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, May 5 and 6, 2005, in the
Trustees present included:
Karl A. Weber, Chair Brian D. Cloyd Douglas B. Roberts
Larry C. Inman, Vice Chair Jon G. LaSalle Leslie E. Wong, ex officio
Samuel S. Benedict Mary C. Lukens
The Trustee absent during the Thursday session was Alan T. Ackerman
Senior staff and counsel present included:
Pamalene R. Grundstrom, Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary of the Board
Michael J. Roy, V.P. for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board
Alfred N. Joyal, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Thomas P. Hustoles, University Attorney
Chair Karl Weber welcomed new Trustees Brian Cloyd and Jon LaSalle.
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 1:40 p.m., on May 5, 2005, 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
Mr. Cloyd
Mr. Inman
Mr. LaSalle
Ms. Lukens
Dr. Roberts
Mr. Weber
None
The resolution was thus approved unanimously.
Chair Weber recessed the meeting at 1:34 p.m.
RECONVENE
Chair Weber reconvened the meeting on Friday, May 6, at 9:03 a.m.
Trustees present included:
Karl A. Weber, Chair Samuel S. Benedict Mary C. Lukens
Larry C. Inman, Vice Chair Brian D. Cloyd Douglas B. Roberts
Alan T. Ackerman Jon G. LaSalle 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:
A copy of the focus discussion presentation is appended to these minutes (Addendum #1).
Enrollment Update: (Reference to Addendum #1)
Dr. Paul Duby, Associate Vice President for Institutional Research, reported on enrollment history 1998-2004, enrollment targets and projections for fall 2005, measures as of April 22 for areas of strength and weakness, an application history for new freshmen from 1998-2005, new freshman recruitment indices, and focused activities to enhance enrollment in 2005-06 and beyond. Dr. Duby emphasized several opportunities for expansion including weekend college and on-line courses and programs. Dr. Duby responded to questions and comments from Trustees. President Wong acknowledged the work of administration and faculty, particularly the Admissions staff, to enhance enrollment and retention at NMU.
WNMU-TV Academic Report: (Continue reference to Addendum #1)
Provost Joyal noted that this report is offered in response to a request from Trustees at the December, 2004 Board meeting. Director of Broadcast and Audio Visual Services Eric Smith presented the WNMU‑TV Academic Report. He reviewed the FY2005 budget summary and fundraising totals to date, gave an activity overview and highlighted new initiatives with several academic departments and with Academic Information Services, explained how engineering services supports academic programs and provides opportunities for student experiences, and highlighted public television's role in student recruitment. Mr. Smith responded to questions and comments from Trustees. Discussion followed and it was agreed that the Board will receive a report and recommendation at its October meeting when we will know more about the state budget situation.
Curriculum for the 21st Century Update: (Continue reference to Addendum #1)
Dr. Louise Bourgault, Chair of the Internationalization Task Force, gave an update on the work of the task force, noting goals for 2009-2010 that include globalizing NMU faculty and curriculum, offering increased study abroad and service learning opportunities, enhancing an international presence at NMU, and using technology to internationalize the University. Dr. Bourgault acknowledged the task force members and others who helped with the work of the Internationalization Task Force. Dr. Bourgault responded to questions and comments from Trustees. President Wong thanked Dr. Bourgault and the task force members for their work. It was noted that internationalization is already underway at NMU with seven faculty members leading groups in international experiences this summer. Trustees asked for regular updates on the work of the Internationalization and Superior Edge Task Forces.
Dr. Kathleen Thompson, Chair of the Superior Edge Task Force, gave an update on the work of the task force, noting the charge, mission and vision statements and desired outcomes of the Superior Edge Experience. She explained the four "edges" that include leadership/citizenship/diversity/real world and reviewed outcomes and examples to illustrate how students will achieve those outcomes. It was noted that students will be recognized for completing any or all of the edge programs during their NMU college career. A Center for Student Development and Civic Engagement will be the organizational model for the coordination of academic service learning (AS-L), community service programs, leadership programs, student activities and organizations, and AS-L/community service grant writing. Dr. Thompson responded to questions and comments from Trustees. President Wong thanked Dr. Thompson and the task force members for their work and said Northern is an exceptional campus for taking on these two initiatives (Internationalization and Superior Edge) at the same time.
