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 at David.Alcorta@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5042. contact David Alcorta by register please email REGULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION OCTOBER 21, 2022, AT 4:30pm AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. 2nd STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University Kennedy Fears, Huston-Tillotson University Isabella Grimm, St. Edwards University Lira Ramirez, University of Texas at Austin Justin Chute, Concordia University CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Esther Heymans, St. Edwards University (Chair) Tatum Owens, University of Texas at Austin (Co-Chair) Miles Diggs, Huston-Tillotson University (Secretary) Andrea Danburg, Austin Community College Kylee Canode, Concordia University CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 September 16th, 2022. STAFF BRIEFINGS/COMMISSION UPDATES 2. Staff briefing on changing the commission bylaws and a reminder regarding the purpose of working groups from Liaison David Alcorta. The briefing will also include a reminder on how commissioners can request something be added to the agenda. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Further Discussion on the goals of the commission for the rest of the year. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action regarding changes to the commission’s current bylaws. Discussion and approval of future commission meeting dates. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Updates from the Housing, Mental Health & Accessibility, Transportation, Civic Engagement & Outreach, Sustainability, and Food Insecurity working groups. Campus Reports & Community and Municipal Involvement: a. Commissioners may share reports concerning any recent developments on their campus or discuss upcoming programs/events. Discussion of avenues for Commission engagement with the local community and municipal government. 4. 5. 6. 7. 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 …
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 at David.Alcorta@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5042. contact David Alcorta by register please email 2. REGULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 AT 4:30pm AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. 2nd STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Esther Heymans, St. Edwards University (Chair) Tatum Owens, University of Texas at Austin (Co-Chair) Andrea Danburg, Austin Community College Kylee Canode, Concordia University Justin Chute, Concordia University Some members of the College Student Commission may be participating by videoconference. Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University Miles Diggs, Huston-Tillotson University Kennedy Fears, Huston-Tillotson University Isabella Grimm, St. Edwards University Lira Ramirez, University of Texas at Austin CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Meeting from April 8th, 2022. 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS/COMMISSION UPDATES Staff briefing regarding the election of a secretary, as well as a presentation from Dr. Chiquita Eugene and Liaison David Alcorta that will review updates to how the commission operates. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of the commission’s goals for the upcoming year. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. 7. Conduct officer elections for the Secretary position. Discussion and possible action regarding the placement of commissioners in working groups and possibly ending existing working groups. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Updates from the Housing, Mental Health & Accessibility, Transportation, Civic Engagement & Outreach, and Sustainability working groups. Campus Reports & Community and Municipal Involvement: a. Commissioners may share reports concerning any recent developments on their campus or discuss upcoming programs/events. Discussion of avenues for Commission engagement with the local community and municipal government. 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 …
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 at David.Alcorta@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5042. \ contact David Alcorta by register please email COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING APRIL 29, 2022 AT 3PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W. 2nd STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Lira Ramirez, University of Texas at Austin (Chair) Pete Cervantes, St. Edwards University (Co-Chair) Tatum Owens, University of Texas at Austin (Secretary) Andrea Danburg, Austin Community College Justin Parker, Austin Community College Isaiah Smith, Austin Community College Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University Kennedy Fears, Huston-Tillotson University Esther Heymans, St. Edwards University Ethan Tobias, St. Edwards University Edwin Bautista, University of Texas at Austin 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. ANNOUNCEMENTS & COMMISSION UPDATES The commission’s staff liaison and commission leadership will have the opportunity to share any pertinent announcements relevant to Commission business. