Approved
NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Regular Session
of
A regular session of the Board of Trustees of Northern
Michigan University was held on Thursday and Friday, December 16 and 17, 2004,
in the
Trustees present included:
Mary L. Campbell, Chair Larry C. Inman
Karl A. Weber, Vice Chair Mary C. Lukens
Samuel S. Benedict Douglas B. Roberts
Scott L. Holman Leslie E. Wong, ex officio
The Trustee absent during the Thursday sessions was Alan T. Ackerman
Senior staff and counsel present included:
Michael J. Roy, V.P. for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board
Pamalene R. Grundstrom, Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary of the Board
Alfred N. Joyal, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Thomas P. Hustoles, University Attorney
David S. Haynes, University Lobbyist
CLOSED SESSION AUTHORIZATION
President Wong presented the following recommendation:
It is recommended that the following resolution relative to holding a closed session of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University be approved:
RESOLVED, that the Board shall meet in Closed Session at 1:10 p.m., on December 16, 2004, pursuant to Section 8 of the Open Meetings Act:
To consider matters connected with the strategy and/or negotiation of its collective bargaining agreements;
To consider the purchase or lease of real property on which the University does not hold an option;
To consult with the attorney for the University on matters relating to pending litigation, it being the opinion of the Board that consideration of such matters in an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the litigation and/or settlement position of the University;
To consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.
Aye Nay
Mr. Benedict
Ms. Campbell
Mr. Holman
Mr. Inman
Ms. Lukens
Dr. Roberts
Mr. Weber
None
The resolution was thus approved unanimously.
Chair Campbell recessed the meeting at 1:07 p.m.
RECONVENE
Chair Campbell reconvened the meeting on Friday, December 17, at 8:00 a.m.
Trustees present included:
Mary L. Campbell, Chair Scott L. Holman
Karl A. Weber, Vice Chair Larry C. Inman
Alan T. Ackerman Mary C. Lukens
Samuel S. Benedict Douglas B. Roberts
Leslie E. Wong, ex officio
Senior staff and counsel present included:
Pamalene R. Grundstrom, Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary of the Board
Alfred N. Joyal, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Michael J. Roy, V.P. for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board
Thomas P. Hustoles, University Attorney
David S. Haynes, University Lobbyist
Ms. Grundstrom said there have been no requests to address the Board.
FOCUS DISCUSSION: PUBLIC BROADCASTING, MARKETING/RECRUITMENT/ ENROLLMENT
A copy of the focus discussion presentation is appended to these minutes (Addendum #1).
Public Broadcasting:
Pursuant to questions raised by Trustees at the October, 2004 Board meeting, Director of Broadcast and Audio Visual Services Eric Smith made a presentation on Public Broadcasting and responded to additional questions and comments from Trustees. The presentation concluded with possible budget strategies that allow for the continued operation of public radio and television. Discussion followed.
Chair Campbell complimented Mr. Smith and the staff for their professionalism throughout the public broadcasting review process. She said we often don't realize how much we care about something until we may lose it and that the process we go through leading to the final decision is important, as well as the final decision. The budget concerns are always there; and it is the fundability, not the worthiness, of public broadcasting that is at issue.
In response to questions from trustees, Mr. Smith said the estimated grant total for the digital upgrade is $1.5 million and the projected deadline for conversion could be as early as 2007 or as late as 2010. Discussion continued and Mr. Smith agreed to provide trustees with additional information about revenue generating opportunities associated with our towers, specifically lease clauses and how they are constructed in our contracts. The Board reviewed additional funding sources, including the RIF (Reduction in Force) and other grant funds.
When asked to express his administrative position on this issue, President Wong said the opportunity exists for public television to become an integral part of our academic programs, complementing other initiatives such as a the laptop program, and can become a tool to open up student experiences and outreach to potential students that is dramatic. To lose this tool would be permanent and it would be impossible to recover a similar tool with that kind of potential. We need to be fiscally prudent and we can take the risk and take this step. He added that this institution has always been fiscally prudent; that we have taken risks in the past and have been successful. This is an opportunity to do that again.
Mr. Holman said he wants to see public broadcasting succeed at Northern. It has value in student involvement and the wolf documentary project is indicative of that. The U.P. needs this and it is an outreach opportunity for NMU. Any project that has these kinds of champions and administrative support has the opportunity to succeed. We have the technical support for success. The issue is the funding. There are financial commitments and the requirement to go digital to consider. We need the time to evaluate those requirements.
The following motion was made:
It was moved by Mr. Holman and seconded by Mr. Benedict to support public radio, as per the recommendation, and to take no action at this time on public television.
Mr. Holman added that deferring the final decision on public television will allow us the time to take action on digitizing the television operation.
Additional discussion followed. Mr. Inman said he is concerned about the sustainability of public television fund raising and suggested that the administration provide confidence that fund raising levels will remain steady or increase. He also asked for a strategy to promote student enrollment and recruitment in the majors involved with public broadcasting.
