Everything Nac

Stephen F. Austin State University senior Marcella Cook, an accounting major in the Rusche College of Business, is serving as chairperson of the Student Government Association. As chairperson, Cook is tasked with reviewing legislation and addressing issues brought to the committee.

Last year, Cook served as SGA senator and was a voice for off-campus students. She was awarded Senator of the Year for her efforts.

“The award was a big surprise,” Cook said. “I do what I do to help students, and the awards are just acknowledgement that I’m doing my job right and well.”

Cook is active in the Wesley Foundation, Live Action Role Play Club, Phi Beta Lambda and the Economics Reading Group. Cook is from Killeen, Texas.

The Texas Court of Appeals, 12th District, will hold court on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus this month during an event hosted by the university’s College of Liberal and Applied Arts.

“Oral arguments play a critical role in how judges decide cases and make laws,” said Dr. Donald Gooch, SFA assistant professor of political science. “For aspiring members of the legal profession and students interested in law and the judicial system, this is an excellent chance to see live oral arguments before a real appellate court. This also is an exciting educational opportunity for all SFA students.”

Texas law allows for appellate courts to hold proceedings outside of designated courtrooms provided the location is within the court’s judicial district, according to Pam Estes, clerk of court for the 12th District. The 12th Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over 17 East Texas counties.

“The benefits of doing oral arguments at other locations are that it allows for the 12th Court of Appeals to be more accessible to the people in the communities and counties where we serve,” said Estes. “It provides educational opportunities for students and the public to observe at least part of the appellate process at work. It is the intent of the court to create a catalyst for learning more about our third co-equal branch of government and gaining knowledge on how the appellate process works.”

Presiding court members will include Chief Justice James Worthen and Justices Brian Hoyle and Greg Neeley.

“Appellate courts review decisions made by the lower courts (district and county) on questions of law and disputed issues of fact in both civil and criminal cases,” Estes explained. “They do not try cases, have jurors or hear testimony from witnesses.

“A party who disagrees with the trial court’s decision may appeal to an appellate court. At oral argument, the parties present their arguments to the court, and the justices ask questions pertaining to the arguments and the appellate record. The court informs the parties of its decision by issuing a written opinion stating its ruling and the legal reasoning supporting it. No rulings are made at oral argument.”

The Texas Court of Appeals, 12th District, will hear oral arguments from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 29, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Theater on the SFA campus.

The public is invited to attend. Firearms and other weapons are not permitted in court, and attendees must pass through a security checkpoint prior to entry. Courtroom etiquette must be observed, including the prohibition of photo and video documentation, electronics and inappropriate clothing. Cellphones must be silenced and no backpacks are allowed inside the courtroom.

OPEN MEETING NOTICE

Stephen F. Austin State University

Board of Regents Special Called Meeting

Nacogdoches, Texas

Sept. 10, 2016


Meeting 305

Baker Pattillo Student Center Multi-Media Room (2.106)

The Board of Regents of Stephen F. Austin State University will convene a special called meeting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, according to the following agenda:

CALL TO ORDER IN OPEN SESSION

Paint the Town Purple Initiative

Strategic Plan Update


Update on Bond Sale

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The board will move to executive session for consideration of the following item:

Consideration of Individual Personnel Matters Relating to Appointment, Employment, Evaluation, Assignment, Duties, Discipline, or Dismissal of an Officer or Employee, including but not limited to the vice presidents and the president (Texas Government Code, Section 551.074)

RECONVENE BOARD MEETING IN OPEN SESSION

ESTIMATED ADJOURNMENT OF BOARD MEETING (approximately 3:30 p.m.)

Where appropriate and permitted by law, Executive Sessions may be held for the above-listed subjects (Section 551.071). Possible action may be taken in Open Session on matters considered in Executive Session. Further details regarding the posted agenda are available for public review in the Office of the Board of Regents, Austin Building, Room 308, Telephone (936) 468-4048.