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Speaker – Cap Metro Sam Sargent from Cap Metro Government Affairs will be speaking regarding recent bus service issues. b. Election – Chair The commission will elect a Chair to serve beginning May 1st. c. Election – Co-Chair The commission will elect a Co-Chair to serve beginning May 1st. d. Election – Secretary The commission will elect a Secretary to serve beginning May 1st. e. Recommendation – An Obligation to Reform Progressive Neoliberal “Affordable” Housing in the City of Austin Part 1 of 2 The commission will discuss and consider passage of a recommendation proposed by Commission Bautista. f. Recommendation – An Obligation to Reform Progressive Neoliberal “Affordable” Housing in the City of Austin Part 2 of 2 The commission will discuss and consider passage of a recommendation proposed by Commission Bautista. 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Working Group Updates Updates from the Housing, Mental Health & Accessibility, Transportation, Civic Engagement & Outreach, and Sustainability working groups. c. Campus Reports & Community and …
College Student Commission Recommendation 20220429- Draft: An Obligation to Reform Progressive Neoliberal “Affordable” Housing in the City of Austin Part 1 of 2 Authored By: Commissioner Edwin Bautista (UT Austin) WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes that housing is a human right1 and does not condone its financialization2 nor its commodification3; and, WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes the term “progressive neoliberalism” to describe the dominant political-economic paradigm of the past half-century and defines it as a synthesis of identity-based social movements and various financial sectors that represents an effort to render capitalism palatable, celebrating virtues such as racial diversity and female empowerment while nevertheless supporting economic expansion and financialization that exacerbates inequality4; and, WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes that contemporary mixed-income housing developments mask poverty through neoliberal policy tied to market based incentives and therefore creates a need for alternative means to affordable housing that are independent of the market5; and, WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes that the City of Austin is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis6, increasing the risk of displacement7 and creating financial hardships8 among vulnerable low-income populations including college students9 and the college workforce community10; and, WHEREAS, the median family income (MFI) in the City of Austin, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Development, is $110,300 and increased more than 10% from $98,900 in 202111; and, 1 https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=373015 2 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0924051920923855 3 https://www.statesman.com/story/business/2022/04/19/american-campus-communities-austin-tx-sold-ny- blackstone/7366553001/?csp=chromepush 4 https://www.jacobinmag.com/2021/10/texas-hyperreactionary-neoliberalism-capitalism-keep-austin-weird 5 https://digital.library.txstate.edu/bitstream/handle/10877/12258/WILLIAMS-THESIS-2020.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y 6 https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/central-texans-open-up-about-the-affordability-crisis-in-austin/269-9215788c-8826-4cce- 8666-483eecf9ee72 7 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2022/04/18/housing-program-set-help-low-income-austin-families-own-home/7318882001/ 8 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/12/17/austin-college-students-struggle-rising-rental-costs/8640704002/ 9 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/county/2019/08/08/austin-city-council-gives-preliminary-nod-to-controversial- domain-on-riverside/4508362007/ 10 https://rebusinessonline.com/priced-out-adding-affordable-units-to-student-housing/ 11 https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/whispers/federal-income-numbers-for-austin-are-up-by-about-11-percent/ 1 WHEREAS, in March 2022, the median price home price in the City of Austin was more than $645,000, an increase of 21.9% compared to previous year12 while the appraised median market value for all homes in Travis County increased by 53.6% and has risen 78% since 202013; and, WHEREAS, in March 2022, the median rent in the City of Austin was more than $1,500, a 32% year-over-year increase14; and, WHEREAS, a report by HousingWorks15 stated almost half of renters in the City of Austin are “cost burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing, hindering their ability to pay for food, transportation and other necessities; and, WHEREAS, research studies show that students facing housing insecurity have lower GPAs, poorer health, and higher rates of depression and anxiety than those who do not face this issue16; and, WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes …
