Approved

 

 

NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Minutes of the Special Meeting of

Monday, July 10, 2006

 

 

A special meeting of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University was held on Monday, July 10, 2006, in the Board of Trustees Meeting Room, 602 Cohodas Administrative Center, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan.  The meeting was convened at 2:32 p.m. by Chair Karl Weber.

 

Trustees present included:      Karl A. Weber, Chair

                                                Larry C. Inman, Vice Chair

                                                Alan T. Ackerman (via conference call)

                                                Samuel S. Benedict

                                                Brian D. Cloyd (via conference call)                                     

                                                Jon G. LaSalle

                                                Mary C. Lukens (via conference call)

                                                Douglas B. Roberts

                                                Leslie E. Wong, President (ex officio)

 

Board and senior staff present included:

 

        Pamalene Grundstrom, Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary of the Board

        Alfred N. Joyal, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

        Michael J. Roy, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board

        R. Gavin Leach, Associate V.P. Finance and Planning

        Catherine L. Dehlin, University General Counsel

        Kurt N. Sherwood, University Legal Counsel (via conference call)

        David S. Haynes, University Lobbyist

 

 

TUITION DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION

 

President Wong presented two course fee recommendations to the Board.   Discussion followed and it was clarified that these are both pass through fees.  The following actions were taken:

 

It was moved by Mr. Inman, seconded by Mr. LaSalle, and supported unanimously by the Board that the bowling course fee be increased to $65.00 to reflect the increase being charged to Northern Michigan University for lane usage.

 

It was moved by Mr. Inman, seconded by Ms. Lukens, and supported unanimously by the Board that the fee of $1,474.00 that is being charged to Northern Michigan University from the Shoals Marine Laboratory at Cornell University for attendance in the BI495 course for the summer 2006 semester be approved.

 

 

President Wong presented three tuition and fees scenarios for discussion by the Board, including increases of 4.8%, 5.1%, and 5.8%.  He stated that the Governor’s initial budget proposal included a 1.8% appropriation increase for NMU.  The budget has moved through the legislative process and a tentative agreement has been reached which includes a proposed 3% appropriation increase for NMU.  Therefore, our tuition recommendations are based on assumptions regarding our appropriation and information and input we have assembled in developing the NMU budget proposal which will be presented to the Board at its August meeting. 

 

Discussion followed and staff members responded to questions and comments from Trustees.  Topics of discussion included:  1) Reasons for maintaining conservative enrollment projections; 2) Concern about the long-term state financial picture, including proposed tax reductions; and 3) Dr. Roberts suggested that the Board consider adopting a policy on tuition.  He believes that having a model in place as we address future tuition increases will help to explain and justify the Board’s position on tuition. 

 

The Board then took the following action:

 

It was moved by Ms. Lukens and supported by Dr. Roberts to approve the 4.8% tuition and fees increase proposal, as presented.  (See Addendum #1 and Addendum #2)

 

Discussion followed and Trustees shared thoughts and opinions on the tuition issue, with support expressed for both the 4.8% and the 5.1% increases. 

 

On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:

 

                                     Aye                            Nay

 

                                    Mr. Ackerman

                                    Mr. Benedict

                                                                        Mr. Cloyd

                                    Mr. Inman

                                                                        Mr. LaSalle

                                    Ms. Lukens

                                    Dr. Roberts

                                    Mr. Weber

                                                                       

The motion was thus carried by a majority of six for and two against.

 

 

At this time Dr. Roberts presented a resolution regarding a Board position on voting on tuition.  The following action was taken:

 

It was moved by Dr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Ackerman, and supported unanimously by the Board of Trustees that the following resolution be adopted by the NMU Board of Trustees:

  

Whereas, changes in tuition are some of the most important decisions made by the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees; and

 

Whereas, the important decision of making changes to tuition should be made at a Board meeting where at least a majority of the Board Members are physically present;

 

Therefore, be it resolved that it is the position of the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees that all future votes concerning tuition shall be held at a time and place that a majority of the Board Members can be physically present.  

 

It was noted that this action does not preclude the Board of Trustees holding a conference call meeting to address other Board business. 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Chair Weber adjourned the meeting at 3:20 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

___________________________________________

Pamalene R. Grundstrom, Secretary of the Board

Holman