Approved
NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Regular Session
of
A formal session of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University was held on Friday, July 18, 2008, in the Cohodas Hall, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan. The meeting was convened at 9:15 a.m. in the Board of Trustees Room, 602 Cohodas, by Chair Mary C. Lukens.
Trustees present included:
Mary C. Lukens, Chair Samuel S. Benedict Douglas B. Roberts
Alan T. Ackerman Brian D. Cloyd Gilbert L. Ziegler
Stephen F. Adamini Jon G. LaSalle Leslie E. Wong, ex officio
Senior staff and counsel present included:
Catherine L. Dehlin, General Counsel
Susan Koch, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
R. Gavin Leach, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board
Theresa Nease, Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary of the Board
None
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Wong recognized Prof. Sandra Poindexter, Michigan Professor of the Year. A photo was taken.
President Wong outlined efforts taken by faculty and staff to promote sustainability and to reduce costs and gave a brief enrollment and retention update. He said division reports on the progress of the Roadmap to 2015 will be given at each upcoming Board meeting.
FOCUS DISCUSSION
Budget and Tuition Update
Mr. Gavin Leach presented information on budget issues such as budget and appropriation history, total costs of operations, staffing efficiencies, rising utility costs, and Roadmap initiatives for 2008-2009. He then presented tuition and fee models, including increases of 6.4%, 5.9%, 5.5%, and 4.5% and indicated how each model would impact moving forward with initiatives outlined in the Roadmap to 2015. All models assume a 1% increase in state appropriations. Discussion followed and staff members responded to questions and comments from Trustees.
The Board then took the following action:
The motion was thus approved with seven (7) for the motion and one (1) against.
Mr. Benedict said his vote against this motion did not reflect his dissatisfaction with the recommended percentage rate, but to express a challenge to the University to find the monies elsewhere in the budget to continue to fund the Roadmap to 2015 initiatives. Board members agreed this should be a priority.
Dr. Roberts reviewed the methods for understanding and computing inflation and the consumer price index and how both affect setting tuition rates and balancing the university budget. Dr. Roberts will propose a three-tiered tuition model at a future Board meeting which includes in-state, resident tuition; out-of-state, non resident tuition; and out-of-country, non Michigan, non U.S. resident tuition.
RECONVENE -- Chair Lukens reconvened the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
Human Resources Update
Ms. Ann Sherman, Director of Human Resources, gave an update on the changes and activities of the Human Resources Department including an organizational model, current staff changes, presenting issues, and priority actions. (See Addendum #2.)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Executive
Mr. Benedict, Chair of the Executive committee, reported on the meeting held on Thursday,
July 17, 2008. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #3)
Academic Affairs
Mr. LaSalle, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held on July 17, 2008. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #4)
Dr. Roberts, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a meeting held on July 17, 2008. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #5)
APPOINTMENT OF AD HOC NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Chair Lukens announced the appointments to the Ad Hoc Nominating Committee as follows:
Chair: Alan T. Ackerman
Members: Samuel S. Benedict and Mary C. Lukens
Mr. Hobie Webster, 2008-2009 ASNMU President, reported. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (See Addendum #6). Mr. Webster thanked Mr. Cloyd and Steelcase, Inc. for the generous donation of furniture for the ASNMU office.
It was moved by Mr. LaSalle, seconded by Mr. Benedict, 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, SEPTEMBER 25-26, 2008, MEETING OF THE BOARD
President Wong made this announcement for the public record.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Ziegler and Mr. Benedict expressed the desire to develop a contingency plan in the event that NMU is unable to grow to the expected goal of 10,400 students. That is, what are the risks, benefits, and consequences of smaller than expected student enrollment over the coming years. It was suggested this be a topic for the focus discussion at either the September or December meeting.
Chair Lukens adjourned the meeting at 11:35 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Theresa M. Nease
Secretary of the Board