TCC Board revises student travel policy
by Chris Taylor, editor in chief

    In accordance with state law, the TCC Board of Trustees approved a new student travel policy Wednesday, Nov. 29.

    The board also approved an agreement with an architect for the renovation of the South Campus pool and HPE Building.

    The TCC student travel policy had to be changed because Senate Bill 263 passed the 77th Texas Legislature, requiring all state universities and colleges to enact a policy and send it to the Coordinating Board by August.

    The new policy reads: “It is the policy of the College district that student travel to activities or events, whether in connection with a credit or non-credit course or with a student club or organization, be governed by regulations that seek to ensure the health and safety of students and faculty/staff sponsors while providing maximum educational benefits.

    “Included will be activities or events organized and sponsored by the institution, funded by the institution, or using a vehicle owned or leased by the institution. The chancellor forthwith will promulgate such regulations as may be deemed necessary to comply with this policy, in compliance with Senate Bill 263 of the 77th Texas Legislature.”

    Many of the details will be integrated into the new policy including seat belt use, vehicle capacity and length of time a person may drive.

    The board approved the new travel policy unanimously.

    The board also approved the first stage of construction on the South Campus pool and HPE Building. The first stage is the hiring of an architect to determine whether the foundation is stable enough to reuse for the rebuilt HPE Building. The district’s plan is to totally rebuild the HPE Building and pool.

    The preliminary plan is to start construction in June 2001 and to be finished by February 2003.

    The meeting, on NE Campus, began with a welcome by Dr. Larry Darlage, campus president. Darlage showed the board a brief presentation on NE Campus’ efforts to retain students at TCC.

    The board also declined an invitation to allow one of its members to sit on the City of Burleson Tax Increment Financing Zone Board of Directors.

    The next meeting will be January 17.