College Student Commission Recommendation 20220429- Draft: An Obligation to Reform Progressive Neoliberal “Affordable” Housing in the City of Austin Part 2 of 2 Authored By: Commissioner Edwin Bautista (UT Austin) WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes the University of Texas at Austin cost of attendance for a Texas resident, which includes tuition, housing and basic living expenses, is over $30,000 a year1; and, WHEREAS, a 2019 Memorandum to City of Austin Staff written by Root Policy Research regarding college student effect on rental housing prices also stated that “student housing developments have higher average rents than conventional developments even after accounting for the larger average size of student rentals: $2.29 average rent per square foot for student rentals compared to $1.53 per square foot for conventional.”2; and, WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) was created by Ordinance No. 040826-56 and codified into city code in 20043 as a development incentive that includes an affordable housing component4 (S.M.A.R.T. Housing); and, WHEREAS, UNO and its associated guidelines intend to facilitate the development of a dense residential district adjacent to the University of Texas flagship campus, thereby reducing transient student traffic and parking near the campus; and, WHEREAS, “S.M.A.R.T. Housing is designed to stimulate the production of affordable housing for residents of Austin that is Safe, Mixed-Income, Accessible, Reasonably Priced, and Transit- Oriented and compliant with the City of Austin’s, Austin Energy Green Building standards.”5 WHEREAS, UNO has been one of the City of Austin’s most successful densification programs to that extent as it has produced hundreds of on-site “affordable” housing units and more than 15,000 bedrooms in the West Campus neighborhood6; and, WHEREAS, UNO has allowed the West Campus neighborhood to become one of the densest7 and fastest developing neighborhoods in the City of Austin8; and, 1 https://onestop.utexas.edu/managing-costs/cost-tuition-rates/cost-of-attendance/ 2 https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Housing/Memo%20on%20Student%20Effect.pdf 3 https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=1OMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA41&lpg=PA41&dq=west+campus+design+guidebook&source=bl& ots=1Nq770gzXj&sig=ACfU3U353hZCKV1Dc72amJ4okJhJF1HtKw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiU_rz95vP0AhW8KDQIHQjIAC84 ChDoAXoECAoQAw#v=onepage&q&f=true 4 https://rebusinessonline.com/priced-out-adding-affordable-units-to-student-housing/ 5 https://www.austintexas.gov/department/development-incentives-and-agreements 6 https://thedailytexan.com/2018/03/19/west-campus-area-has-nearly-doubled-in-size-over-past-20-years/ 7 https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2018/10/25/18-story-tower-sprouts-in-austins-densest.html 8 https://austin.towers.net/west-campus-remarkable-growth-charted/ 1 WHEREAS, the close proximity of the West Campus neighborhood to the future light rail route proposed by Capital Metro (Orange Line)9 supports the case for increasing the allowable building density by expanding the Inner West Campus Subdistrict; and, WHEREAS, the amendments made to UNO in 2014 and 2019 increased the minimum percentage of units designated as S.M.A.R.T. Housing to 20%, extended the term to “a period not less than 40 years” and lowered the tiered MFI levels10; and, WHEREAS, currently under UNO, …
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 at David.Alcorta@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5042. contact David Alcorta by register please email COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING APRIL 8, 2022 AT 3PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001 301 W. 2nd STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Lira Ramirez, University of Texas at Austin (Chair) Pete Cervantes, St. Edwards University (Co-Chair) Tatum Owens, University of Texas at Austin (Secretary) Andrea Danburg, Austin Community College Justin Parker, Austin Community College Isaiah Smith, Austin Community College Kylee Canode, Concordia University Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University Miles Diggs, Huston-Tillotson University Kennedy Fears, Huston-Tillotson University Esther Heymans, St. Edwards University Ethan Tobias, St. Edwards University Edwin Bautista, University of Texas at Austin AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. ANNOUNCEMENTS & COMMISSION UPDATES The commission’s staff liaison and commission leadership will have the opportunity to share any pertinent announcements relevant to Commission business. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Recommendation – Disability & Remote Higher Education Access The commission will review and consider passage of a recommendation seeking to ensure remote access to higher education as a disability right. b. Discussion – Proposal to Revise to the University Neighborhood Overlay The commission will discuss a draft of a recommendation proposing revisions to the University Neighborhood Overlay, designed to address a lack of affordable college student housing in the West Campus neighborhood. No action will be taken on the recommendation during this (4/8) meeting. 4. OLD BUSINESS a. Working Group – Housing Update from the Housing Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student housing access, security, and affordability. b. Working Group – Mental Health & Accessibility Discussion of issues related to mental health services, accessibility, and disability issues on Austin-area college campuses, with consideration of possible action. c. Working Group – Transportation Update from the Transportation Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student transportation, with consideration of …
