Executive Council
Executive Council Meeting Minutes
Date: July 27, 2026
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: KLM 270
Attendance
Members Present: Banda, K. Casares, J. García, R. García, A. González, J. Hatcher, A. LaPlant, H. Miller, J. O'Meara, M.R. Palacios, L. Pérez-Batres, A. Ramírez, E. Ramírez, C. San Miguel, D. Sosa, M. Ynalvez, J. ZambranoDelegates: C. Sosa, V. Flores
Absent: L. Norris, C. Maynard, G. Clarke, D. Sosa, L. Elizondo
I. President's Updates
Provost - Dr. Claudia San Miguel presided in the President's absence.
A. Legislative and Funding Matters
SB 37 - General Education Initiative
The Coordinating Board will review recommendations from the general education committee at its October meeting. Legislative approval from the Texas Legislature is required in December. This initiative may impact general education and the core curriculum university-wide and statewide.
Performance-Based Funding
A state committee is recommending a shift to performance-based funding for four-year public institutions (community colleges have already transitioned). Key metrics under consideration include:
- Degree attainment
- Persistence and graduation rates
- Outcomes for economically disadvantaged and Pell-eligible students (30-, 60-, 90-hour milestones and graduation)
This is intended to supplement, not replace, existing funding. The university will need to intensify advising efforts to meet student success benchmarks.
B. Building Relocation
Faculty and staff are scheduled to move to the new building during the first week of August. Boxes have been distributed. Emails were sent to Dean Ramirez (Elda) and Dean Perez confirming logistics.
C. Dean and Chairs Retreat
Academic Affairs will host a three-day, half-day Dean and Chairs Retreat the week of July 28. VPs are invited to attend and address deans and chairs with updates from their respective areas (minimum 30-minute slots). Calendar invites to be distributed.
D. Inauguration Week / Investiture Planning
The investiture is scheduled for Friday, September 19. The entire week has been officially rebranded as "Inauguration Week," with at least two to three events planned per day. Details will be shared with the university community as finalized.
E. Active Searches
| Position | Status |
|---|---|
| AVP, Institutional Assessment, Research, and Planning | Three qualified candidates visiting campus beginning August 6; calendar invites to be sent before week's end |
| Dean of the Library | Search launched; strong, qualified applicants already identified by the search firm |
II. Academic Affairs
Dr. Claudia San Miguel (presented by Deans)
A. Personnel Updates
Dean COAS-Dr. Marcus Ynalvez- Interim Chair, Department of Psychology and Communication: Huseyin Cinoglu appointed.
- Interim Chair, International Banking and Financial Studies: Antonio Rodriguez appointed.
B. Research & Faculty Highlights
- Research Award: Tariq Tashtoush received a $5,000 TEES grant for solar space research, aligned with President Maynard's initiative to develop TAMIU as a regional asset for space exploration.
- Faculty Research Seminar: Daniel Covarrubias will present his $55,000 externally funded research as part of the faculty research seminar series.
- Associate Dean Search - R Sanchez, Jr. School of Business: The search for the next Associate Dean of the A. R Sanchez, Jr. School of Business has been launched.
III. Finance and Administration
VPFA - Dr. Lee. Banda
A. Chief Human Resources Officer Search
The position was unable to be filled internally and has been assigned to Anthem Executive (search firm). Posting expected within the next couple of weeks. Best-case hire date: January 1.
B. Foreign National Travel Concerns
Two foreign national employees are currently stranded abroad after being advised by HR not to travel internationally:
- One in China — visa appointment: October 23
- One in Jordan — visa appointment: September 9
Both individuals were placed on leave without pay. All staff are reminded to exercise caution when traveling internationally, particularly as the holiday season approaches, as the situation is evolving daily.
C. Student Remote Work Approvals
There is no current policy prohibiting student remote work; however, proper approval documentation must be obtained, the same as required for staff. Supervisors are reminded to secure the appropriate approval forms for any student employee working remotely.