Mr. Benedict said he supports the motion. He is encouraged that the timing of the grant is in the range of 2007 to 2010 and he agreed with Mr. Inman's concerns.
Mr. Weber said he supports the motion. He asked if we are taking a risk in not finalizing this today. Dr. Joyal asked if we are OK for the 2005-2006 year in funding, saying that in order to increase fund raising, we need to have confidence in the fact that the operation will continue. A lack of clarity in the future of the operation could cause a lack of confidence in giving. Mr. Smith agreed with Dr. Joyal's concern, noting that it will be difficult to build an endowment and a planned giving program if the future is unclear. It was noted that funding for public television is secure in the 2005-2006 budget.
Chair Campbell asked the administration to capitalize on the commitment of Mr. Ackerman to provide assistance in the fund raising area. She raised a concern about our commitment to other projects such as the Curriculum for the 21st Century. President Wong assured the Board that we will be prudent, that the public television operation will be successful, and that we will develop a low risk strategy for the future.
The Board then voted unanimously to support the motion on the floor.
Mr. Inman suggested that the administration take advantage of local resources to engage with area stations in learning partnerships, to enhance the learning experience for our students, and to increase our student internship opportunities.
Enrollment/Recruitment/Marketing: Continue reference to (Addendum #1).
Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research Paul Duby began the presentation with a review of the enrollment plan and the outcomes from 1998 through Fall 2004. Associate Provost for Student Services and Enrollment Bill Bernard continued the presentation with a review of Fall 2005 targets and strategies and potential new target market initiatives. The presenters were assisted by Director of Admissions Gerri Daniels, Director of Communications Cindy Paavola and Director of Marketing Brian Zinser in respond to questions and comments from Trustees.
At this time, the Board returned to a discussion of public broadcasting.
In response to questions about granting sources and the likelihood of grant funds for the digital FM transmitter replacement, Mr. Smith said this expense is not mandated yet by the FCC, but is on our time table.
Discussion continued and the following motion to amend was made:
It was moved by Mr. Holman and seconded by Mr. Benedict to amend the prior motion regarding public broadcasting to include the following language: "and that any capital commitments to public broadcasting be deferred until there is a comprehensive and board approved funding plan."
Mr. Weber said it is his understanding that in the earlier motion the Board approved on-going support at $50,000 per year for public radio. He is concerned that the Board, by going into the level of approving capital commitments, is micromanaging. Chair Campbell said the concern is that the Board originally approved the elimination of funding for these operations as a budget reduction and is now being asked to reconsider that decision. Mr. Weber said he will oppose this motion on the basis of this being an operational issue.
The Board then acted on the motion on the floor on a roll-call vote:
Aye Nay
Mr. Ackerman
Mr. Benedict
Ms. Campbell
Mr. Holman
Mr. Inman
Ms. Lukens
Dr. Roberts
Mr. Weber
On a vote of five (5) in favor and three (3) opposed, the motion is carried.
Discussion followed regarding a clarification of direction for staff. Mr. Holman asked that the above motion be considered non-precedent setting. Chair Campbell noted that $2.55 million is the grand total needed for digital conversion and we have proposed sources for that funding. She said the Board would like to see a funding plan that looks at alternative sources (i.e. do we use the RIF funds or should they be considered for other projects?). The Board wants the staff to have a plan for public broadcasting that satisfies their questions and concerns regarding future financial commitments.
Chair Campbell recessed the meeting at 10:03 a.m.
RECONVENE
Chair Campbell reconvened the meeting at 10:15 a.m.
INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATING SENIOR SPEAKING AT MIDYEAR COMMENCEMENT
Mr. William Bernard introduced Ms. Lekeitia Cokley who will represent the graduating class at Commencement ceremonies tomorrow. She is graduating with a major in business computer information systems. On behalf of the Board, Chair Campbell congratulated Ms. Cokley and presented her with a plaque. A photo was taken.
INTRODUCTION OF SISTER CITY SCHOLAR
Director of International Studies John Weting introduced Ms. Hiromi Nakamura, Sister City Scholar. Ms. Nakamura thanked the Board for the opportunity to participate in the Sister City Scholar program. A photo was taken with Ms. Nakamura, President Wong, and Chair Campbell.
Ms. Rebecca Thompson, President of ASNMU, reported to the Board. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #2).
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Wong presented the President's Report. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #3). He announced that Dr. Jane Piirto, NMU Class of 1963, Trustees' Professor of Education and Director of Talent Development Education at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio, will receive the Honorary Degree Doctor of Humane Letters and will be the December 2004 NMU Commencement Speaker. President Wong introduced Professors Ray Ventre and Walter Niebauer, recipients of the NMU Excellence in Teaching Award. The Board applauded the awardees and a photo was taken. President Wong then introduced Professors Laura Reissner and Suzanne Standerford, and in absentia Professors Kathleen Heikkila, Mitchell Klett, recipients of the TLC Award. The Board applauded the awardees and a photo was taken.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Academic Affairs
Mr. Weber, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held yesterday. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #4).
Mr. Benedict, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a meeting held yesterday. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #5).
