November 12 Ebulletin

Volume LXVI Number 2
October/November/December 2012
The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

October/November/December 2012 - Volume LXVI Number 2
In this quarters TACT newsletter...

Page 3 Presidents Letter
by Peter Hugill
TACT Board of Directors 2012-2013 President Peter Hugill Texas A&M University President-Elect Cindy Simpson, PhD Houston Baptist University VP of Financial Affairs Frank Fair Sam Houston State University VP of Membership Chad Rose Sam Houston State University VP of Legislative Affairs Mary Jo Garcia Biggs Texas State University Directors At Large Gary Coulton University of Texas San Antonio Elizabeth Lewandowski Midwestern State University W Allen Martin University of Texas - Tyler Debra Price Sam Houston State University E.L. Walter-Sullivan Prairie View A&M University Executive Director Chuck Hempstead (512) 873-7404
Page 5 Executive Directors Report

by Chuck Hempstead
Page 6 THECB Legislative Recommendations Report Page 8 Pictures from the TACT Fall Conference Page 11 Government Relations Fund Page 12 Membership Page 13 TACT Legislative Issues 2012-2013
TACT
Texas Association of College Teachers 5750 Balcones Dr., Suite 201 Austin, Texas 78731 tact@bizaustin.rr.com [p] (512) 873-7404 [f] (512) 873-7423
Copyright 2012 by the Texas Association of College Teachers. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced in any form without permission; Chuck Hempstead, Editor.
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CONTENTS
Cover Page Index The Presidents Column The Executive Directors Report THECB Legislative Recommendations Pictures from the TACT Fall Conference GRF Contributors Membership 2012-2013 Legislative Issues Past eBulletins

Texas Association of College Teachers
Defending Academic Freedom
Presidents Letter
by Peter Hugill TACT President
Theyre Baaaack!!! As we all know the Texas Legislature is back in town (at least they are filing bills, if not actually sitting). So, as the old saying goes, no mans [or womans] property is safe. Until the dust settles a bit more we wont quite know what all the bills being filed are about and which ones will have a ghost of a chance at (a) making it to the floor and (b) actually being enacted. Fortunately most of the seriously loopy stuff disappears in committee, but as we all should know by now plenty of it actually gets enacted. With the help of Chuck Hempstead, our lobbyist, your TACT Board has already started working on this. In late October we spent some time making visits at the Capitol, and Chuck also lined up Senator Kirk Watson to address the joint meeting of TACT, the Association of American University Professors (AAUP), and the Texas Council of Faculty Senates (TCFS). Senator Watson serves on the Senate Higher Education Committee and, during his tenure as President of the Austin Chamber of Commerce and as Mayor of Austin, he consistently showed his understanding of and support for the role played by Higher Education in furthering the economic development of the State. As many of you will be aware, he also spearheaded the successful passage of Proposition One on the Austin area ballot this November, which has approved taxation to support the development of a medical school in Austin by the University of Texas. Perhaps the most significant visit we paid on Capitol Hill was to the office of Senator Kel Seliger, who has replaced Senator Judith Zaffirini as Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. We also have to deal with two other committees: the House Committee; and the joint Senate and House Committee on governance in Higher Education. Even so, its the Senate Committee that, from our perspective, does most of the heavy lifting. I was initially concerned about the replacement of Senator Zaffirini by Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, who has been a strong defender of Higher Education and has served in the Senate since 1987, with Senator Seliger, who joined the Senate in 2004. At least some of that concern has been ameliorated by the fact that Senator Seliger not only retained one of Senator Zaffirinis most experienced senior staffers, Dr. Mark Kavanaugh, but also promoted him to the position of Committee Director. We have some history with Mark and he has been a consistent friend to
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Defending Academic Freedom Presidents Message (contd.)
TACT and the Association of American University Professors. Further, during Senator Watsons address to the joint meeting of TACT, AAUP, and TCFS, and without being asked, he went out of his way to say some very positive things about Senator Seliger. I, for one, came away much more comfortable with Governor Dewhursts decision to replace Senator Zaffirini. Your TACT Board believes that we will have a busy session. We are sure that the Guns on Campus bill will reappear, and we have already indicated that we are strongly opposed to it. Elsewhere in the newsletter we are posting our other primary concerns, but we badly need your help. Whenever we talk to anyone in Austin they tell us there is no substitute for lobbying to make your position known. As citizens we all have the constitutional right to lobby our elected representatives, although we must be careful NOT to do so using University resources (e-mail and the like). E-mail access to the Senate Higher Education Committee members is easy via the Senate website. Please let your opinions as citizens and educators be knownjust make it clear that you are expressing a personal, not an official university position. If you can make a personal trip to the office of your local representatives in the House and Senate, even better. They are unlikely to be on one of the committees that affect us, but they still have to vote! Best of all, pay a visit to Austin and drop into some of the offices of the members of the Higher Education Committees. You are highly unlikely to see the members themselves, but their staffers are almost always there, and their job is to pass stuff on to their Representatives and Senators. If you can make an appointment to see the Higher Education staffer upfront its a great idea to do so. We set up our representative democracy to encourage citizen input to influence our elected representatives and, if we leave all the input to others who do not share our interests, we should not complain about the outcomes. One of the most common comments your TACT Board hears in Austin is that we never hear anything from the faculty, just from your Presidents and Chancellors. Yes, its your TACT Boards job to do this (thats why you elected us and part of what you pay your dues for), but we need all the help we can get from you!
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Executive Directors Report