D. Emergency Management Subcommittee
In response to recent power outages, flooding, and water system failures, a new emergency management subcommittee has been established under Carlos Bella. Kickoff meeting is scheduled for the week of July 28. The goal is to develop improved response protocols and campus preparedness plans.
E. Space Planning Committee
A new space committee is being established to manage facility allocation and building transitions (including new buildings and vacated spaces). VPs will receive an email requesting representation on the committee.
F. TxDOT Campus Entrance Update
TxDOT maintains regular communication with the university. Upcoming concrete work at Entry #3 will require an approximately 10-day closure. The university has requested that the work be scheduled during the holiday break. No guarantees were given, but advance notice will be provided. Landscaping improvements near Entry #3 are being made to improve visibility.
G. Air Conditioning - Load Shedding Discontinued
Power load shedding (Friday AC and lights shutoffs) has been discontinued this summer. This was recognized as a significant quality-of-life improvement for faculty, staff, and particularly those with medical conditions. The change is credited to President Maynard's initiative.
IV. Strategic Enrollment
VPEM - Juan G. García, Jr.
A. Summer Enrollment - Record Breaking
- Largest summer enrollment in university history
- Net gain of approximately 40 students
- Third consecutive summer with an all-time record
- First time surpassing 4,100 students
- Congratulations extended to all divisions for their collective contributions
B. Fall Enrollment - In Progress
- Previously tracking approximately 3% below the prior year (~300 students); now down by fewer than 120 students
- Graduate and freshman numbers improving
- Expected to reach 8,000 students by the end of the week
- Four weeks of registration remain, plus late registration during the first week of classes
C. Enrollment Metrics by Category
| Category | Change |
|---|---|
| Transfers | +13% |
| Readmits (recovered students) | +15% |
| Some College | +3% |
| Freshman Class | -3% (~50 students) |
- Financial Aid and FAFSA Awards
- The office is actively awarding new and continuing FAFSA-eligible students.
E. Room Allocation - Action Required
To complete room assignments two weeks prior to the start of fall classes (so faculty can include room locations in syllabi), all chairs and areas must submit updated class capacities by the end of this week.
F. Additional Updates
- High School Leadership Seminar: 50 high school students are currently on campus in AIC, participating in a summer leadership initiative in partnership with the Office of
- CAMP Grant: Third-year approval received in July (improved from the prior year's September notification). No employee turnover occurred.
- Athletic Director Search: Virtual interviews scheduled for August 11–12. On-campus interviews expected during the second week of classes, with open forums for each candidate. Best-case start date: October 1; worst-case: January 1.
V. Student Engagement
VPSE - Rosalinda Garcia
A. Dusty Camp
- Most recent Dusty Camp: 342 students attended — the largest to date
- Dusty Camp III & IV (Thursday, July 30 and Friday, August 4): 397 students registered
- Parent orientation (in Spanish and English) accompanies each Dusty Camp; the Spanish-language session is the larger of the two
B. OGC Training - August 6
Philip (OGC representative for student affairs) will visit campus on August 6 for a morning refresher training session on DEI and legal updates with Q&A. A separate session will address expressive activity (tabletop exercise) and behavior intervention. All VPs and staff are encouraged to attend or send representatives; this training qualifies for the required self-audit documentation.
C. Summer Academy for At-Risk Students
- Target: Students with 0–2.5 GPA or undecided majors (~500 invited)
- Incentive: $300 stipend for accepted participants
- Focus: Professional skills, social capital, intergenerational conversations, donor engagement, mock interviews
· Volunteer Opportunities:
- August 7: Mock reception (adults needed for practice conversations)
- Thursday: Role-play scenarios (as donor, VP, or recruiter)
- Mock interviews: 30-minute sessions held in volunteers' offices
- Additional volunteers are needed; divisions are encouraged to share the opportunity
D. Dean of Students Search
A strong candidate pool has been identified. An offer is expected this week, with a target start date of mid-September.
E. University of Chicago Law School - FYI
For informational purposes: The University of Chicago Law School has banned electronic devices in classrooms to encourage independent thinking. Shared as a notable trend from a leading institution.
