Eastern Michigan University Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting 247 McKenny Hall Saturday, November 21, 2015 Members present: Patricia Andrewes, Patrick Barry, Amanda Bennett, Tom Borg, Ryan Buck (phone), Tom Charboneau (phone), Linda Edwards-Brown, Sarah Fall, Randi Glaza (phone), John Godre (phone), Mike Gomez, Ruth Halsey, George Harrison, Jasmine Lee, Jenita Moore (phone), Chad Newton (phone), Paul Nucci, Don Reichert (attended first half of meeting, excused for second half), Niklaus Schillack (phone for first half of meeting, attended in person for second half), Greg Sheldon, Marques Thomey Members absent: Matt Mortier (excused), Robert Murkowski (excused), Mauricio Silva, (excused), Claudia Young (excused) Ex-officio members present: Jill Hunsberger, Ann Thompson, Leigh Greden Emeritus member present: Bill Malcolm, Bud Schimmelpfenneg Emeritus member absent: Vicki Reaume, Fred Roberts Others present: Dean Mohamed Qatu, Douglas Wallace, Vince Cavataio 1. Call to Order/Approval of the Agenda Mr. Barry called the meeting to order at 9:05am. He welcomed the Board. No new business was added to the agenda. In the absence of Ms. Reaume, Mr. Barry will provide a regents update. Agenda was approved. 2. Roll Call Ms. Halsey took attendance. The results of the roll call can be found at the top the minutes. Ms. Halsey confirmed that we have quorum. 3. Approval of September 12, 2015 Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Mr. Harrison made a motion to approve the September 12, 2015 minutes. Ms. Andrewes supported the motion. Minutes approved. Mr. Schimmelpfenneg made the suggestion that minutes for the next meeting be paginated. 4. Guest Speaker - Dr. Mohamad Qatu, Dean of the College of Technology The first goal of the College of Technolgy (COT) is investing more in technology. They want to encourage and strengthen the technology associated with the college programs. The second goal is to move in the direction to possibly having some engineering majors. The COT recently put together a Mechanical Engineering curriculum, which is under review for approval now. COT is also investing in more lecturers to relieve faculty members to complete more curriculum development. The third goal is to increase student enrollment statistics. The program in Mechanical Engineering is helping with this. Page 1 of 11
The fourth goal is to work on improving student success, working with the office of the provost. Need to make sure that students are advised properly to ensure students are graduating in a reasonable time. Goal is to engage the students with employers as soon as possible, particularly using internship programs in their Junior and Senior years. The fifth goal of the COT is to complete strategic planning for the next 5 to 25 years, working closely with the foundation to increase donor funding for infrastructure and other needs to improve the program. The sixth goal of the COT is to increase faculty research. Working on initiatives to help the faculty members to have more research opportunities. Question from Ms. Fall: As a student in the Ph.D. program in the COT, will you survey the students in the program and their opinion of how the program is going from their point of view? This might be helpful to gain the student's perspective before moving forward too much. Answer: There is a student advisory board and the COT takes students' perspectives very seriously. All alumni from the programs of MET are invited to attend events on December 3, 4 for the interior design program and December 12 for the aviation program. Question from Mr. Barry: Do you have an alumni advisory board at the COT? Answer: Not at this time. COT is rebuilding the college advisory board, which will include alumni. 5. Board of Regents Update Ms. Reaume provided the regents update by email to Mr. Barry due to an important, prior conflict. Below are the highlights of the email update. Meeting minutes from the December 1st Board of Regents meeting will be posted on the Board of Regents website shortly. The meeting was peaceful; as conversation period was moved to the end of the meeting. The Board of Regents approved a new academic program of neuroscience, which is a new interdisciplinary major. Approved scholarships and awards of $54M. Approved an outlay request to renovate Strong Hall. Approved the negotiation of the bargaining agreement with the EMU & American Association of University Professors. Next meeting is Tuesday, December 8th at 1:30, in Welch Hall. On Monday, December 7th, the Board of Regents have invited us to a holiday mixer to include the Board of Regents, Emeritus Regents, Foundation Board members, Alumni Board members, and members of the University Executive Council. This event will include heavy hors d'oeuvres. An invitation flier was distributed at the meeting. Mr. Barry encouraged all those who are able to attend to attend. Event is Monday, December 7th, at 6:00 pm. RSVP is requested by November 30th. Ms. Reaume also believes that the conversation about the Education Achievement Authority (EAA), with the State of Michigan, will be an issue at the next Board of Regents meeting. Page 2 of 11
