Approved
NORTHERN
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
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
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
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
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
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