Proposed
NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Formal Session
of
A formal session of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University was held on Friday, December 11, 2009, in the Cohodas Hall, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan. The meeting was convened at 9:40 a.m. in the Board of Trustees Room, 602 Cohodas by Chair
Douglas B. Roberts.
Trustees present included:
Douglas B. Roberts, Chair Larry C. Inman* Gilbert L. Ziegler
Stephen F. Adamini L. Garnet Lewis Leslie E. Wong, ex officio
Brian D. Cloyd H. Sook Wilkinson .
Senior staff and counsel present included:
Catherine L. Dehlin, General Counsel
Susan J. Koch, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
R. Gavin Leach, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board
Theresa M. Nease, Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary of the Board
*Trustee Inman left the meeting at 11:50 a.m.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Pre-medical Program
President Wong reported on the Pre-medical program at NMU. He reviewed the list of medical schools where NMU students have attended which includes Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Touro University (California) College of Osteopathic Medicine. Other medical schools NMU Students have been accepted into but did not attend (2006-2009) include Harvard Medical School, Ben Gurion of the Negev (Israel), Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (Chicago Medical School), Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
NMU participates in a MedStart program which guarantees two slots for NMU freshman in Wayne State University’s School of Medicine, an Early Assurance Program with Michigan State University College of Human Medicine which involves 3 reserved spots for qualified students, and the Central Michigan University Physician Assistant Program which has four guaranteed interviews for qualified applicants (NMU is the the only public university in Michigan with any guaranteed interviews and the only university or college in Michigan with four guaranteed interviews). NMU also has preceptorships (mentoring programs) for our upper level students with Marquette General Health Systems and local physicians.
NMU/Marquette General Health Systems Joint Project Update
President Wong reviewed several joint projects between Northern Michigan University and Marquette General Health Systems including space rentals; on-campus cytogenetics lab; coordinated work in nursing, surgical technology and clinical laboratory sciences; a growing lecture series between MSU School of Medicine, MGHS and NMU; athletic training services for the USOEC; and discussions regarding a possible future Human Performance Center. As a result of the multitude of collaborative work between the two institutions, a liaison committee has been established. NMU representatives include, Dr. Michael Broadway (Honors Program Director), Dr. Kerri Schuiling (Associate Dean Nursing Education and Director of the School of Nursing), and Dr. Paul Lang (Dean of the College of Professional Studies).
H1N1 Update
President Wong said the swine flu pandemic is receding on campus. An estimated one-third of NMU’s students were affected by the flu; however, the on-campus health services personnel were prepared. Ramping up of services in the residence halls was also a contributing factor to containing the spread of the virus. A number of inoculations have been given to students, faculty and staff. According to health professionals, there is a risk of a resurgence of the virus.
1899 Society
President Wong announced the NMU Foundation has created the 1899 Society as a way to give special recognition to alumni and friends who have established charitable legacies through planned giving. He encouraged Board members and community members to become charter members. Charter membership includes a listing in Horizons magazine and a commemorative pin designed by Art and Design Professor Dale Wedig.
FOCUS DISCUSSION (Addendums #1 and #2)
Mr. Gavin Leach, Vice President for Finance and Administration, reviewed NMU’s campus facilities stating NMU has 64 buildings, 3.5 million square feet, 684 acres, 3.6 miles of roadway, 13.95 miles of sidewalk and an asset value of over $400 million. He said facilities are a huge asset but are also costly to maintain. The NMU Facilities department has been focusing on sustainability and energy savings initiatives. Mr. Arthur Gischia, Associate V.P. Business/Auxiliary Services; Ms. Kathy Richards, Associate V.P. Engineering/Planning/Facilities; Mr. Brandon Sager, Sustainability Coordinator, Engineering and Planning/Facilities; and Mr. James Thams, Associate Director, Engineering & Planning/Grounds reviewed current and future energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives. Highlights of the presentation included utility and energy savings, space utilization, recycling efforts, LEED certification, and performance contracting, and ideas for future consideration. Staff responded to questions and comments from Trustees.
Mr. Gischia updated the Board on the status of the Combined Heating and Power Plant. The period for request for public comment closed on December 11, 2009. If no requests are received, the public hearing will not be necessary.
RECONVENE -- Chair Roberts reconvened the meeting at 1:00 p.m.