Executive
Mr. Scott Holman, Chair of the Executive Committee, reported on meetings held on November 5, 2004 and yesterday. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #6).
APPOINTMENTS OF TRUSTEES TO STANDING COMMITTEES - CALENDAR YEAR 2005
Chair-Elect Weber proposed the following Board standing committee memberships for calendar year 2005. (See Formal Recommendation F-1).
Academic Affairs
Finance
Executive
Mary C. Lukens, Chair Samuel S. Benedict, Chair Mary L. Campbell, Chair
Mary L. Campbell Alan T. Ackerman Larry C. Inman
Scott L. Holman Scott L. Holman Mary C. Lukens
Larry C. Inman Douglas B. Roberts Karl A. Weber, ex officio
Karl A. Weber, ex officio Karl A. Weber, ex officio Leslie E. Wong, ex officio
Leslie E. Wong, ex officio Leslie E. Wong, ex officio Samuel S. Benedict, alternate
It was moved by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Mr. Benedict, and unanimously supported by the Board of Trustees to approve the Formal Recommendations. (Backup)
TRUSTEE RECOGNITION
Chair Campbell recognized Trustee Scott Holman for his service on the Board with the following resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
from the
Northern Michigan University
Board of Trustees
to
Scott L. Holman
Whereas, Scott L. Holman served as a distinguished member of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University from 1997 through 2004; and
Whereas, he has served on numerous Board Committees including Academic Affairs, Audit, Finance, Presidential Assessment and Compensation, Executive, Ad Hoc Nominating and Presidential Search; and
Whereas, he has been an involved and effective leader for Northern, serving terms as Vice Chair and Chair of the Board; and
Whereas, he has given generously to his alma mater through numerous gifts to the Northern Michigan University Foundation, including the Scott L. Holman Case Room and the Northern Michigan University Alumni Suite; and
Whereas, he has shared his knowledge and life experience with Northern, serving as member and past chair of the Walker Cisler College of Business Advisory Council and as member and past president of the NMU Alumni Association Board; and
Whereas, he and his wife Martine have graciously hosted the Board for several memorable events at Granite Island, King Lake, and the Bay Cast Corporate Offices; therefore be it
Resolved, that we, his friends and colleagues on the Board of Trustees, commend him for his significant contributions to Northern Michigan University and for his faithful service to the people of this state, and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.
Adopted this 17th day of December, 2004, at
/signed/ Leslie E. Wong /signed/ Mary L. Campbell
President of Northern Michigan University Chair of the Board of Trustees
It was moved by Mr. Weber, seconded by Ms. Campbell, and unanimously supported by the Board of Trustees to adopt the above resolution.
The Board applauded Mr. Holman for his service and a photo was taken. Mr. Holman expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the Board of his alma mater.
Chair Campbell turned the meeting over to Chair-Elect Karl Weber for a presentation.
Chair-Elect Weber recognized Trustee Mary L. Campbell for her service on the Board with the following resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
from the
Northern Michigan University
Board of Trustees
to
Mary Lincoln Campbell
Whereas, Mary Lincoln Campbell served as a dedicated member of the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees from 1997 through 2004; and
Whereas, she has served on numerous Board Committees including Academic Affairs, Audit, Finance, Executive, Ad Hoc Nominating, and Presidential Search; and
Whereas, she has been a capable and devoted leader for this Board, serving as both Vice Chair and Chair during her tenure; and
Whereas, she has willingly shared her knowledge and expertise in the world of business by offering wise advice and counsel, keeping the best interests of the University in the forefront; and
Whereas, she has given generously to the Northern Michigan University Foundation through numerous gifts, including the Campbell Scholarship Fund; and
Whereas, she has led the Board through presidential transitions and budget restrictions, enrollment gains and growing pains, leading – even while injured and bleeding, sharing her wit and rhyme as well as her talent and time; therefore be it
Resolved, that we, her friends and colleagues on the Board of Trustees, commend her for her significant contributions to Northern Michigan University and for her faithful service to the people of this state, and wish her well in all of her future endeavors.
Adopted this 17th day of December, 2004, at
/signed/ Leslie E. Wong /signed/ Karl A. Weber
President of Northern Michigan University Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees
It was moved by Mr. Benedict, seconded by Ms. Lukens, and unanimously supported by the Board of Trustees to adopt the above resolution.
Chair-Elect Weber then presented Chair Campbell with a photo album and engraved marble bookends in appreciation of her service as Chair of the NMU Board of Trustees for 2003 and 2004.
The Board applauded Ms. Campbell for her service and a photo was taken. Chair Campbell thanked all who have worked with her during her tenure on the Board
The Board also presented Mr. Holman and Ms. Campbell with special limericks from Ms. Lukens and NMU blankets as mementos of their service.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION TO BE HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE THURSDAY-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10-11, 2005, ANNUAL RETREAT OF THE BOARD
President Wong made this announcement for the public record.
Chair Campbell adjourned the meeting at 11:25 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/signed/ Pamalene R. Grundstrom
Secretary of the Board