College Student Commission Recommendation Draft (20220408-3a): Remote Higher Education Access Authored by: Esther Heymans (St. Edward’s University) & Lira Amari Ramírez (University of Texas at Austin) WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes that students with disabilities have historically been excluded from higher education, both through explicit means and implicit bias. The Commission further acknowledges that this historical exclusion has current ramifications. WHEREAS, disability services and accommodations are necessary to counter historical discrimination and provide equal access and rights to disabled students. WHEREAS, about 5% of students enrolled at UT Austin in the 2020-2021 school year were registered with UT’s disability services office.1 2 About 10% of the St. Edward’s University Student body used St. Edward’s Student Disability Services in Spring of 2021.3 About 7% of ACC students are registered with Student Accessibility Services each semester.4 About 7% of Concordia students currently use accommodations.5 6 WHEREAS, after the United States declared COVID-19 a national emergency, remote learning rapidly grew as a way to accommodate the need for students to shelter in place. 1 “SSD Data.” Services for Students with Disabilities. University of Texas at Austin, 2021. https://diversity.utexas.edu/disability/ssd-statistics/. 2 “Interactive Common Data Set.” Institutional Reporting, Research, and Information Systems. University of Texas at Austin. February 2, 2022 https://www.utexas.edu/about/facts-and-figures 3 Vasquez, Candice. “Accommodating Students with Disabilities at St. Edward’s University.” Student Accessibility Services, St. Edward’s University, July 30, 2021. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10x5NxQ4Y60CiDaYEHiRG_leSmlfBXtRy/edit?usp=sharing&ouid =111953376538798849781&rtpof=true&sd=true 4 Student Accessibility Services. “SAS Statistics.” Austin Community College. Email. March 3, 2022. 5 “Fast Facts.” Concordia University Texas. https://www.concordia.edu/about/fast-facts.html 6 Spiegel, Rhea Ann. “Statistics Request - Services for Students with Disabilities.” Academic Support Center. Concordia University Texas. Email. April 3, 2022. WHEREAS, as the pandemic has continued, Austin-area higher education institutions have begun to offer increasingly fewer online classes, despite fluctuations in Austin’s COVID transmission rates and risk based staging guidelines.7 8 WHEREAS, Austin’s colleges and universities have not instituted adequate safety precautions to protect all and especially high-risk students from infection, while mandating in-person attendance. WHEREAS, remote access offers students the ability to attend classes from any location, providing students with access concerns an equitable and safe learning environment, and therefore serves as an invaluable resource for students with disabilities. WHEREAS, diminishing options to access classwork remotely uniquely affects immunocompromised, high-risk, and disabled students, furthering historic exclusion and inaccessibility for disabled college students. WHEREAS, all colleges represented by the College Student Commission are required to provide accommodations to students with …
College Student Commission Recommendation (20220408-3a): Remote Higher Education Access Authored by: Esther Heymans (St. Edward’s University) & Lira Amari Ramírez (University of Texas at Austin) WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes that students with disabilities have historically been excluded from higher education, both through explicit means and implicit bias. The Commission further acknowledges that this historical exclusion has current ramifications. WHEREAS, disability services and accommodations are necessary to counter historical discrimination and provide equal access and rights to disabled students. WHEREAS, about 5% of students enrolled at UT Austin in the 2020-2021 school year were registered with UT’s disability services office.1 2 About 10% of the St. Edward’s University Student body used St. Edward’s Student Disability Services in Spring of 2021.3 About 7% of ACC students are registered with Student Accessibility Services each semester.4 About 9% of Concordia students currently use accommodations.5 6 WHEREAS, after the United States declared COVID-19 a national emergency, remote learning rapidly grew as a way to accommodate the need for students to shelter in place. 1 “SSD Data.” Services for Students with Disabilities. University of Texas at Austin, 2021. https://diversity.utexas.edu/disability/ssd-statistics/. 2 “Interactive Common Data Set.” Institutional Reporting, Research, and Information Systems. University of Texas at Austin. February 2, 2022 https://www.utexas.edu/about/facts-and-figures 3 Vasquez, Candice. “Accommodating Students with Disabilities at St. Edward’s University.” Student Accessibility Services, St. Edward’s University, July 30, 2021. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10x5NxQ4Y60CiDaYEHiRG_leSmlfBXtRy/edit?usp=sharing&ouid =111953376538798849781&rtpof=true&sd=true 4 Student Accessibility Services. “SAS Statistics.” Austin Community College. Email. March 3, 2022. 