Mr. Greden provided a supplement to the update regarding the EAA: EMU's support for the EAA was previously discussed 1 year ago. At that time, it was previously agreed that it would be discussed 1 year from then, which is the next meeting. At the meeting 1 year previous, the Board of Regents wanted four specific areas to be studied: MEAP student scores and student performance, financial stability and financial management of the EAA, demonstrated partnerships with EMU and transparency specifically FOIA compliance. EMU faculty assessed all of these issues. The final report will be published in the next couple of days. 6. University Update The University update was provided by Mr. Leigh Greden. Mr. Greden is the attorney and advisor to Interim President Kim Schatzel. EMU student retention rates and graduation rates have both improved. 2% point improvement in retention rates. 4% point improvement in the 6-year graduation rate. The University is opening a new International Center. After studying their peer institutions, EMU was found to be the only University without a central international center for coordinating all international issues. There is an opportunity for alumni engagement, particularly international alumni. At this time, the organization chart for the International Center is not fully clarified, but at a minimum it would coordinate and standardize the expertise and faculty activities overseas. The University launched a new website of faculty experts, which allows the students, news media, community, and alumni, to see experts in particular fields so that they can more easily find a faculty member in the specific area of research. Several new grants were awarded this past year: 1) $300K to Russell Olwell, with the EMU Institute for the Study of Children, Families and Communities. The grant is to work with the City of Ypsilanti Housing Committee to overhaul the city's low-income housing. The grant was provided by Kresge Foundation, which, will provide serves on-site services to individuals who move into upgraded (or rebuilt) low-income housing, including dental care, computer skills, etc. 2) A new grant for sexual assault prevention from the State of Michigan was funded for $53K for a student-led social media program on sexual assault prevention, led by Ellen Gold, Associate VP of Student Well-Being. Interim President Schatzel kicked off a 2-hour conversation at the McKinney Ballroom on race. The meeting was intense, but very informative. It was an opportunity to hear directly from students on what they have seen, and open conversation. The search for the Chief Diversity Officer continues. The website "Top Masters In Education" has listed EMU's Masters of Education program of one of the best value residential masters in Education 2015-2016. In addition, for the 12th consecutive year, the Princeton Review named EMU College of Business among the nation's best business schools. EMU will give $54M in scholarships this academic year. Due to a conflict, April 2016 Spring Commencement moved to Sunday, April 24th. Question from Ms. Edwards- Brown: Do you have data on the retention rate for diverse students? Page 3 of 11
Answer: At this time, Mr. Greden did not have those specific numbers, but would get them and send this information to the Alumni Board of Directors. However, EMU has some specific programs geared toward increasing minority student retention rates. In particular, the Men of Color Initiative is working to increase retention, but also life skills, including conflict resolution skills among African-American males. In addition, My Brother's Keeper program from the Obama administration is geared toward urban communities and encourages men and women of color to take care of each other, to improve their communities. EMU was named to host the Washtenaw County Local Action Summit. Question from Mr. Harrison - Are students involved in the My Brother's Keeper program helping to change the housing in Ypsilanti? Answer: Yes - they are involved. Question from Ms. Lee: Ms. Lee wondered about how EMU's grant from the Kresge Foundation is competing with or against with U-M's Wolverines Pathways program? Answer: The focus of the Kresge Foundation grant is not focused on educational awareness. Question from Mr. Barry: What is U-M's Wolverines Pathways program? Answer: It is a free, year-round program that is geared toward minority 7th grade and 10th grade students, providing tutoring, cultural exposure, campus visits, college preparation workshops, etc. This is a long-term strategy to improve U-M's minority enrollment. Students who