Approved

 

NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Minutes of the Regular Session

of

Thursday-Friday, August 5-6, 2004

 

 

A regular session of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University was held on Thursday-Friday, August 5-6, 2004, in the Cohodas Administrative Center, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan.  The meeting was convened at 11:45 a.m. Thursday by Chair Mary L. Campbell in the Sixth Floor Conference Room, 604 Cohodas Administrative Center.

 

Trustees present included:

 

      Mary L. Campbell, Chair

      Karl A. Weber, Vice Chair

      Samuel S. Benedict

      Scott L. Holman

      Mary C. Lukens

      Douglas B. Roberts

      Leslie E. Wong, ex officio

 

Trustees absent included:  Alan T. Ackerman and Larry C. Inman

 

Senior staff and legal 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; and

      Thomas P. Hustoles, representing the legal firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone.

 

 

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 11:45 a.m., on August 5, 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.

 

      Mr. Weber moved that the resolution be approved.  It was supported by Ms. Lukens.  On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:

 

                                         Aye                         Nay

 

                                    Mr. Benedict

                                    Ms. Campbell

                                    Mr. Holman

                                    Ms. Lukens

                                    Dr. Roberts

                                    Mr. Weber

                                                                        None

 

The resolution was thus approved unanimously.

 

 

APPOINTMENT OF AD HOC NOMINATING COMMITTEE

 

Chair Campbell and Mr. Holman announced the appointment of the following Trustees to the Ad Hoc Nominating Committee: 

 

                        Scott L. Holman, Chair             Douglas B. Roberts

                        Alan T. Ackerman                    Mary L. Campbell, ex officio

 

 

RECESS

 

Chair Campbell recessed the meeting at 11:47 a.m.

 

 

RECONVENE

 

Chair Campbell reconvened the meeting at 1:15 p.m.

 

Trustees present included:

 

      Mary L. Campbell, Chair

      Karl A. Weber, Vice Chair

      Alan T. Ackerman 

      Samuel S. Benedict

      Scott L. Holman

      Larry C. Inman

      Mary C. Lukens

      Douglas B. Roberts  (Arrived at 1:33 p.m.)

      Leslie E. Wong, ex officio

 

Senior staff and legal 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; and

      Thomas P. Hustoles, representing the legal firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone.

 

 

INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD

 

Ms. Grundstrom reported that there were no requests to address the Board. 

 

 

FOCUS DISCUSSION:  BUDGET UPDATE – CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE – PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL RETREAT REPORT

 

Chair Campbell welcomed Dr. Leslie Wong to his first regular Board meeting as president of Northern Michigan University.  She said that the university community is responding very positively to his leadership.  President Wong responded that he and Mrs. Wong are most thankful to be so warmly welcomed into the university and surrounding communities. 

 

President Wong and members of the staff then held a focus discussion with the Board, including updates on the budget (including tuition/public broadcasting/USOEC), capital projects, and the results of the President's Council Retreat (Addendum #1)

 

Budget Update:  President Wong reviewed the budget recommendation and tuition and fee rates, noting that the final increases were limited to about one-half of the amount authorized by the Board during a special meeting on June 30, 2004.  NMU Lobbyist David Haynes gave an update on the state budget situation, noting that the Governor and the Legislature continue to work to finalize the 2004-2005 state budget.  Regarding our Public Broadcasting operations, Dr. Joyal said we have not yet received a response from Michigan Media on a management proposal for our public broadcasting stations.  We expect to have a report for the next Board meeting.  Manager of Broadcast and Audio Visual Services Eric Smith gave a public broadcasting update including budget projections and alternative operating models with no local production, fundraising and underwriting data, staff organization, web services, audience statistics, related campus services, an update on the conversion to digital television, and future plans for development (Addendum #2).  Discussion followed and Dr. Joyal agreed to present a final recommendation on public broadcasting to the Board at its October meeting.  President Wong reported on discussions he had with our legislators in Washington who continue to seek support for the USOEC.  Dr. Roy said that we are working with the USOC to clarify language in our contract regarding license plate revenues. 

 

Capital Projects Update:  Dr. Roy said that the administration will bring a bond proposal to the Board for approval at the October Board meeting.  The following projects will be included in the bond proposal. 

 

     1)    Housing Projects.  Director of Housing and Residence Life Carl Holm reviewed Housing plans and projects, including the renovation of Magers Hall to student housing and proposed future plans for construction of new student apartments and renovation of residence halls. 

 

     2)    General Fund Projects.  Dr. Roy said that it will be necessary to resolve delamination that is occurring in the steam manholes on campus, to upgrade the boiler and replace the electrical switchgear to accommodate increased heating plant needs on campus, to modify the Superior Dome entrance to resolve a safety issue with falling snow, and to improve ventilation and provide air conditioning in specific areas of the PEIF.  Dr. Roy said that future projects include renovations in Cohodas, the University Center, and Quad II. 

