Members absent: Sarah Fall (excused; voting proxy Mr. Godre), Jasmine Lee (excused), Jenita Moore (excused; voting proxy Mr.

Transcription

1 Eastern Michigan University Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting McKenny Hall Saturday, April 16, 2016 Members present: Patricia Andrewes, Patrick Barry, Amanda Bennett, Tom Borg, Ryan Buck, Tom Charboneau, Linda Edwards-Brown, Randi Glaza, John Godre, Mike Gomez, Ruth Halsey, George Harrison, Matt Mortier, Robert Murkowski, Chad Newton, Paul Nucci, Don Reichert, Niklaus Schillack, Greg Sheldon, Mauricio Silva, Marques Thomey, Claudia Young Members absent: Sarah Fall (excused; voting proxy Mr. Godre), Jasmine Lee (excused), Jenita Moore (excused; voting proxy Mr. Charboneau) Ex-officio members present: Jill Hunsberger, Don Loppnow Ex-officio members absent: Steven Cole Emeritus member present: Bill Malcolm, Fred Roberts (late), Bud Schimmelpfenneg Emeritus member absent: Vicki Reaume (excused) Others present: Lucas Langdon, Tina Lonski, Tiara Montgomery, Jessica Nietrzeba, Andre Poplar, Gabriella Salagean, Cory Schiver, Peter Scranton, Hilary Simmet, Doug Wallace, Tanasia Wood 1. Call to Order/Approval of the Agenda Mr. Barry called the meeting to order at 9:04am. He welcomed the Board and our guests. Mr. Barry invited all to visit the new exhibit in the McKenny Gallery during the meeting break. Mr. Barry removed the political organization agenda item in New Business. Ms. Halsey motioned to approve the agenda and Ms. Andrewes seconded the motion. Agenda approved. 2. Roll Call Ms. Halsey took attendance. The results of the roll call can be found at the top the minutes. 3. Approval of February 20, 2016 Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Ms. Andrewes made a motion to approve the February 20, 2016 minutes. Mr. Buck supported the motion. Minutes approved. 4. Alumni Association President s Report Mr. Barry discussed his meeting with Ms. Hunsberger and Alumni Relations staff about the departure of Ann Thompson. Mr. Barry shared a handout with meeting notes. He discussed Ms. Hunsberger s vision for the future of Advancement and Alumni Relations. Future plans are evolving for the structure of the division. Ms. Hunsberger will be supporting the Alumni Association s activities and will communicate 1

2 applicable changes with the Board. Mr. Barry publicly thanked Ms. Thompson in her work with the Board over the past few years. Mr. Barry shared a quote about change and his hope for the future. 5. Alumni Association President-Elect Report Mr. Thomey welcomed our guests and those running for director positions who were present today. Mr. Thomey also thanked Mr. Harrison for his appointment to the Foundation Board. 6. Alumni Association Treasurer s Report Mr. Schillak shared the current financial position using the notes included in his report. He commented that license plate renewals are consistent with previous years data. Mr. Schillack thanked Mr. Buck for requesting that the current operating budget be included and, for the first time, it was included in the packet. 7. Office for Alumni Relations Report Mr. Barry shared a sign-up sheet for the upcoming events including Commencement, the EMU Heart Walk, and Ypsi Pride Day. It was passed around for directors to indicate their availability to attend. 8. Division Update Ms. Hunsberger thanked the Board for all the service to EMU. She elaborated on Mr. Barry s comments from his earlier report on the changes within Alumni Relations. Ms. Hunsberger is excited on the collaboration between the Alumni Association Board and the Foundation Board. Collaboration is a key factor in how she would like to move forward. In one example there is a current collaboration with Advancement and Financial Aid on scholarships for current students. There are also discussions on collaborations between Advancement and Academic Affairs on business and community engagement activities. Raiser s Edge is the premier software product for fundraising and Advancement is transitioning to this program soon. She is excited at the program s ability to increase effectiveness and efficiency of office tasks. A recent $1.7 million gift was given to EMU and Ms. Hunsberger acknowledged the team effort it takes to prepare for such a gift. There was a $10 million goal for this fiscal year and EMU has currently collected $9.9 million. There are still two and a half months to achieve the goal and she is confident it can be accomplished. An independent partner has been invited to assist with strategic planning. Working together with the staff, a situational analysis is being conducted on the current place of the office and where improvements can be made. 2