complete the program and are admitted to U-M will receive a full, four-year tuition scholarship. EMU has a similar program, the Education First Opportunity Scholarship - offered to students who are Pell Grant eligible, with minimum of a 20 ACT score and GPA of 3.0 or above. It is offered after students apply and their background is reviewed. Question from Ms. Lee: A lot of University communities, are having discussions about diverse students' experiences, but not as many having discussions about faculty, teaching assistants, graduate assistants, facility workers, etc. experiences and their minority experiences. Does EMU have a program such as this? Answer: At this time the focus has not extended beyond students as much. However, EMU's Human Resources office does focus on this, but Mr. Greiden will talk with HR about this. Question from Mr. Borg: What is EMU doing to boost retention and graduation rates? Answer: EMU is increasing academic advising access, more computer access to when courses are offered, going through when courses are offered and mapping them out in advance. In addition, EMU is helping students with financial issues, more one-on one focus with the students to help them as they start to have issues. EMU is also increased tutoring for students, so they can pass classes. EMU is also working on job hire rates after graduation by collaborating with businesses in the community. Page 4 of 11
7. Foundation Update Ms. Hunsberger from the Office of Advancement provided the Foundation Update. With the new Office of Advancement, Ms. Hunsberger is hoping to no longer have a wall between the Alumni Office, Alumni Board of Directors, and the Foundation. The Foundation is celebrating a successful move into McKenny Hall. Monthly communication from the Office of Advancement is beginning. Staffing update for the Foundation: With the growth in the COT, Betty Stremich, who previously had two development roles as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and Development Director, College of Technology, will have just one development role as the Development Director for the College of Technology. Vince Cavataio, the Director for Annual Giving, will take over the role of Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. An advancement communication specialist position will soon be filled. They are concluding second-round interviews for a College of Arts and Sciences development officer. Main focus of the Foundation, at this time, is fundraising - as November and December are the largest fundraising months. Starting in January, they will bring in people discuss kinds of fundraising activities to have in the next year. Specifically, studying return on investment, which programs should be given up, etc. After the end of this month, the Foundation's capital campaign should be about $6M of our $10M goal, after just 5 months. The Foundation is heading in to the next fiscal year with great success. Question from Mr. Barry: Where does the $54M from EMU for scholarships come from? Answer: This comes directly from EMU. Other funding for students are Federal Pell grants, private scholarships, and Perkins Loans. 8. Student Body Update Mr. Barry indicated that Mr. Cole was not present to provide the Student Body Update, as he is participating in a Mock Trial Event. 9. Office for Alumni Relations Report The office successfully made it through another season of home football games and tailgates. The alumni role at Winter Commencement has changed. Alumni moved out from the exit of the Convocation Center to create a tunnel of alumni, welcoming students into the body of alumni. Winter Commencement is December 19th. Need to be there at 9:00 am if you want to volunteer, and ceremony will start around 10:00 am. Really need to have representation from the Board to represent the Alumni Association. The Alumni Office is in the implementation phase of Gradway, which is a social networking tool for alumni. Alumni can volunteer in multiple ways including sharing interviewing skills, mentoring, assisting with resume writing, etc. Alumni who are willing, will also be given the Page 5 of 11
opportunity to write letters to their legislator on issues important to EMU. The Alumni Office will be sending monthly or quarterly messages to students about topics they can support. The Alumni Office is in the process of forming a new alumni network in Atlanta, Georgia. There are over 1,500 alumni in that regional area. Several new TruEMU days, have been added to the schedule, including the following: TruEMU Night at the Palace at with the Pistons - March 23rd, TruEMU day at Detroit Zoo - June, and TRUEMU Night at Comerica Park - July. Other TRUEMU days available on https://www.emich.edu/truemudays/. Giving Tuesday is Tuesday, December 1st. Board members are encouraged to participate 100% on December 1st. New handout of upcoming events was distributed 