VI. Institutional Advancement
VPIA - Jay Zambrano
A. Marketing and Communications - ADP Search
Two candidates are being interviewed (one today, one tomorrow). Required qualifications: strategic marketing, brand positioning, marketing analytics, and digital marketing campaign experience. This hire is a high priority given the university's push to expand its reach statewide, beyond Laredo.
B. Listening Tour
The administrative and dean listening tour has commenced and is producing positive feedback. Meetings will continue across all divisions.
C. Inauguration Week Fundraising
Conversations are underway with prospective donors. Flexibility has been offered - partners may direct gifts to housing, the College of Business, Athletics, Education, or other areas of their choosing, tied to the celebration of the new president.
D. Social Media and Communications
Current week's messaging: registration reminders, Dusty Camp III coverage, Vision Supercomputer Throwback Thursday, Spirit Monday / Maroon Monday posts, and Wallpaper Wednesday. The Insider is scheduled for release tomorrow (July 28).
E. Photo Shelter Platform
TAMIU is adopting Photo Shelter, a photo-sharing platform used across A&M campuses. Total cost: $12,500. Cost-sharing partners already committed: Registrar's Office and Office of Outreach and Pre-College Programs. Additional partners are being sought.
F. Brand Audit and Rebranding Initiative
The university is conducting a comprehensive brand audit covering logo, website, social media presence, and all marketing materials. Focus: how TAMIU is perceived outside Laredo (particularly San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Houston). External consulting firms are currently being evaluated. Estimated timeline: approximately one year. Discussion noted the current use of multiple logos across campus and the need to establish a unified brand identity.
Action Item: All divisions should hold off on multi-year merchandise/swag purchases during this period. Order only one year's supply until rebranding decisions are finalized.
VII. Athletics
Interim Athletic Director-Henry Miller
A. Facilities
- Ongoing facility upgrades; lights installation expected this week
- North entrance pathway cleaned up and cleared
B. Upcoming Athletic Camps
| Sport | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Women's Basketball | August 8 | Dallas |
| Baseball | August 8 | Campus |
| Softball | August 22 | Campus |
C. Compliance Forms
197 compliance forms distributed to student athletes as of Friday. Cross-country forms pending due to visa issues.
D. Conference and Legislative Items (August 5 Vote)
- Five-Year Eligibility Program: Vote scheduled for August 5. If approved, implementation will be immediate and will require retroactive eligibility calculations for qualifying athletes.
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness): NCAA considering allowing institutions to engage directly with NIL Concerns raised regarding conflicts of interest. Legislative to vote: January 2027.
- Uniform Sponsor Logos: Size increased from 5" to 4×4". Logos must be removed if the team advances to the playoffs. Vote on logo policies: January 2027.
E. Division II Transfer Portal Windows
A committee is implementing controlled transfer windows for Division II (mirroring Division I, which has 14 windows). This change will limit student-athlete transfer activity and encourage program loyalty.
F. Grant-in-Aid Books Coverage
A blanket waiver is expected next week, allowing institutions to continue covering $800/year in books within grants-in-aid. A permanent restriction will be introduced in future legislation.
Challenge noted: many books are now available electronically, raising equity concerns for student-athletes.
VIII. Staff Senate
No representative was present. No report submitted.
IX. Faculty Advisory Council
Secretary-Cynthia Sosa(Delegate)
The Faculty Advisory Council is currently on pause for summer break. Meetings will resume on September 1, with the agenda focused on voting for a parliamentarian and continuing handbook development.
IX. Faculty Advisory Council
Vice President-Valeria Flores (Delegate)
A. All Majors Fair - September 15
Planning is underway. The event will be slightly smaller and more selective in participation compared to prior years. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will precede the fair. SGA members will assist with promotional videos.
B. Mexican Consulate Opening Ceremony - August 3
SGA President David Sosa and Senator Geovanna Banuelos will speak about their transitions from being students in Mexico to college students in Texas.
C. Committee Planning
All SGA committees submitted their fall semester event plans. Plans will be forwarded to the Alumni Association, which has expressed interest in increased participation and partnership throughout the year.