5 “Fast Facts.” Concordia University Texas. https://www.concordia.edu/about/fast-facts.html 6 Cooper, Ruth. “Statistics Request - Services for Students with Disabilities.” Academic Support Center. Concordia University Texas. Email. April 6, 2022. WHEREAS, as the pandemic has continued, Austin-area higher education institutions have begun to offer increasingly fewer online classes, despite fluctuations in Austin’s COVID transmission rates and risk based staging guidelines.7 8 WHEREAS, Austin’s colleges and universities have not instituted adequate safety precautions to protect all and especially high-risk students from infection, while mandating in-person attendance. WHEREAS, remote access offers students the ability to attend classes from any location, providing students with access concerns an equitable and safe learning environment, and therefore serves as an invaluable resource for students with disabilities. WHEREAS, diminishing options to access classwork remotely uniquely affects immunocompromised, high-risk, and disabled students, furthering historic exclusion and inaccessibility for disabled college students. WHEREAS, all colleges represented by the College Student Commission are required to provide accommodations to students with disabilities to …
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 at David.Alcorta@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5042. contact David Alcorta by register please email COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MARCH 25, 2022 AT 3PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W. 2nd STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Lira Ramirez, University of Texas at Austin (Chair) Pete Cervantes, St. Edwards University (Co-Chair) Tatum Owens, University of Texas at Austin (Secretary) Andrea Danburg, Austin Community College Justin Parker, Austin Community College Isaiah Smith, Austin Community College Kylee Canode, Concordia University Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University Miles Diggs, Huston-Tillotson University Kennedy Fears, Huston-Tillotson University Esther Heymans, St. Edwards University Ethan Tobias, St. Edwards University Edwin Bautista, University of Texas at Austin 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. ANNOUNCEMENTS & COMMISSION UPDATES The commission’s staff liaison and commission leadership will have the opportunity to share any pertinent announcements relevant to Commission business. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Speaker - Texas Civic Impact Council Overview of TCIC’s initiative to facilitate community input in Project Connect. b. Speaker – Mike McHone (University Area Partners) Discussion of the history of the University Neighborhood Overlay and considerations for revisions 3. OLD BUSINESS c. Working Group – Housing Update from the Housing Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student housing access, security, and affordability, with consideration of possible action on revising the University Neighborhood Overlay. a. Working Group – Mental Health & Accessibility Discussion of issues related to mental health services, accessibility, and disability issues on Austin-area college campuses, including consideration of possible action with regards to remote access. d. Working Group – Transportation Update from the Transportation Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student transportation, with consideration of possible action. e. Working Group – Campus Civic Life Update from the Campus Civic Life Working Group on actions taken to research …
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 David Alcorta by email at David.Alcorta@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5042. COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION FEBURARY 18, 2022 AT 3PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W. 2nd STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Lira Ramirez, University of Texas at Austin (Chair) Pete Cervantes, St. Edwards University (Co-Chair) Tatum Owens, University of Texas at Austin (Secretary) Andrea Danburg, Austin Community College Justin Parker, Austin Community College Isaiah Smith, Austin Community College Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University Esther Heymans, St. Edwards University Ethan Tobias, St. Edwards University Edwin Bautista, University of Texas at Austin AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. NEW BUSINESS a. College Mental Health Services Discussion of issues related to mental health services on Austin-area college campuses, including consideration of possible action. b. Sustainability and the Environment Discussion of issues related to sustainability and city and university environmental policies, including consideration of possible action. 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Announcements & Commission Updates The commission’s staff liaison and commission leadership will have the opportunity to share any pertinent announcements relevant to Commission business. b. Campus Reports & Community and Municipal Involvement Commissioners may share reports concerning any recent developments on their campus or discuss upcoming programs/events. Discussion of avenues for Commission engagement with the local community and municipal government. c. Working Group – Housing Update from the Housing Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student housing access, security, and affordability, with consideration of possible action on rent relief and the University Neighborhood Overlay. d. Working Group – Transportation Update from the Transportation Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student transportation, with consideration of possible action. e. Working Group - Campus Civic Life Update from the Campus Civic Life Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student voting rights in …
COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION DECEMBER 3, 2021 AT 3PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W. 2nd STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Jeffrey Clemmons, Huston-Tillotson University (Chair) Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University Lira Ramirez, University of Texas at Austin (Co-Chair) Tatum Owens, University of Texas at Austin (Secretary) Edwin Bautista, University of Texas at Austin AGENDA Justin Parker, Austin Community College Isaiah Smith, Austin Community College Pete Cervantes, St. Edwards University Esther Heymans, St. Edwards University Ethan Tobias, St. Edwards University CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and Possible Action on Campus Accessibility Discussion of issues relating to accessibility and disability rights on Austin college campuses, with consideration of means to improve accessibility. 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Announcements & Campus Reports The commission’s staff liaison and commissioners will have the opportunity to share any pertinent announcements relevant to Commission business. Commissioners may share reports concerning any recent developments on their campus or discuss upcoming programs/events. b. Community and Municipal Involvement Discussion of how the Commission can engage with the local community, including outreach and partnerships, along with participating in other areas of municipal government. c. Working Group – Housing Update from the Housing Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student housing access, security, and affordability, with consideration of possible action. d. Working Group – Transportation Update from the Transportation Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student transportation, with consideration of possible action. e. Working Group - Campus Civic Life Update from the Campus Civic Life Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student voting rights in Austin and means of improving campus civic life, with consideration of possible action. 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 David Alcorta at the Youth Initiatives Office, at (512-972-5042), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more …
College Student Commission Recommendation 20211203-3c-1: In Support of the University of Texas Student Government’s Joint Resolutions 21-09 and 21-10 Authored By: Commissioner Edwin Bautista (UT) WHEREAS, on October 19th, 2021, the Student Government General Assembly at the University of Texas at Austin unanimously passed two resolutions to address the student housing affordability crisis by proposing significant expansion of affordable on- campus housing capacity at UT Austin; and, WHEREAS, two days later, the UT Austin Senate of College Councils unanimously passed the same resolutions; and, WHEREAS, JR 21-09 authorizes a petition for the expansion of affordable, on-campus housing options by encouraging the University to build new dorms at several sites identified in the 2015 University of Texas Student Life Master Plan; and, WHEREAS, JR 21-10 addresses the need to align housing cost structures to prioritize affordability, rather than incentivizing profit, in support of the institution's mission to “make UT more affordable to Texans”1; and, WHEREAS, on-campus housing options for students have a demonstrable impact on both engagement and academic performance, compared to their peers who live off- campus2; and, WHEREAS, 50% of students who live off-campus, in places like Pleasant Valley, are considered to be “rent-burdened,” spending more than 30% of their income on rental payments, hindering them from fully engaging in academic pursuits or campus life3; and, 1 From Texas Advance Commitment page, https://texasadvance.utexas.edu/ 2 Smith, E. L. (2021). Forward! On-Campus Housing Capacity Expansion as an Anticipatory Model for a post-Students for Fair Admissions Equity Commitment at The University of Texas (thesis). 3 Duff, Tori. “UT Student Living Becomes Less Affordable as Austin Housing Market Grows.” The Daily Texan, 5 Sept. 2021, https://thedailytexan.com/2021/09/05/ut-student-living-becomes-less-affordable-as- austin-housing-market-grows/. WHEREAS, rapidly increasing education and housing costs disproportionately impact marginalized students4; and, WHEREAS, the extreme price pressures on Austin as a whole are a serious threat to the overall future of higher education in Austin if higher education institutions are not able to attract, retain, and engage students due to the cost pressures; and, WHEREAS, an increase in the supply of affordable student housing, along with specifically earmarked student-oriented housing near other university campuses, has the power to influence the broader, supply-restricted housing market in Austin; and, WHEREAS, long-term, additional on-campus housing capacity is the most sustainable solution for current and future students. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the College Student Commission officially supports JR-09 and JR-10 of the UT Student Government; and, RESOLVED, that …
