SACS (COCN SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES December 11. 2017 Dr. Cesar Maldonado President Houston Community College 3100 Main Street Houston, TX 77266-7517 Dear Dr. Maldonado: Thank you for your response to my letter of July 11. 2017. requesting an explanation and documentation regarding your institution's ongoing compliance with the Principles of Accreditation. This request was made following an article in Inside Higher Ed, "Houston CC Trustee Convicted of Bribery." as well as a linked article from The Houston Chronicle, "Houston Community College vice chair convicted of bribery." regarding the conviction of the vice chair of the Houston Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees on federal bribery charges and allegations of "potential misuses of bond money and efforts by trustees to steer money and business to friends and political allies" that raised questions about the institution's ongoing compliance with accreditation standards related to Board conflict of interest. After reviewing the material submitted, we determined that additional evidence is needed to make an assessment of the institution's case for compliance with the Principles of Accreditation (rev. December 2017). Included in the documentation is support of the institution's case for compliance was an article from the Houston Press, Board Member Hires Consultant. Attorney to Investigate His Own Board." It appears that this investigation by an individual member of the Board is outside of the ongoing investigation currently being conducted by the institution and authorized by the H00 Board of Trustees. In order to determine if there is evidence of signi?cant accreditation?related issues. the institution is requested to prepare an additional report that explains and documents the extent of its compliance with the following standard of the Principles of Accreditation: - 4.1.d. (Governing board characteristics) 0 Inherent in this standard is the understanding that members of the governing board are not controlled by a minority and act with authority only as a collective entity. Please submit to my of?ce copies of the institution's response to this letter by no later than Monday. January 22. 2018. In accord with SACSCOC policy on the receipt of unsolicited information. the institution's response will be reviewed. and if Commission staff determines that the information is of factual substance and is accreditation-related. the information and documentation, along with the 1866 Southern Lane - Decatur. Georgia 30033 4097 Telephone 40436794500 - Fax 404/679 4558 a SAcs/gcoou Dr. Cesar Maldonado December 14. 2017 Page Two institution?s response will be forwarded to the SACSCOC Board of Trustees for formal review. Or. it is possible, the President of SACSCOC could authorize a Special Committee to review the institution. If you or your staff have any questions, please feel free to contact me to 404-994-6558. Sincerely, Patricia L. Donat, Vice President PLDzecr Cc: Dr. Kurt Ewen. Institutional Accreditation Liaison