XI. Open Floor
M. Palacios (Compliance)
A. DEI Annual Certification - Deadline: August 15, 2026
The A&M System Ethics and Compliance Office was recently audited. Templates for the annual DEI certification have been updated. Submissions are due to Dr. Maynard by August 15 for review. Dr. Maynard's approval will be followed by submission to the System Office → Board of Regents → State certification.
B. Title II ADA Digital Accessibility Compliance - Deadline: December 15, 2026
The DOJ updated Title II of the ADA in April 2024 (Federal Register) regarding web content and mobile application accessibility. The federal compliance deadline was extended from April 2026 to April 2027. However, President Maynard has established an internal institutional deadline of December 15, 2026, to ensure the university is 100% compliant six months before the federal deadline.
Areas of focus: Web pages, mobile applications, documents, images (alt text), videos (translations/voiceovers)
Key Contacts and Resources:
| Role | Person |
|---|---|
| Committee Chair (System Level) | Linda Hart |
| TAMIU Digital Accessibility Coordinator (IT) | Gloria Sanchez |
| Web/PDF Content Compliance | Ana and Michael (MarComm) |
| Curriculum Accessibility Resources | eLearning |
| Nursing/Clinical Accessibility Issues | Lydia (System-wide specialist) |
| Disability Services | Angelina |
VPs are asked to remind all faculty (full-time and adjunct) to ensure their curriculum, documents, and web content are accessible. Note: Federal requirements supersede State Board of Nursing and other state accrediting body standards.
Chief of Staff-Andrew LaPlant
C. State 55-Page Questionnaire
The state submitted a 55-page questionnaire covering multiple institutional areas. The A&M System office collected all campus responses. Appreciation was expressed to VPs and staff who assisted. The outcome will be communicated after submission.
Upcoming Calendar Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 30, 2026 | Dusty Camp III, 9:30 a.m., FPA Hall |
| August 3, 2026 | Thank You Brunch, 9 - 11 a.m., ZSC 101 |
| August 4, 2026 | Dusty Camp IV, 9:30 a.m., FPA Recital Hall |
| August 4, 2026 | HealthyU Ice Cream Social |
| August 7, 2026 | Summer Schedule Ends |
| August 10, 2026 | Systemwide Strategic Plan Campus Visit |
| August 10, 2026 | Executive Council Meeting, 1 p.m., KLM 270 |
| August 19, 2026 | Faculty and Administrators Staff Assembly |
| August 19, 2026 | Fall Mixer, 5 - 7 p.m., Killam Great Room |
| August 22, 2026 | Transfer Orientation, 9:30 a.m., FPA |
| August 24, 2026 | First Day of Class |
| August 24, 2026 | Executive Council Meeting, 1 p.m., KLM 270 |
| August 26, 2026 | August Staff Birthday Lunch, 12 p.m., WHT 111 |
Summary of Key Action Items
| # | Action Item | Responsible Party | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submit updated class capacities for room allocation | Department Chairs | End of week (July 31) |
| 2 | Send calendar invites for AVP candidate campus visits | Academic Affairs | Before July 31 |
| 3 | Volunteer for Summer Academy mock sessions | All Divisions | August 7 |
| 4 | Submit DEI Annual Certification to Dr. Maynard | M. Palacios / VPs | August 15, 2026 |
| 5 | Complete Philip's (OGC) DEI/legal refresher training | All Divisions | August 6 |
| 6 | Hold off on multi-year merchandise orders; order one year only | All Divisions | Ongoing |
| 7 | Ensure web pages and digital content are ADA Title II compliant | All Divisions | December 15, 2026 |
| 8 | Contact Monica before signing any conference/organization commitments | All Divisions | Ongoing |
| 9 | Emergency Management Subcommittee kickoff | C. Beyea | Week of July 28 |
| 10 | Space Committee - VP representation emails to be sent | Finance and Admin | This week |
Minutes prepared based on the July 27, 2026, Executive Council Meeting recording and the official meeting agenda.