Dr. Ronald Sundell, President of the American Association of University Professors – NMU Chapter addressed the Board. He thanked the two bargaining teams for working out a mutually agreed upon contract; however, he stated there are still issues remaining in the hiring of sufficient faculty, class size, workload levels, finalizing departmental bylaws and adequate pay to retain existing faculty and attracting highly qualified new faculty. As the AAUP believes these issues are tied to NMU finances, the AAUP Executive Committee recently created a new Finance Committee to evaluate University finances. He encouraged the AAUP and members of the administration to work together to resolve these issues and to ensure that “shared governance” is a reality based on cooperation and mutual trust. The AAUP expressed appreciation for the Board’s initiative in creating the Strategic Planning Committee and inviting input from all stakeholders of the University community.
MOMENTS OF SILENCE
Dr. Les Wong led the Trustees and staff in a moment of silence for NMU distinguished friends,
Mrs. Phyllis Reynolds and Mr. William Bresnan.
Ms. Deanna Hemmila led the Trustees and staff in a moment of silence for NMU distinguished Alumni former Congressman Bob Davis and former Congressman Jay Johnson.
Dr. Susan Koch led the Trustees and staff in a moment of silence for NMU faculty, Dr. Louise Bourgault.
Mr. Gavin Leach led the Trustees and staff in a moment of silence for NMU staff member,
Mrs. Rita Leppanen.
Mr. William Bernard led the Trustees and staff in a moment of silence for NMU student,
Mr. Josh L. McIntyre.
INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATING SENIOR SPEAKING AT MIDYEAR COMMENCEMENT
Associate Provost for Student Services and Enrollment, William Bernard, introduced Ms. Danielle Brandreth an English/Writing major from Sterling Heights, Michigan. She will represent the graduating class of Winger 2009 at Commencement ceremonies tomorrow. On behalf of the Board, Chair Roberts congratulated Ms. Brandreth and presented her with a plaque. Photos if Danielle and her family were taken.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER AND HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT
President Wong announced that Mrs. Erna Blitzer Gorman, Child Survivor of the Holocaust and Speaker/Educator, will be the December 2009 Commencement Speaker and will received the Honorary Degree, Doctor of Education.
Mr. Jason Morgan, 2009-2010 ASNMU President, reported. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #3).
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Academic Affairs
Mr. LaSalle, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held on Thursday, December 10, 2009. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #4).
Mr. Adamini, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a meeting held on Thursday,
December 10, 2009. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #5).
Executive
Mr. Brian Cloyd, Chair of the Executive Committee, reported on a meeting held on Friday, December 11, 2009. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #6).
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee LaSalle, seconded by Trustee Cloyd, and supported unanimously, to accept the proposed revision to the Trustee Emeritus Policy.
Ad Hoc Recruitment and Retention
Mr. Gilbert Ziegler, Chair of the ad hoc Recruitment and Retention Committee, reported on a meeting held on Thursday, December 10, 2009. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes
(Addendum #7).
Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Committee
Mr. Brian Cloyd, Chair of the ad hoc Strategic Planning Committee, reported on a meeting held on Thursday, December 3, 2009. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #8). The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, December 11, at 2:30 p.m.
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD STANDING COMMITTEES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2010
Chair Roberts announced that the recommended 2010 NMU Board of Trustees Standing Committee Appointments are included in the formals (Formal Recommendation F-1). The appointments are as follows:
2010 NMU BOARD OF TRUSTEES STANDING COMMITTEES
Academic Affairs Finance Executive
Jon G. LaSalle, Chair Stephen F. Adamini, Chair Brian D. Cloyd, Chair
Brian D. Cloyd Brian D. Cloyd Stephen F. Adamini
L. Garnet Lewis Larry C. Inman Jon G. LaSalle
H. Sook Wilkinson Gilbert L. Ziegler Douglas B. Roberts, ex officio
Douglas B. Roberts, ex officio Douglas B. Roberts, ex officio Leslie E. Wong, ex officio
Leslie E. Wong, ex officio Leslie E. Wong, ex officio
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Roberts, seconded by Trustee LaSalle, and supported unanimously, that the Recruitment and Retention Committee be retained for another year and the membership consist of the following:
Gilbert L. Ziegler, chair
Larry C. Inman
L. Garnet Lewis
H. Sook Wilkinson
Chair Roberts also announced the ex officio re-appointments of Mr. Gilbert Ziegler and Mr. Stephen Adamini to the NMU Foundation Board of Trustees for calendar year 2010.
It was moved by Trustee Cloyd, seconded by Trustee Lewis, and unanimously supported by the Board of Trustees to approve the Formal Recommendations. (Addendum #9)
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED INFORMAL SESSION TO BE HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE THURSDAY-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2010, MEETING OF THE BOARD
President Wong made this announcement for the public record.
Chair Roberts adjourned the meeting at 1:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Theresa M. Nease
Secretary of the Board