by Chuck Hempstead TACT Executive Director
A large part of what TACT does in its mix of membership services is legislative advocacy. You probably know that several times each year, your state board members dip into their time and wallets to meet with legislators and staff members to communicate the faculty perspectives to the policy-makers (see related story, including the TACT Conference keynote address by a VERY influential senator). This is a year-round adventure particularly timely now that the 83rd Legislative Session is weeks away. Mark your calendar now to join us for the next scheduled visits March 1. I have heard this session characterized as Business versus Tea Party. Not the restore the slashed education funding session, or the emphasize educational quality instead of quantity session, or certainly not the now is time to re-invest in our state workforce session. Id be happy if the legislature reinstated the $1 billion lost during the current budget. This isnt the place to examine electoral politics, but with more than half of the state representatives entering their first or second legislative session, following redistricting and the success of the Tea Party in Republican primaries, I think you can guess the majority philosophy. Legislation is being pre-filed now. Well soon develop a list of issues we think youll want to track, but feel free to share what you hear and see to add to our radar. Maybe - or not - coincidentally, this time of year is also membership time. Some of last years members are not yet again this years members, and about 50,000 others have never been members. You may wish to share this newsletter issue with your colleagues. If enough of them join, and the price of gas keeps falling, we might be able to reimburse those colleagues of yours who drive to Austin to pound the pavement on your behalf.
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One more membership story this one about your Educators Professional Liability Insurance (EPLI), which is included with your membership. Another education association staff was contacted by the insurance company processing a claim for that associations member. It turned out that the members late payment of dues and insurance premium were submitted the same day as the claim. Claim DENIED! So when we encourage you to pay your dues on time, as we did several weeks ago, this is why. Also, TACT offers discounted dues for retirees, which also includes EPLI. Insurance coverage (and membership) must be current at the time of the occurance AND the claim, which may be months or years apart. So stay current even when you are out of the classroom until after all the lawyers have retired, too.
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THECB Legislative Recommendations Report