3 Ms. Hunsberger believes that discipline, customer service, engagement and excellence are the key elements for success under her leadership. Question: Ms. Andrewes asked about Ms. Hunsberger s feelings of how to best incorporate recognizing teachers into current campus awards. Answer: Ms. Hunsberger feels as though recognizing teachers can best be done by collaborating with current campus awards ceremonies. She is confident that a relationship could be created with the Provost s office and other partners to share the recognition the Board desires. Question: Ms. Glaza asked about what is being done to correct, what she calls, engagement apathy? Answer: Ms. Hunsberger said that this is the purpose of the crosscutting committees. For example, we can involve directors to bring outside alumni back to campus for a very specific purpose - lunch with a dean, faculty member, or new president. Building on smaller and more personal events can lead to a shift in overall attitudes. Question: Mr. Sheldon asked Ms. Hunsberger about the plans for the now vacant Executive Director of Alumni Relations position. Answer: Dr. Loppnow responded to the question that the next President, Dr. Smith, will determine the decisions on staffing. Question: Mr. Borg asked about what is being done to engage current students in the hope of eventually creating engaged alumni. Answer: Ms. Hunsberger commented that there is a hope for collaboration with the VP of Student Affairs. There are no current conversations but it is certainly a piece that needs to be explored. Comment: Mr. Reichert commented on Ms. Hunsberger s philosophy of personal invitations. He agrees that creating these type of experiences for connecting alumni is valuable. Question: Ms. Glaza asked about Ms. Thompson s plan for EMU Connect (online engagement tool). She commented again on the need to focus on engagement. Answer: Ms. Simmet commented that EMU Connect is currently in a phase of building and uploading specific information. An update from the company is expected soon and plans to move forward will be evaluated. Comment: Mr. Schillack commented on his appreciation for the small gatherings of engagement. Comment: Ms. Edwards-Brown shared her excitement for the direction of alumni programming. She asked that there be invitations for engagement over the summer. 3

4 9. University Update Dr. Loppnow shared the new President Smith will be visiting a couple times before his official at Budget Retreat with Board of Regents and Detroit Regional Chamber Conference on Mackinac Island. He will also be present at final Board of Regents meeting this year. EMU is #1 university in the country for the number of current Fulbright Scholars. There is an upcoming recommendation to the Board of Regents for a Geo-Spatial Science and Technology major to be located in the Geography and Geology department. The Jewish Studies Program has been launched in March and will focus on both instruction and research. The MA Engineering Management and MA in Educational Leadership programs are both ranked in top 50 in the country. A study of recent graduates (graduates from April and December of 2015) showed that 92% of respondents were employed or not currently seeking employment. 75% found their first job within 6 months. 80% have stayed within Michigan. Dr. Loppnow thanked those who attended EMU Day in Lansing. The biggest focus is on capital outlay improvements. The funds in this program only assist academic building improvements. Strong Hall needs renovations and this project is ranked 4 out of 4 in the recommendations out of the Governor s office. He encouraged directors to assist in whomever they may know to help in securing the badly needed funding. A comprehensive facilities assessment is being prepared for Dr. Smith s arrival and for Board of Regents review. Dr. Loppnow shared his appreciation for all the work the Board does to support EMU. Question: Mr. Buck asked about the GIS degree. How does it fit into the current GIS program? Who is the best contact? Answer: Dr. Loppnow said that the program s goal is to blend disciplinary expertise. For specifics on the program, the best GIS contact is Dr. Yichun Xie. Question: Ms. Glaza commented on the technology in the programs in Strong Hall. She remembers the programs not having the adequate technology support needed when she was a student. Answer: Dr. Loppnow assured Ms. Glaza that the technology for the programs is current and satisfies the needs of the programs in Strong Hall. The needs are for a renovated space. That being said, capital outlay money from the State only funds buildings so there is a need to raise additional funds. Question: Mr. Nucci asked Dr. Loppnow to comment on the budget and fiscal realities currently being discussed at EMU. Answer: Administrators have done a good job of balancing their operating budgets. Accrual budgets are running at a deficit and it affects the University s ability to save for larger projects. Dr, Loppnow has asked all areas to show a 5% reduction in operating budget to enable the university to continue to operate 4