Budget/Capital Outlay/Legislative Update: (Continue reference to Addendum #1)
Associate V.P. for Finance and Planning Gavin Leach gave a budget update. He reviewed general fund budget projections for fiscal year 2006 including planning assumptions and projected revenue adjustments and initiatives and projected budget shortfall based on those planning assumptions. Mr. Leach responded to questions and comments from Trustees.
Dr. Mike Roy provided Trustees with a review of the Capital Outlay process and the Magers Hall project. He said Capital Outlay will be an ongoing item for discussion on the Finance Committee Agenda. He asked Trustees to contact him with questions or comments on the information.
University lobbyist David Haynes gave a legislative update, noting that we are implementing the President's legislative appropriations plan and we are on target. The appropriations process is behind the usual schedule and the Senate has announced that they will make their own version of the appropriations bill. That means we will have the House and Senate versions of the bill moving through the process at the same time. Our Senate hearing is scheduled on May 13 and we are working on that testimony. Several dates to note: 1) Next Monday an announcement is expected regarding a higher education formula funding proposal; 2) May 19 is the revenue estimating conference; 3) June 1 anticipated deadline for the House version of the appropriations bill to be completed; and 4) June 1 to June 30 anticipated deadline for the Senate version of the appropriations bill to be completed; however, most observers expect the final budget bill to go to the Governor in September. We think we have covered our bases at this time and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Mr. Haynes responded to questions and comments from Trustees.
Chair Weber recessed the meeting at 10:58 a.m.
RECONVENE
Chair Weber reconvened the meeting at 11:06 a.m.
INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATING SENIOR SPEAKING AT SPRING COMMENCEMENT
Dr. Joyal introduced Ms. Tara Baker from Lakemoor, Illinois, who will represent the graduating class at Commencement ceremonies tomorrow. She is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a major in electronic journalism and a minor in speech communication. On behalf of the Board, Chair Weber congratulated Ms. Baker and presented her with a plaque. A photo was taken.
INTRODUCTION OF RECIPIENTS OF THE 2005 BOARD OF TRUSTEES STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS AND NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT AWARD
Ms. Christine Greer, Acting Dean of Students, introduced the recipients of the 2005 Board of Trustees Student Achievement Award and Non-Traditional Student Award.
Kim Ruth Fox, Non-Traditional Student Award recipient, is completing her degree in political science/prelaw, has commuted over an hour each way to campus and worked three part-time jobs to support her three children, as well as finding the time to volunteer for worthy causes.
Travis Margoni, Male Graduating Senior Award recipient, has been a writer and Editor in Chief for the NorthWind, has served on the ASNMU Board including a term as Treasurer, and has worked as a tutor at the NMU Writing Center. He is completing his degree in English secondary education.
Casey Vogelheim, Female Graduating Senior Award recipient, has been a Leadership Scholar and Freshman Fellow, active in activities on campus and in the community, playing rugby and softball and holding leadership positions in student organizations. She is completing her degree in psychology and biology.
Caroline Blair, Outstanding Student From Any Class Level Award recipient, has been a Resident Assistant, Summer Orientation Program Staff Assistant, and Student Leader Fellow. She is completing her degree in psychology and business management and will return to NMU to continue her education as a Resident Director next year.
Plaques were presented to the awardees, the Board applauded them, and photos were taken.
INTRODUCTION OF RECIPIENTS OF THE 2005 NMU DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD
Provost Joyal introduced the recipients of the NMU 2005 Distinguished Faculty Award:
Dr. Peter H. Goodrich. Dr. Goodrich, Professor of English, has made many significant contributions to NMU as a teacher, scholar, and colleague since 1984. Known for his high standards in the classroom, his students find him to be an inspiring teacher of literature and writing. He is also a first-rate scholar who has earned an international reputation as perhaps the world’s greatest authority on the figure of Merlin. In 2003 he co-edited and published Merlin: A Casebook; this book is essential reading for anyone doing advanced work on Arthurian literature. Professor Goodrich has also offered consistently high service to the English Department. He has served as Director of Freshman English, Director of Writing Placement, Director of English Graduate Studies, and Assistant to the Department Head.
