The legal authority and operating control of the institution are clearly defined for the following areas within the institution’s governance structure: (Governing Board Control)

JUDGMENT: Compliant

STATEMENT OF RATIONALE FOR JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Legal authority and operating control for the institutional policy of Southwest Texas Junior College derives from the Texas Education Code 51.352(b). This law clearly establishes the Board of Trustees’ responsibility in policy matters. It states, “The governing board of an institution of higher education shall provide the policy direction for each institution of higher education under its management and control.” Minutes of Board meeting of May 15, 2014 and attachment #14.

The SWTJC Policy Manual’s section BAA (Legal) outlines the roles and responsibilities of Board members, and section BBE (Legal) sets forth the fiduciary authority and responsibilities of Board members.

The Board’s role and responsibilities in policy and bylaw development are outlined in the SWTJC Policy Manual, section BE (Local).

The SWTJC Board of Trustees reviews and approves institutional policy changes which appear in the SWTJC Policy Manual (Board Minutes May 15, 2014 and June 19, 2014), the Faculty Handbook (Board Minutes April 17, 2014 and June 19, 2014), the Student Handbook (Board Minutes May 15, 2014), and the College Catalog (Board Minutes June 19, 2014).

Operating control for SWTJC institutional policy rests with the SWTJC President and is clearly outlined in item 1 (one) of the SWTJC policy related to the SWTJC President’s qualifications and duties BFA(local), which states: “The College President shall act as executive officer of the Board, charged with putting into effect its policies and regulations.”

Evidence

Texas Education Code 51.352(b) Responsibility of Governing Boards
Board of Trustees Minutes, May 15, 2014
Board of Trustees Minutes, May 15, 2014 Attachment 14
SWTJC Policy BAA (Legal) Board Legal Status, Powers, Duties, Responsibilities
SWTJC Policy BBE (Legal) Board Members Authority
SWTJC Policy BE (Local) Board Members Authority
Board of Trustees Minutes, May 15, 2014
Board of Trustees Minutes, June 19, 2014
Board of Trustees Minutes, April 17, 2014
SWTJC Policy BFA (Local) College President Qualifications and Duties