5 efficiently and to address the long-term infrastructure needs. He shared an example of a current need to replace Loop #1 - the power loop for 11 academic buildings - with a price tag of $14 million. Question: Mr. Sheldon asked about the record enrollment over the past few years and its impact on University revenue. He also asked about the increase in financial aid and if it is sustainable. Answer: Dr. Loppnow responded that it has not impacted the revenue stream enough. There is a decline in transfer student population. He commented on the declining number of high school graduates in the state. There is a 5 year decline at EMU in the amount of credit hours taken by students. To combat these issues, there is a greater emphasis on international and transfer student initiatives to grow those specific populations. Universities are competing for a declining student population and scholarships are a primary factor in recruitment. $54 million was allocated for scholarships alone this past year. Most scholarships offered are tuition discounting (take money off tuition costs) scholarships. Increased efforts have been made in retaining and graduating students over the last few years. At the conclusion of Dr. Loppnow s comments, Mr. Barry thanked him for his service to EMU again. His passion and dedication to this University is evident in all he does. 10. Student Body Update Student Body President Cole was not present. Tanasia Morton is the recently elected President of Student Government and was present to introduce herself. She is a Political Science major and Communication minor. She is a member of the NAACP and has been a Student Governor Senator. She recently was recognized as a 2016 Gold Medallion winner and a 2016 Women of Excellence winner. Joshua Starr is the newly elected Student Government Vice President and is currently a Resident Advisor. BREAK from 10:31am to 10:46am. 11. Committee Reports A. Awards and Recognition Mr. Harrison shared a handout with the rationale and the ETEA^2 proposal. He also invited all directors to attend the Alumni Awards Ceremony on May 21, Attendance is expected to be high with many high-profile and well-deserving award winners. Mr. Harrison shared his comments on the importance in recognizing excellent teachers. He says everyone has benefited from great instruction by excellent teachers. Mr. Harrison believes this involves students, alumni, other teachers and colleagues. This program would also recognize those who have earned degrees from EMU. Mr. Harrison motioned to approve the proposal for the ETEA^2 as written in his report. Ms. Andrewes seconded the motion. 5

6 Comment: Mr. Buck commented on the intent in the proposal to be a guide is not currently noted. He would like to see verbiage included to state that all details of the event and proposal are subject to change. Comment: Mr. Schimmelpfenneg commented on the historical facts of the previously canceled similar event. Over $11,000 was lost in 4 years of hosting the previous event. The nominations and the quality of nominations decreased each year. He believes his new proposal is a rehash of the program that was just voted to be canceled. Finances are not included in this proposal. Mr. Schimmelpfenneg shared that the other emeritus members do not approve of this proposal. Comment: Mr. Borg believes this proposal and event is right up our alley and the event supports our mission as the Alumni Association. Comments: Mr. Thomey shared the intent of the proposal is to be a guide. He also believes there is nothing wrong with asking for support for the passing of the proposal. s and phone calls to ask for support is an acceptable action. Question: Ms. Edwards-Brown asked for clarification on what the Board is voting on. She also included that it should be amended to simply include the idea of recognizing teachers, without the specific details of how the event will run. Answer: Mr. Thomey explained that the proposal is being voted on as written and presented. Future collaborations are not being determined at this time. Comment: Ms. Bennett shared her opinion that she believes this issue has been previously voted on. She feels like it is self-serving to a select few directors. She did not appreciate the behind-the-scenes lobbying via s and phone calls to specific people. Comment: Ms. Andrewes shared that the idea behind the program is valuable. She believes there should be a program in place before even discussing how to implement the finer details. She does not feel that finances are important to discuss at this time. Comment: Mr. Schillack commented on the event s connection to our mission. He wants to see the spirit of the conversation in writing. He wants to see the framework of the event - the importance of recognizing teachers - be voted on. He s not sure he can vote on a proposal for an event that will change. Comment: Mr. Reichert commented on the breakdown of the Board s budget. We have never given full effort in raising funds for our scholarships and find it difficult to vote on a program that does not have funding support at this time. Mr. Reichert offered an amendment. He would like the Board to vote to: philosophically support recognizing teachers and faculty in partnership in an existing campus event and for the proposal to be returned to committee for changes. Motioned seconded by Mr. Schimmelpfenneg. Mr. Murkowski called to question on the amendment proposed. After a vote, the amendment did not pass. Discussion returned to original motion to approve the proposal. 6