Link to THECB Recommendations
Outcomes-Based Funding
In the 82nd Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature passed HB 9, instructing The Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to submit a report to the Joint Oversight Committee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence, and Transparency, reviewing, comparing, and highlighting best practices on improving student outcomes, retention, graduations, and graduation rates, and higher education governance, administration and transparency. For the 83rd Legislative Session, THECB is recommending allocating 10% of the funding for universities otherwise used for undergraduate weighted semester credit hours through the Instructions and Operations Formula. THECB suggests a funding model based upon student achievement. THECB is also recommending that the Instruction and Operations Formula provide funding for university faculty salaries, to be distributed on a weighted semester credit hour basis. The proposed rate has yet to be determined by THECB at this time.
Reducing Time-to-Degree
Lowering Credit Hour Thresholds / Higher Tuition for Excess Credit Hours
In addition to capping the maximum credit hours a university may require for baccalaureate degrees, the 79th Texas Legislature also established a 30 semester credit hour threshold to limit state formula funding and authorizing universities to charge higher tuition for students exceeding the credit hours outlined in their degree plans. THECB is suggesting lowering this limit to 15 credit hours. THECB estimates that, on average, university students finished 120 SCH degrees in 147 credit hours. The proposed cap of 135 hours would have saved the state $15M and the students $94M.
Financial Aid
Limiting TEXAS Grant Award Amount per Student / Expanding Eligibility for TEOG
Due to the growing demand for financial assistance with only a limited amount of resources to provide, THECB has put together a 7-point plan to restructure the TEXAS Grant program to more effectively and efficiently provide assistance to more students in need. Per the THECB Legislative Recommendations: 1. Give awards that, when combined with Pell and family contribution, cover tuition, fees, and course materials for more needy students, rather than target awards to cover full cost of attendance for fewer needy students. Awards will continue to be based on the statewide average tuition, fees, and books and not on actual tuition, fees, and books charged by each institution. 2. Create TEXAS Grant eligibility pathway for all transfer students;
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3. Require full-time enrollment (12 hours) per federal guidelines; 4. Cap eligibility at eight regular semesters, instead of the current 150 semester credit hours (SCH). Semesters do not have to be consecutive but must not be more than eight. Language will be recommended to allow proration awards that exceed eight semesters for students to complete degree programs that require more than 120 SCH to complete and retain TEXAS Grant eligibility. 5. Eliminate the institutions obligation to provide non-loan funds to make up the difference between a students TEXAS Grant award and the students tuition and fee charges; 6. Make TEXAS Grant a university only program; and 7. Defer to federal requirements regarding controlled substances to streamline the awarding of TEXAS Grant funds. THECB estimates that, with these changes, the TEXAS Grant program could provide assistance to roughly 95% of eligible university students, whereas the current model can only serve an estimated 18%. While each grant would provide a smaller contribution, the proposal would ensure financial assistance to approximately 61,200 additional students. Currently, the program defers to the state wording for restrictions concerning controlled substances, which asks if a student has been convicted of a crime or felony involving a controlled substance. THECB proposes that the Texas Education Opportunity Grant defer to the federal standard, which specifically asks if the crime occurred while the student was receiving financial aid. Because most students file for financial aid through FAFSA, many universities are needing to process an entirely seperate form to handle TEOG awards. The proposes changes would eliminate the need for this form, greatly simplifying the process.
Restructuring B-On-Time Program

The B-On-Time program is an interest-free loan offered to students and incentivizes graduating on time (within two years for a community or technical college and within four years for university students) with at least a 3.0 GPA. Students who meet these requirements upon graduation have their loans repaid through general revenue from the program and tuition set-asides (20% of tuition exceeding $46/credit hour, of which 5% is allocated for B-On-Time). THECB research concludes that, while the program has shown success for both of its objectives (increasing timely graduations with higher grades), too few students are enrolling. Between federal regulations restricting colleges ability to make students aware of non-federal loans and student confusion regarding the structure of the loan, the reception of the B-On-Time program has not met expectations.
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THECB concludes that, for B-On-Time to be successful in its objectives for all students, it must be split into two separate programs: the loan program and a rebate program. The loan would exist almost exactly as it does in its current form: interest-free while the student is enrolled in classes with the same on-time graduation and GPA stipulations. The rebate program would be applicable to all students, not simply those who choose to enroll in the loan program, as the system is currently constructed. Students who meet the B-On-Time criteria would receive an equal share of the set-aside funding, up to, but not in excess, of their total tuition paid. THECB believes that expanding the program to all students in this manner, rather than exclusively as an opt-in, will reduce the state average for excess credit hours beyond degree requirements.
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Pictures from the Fall Conference
Aaron Gregg and Hunter Thompson (from left), staff for House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Pitts, visit with TACT State Board Members about TACTs legislative agenda.
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State Representative Donna Howard tells Lynn Tatum and Allen Martin that she will continue to oppose legislation permitting guns on campus.
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(contd.)
State Senator Kirk Watson personalized the value of higher education in his familys lives as part of the keynote address. He emphasized the importance of state investment in the future leaders of Texas.
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Dr. Van Davis (standing) participated in a panel discussion of the efforts toward a $10,000 bachelors degree.
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(contd.)
Dr. Catherine Parsoneault described various Coordinating Board initiatives.
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TACT State Board Members from left to right: Gary Coulton, Cindy Simpson, Chad Rose, Peter Hugill, Allen Martin, Debra Price.
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The James M. Puckett, Ph. D. Government Relations Fund