Dr. Peggy A. House came to Northern
Michigan University in 1993 as Director of the Glenn T. Seaborg Center for
Teaching and Learning Science and Mathematics. In 2003 she joined the
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. Dr. House is
nationally recognized for her work in mathematics education. She has
edited and authored more than 100 published books, chapters, and journal
articles and has made more than 235 presentations nationally and
internationally and has held leadership positions in numerous national
associations. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and was the first recipient of the
Outstanding Contributions to Mathematics Education Award from the Michigan
Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Dr. Robert J. Kulisheck, Professor of Political
Science and Public Administration, has been teaching
and administering at
The Board applauded the outstanding faculty members and photos were taken.
Ms. Rebecca Thompson, outgoing President of ASNMU, reported to the Board. A copy of their report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #2). Ms. Thompson introduced Ms. Michelle Cox, incoming President of ASNMU, to the Board. On behalf of the Board, Chair Weber congratulated Ms. Thompson on her success and presented her with a gift. A photo was taken.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Wong presented the President's Report, highlighting the accomplishments of five outstanding NMU All-American student-athletes and their exceptional Coach, NMU Alumnus Sten Fjeldheim. The Board presented a gift to the students and applauded their success. A photo was taken. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #3).
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Academic Affairs
Ms. Lukens, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held yesterday. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #4). The following action was taken:
It was moved by Mr. Benedict, seconded by Mr. Inman, and approved
unanimously to change the North Star Academy address to 3030 Wright Street,
Marquette, MI 49855.
Dr. Roberts, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a meeting held yesterday. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #5). The following action was taken:
It was moved by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Ms. Lukens, and approved
unanimously to authorize the Vice President for Finance and Administration to
delegate contract signing authority to the Dean of Academic Information Services
for contracts that pertain to library acquisitions and software licenses that
are funded from the Academic Information Services budget.
NMU FOUNDATION UPDATE
Chair Weber announced the appointment of Trustees Alan Ackerman, Larry Inman, and Jon LaSalle as ex officio members of the NMU Foundation Board of Trustees for Calendar Year 2005. Mr. Ackerman suggested that the Foundation Board meet in conjunction with the Board of Trustees. Ms. Van Der Kamp said that is planned for next October.
Ms. Martha Van Der Kamp, Executive Director of Advancement, gave an update on Foundation activities, noting that a consultant has been hired to conduct a readiness assessment for the Foundation related to our next capital campaign. The consultant's report is expected in late summer or early fall and work on the next capital campaign is expected to begin in a year to two years. Our budgeted revenue for this fiscal year was $4 million and we are currently at $4.1 million in gifts to the University. Ms. Van Der Kamp invited the Trustees to visit the Foundation to see our new furniture, received through a generous gift from Steelcase Inc., facilitated by Trustee Brian Cloyd.
Ms. Van Der Kamp introduced Ms. Amy Silk, Director of Foundation Operations. Ms. Silk gave an update on the operations of the Foundation Office, highlighting several initiatives: 1) create and implement a prospect management reporting and tracking system so that we can more effectively build our major gift fundraising program to increase giving; 2) streamline the processes to acknowledge and record gifts; 3) develop a systematic approach to the annual giving program to increase revenue and further develop major gifts; 4) implement a strategy to incorporate planned giving into our program; and 5) build and sustain our Foundation Board and maintain enthusiasm and engage the Board more in the life of the university and in the mission of the Foundation.
It was moved by Mr. Inman, seconded by Mr. Cloyd, and unanimously supported by the Board of Trustees to approve the Formal Recommendations.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION TO BE HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE THURSDAY-FRIDAY, AUGUST 4-5, 2005, MEETING OF THE BOARD
President Wong made this announcement for the public record.
Chair Weber adjourned the meeting at 12:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
//signed//
Pamalene R. Grundstrom
Secretary of the Board