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 DECEMBER 9, 2022, AT 4:30PM PERMITTING & DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1401-2 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR, Austin, TX 78752 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 from the Clerk’s Office will provide a virtual presentation on the process, approval procedures, and updating of the current bylaws. DISCUSSION ITEMS transportation, housing, affordability, focus: Changes to the commission’s current bylaws. The purpose of working groups. The commission’s areas of immigration/equity, and public safety. Yet not limited to these topics. How to request something be placed on the agenda. Parking options for college students in the city of Austin. Healthcare access for college students in the city of Austin. Littering and sustainability. Disability justice. The mental health of college students in the city of Austin. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 12. 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. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 15. …
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 …
ORDINANCE NO. 20171214-043 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2-1 OF THE CITY CODE TO CREATE A COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. Chapter 2-1 of City Code (City Boards) is amended by renumbering the existing sections 2-1-124 (Commission/or Women) through 2-1-131 (Commission on Seniors) as sections 2-1-125 through 2-1-132, respectively, and by adding a new section 2-1-124 to read: § 2-1-124 COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION. (A) 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. (B) · The commission shall have 15 members nominated by the below listed higher education institutions and appointed by the city council. Each of the five higher education institutions shall nominate 3 students for appointmept by council, and each of the nominating institutions shall restrict its nominations to students currently enrolled at time of appointment. Only one nomination from each nominating institution may be from its Student Government Association or similarly-constituted body. Mandatory membership distribution is as follows: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) 3 commission members from University of Texas at Austin; 3 commission members from Austin Community College; 3 commission members from St. Edward's University; 3 commission members from Concordia University; and 3 commission members from Huston-Tillotson University. Commission composition and membership qualifications contained herein are mandatory and not directory. Page 1 of2 (C) (D) (E) (F) Each commission member is exempted from any requirement to be a resident of the City in order to be eligible for appointment cir service; therefore, City Code section 2-1-21 (B) (Eligibility Requirements and Removal) is waived. The commission should have a balanced membership. including students who represent a socioeconomic and ethnically diverse population from multiple student organizations. Each commission member shall be appointed for a term of up to two years beginning March !'1 • The commission shall meet at least quarterly. The commission shall: ( 1) (2) (3) advise the council on topics that affect college students in the Austin area including, but not limited to, issues relating to transportation, housing, affordability, immigration, and public safety; evaluate and recommend programs, policies, and practices that could improve the quality of life of college students in the Austin area; and provide opportunities for college students to contribute to the City's …
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 NOVEMBER 10, 2022, AT 4:00PM 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 Liaison to discuss; a. The purpose of working groups. b. The commission’s areas of focus: transportation, housing, affordability, immigration/equity, and public safety. Yet not limited to these topics. c. How to request something be placed on the agenda. Staff from the Clerk’s Office will provide a briefing on the process, approval procedures, and updating of the current bylaws. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion regarding changes to the commission’s current bylaws. Discussion regarding parking options for college students in the city of Austin. Discussion regarding healthcare access for college students in the city of Austin. Discussion regarding littering and sustainability. Discussion regarding disability justice. Discussion regarding the mental health of college students in the city of Austin. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Discussion and approval of future commission meeting dates. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 11. 12. 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 …
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 …
ORDINANCE NO. 20171214-043 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2-1 OF THE CITY CODE TO CREATE A COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. Chapter 2-1 of City Code (City Boards) is amended by renumbering the existing sections 2-1-124 (Commission/or Women) through 2-1-131 (Commission on Seniors) as sections 2-1-125 through 2-1-132, respectively, and by adding a new section 2-1-124 to read: § 2-1-124 COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION. (A) 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. (B) · The commission shall have 15 members nominated by the below listed higher education institutions and appointed by the city council. Each of the five higher education institutions shall nominate 3 students for appointmept by council, and each of the nominating institutions shall restrict its nominations to students currently enrolled at time of appointment. Only one nomination from each nominating institution may be from its Student Government Association or similarly-constituted body. Mandatory membership distribution is as follows: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) 3 commission members from University of Texas at Austin; 3 commission members from Austin Community College; 3 commission members from St. Edward's University; 3 commission members from Concordia University; and 3 commission members from Huston-Tillotson University. Commission composition and membership qualifications contained herein are mandatory and not directory. Page 1 of2 (C) (D) (E) (F) Each commission member is exempted from any requirement to be a resident of the City in order to be eligible for appointment cir service; therefore, City Code section 2-1-21 (B) (Eligibility Requirements and Removal) is waived. The commission should have a balanced membership. including students who represent a socioeconomic and ethnically diverse population from multiple student organizations. Each commission member shall be appointed for a term of up to two years beginning March !'1 • The commission shall meet at least quarterly. The commission shall: ( 1) (2) (3) advise the council on topics that affect college students in the Austin area including, but not limited to, issues relating to transportation, housing, affordability, immigration, and public safety; evaluate and recommend programs, policies, and practices that could improve the quality of life of college students in the Austin area; and provide opportunities for college students to contribute to the City's …
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 …