Having already slashed the higher-education budget, with further cuts to be discussed, the 2013 session of the Texas Legislature will be pivotal for the future of higher education in the state. If you are concerned about such issues as higher education funding, the solvency of the Texas Retirement System, faculty assessment, and funding levels of TEXAS Grants, contribute to the Dr. James M. Puckett, Ph.D. Government Relations Fund (GRF) today. For over 50 years, TACT has been on the front lines of higher education issues in Texas. The GRF assists TACT with a key component of our mission: communicating TACTs legislative agenda (viewable here) in order to improve Texas higher education. Your voluntary contribution to the GRF allows TACT to present its members agenda to key lawmakers and legislative committees. The GRF is never used for candidate contributions, only for activities that increase awareness of issues concerning faculty statewide. All expenditures are approved in advance by TACTs President, President-Elect and Legislative Committee Chair. Thank you for standing with TACT to improve the quality of higher education in Texas.
Click Here to Contribute
Thank you to the 2012-2013 contributors

Gary Coulton Mary Lynn DeShazo Frank Fair Chuck Hempstead Debby Hopkins-Higham Peter Hugill Harvey D. Johnson Joe Kemble
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Thomas Lawrence W. A. Martin John Rugh Cindy Simpson Lynn Tatum
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11
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TACT Membership and EPLI: Renew Today!

In the current climate of uncertainty in Texas system of higher education, its important to have strong advocates. Since 1948, the Texas Association of College Teachers has served university professors in the areas of academic freedom, statistical research, tenure implementation and protection, professional standards, and working conditions. We invite you to take a key career step by becoming a member of TACT today for $158 (which includes professional liability insurance). Your membership in TACT lets your voice be heard beyond your classroom and campus. We vigilantly monitor all agencies that affect faculty members to ensure your interests are represented. Our First Alert emails and quarterly eBulletins provide you with current developments on educational public policy issues, and we are always soliciting articles from you, our members. We also maintain a regular presence at the Capitol, where we lobby policymakers on our your top concerns. All TACT memberships include Educators Professional Liability Insurance (EPLI), which provides up to $2 million in coverage, plus legal fees for damages. EPLI is an important benefit for our members that has proven invaluable over the years. Sign up or renew your TACT membership today! Visit Join TACT or renew over the phone by calling (512) 873-7404.
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Visit www.tact.org, and join TACT Today!
12
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CONTENTS

TACT Legislative Issues 2012-2013

1. Handguns on campuses. TACT opposes legislation allowing individuals to carry concealed handguns on college campuses. 2. Assessment. TACT supports faculty representation in the improvement of assessment measurements regarding faculty evaluation of teaching and scholarly activity. 3. Teacher Retirement System. TACT supports maintaining the solvency of the system, current benefits, and cost-of-living increases. TACT opposes conversion of a guaranteed pension plan to a 401(k)-type plan. 4. Faculty Salaries. TACT supports increasing faculty salaries to align with the average of the other ten most populous states. 5. Higher Education Funding. TACT supports maintaining current funding levels of TEXAS Grants.
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Volume LXVI Number 2

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

In this quarters TACT newsletter...

Page 5 Executive Directors Report

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

Executive Directors Report

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

THECB Legislative Recommendations Report

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

Restructuring B-On-Time Program

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

Pictures from the Fall Conference

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

Pictures from the Fall Conference

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

Pictures from the Fall Conference

Dr. Catherine Parsoneault described various Coordinating Board initiatives.

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

The James M. Puckett, Ph. D. Government Relations Fund

Click Here to Contribute

Thank you to the 2012-2013 contributors

Thomas Lawrence W. A. Martin John Rugh Cindy Simpson Lynn Tatum

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

TACT Membership and EPLI: Renew Today!

Visit www.tact.org, and join TACT Today!

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

TACT Legislative Issues 2012-2013

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