7 Comment: Mr. Newton does not have the historical reference to understand the previously canceled teaching awards. He believes, however, that decisions should be fiscally sound. He loves the proposal but believes it needs to be properly funded and this proposal does not include any concrete financial data. Comment: Ms. Glaza has the same concerns as she previously stated at the last Board meeting. There is no difference in this proposal from the proposal presented last meeting. She does not want to vote on a proposal without any of her concerns being addressed. Comment: Mr. Gomez wants to know if there will be opportunity to vote on future changes. Comment: Ms. Hunsberger envisions a conversation, including Board representation, with the Provost s Office on how to collaborate on a future event. Comment: Mr. Charboneau would like to see the proposal move forward. He looks at it as simply a decision on whether to support the idea or not. He believes we should be recognizing teachers. Comment: Mr. Schimmelpfenneg does not like the nomination process included in the proposal. He wants to see nominations come from only alumni. He agrees that recognizing teachers is a good idea but would like to see it better organized and thought through. Comment: Mr. Nucci suggests that money be asked for first before committing to bringing back this event. He cited concerns with campus budgets and the willingness of several offices being able to support the event while being asked to cut back. Comment: Mr. Sheldon remembers all the same conversations from two years ago when the event was voted down. He believes this event is the same program and just wrapped in a new package. There is no way he can support this event in the current fiscal environment. He would rather support current programs with the Board resources. Mr. Reichert called to question. Seconded by Mr. Mortier. Motion to vote by ballot approved. Proposal passes by a vote of B. Chapters Report Ms. Lee was not present to comment on her report. Mr. Barry highlighted the new ideas to recognize alumni groups. Ms. Simmet shared that there are three new groups being created: Atlanta, Interior Design and Engineering Management. New web pages are also being created for each group. C. Nominations and Elections Mr. Thomey shared his excitement in bringing new members to the Board. Those directors up for election are noted in his report. Voting will occur in the following Annual Meeting. 7

8 D. Outreach & Community Service Ms. Bennett did not have any comments to add to her report as included. Ms. Glaza also encouraged members to attend the upcoming events. She wants strong representation from the Board members. E. Scholarship Ms. Andrewes shared that there are 30 student applications currently submitted. There will likely be 4 new scholarships to award this year. F. Bylaws Ms. Halsey did not have any additional comments than the included proposed bylaw amendments. Comment: Mr. Buck commented on the third amendment presented. The amendment does not specifically state that ex-officio members do not have voting authority. It does state that the student representatives on the Board do not have voting privileges. He would like to see the amendment changed to include the same language for all ex-officio members. Mr. Reichert motioned to postpone discussion and voting on the third amendment until the September 2016 meeting. The expectation is the Bylaws committee will review and modify the amendment for reintroduction. Mr. Godre seconded the motion. Ms. Andrewes called to question. Motion to postpone On amendment one: Ms. Andrewes motioned to approve the first amendment. Mr. Godre seconded the motion.. Motion passes and the amendment is approved. On amendment two: Ms. Andrewes motioned to approve the second amendment. Mr. Harrison seconded the motion. Ms. Halsey amends motion and suggests option #1 presented be approved. Motion passes and amendment is approved. On amendment four: Mr. Schimmelpfenneg motioned to approve the fourth amendment. Ms. Andrewes seconded the motion. Motion passes and the amendment is approved. On amendment five: Mr. Godre motioned to the approve the fifth amendment. Ms. Edwards-Brown seconded the motion. Motion passes and the amendment is approved. G. Strategic Planning Mr. Barry shared highlights from his report. He elaborated on Dean Tidwell s idea to connect alumni s path to success with current students. He anticipates more involvement in the future. Motion presented by Mr. Buck to support the Strategic Planning Committee s Activities to Support as presented in Mr. Barry s report. Seconded by Ms. Bennett. Motion passes unanimously. 8

9 12. Old Business A. A hat was presented to pass for a gift for Dean Tidwell as a thank you for the work he did with the strategic planning meetings. $266 was collected. Mr. Nucci and Mr. Barry will discuss how to spend the money on a gift for Dean Tidwell. B. Motion to approve donation of $500 to McKenny Gallery exhibit by Ms. Andrewes. Seconded by Mr. Borg. Motion passes. 13. New Business Mr. Schimmelpfenneg shared concern on the process for the Board President to be a voting member. He believes, according to Robert s Rules, that the president does not vote unless in the case of a tie. Others in attendance disagree with Mr. Schimmelpfenneg s interpretation of what is presented in Robert s Rules. Mr. Reichert motioned for the AdHoc Bylaws Committee to review the circumstances of where a president votes. Mr. Schimmelpfenneg seconded the motion. Motion passes. 14. Open Discussion & Announcements Ms. Glaza shared her appreciation in the past year s efforts and feels as though it has been a real pleasure to be personally involved. 15. Adjournment Mr. Reichert motioned to adjourn the meeting. Everyone supported the motion at the same time. Mr. Barry adjourned the meeting at 12:17pm. 9