 

President's Council Retreat Report:  Dr. Joyal introduced the topic "A Curriculum for the 21st Century" which was a main focus of discussion at this year's NMU President's Council Retreat.  Dean of Arts and Sciences Terry Seethoff explained the components of the "Curriculum for the 21st Century" noting the excitement being generated on campus as ideas and concepts begin to come together on this proposal. 

 

 

RECESS

 

Chair Campbell recessed the meeting at 3:30 p.m.

 

 

RECONVENE

 

Chair Campbell reconvened the meeting Friday, August 6, 2004, at 10:50 a.m., in the Board of Trustees Meeting Room, 602 Cohodas.    

 

Trustees present included:

 

      Mary L. Campbell, Chair

      Karl A. Weber, Vice Chair

      Alan T. Ackerman

      Samuel S. Benedict

      Scott L. Holman

      Larry C. Inman

      Mary C. Lukens

      Douglas B. Roberts

      Leslie E. Wong, ex officio

 

Senior staff and legal 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; and

      Thomas P. Hustoles, representing the legal firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone.

 

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

President Wong presented his report, with a focus on enrollment (Addendum #3).  He also reported on the visit to campus of President George Bush, his plans to participate in the AASCU New Presidents Workshop, and a trip later this month to Yokaichi, Japan, that he and Mrs. Wong will participate in as guests of the Sister City program. 

 

 

ASNMU REPORT

 

Mr. Ryan Charter, ASNMU Vice President, reported.  He said that ASNMU President Rebecca Thompson is unable to be here because she is serving an internship with the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC, and will be returning to campus on August 12.  He said a few members of the ASNMU Board have been on campus this summer and have been working on two major projects:  1) Plans for the All-Student Rally which will take place on August 29; and 2) Creating Student Saver Sacks, a collection of information and resources to help students as they move from campus housing into the community.  Included in the sacks are items such as a telephone directory, information for renters on their rights, etc., and discounts from area businesses.  This project has been accomplished with the support of the campus and outside community.  He said that ASNMU will continue to participate in meetings with the City regarding landlord/renter issues. 

 

 

REPORT ON PLANS FOR PRESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION

 

Dr. Joyal reported on plans for President Wong's Installation in October (Addendum #4).  He said that we will celebrate this event in connection with Homecoming week (October 10-16).  A number of scholarly presentations and events are being planned to celebrate the installation of Northern's 13th president, as well as the Investiture Ceremony which will take place on Saturday, October 16, at 3:30 p.m., in the Vandament Arena.  A special installation reception/homecoming block party will be held following the ceremony and preceding NMU's homecoming football game in the Superior Dome.   

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Academic Affairs

 

Mr. Weber reported on the Academic Affairs Committee meeting held today (Addendum #5)

 

Finance

 

Mr. Benedict reported on the Finance Committee meeting held today (Addendum #6).

 

Executive

 

Mr. Holman reported on Executive Committee meeting held yesterday (Addendum #7).

 

 

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE:  WIRELESS ACCESS AND BANNER IMPLEMENTATION

 

Associate Vice President for Finance and Planning Gavin Leach reported (Addendum #8).  He reviewed the components of the TLC (Teaching, Learning and Communication) Laptop Initiative and explained the network infrastructure in place at Northern.  He discussed our community-wide wireless network, describing progress to date and future plans. 

 

Mr. Leach gave an update on the Banner computer system implementation on campus, noting that the modules are implemented and third-party software is being installed and/or upgraded.  He also reviewed future plans and goals associated with the Banner system. 

 

Chair Campbell complimented Mr. Leach and the staff for their work on these systems. 

 

 

UPDATE ON THE NMU WEB SITE

 

Director of Marketing Brian Zinser, Webmaster Tim Kutchen, and Web Developer/Content Manager Eric Johnson made a presentation on the new NMU Web Site.  Mr. Kutchen reviewed the features of the new web site, demonstrating how to move through the various informational pages.  The new site is scheduled to go live on August 16. 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION TO BE HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE THURSDAY-FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7-8, 2004, REGULAR SESSION OF THE BOARD

 

President Wong made this announcement for the public record. 

 

 

PROPOSED BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2005

 

Ms. Grundstrom said the proposed Board Meeting Schedule for Calendar Year 2005, as printed below, is in the Formal Recommendations F-1.

 

 

NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING DATES

Calendar Year 2005

 

Thursday-Friday, February 10-11, 2005

Annual Retreat

 

Thursday-Friday, May 5-6, 2005

(Commencement Saturday, May 7)

 

Thursday-Friday, August 4-5, 2005

 

Thursday-Friday, October 6-7, 2005

 

Thursday-Friday, December 15-16, 2005

(Commencement Saturday, December 17)

 

 

ACTION ON FORMAL RECOMMENDATIONS  (Backup)

 

            It was moved by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Mr. Inman, and unanimously supported by the Board of Trustees to approve the Formal Recommendations.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Chair Campbell adjourned the meeting at 11:50 a.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

___________________________________

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Pamalene R. Grundstrom

Secretary of the Board