10. Alumni Association President-Elect Report President Elect Report moved to earlier in the agenda, as Mr. Thomey had to leave early. Mr. Thomey met with the EMU Foundation Board of Trustees and presented to them key events and dates for our alumni association. Mr. Thomey is unable to meet the minimum donation requirement of $1,500 for the Foundation Board of Trustees, due to a career change, so we need to consider another board members to attend. Bylaws state that the President-Elect is the default alumni association participant on the Foundation Board of Trustees. In the event that the President-Elect is unable to fill this role, the Executive Committee will nominate a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors to serve on the Foundation Board of Trustees. This nominee is to be voted on by the Board of Directors. Mr. Bud Schimmelpfenneg is an emeritus member of the Foundation Board of Directors, and Mr. Reichert and Mr. Sheldon are also on the Foundation Board of Trustees; however, there is an additional seat for the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Mr. Harrison has volunteered to fill this role, however, other members are welcome to express interest. Members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors who are able to meet the minimum donation requirement, and are interested in serving on the Foundation Board of Trustees should email Mr. Barry with their interest in the next two weeks. Need resolution of this by the February 2016 meeting. Mr. Thomey attended the EMU Career Fair. 11. Alumni Association Treasurer's Report Mr. Schillack shared the highlights from his report. When discussing the license plate revenue, he indicated that Heading 3 of his report should read "Detailed Scholarship Endowment Information", as opposed to "Detailed License Plate Information". The report included two recommended actions: a. The Executive Committee moves to transfer $10,000 from the Alumni Association account (R12003) to the Scholarship Endowment. b. The Executive Committee moves to transfer $10,000 from the Alumni Association account (R12003) to the Program Endowment. Page 6 of 11
Mr. Harrison made the motion to accept these recommended actions. Ms. Andrewes seconded the motion. Question by Mr. Schimmelpfenneg: Why do we want to send another $10,000 to the program endowment account? Answer: This endowment account was created 1.5 yrs ago as an alternate funding source for the Alumni Association Board of Directors for programming, as an alternate, or supplemental source of revenue aside from the license revenue. Question by Mr. Schimmelpfenneg: Will a budget for use of these funds be developed? Answer: Yes, there would be a budget when the time comes for use of these funds, and that they would be voted on by the Board of Directors to approve the use of these funds. At the time the program endowment was developed, the idea was that we would work with the foundation to create more earnings in the account to help grow funds for programming. This hasn't happened yet, due to staffing transitions at the Foundation. Comment by Mr. Schimmelpfenneg: When we negotiated the license plate money to come to Alumni Board of Directors, we did in return for accepting all alumni as members of the alumni association. If these funds are considered to be taken away, we need to re-iterate this. Mr. Barry and Ms. Thompson agreed to contact the Vice President of Finance, Patrick Doyle, to find a copy of this agreement. At the time that this agreement was made, Vicki Reaume was with the Office of Alumni Relations. Mr. Harrison called the question on the open motion. Vote passed. None opposed. 12.A. Committee Reports: Awards and Recognition Mr. Harrison reviewed the highlights of his report. Mr. Barry, Ms. Thompson, and Mr. Harrison met with Linda McGill to discuss the Teaching Excellence Awards (TEA) and agreed that to reactivate this awards event, it should include more alumni participation. The Awards and Recognition Committee is looking to investigate options and will return with action items for a vote at the April 2016 meeting. If voted on, the next TEA would occur in future years, perhaps 2017. Question from Ms. Lee: In the past how many people were awarded at the TEA? Answer: Five individuals, typically. No recommendation was included in the committee's report; however, there was extensive board discussion on the continuation of the TEA. Comment from Ms. Lee: Perhaps structure of the award could change so that a certain number of awardees must be alumnus. Comment from Ms. Andrewes: She thinks this is a good idea - all of us should consider this TEA, and send George our thoughts on what we think the make-up of the event should be. Page 7 of 11
