Addendum # 5

SUMMARY

Board of Trustees

Recruitment and Retention Ad Hoc Committee

April 2, 2009

Members Present:  Mr. Gilbert Ziegler (phone conference), Chair, Mr. Bill Bernard,

Dr. L. Garnet Lewis (phone conference), Ms. Cindy Paavola

The Recruitment and Retention Committee was called to order at 1:02 p.m.

Ad Hoc Committee Charge

Mr. Ziegler reviewed the committee charge with members.  Revisions were suggested and will be forwarded to the full Board for consideration.

Current Enrollment

Mr. Bernard indicated that total enrollment is counted the tenth day of every semester; however, various aspects of enrollment from a planning standpoint are monitored on a daily basis by the Admissions Office (applications), Housing and Residence Life (housing application fees), Orientation (Orientation deposits), Academic Advising, and Institutional Research. 

Following discussion, It was agreed that monthly enrollment updates would be provided to the Recruitment and Retention Ad Hoc Committee.  Mr. Bernard and Ms. Paavola will provide NMU enrollment information web links and documentation for committee review prior to the next scheduled meeting. 

Past Enrollment/Retention

Mr. Bernard briefly discussed retention.  At the beginning of every fall semester enrollment data is compared with third, fifth, seventh semester enrollments, etc. to monitor retention. 

Retention data for the past five years will be provided to the Recruitment and Retention Ad Hoc Committee.  Tuition information for Public Universities of Michigan (residents and nonresidents) as well as graduation rates for residents and non-residents will be provided.

Enrollment Management Network

Mr. Bernard provided an overview of the Enrollment Management Network (EMN).  EMN is a collaborative group that meets monthly and includes representatives from Admissions, Housing and Residence Life, deans, and faculty to look at enrollment trends, marketing, recruitment, and retention initiatives.  Mr. Bernard chairs the committee.  The Enrollment Management Network membership list and meeting summaries will be provided to the Recruitment and Retention Ad Hoc Committee.

Mr. Ziegler discussed the university’s need to be extremely competitive, identify what differentiates us from other universities, and market accordingly, citing bill boards and radio ads as examples.

Ms. Paavola said NMU continues to be aware of the competition and need for differentiation.   Noted also was that NMU has been increasing or maintaining enrollment. 

Dr. Lewis reminded the committee that as advocates for the university, it needs to be understood what NMU is doing to address the declining economy.

The Recruitment and Retention Committee will reconvene at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2009.

The meeting adjourned at 1:28 p.m.