant data and feedback, and report back to Council with recommendations for new or enhanced City programs, policies or practices that would improve the quality of life of higher education students in Austin, Texas. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The commission is composed of fifteen commissioners appointed by the city council with three representatives from each college/university within the city of Austin. (B) A commissioner serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Each commission member shall be appointed for a term of up to two years beginning March 1st. (D) A commissioner may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the commission. (E) A commissioner who is absent for two consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve month timeframe automatically vacates the commissioner’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the commissioner, an illness or injury of a commissioner’s immediate family member, or the birth or adoption of the commissioner’s child for 90 days after the event. The commissioner must notify the staff liaison of the reason for the absence not later than the date of the next regular meeting of the commission. Failure to notify the liaison before the next regular meeting of the commission will result in an unexcused absence. (F) At each meeting, each commissioner shall sign an attendance sheet which indicates that the commissioner does not …
Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. REGULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION February 2, 2024, AT 3:00PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Andrea Danberg, Austin Community College __________, Austin Community College Chelsea Biggerstaff, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin ______________, Concordia University ______________, Concordia University CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL ______________, Concordia University Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University - Chair Miles Diggs, Huston-Tillotson University – Vice Chair Prisca Dhital, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University _______________, St. Edward’s University AGENDA The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Meeting from Nov. 30, 2023. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Recent commission updates from staff liaison, Dr. C. Eugene –status of hiring staff to support Commission. DISCUSSION ITEMS (leftover items from Nov.30, 2024) 3. 4. Disability justice for college students in the city of Austin. (a discussion from April 2023) The mental health of college students in the city of Austin. (a discussion from April 2023) 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Transportation issues relating to Project Connect and the expansion of I-35’s impact on college students in the city of Austin. Potential infrastructure protections for public safety during winter storms and other extreme weather events. Status update on Recommendation 20230324-010 – Continuing College Food Access Grant Program. Discussion regarding the creation of working groups with the possibility of one being public safety. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action regarding approval of the Bylaws of the College Student Commission. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 10. 11. Updates from the Housing, Mental Health & Accessibility, Transportation, Civic Engagement & Outreach, …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 BYLAWS OF THE College Student Commission ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the commission is College Student Commission. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The College Student Commission is established to represent this constituency of the City by serving as an advisory board to the city council concerning issues affecting the quality of life for higher education students in the Austin area. The purpose of the commission is to work with local higher education institutions—Austin Community College, Concordia University, Huston-Tillotson University, St. Edward’s University and the University of Texas— and representative student bodies to develop a student quality of life initiative to analyze relevant data and feedback, and report back to Council with recommendations for new or enhanced City programs, policies or practices that would improve the quality of life of higher education students in Austin, Texas. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The commission is composed of fifteen commissioners appointed by the city council with three representatives from each college/university within the city of Austin. (B) A commissioner serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Each commission member shall be appointed for a term of up to two years beginning March 1st. (D) A commissioner may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the commission. (E) A commissioner who is absent for two consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve month timeframe automatically vacates the commissioner’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the commissioner, an illness or injury of a commissioner’s immediate family member, or the birth or adoption of the commissioner’s child for 90 days after the event. The commissioner must notify the staff liaison of the reason for the absence not later than the date of the next regular meeting of the commission. Failure to notify the liaison before the next regular meeting of the commission will result in an unexcused absence. (F) At each meeting, each commissioner shall sign an attendance sheet which indicates that the commissioner does not …
BYLAWS OF THE College Student Commission ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is the College Student Commission. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is to work with local higher education institutions—Austin Community College, Concordia University, Huston-Tillotson University, St. Edward’s University, and the University of Texas— and representative student bodies to analyze relevant data and feedback, and report back to Council with recommendations for new or enhanced City programs, policies or practices that would improve the quality of life of higher education students in Austin, Texas. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The commission is composed of fifteen commissioners appointed by the city council with three representatives from each college/university within the city of Austin. (B) A commissioner serves as the pleasure of the city council. (C) Commissioners serve for a term of one year beginning August 1 on the year of the appointment. (D) A commissioner may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. (E) A commissioner who is absent for two consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve-month timeframe automatically vacates the commissioner’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the commissioner, an illness or injury of a commissioner’s immediate family member, or the birth or adoption of the commissioner’s child for 90 days after the event. The commissioner must notify the staff liaison of the reason for the absence not later than the date of the next regular meeting of the commission. Failure to notify the liaison before the next regular meeting of the commission will result in an unexcused absence. (F) At each meeting, a roll call will be taken and/or each commissioner shall sign an attendance sheet which indicates that the commissioner does not have a conflict of interest with any item on that agenda or identifies each agenda item on which the commissioner has a conflict of interest. Failure to sign the sheet, or be present for roll call, results in the member being counted as absent and his/her votes are not counted. (G) A commissioner who seeks to resign from the board shall submit a written resignation to the chair of the commission, the staff liaison, or the city clerk’s office. If possible, the resignation should allow for a …
REGULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION November 30, 2023, AT 3:00PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the College Student Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Andrea K Danburg, Austin Community College ______________, Austin Community College Chelsea Biggerstaff, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin Kylee R Canode, Concordia University Justin D Chute, Concordia University ______________, Concordia University Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University (Chair) Miles Diggs, Huston-Tillotson University __________, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University Isabella V Grimm, St. Edward’s University AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Meeting from March 24th. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Introduction of college student commission staff. Status update on Recommendation 20230324-010: Continuing College Food Access Program. A presentation from the housing department on student housing initiatives which includes a survey. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Discussion of disability justice for college students in the city of Austin. Discussion of the mental health of college students in the city of Austin. Discussion of transportation issues relating to Project Connect and the expansion of I- 35’s impact on college students in the city of Austin. Discussion of the potential infrastructure protections for public safety during winter storms and other extreme weather events. Discussion of the Bylaws of the College Student Commission. Campus Reports & Community and Municipal Involvement. Commissioners may share reports concerning any recent developments on their campus or discuss upcoming programs/events. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Election of officers for the College Student Commission. …