Comment from Mr. Schimmelpfenneg: The awards and recognition committee report is not a consensus of all of the members of the committee. It is not a consensus that TEA should be started up again. Comment from Ms. Bennett: Ms. Bennett indicated that when this issue was brought before the board 1 year ago, she voted it down. When Trudy was the chair of the Awards and Recognition Committee she did research on those who were given teaching awards. Some of the new individuals on the Board of Directors have not seen this report, and new individuals should have the opportunity to see this report and see the research. What is the point of voting down the TEA, if only 1 year later we are considering this? Comment from Mr. Barry: When he did his tour with high level leadership, three Regents and Kim Schatzel felt that bringing back the TEA would be important. Comment from Mr. Schimmelpfenneg: Mr. Schimmelpfenneg indicated he also voted down the event. At the time, he voted it down due to resource restrictions. He was also concerned about the nominations. Comment from Ms. Halsey: The executive committee discussed bringing back TEA, and one of the goals would be to ensure that whatever is developed there would be a direct line between the goals and purposes of the Alumni Association and the TEA. Comment from Mr. Sheldon: Mr. Sheldon indicated he also voted this down the continuation of TEA also due to limitations in terms of restrictions in terms of time and money. If high-level leadership of the University feels that this is important, then we should request funding from the University for this event. Mr. Sheldon also had concerns that the quality of the Alumni Association awards has declined over the years. We may want to focus on improvements of the Alumni Association Award, before we change focus to starting another event. This is our signature award. Comment from Ms. Edwards-Brown: We should attach ourselves to an existing TEA from one of the schools and colleges, and give an alumni award. 12. B. Committee Report: Bylaws Ms. Halsey shared the highlights from her report. There were no action items or recommendations at this time. The Bylaws Committee will study inclusion of the Board mission and roles into the Bylaws, to be voted on likely at the April 2016 meeting. 12.C. Committee Report: Chapters Ms. Lee shared the highlights from her report. There were no action items or recommendations at this time. One missing comment from the report: the Chapters Committee awarded two grants, one $800 and another $200 toward graduation celebrations for December and April graduation events, for the Social Work Alumni chapter. Total sponsorship funding available is $3,500 to date. Page 8 of 11
The committee is trying to "tag-team" with the Office of Alumni Relations to have constant contact with the chapters. Ms. Lee introduced herself to chapter presidents. The chapters were asked that they share their upcoming chapters activity with the Board. If you are active in any chapters - please ask your leadership to share activities of their chapter with the alumni Board of Directors so Board members can attend the programs and go to the chapter meetings. The Chapter of Year process is largely subjective, and the goal is to align the process. The next Chapter Committee meeting is on December 9th. Question from Mr. Schimmelpfenneg: How much money were chapters given when awarded chapter of the year? Answer: There were three awards of $250 each, for a total of $750. Question from Mr. Schimmelpfenneg: How much money is in the budget for grants to the chapters? Answer: $7,500 is in the Board-approved budget for this purpose. $3,500 of this is remaining. 12.D. Committee Report: Fundraising A fundraising committee report was not included with the board meeting packet, as there was no activity on this committee since the last meeting. Due to other commitments Mr. Schillack is not able, at this time, to chair the fundraising committee and would like someone else to chair this committee. Comment from Mr. Barry: At this time, we haven't pushed hard to get a new committee chair, due to the new personnel being hired with the Office of Advancement. However, likely in January, after discussions with the Office of Advancement, the Executive Committee will come back to the board in February to get someone to chair this committee. 12.E. Committee Report: Nominations and Elections Ms. Barry, in lieu of Mr. Thomey, presented the highlights from this committee's report. There were no action items or recommendations at this time. Mr. Schillack was accidentally missed on the list of board members whose term will expire this year and eligible to run for a seat on the Board of Directors. There will be at total of 9 seats available. Five board members are eligible to run again for a seat on the Board of Directors. There are four legitimate applicants for the positions of the board of directors. Mr. Barry asked that if any members of the Board of Directors know of anyone who might be a good applicant for a position on the board of directors, he encourages they be recommended to apply. Mr. Barry also indicated that the committee will reach out to the Deans of the colleges to see if there are alumni they know of who would be good representatives on the Board of Directors. Page 9 of 11
