Sealy Campus Advisory Committee Meeting

Thursday, April 4, 2024
Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Classroom 112, Main Building, 3701 Outlet Center Drive, Blinn-Sealy Campus

Meeting Minutes

The Sealy Campus Advisory Committee met on April 4, 2024, in Classroom 112, located in the Main Building at 3701 Outlet Center Drive, Blinn-Sealy Campus.

Committee Members Present

  • Mr. Ryan Svoboda
  • Mr. Rick Kershner
  • Ms. Kimbra Hill
  • Ms. Chelsea Humes

Committee Members Absent

  • Dr. Bryan Hallmark
  • Mr. Brian McCauley

Blinn College Representatives

  • Dr. Mary Hensley
  • Mr. Jay Anderson
  • Ms. Shannon Williford
  • Dr. Marcelo Bussiki
  • Dr. Becky McBride
  • Mr. Leighton Schubert
  • Ms. Lisa Caton

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Ryan Svoboda at 12:27 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

After a proper motion from Rick Kershner, seconded by Chelsea Humes, the Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 23, 2023, meeting.

Dual Credit and FAST Program

Presented by Ms. Shannon Williford, Director of Dual Credit Programs, and Mr. Leighton Schubert, Executive Vice Chancellor

Ms. Williford presented information regarding the College's dual credit program. She stated to the committee that Blinn offers both academic and technical dual credit courses districtwide with a total of 631 dual credit students in Austin and Waller Counties. Dual credit classes are offered in the ISD's, private schools, online and home school programs.

Mr. Schubert presented information on the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program. He stated that the FAST program is a state funding program for dual credit courses. FAST will allow educationally disadvantaged students to enroll in dual credit courses at no cost to the student. Educationally disadvantaged as defined by Texas Education Agency are those students who qualify for the free or reduced lunch program.

Community colleges have the option to participate in the FAST program or to opt out. Blinn will participate beginning in the Fall of 2024. The College will be reimbursed at $56.87 per semester credit hour for FAST students. By opting in, the College also agrees to a maximum charge of $56.87 per semester credit hour to dual credit students who do not qualify under the FAST program. Ms. Williford and her office are currently visiting with every school where Blinn conducts dual credit courses in the Blinn College District to inform them of the program.

Austin County Scholarship

Presented by Ms. Lisa Caton, Executive Dean, Blinn-Sealy Campus

Ms. Caton took a minute to inform committee members about the Austin County Scholarship. Created with the Remmert funds that were bequeathed to the College by a local Sealy resident, Austin County residents can apply for a scholarship and be awarded up to $1000.

Ms. Caton explained that she had delivered flyers to the high school and administration offices and Mr. Ryan Svoboda agreed to take some to Citizens State Bank. Mr. Svoboda also told the committee that Ms. Remmert had been his next-door neighbor prior to her death.

Enrollment Update

Presented by Dr. Becky McBride, Vice Chancellor for Student Services

Dr. McBride presented enrollment numbers to the committee including on-campus, online and dual credit students in the Sealy area. She also informed committee members about the upcoming Preview Day on the Sealy Campus and how we were hoping to continue these information days in future semesters.

With no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:04 p.m. by Mr. Ryan Svoboda.

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