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 …
COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING NOVEMBER 5, 2021 AT 3PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W. 2nd STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Jeffrey Clemmons, Huston-Tillotson University (Chair) Edwin Bautista, University of Texas at Austin Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University Tatum Owens, University of Texas at Austin Isaiah Smith, Austin Community College . Lira Ramirez, University of Texas at Austin (Co-Chair) Pete Cervantes, St. Edwards University Esther Heymans, St. Edwards University Ethan Tobias, St. Edwards University 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. OLD BUSINESS 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Announcements Staff liaison and commissioners will have the opportunity to share any pertinent announcements relevant to Commission business. b. Campus Reports Commissioners may share reports concerning any recent developments on their campus or discuss upcoming programs/events. c. Election of Secretary The commission will nominate and vote on a member to serve as the Secretary through the duration of their service on the Commission for the 2021-22 session. d. Working Group – Housing Discussion on the creation of a working group on the issue of student housing access, security, and affordability. e. Working Group – Transportation Discussion on the creation of a working group on the issue of student transportation. f. Discussion and Possible Action on LGBTQ+ Rights Discussion and review of recent issues, policies, and events relating to the LGBTQ+ community, including the passage of statewide legislation during the 87th Texas Legislature. g. Discussion and Possible Action on Campus Civic Life Discussion of the state of student voting rights in Austin, consideration of means of improving campus civic life, and discussion of involvement in upcoming elections. h. 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. 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, …
COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES (Friday, November 5, 2021) REGULAR MEETING (Friday, November 5, 2021) COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION MINUTES The College Student Commission convened in a regular meeting on Friday, November 5, 2021 at City Hall in Austin, Texas. Chair Jeffrey called the Board Meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Jeffrey Clemmons, Lira Ramirez, Edwin Bautista, Pete Cervantes, Todd Clayton, Esther Heymans, Tatum Owens, Isaiah Smith, and Ethan Tobias Staff in Attendance: Staff Liaison David Alcorta 1. NEW BUSINESS a. Announcements b. Campus Reports • Staff liaison David stated that we are still in the process of nominating more members. • UT Austin: Crime this week and student safety as a priority for our commission. Jeffrey recommended giving the commission’s gun culture statement from May a read. UT commissioners reached out to SafeHorns and UT Outpost this week to see what they can do for student safety. Question for the commission: what are your respective food pantries if any available? • St. Edward’s: Yes. • ACC: working on the implementation or expansion of a food pantry. • Huston–Tillotson: No, not present. • St. Edwards: November 14th-19th: there will be a challenge week that uplifts sustainable and accessible transportation options. • ACC: Shelters in Austin providing services to homeless college students. There are no shelters that work with homeless college students. c. Election of Secretary • Recommendation to nominate Tatum as secretary was approved on Tatum’s motion, Pete seconded on a 9-0 vote. d. Working Group – Housing 1 COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES (Friday, November 5, 2021) • Commissioners discussed the affordable housing crisis and the lack of Austin’s goals that have been met regarding that agenda. We want to focus on affordable and adequate housing, in terms of the quality for certain costs of housing options. Edwin referenced his plans to rebuild the West Campus Neighborhood Association. He wants this to be a model for giving students a collective voice in what is built around them, how the buildings are used, and how much they cost. • Working group for housing: o Recommendation to create a working group around the subject of housing in Austin was approved on Jeffrey’s motion, Edwin second on a 9-0 vote. o Members of the group will be: Edwin, Todd, Isaiah, and Jeffrey as working group members for now. e. Working Group – Transportation • Huston–Tillotson representative Todd spoke about …
COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION OCTOBER 22, 2021 AT 3PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W. 2nd STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Jeffrey Clemmons, Huston-Tillotson University (Chair) Lira Ramirez, University of Texas at Austin (Co-Chair) Edwin Bautista, University of Texas at Austin Pete Cervantez, St. Edwards University Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University Esther Heymans, St. Edwards University Tatum Owens, University of Texas at Austin Isaiah Smith, Austin Community College Ethan Tobias, St. Edwards University 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. OLD BUSINESS a. Working Group – Transition 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Announcements The commission will hear updates from the working group on projects and other matters Staff liaison and commissioners will have the opportunity to share any pertinent announcements relevant to Commission business. Commission leadership will share an update on the recently adopted food insecurity grant program. b. Campus Reports Commissioners may share reports concerning any recent developments on their campus or discuss upcoming programs/events. This will also include any updates on the efforts to address food insecurity on their campus. c. Presentation by Kevin Barajas (15 minutes) Texas Civic Ambassador Kevin Barajas will provide a short presentation on tenant rights and other issues related to housing, with special attention to student housing. d. Election of Secretary The commission will nominate and vote on a member to serve as the Secretary through the duration of their service on the Commission for the 2021-22 session. e. Working Group – Housing Discussion on the creation of a working group on the issue of student housing access, security, and affordability. f. Working Group – Transportation Discussion on the creation of a working group on the issue of transportation. g. Discussion and Possible Action on Student Voting Rights and Elections Discuss and review recent issues, policies, and events pertaining to student voting rights and upcoming elections h. 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. 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 …
Versión en español a continuación. College Student Commission Meeting Friday, May 21, 2021 College Student Commission to be held 05/21/2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (Thursday, May 20, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the 05/21/2021 College Student Commission Meeting, members of the public must: • Call or email the board liaison at 512-972-5042 or david.alcorta@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). • Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. • Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. • Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. • Handouts or other information may be emailed to david.alcorta@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. • If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 Reunión del Comisión de Estudiantes Universitarios Viernes, 21 de mayo de 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (Jueves, 20 de mayo de 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512-972-5042 o david.alcorta@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará …
College Student Commission Community Interest Announcement Press Conference on Campus Gun Violence and Safety Wednesday May 5th at 2pm South Steps of the Texas State Capitol A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. David Alcorta 512-972-5042