Comment from Mr. Gomez: One of the benefits of going to chapter events, and other events where alumni are present, is that we get the opportunity to speak with individuals who might be good members of the Board of Directors. Comment from Mr. Nucci: The easiest way to get new members, is to utilize our networks. Comment from Ms. Thompson: Another suggestion is to reach out to recipients of the alumni award recipients and let them know that there would be openings for them, as they have already been vetted. 12.F. Committee Report: Outreach & Community Service Ms. Bennett shared the highlights from her report. There were no action items or recommendations at this time. Ms. Bennett reminded everyone of the Lights at the Toledo Zoo event, as well as the hat and mitten drive. Comment from Mr. Barry: This committee's role is to find opportunities not just for those on the committee to participate in, but for all members of the board to participate. The greater Alumni Board members need to participate in this committee. The view is that those on the committee find the events, but we need to coalesce around these events and attend the events. Comment from Ms. Bennett: An example of this is Ypsi Pride Day. The community positively recognized EMU alumni participation in this event. This was the first time that EMU alumni had a role. We need to find other activities like that we can all be involved in. Comments from Mr. Andrewes: The key to participation at these events by Board members will be early notification of the events, so that they can fit it into their schedule. 12.F. Committee Report: Scholarship Ms. Andrewes shared the highlights from her report. There were no action items or recommendations at this time. Ms. Andrewes indicated that Board of Directors participation in the Explore Eastern events this year were very successful. Given the number of the volunteer groups between the two events, they were able to go around the room and bring individuals who were alumni to the alumni table and discuss the alumni scholarship. The first time the Alumni Association table was placed on the far side of the room, facing the wall on the far side of the room. The second time the table was moved near the Financial Aid office, and therefore, the Alumni Association table had a higher participation due to the new placement. The website for the scholarship is active. If any members of the Board of Directors know of anyone who wants to apply, please let them know that they can apply using the link off of the main EMU alumni website. Comment from Ms. Thompson: Attendance at Explore Eastern resonated with the larger University committee and they were glad that they were able to participate. Comment from Mr. Boar: Participation at the Explore Eastern event was a great opportunity to get to know other administrators and offices around the University, and for the Alumni Association to be seen. Page 10 of 11
13. Alumni Association President's Report Mr. Barry shared the highlights from his report. One action item was included with committee report. The President of the Board of Directors announces who would like to serve on each committee, and the Board of Directors votes on this. Ms. Fall requested to shift from the fundraising committee, given its current hiatus, and join the awards and recognition committee. Mr. Harrison moved to accept Ms. Fall on the Awards and Recognition Committee. Mr. Schillack seconded the motion. The vote passed. No objections. Mr. Barry also discussed the mission of the Board of Directors and the role of the Board of Directors, including distribution on the drafted mission and roles from the several Strategic Planning meetings over this summer. Mr. Barry will send an email to all of the members of the Board of Directors asking for review for the mission and roles. The mission and roles will be included in the Bylaws. Next steps for strategic planning will be to discuss the vision for the Board of the Directors; this was something that was not discussed during the meetings this summer. This will include creation of an Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Committee. Any members of the Board of Directors who would like to participate in this ad hoc committee should email Mr. Barry and Ms. Thompson with their interest in serving. 14. New Business There was no new business. 15. Open Forum Due to the late time of the meeting, there was no open forum discussion. 16. Adjournment Ms. Andrewes moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Schimmelpfenneg seconded this motion. Meeting was adjourned at 12:08pm. Page 11 of 11