College Student Commission Recommendation 20211203-3c-2: Citywide Student Housing Needs Assessment Authored by: Chair Jeffrey Clemmons (H-T) WHEREAS, housing is a human right necessary for survival and for students to meet their fullest potential; and, WHEREAS, the well-documented and history of anti-Blackness and systemic discrimination in the City of Austin has created an uneven terrain of opportunity upon which new housing is built, worsening such inequities; and, WHEREAS, many marginalized who come from already underdeveloped communities are most severely impacted by the perpetuating of these longstanding inequities and, thus, find their educational and career prospects curtailed by the inability to find adequate and affordable housing allowing them to go to school in Austin; and, WHEREAS, the institutions under the purview of the College Student Commission each have a unique history that intersects with the greater history of land-use and housing development in Austin, having led to varied capacities for these institutions to provide sufficient housing for their students; and, WHEREAS, students who choose Austin as their home, from across the State of Texas and the world, are made to compete with other renters with greater buying-power and less restricted incomes in the same aggressive housing market; and, WHEREAS, students cannot achieve their fullest potential if they are not situated in environments conducive to their learning experience, especially with the occurrence of increasingly destructive environmental catastrophes influenced by climate change, as 2021 Winter Storm Uri placed students at every university in an unprecedently precarious situation and exacerbated the risk posed by poor housing infrastructure; and, WHEREAS, the City of Austin has never conducted a comprehensive survey of student housing needs and a full consideration of what policies should be put in place to protect student renters. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the College Student Commission recommends Austin City Council direct the Housing and Planning Department to conduct a comprehensive Citywide Student Housing Needs Assessment, addressing the availability of housing stock affordable to students, infrastructural needs of institutions on and off-campus across the city, and take all other appropriate and necessary action to determine the specific housing needs of current and prospective students; and, RESOLVED, that the City Council direct the Housing and Planning Department to produce individualized assessments for each major institution represented by the Commission providing data on the same metrics as those found in the above directed comprehensive assessment and delivered to each university’s equivalent to the Director of …
College Student Commission Community Interest Announcement Meeting with Congressman Lloyd Doggett November 22nd. 2021 at 5:00 PM Cherrywood Coffeehouse (1400 E 38th 1/12 St, Austin, Texas) A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Board Liaison: David Alcorta Liaison Telephone Number: 512-972-5042
COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION NOVEMBER 19, 2021 AT 3PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W. 2nd STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Jeffrey Clemmons, Huston-Tillotson University (Chair) Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University Lira Ramirez, University of Texas at Austin (Co-Chair) Tatum Owens, University of Texas at Austin (Secretary) Edwin Bautista, University of Texas at Austin AGENDA Justin Parker, Austin Community College Isaiah Smith, Austin Community College Pete Cervantes, St. Edwards University Esther Heymans, St. Edwards University Ethan Tobias, St. Edwards University CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. PRESENTATIONS: Nathan Jones & Mark Walters City of Austin’s Housing and Planning Department will present an overview of the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) and the city’s S.M.A.R.T. housing program. Equitable Transit Oriented Development A representative from Project Connect will speak about equitable transit, in a partnership between Capital Metro and the City of Austin’s Housing and Planning Department. 3. UPDATES Staff liaison and commissioners will have the opportunity to share any pertinent announcements relevant to Commission business. 4. OLD BUSINESS a. Campus Reports Commissioners may share reports concerning any recent developments on their campus or discuss upcoming programs/events. b. Community and Municipal Involvement Discussion of how the Commission can engage with the local community, including outreach and partnerships, along with participating in other areas of municipal government. c. Working Group – Housing Update from the Housing Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student housing access, security, and affordability, with consideration of possible action. d. Working Group – Transportation e. Working Group - Campus Civic Life Update from the Transportation Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student transportation, with consideration of possible action. Update from the Campus Civic Life Working Group on actions taken to research and promote student voting rights in Austin and means of improving campus civic life, with consideration of possible action. 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Election of Chair The commission will nominate and vote on a member to serve as Chair of commission beginning in 2022. If this creates a vacancy for Co-Chair then possible action for a nomination and vote for a Co-Chair. b. Discussion and Possible Action on Campus Accessibility Discussion of issues relating to …
