NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Minutes of the Meeting of the Alternative Funding Subcommittee

Friday, September 9, 2011

A conference call meeting of the Alternative Funding Subcommittee of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University was held on Friday, September 9, 2011.  It was convened by Chair Stephen L. Gulis at 10:30 a.m. 

Members present:                           

Mr. Stephen L. Gulis, Chair                                        

Mr. Stephen F. Adamini

Mr. Gilbert L. Ziegler

Mr. Brian D. Cloyd (ex officio)

Dr. Leslie E. Wong (ex officio)

Staff present:

Mr. R. Gavin Leach, Vice President for Finance and Administration

Update for Board of Trustees meeting

Mr. Gulis said that the following presentations will be made at the subcommittee meeting on September 29.  These two presentations will be the primary topics at the meeting.

1) Athletics, which will include related facilities (e.g., Berry, Dome, PEIF) (Mr. Steve Reed)

2) Grants – current process and what we can do in the future differently.  (Dr. Paul Lang and Mr. Andrew Smentkowski)

The subcommittee is trying to develop and look at the big dollar areas that we should have opportunities and these were two of the areas that were discussed.

Mr. Gulis said this subcommittee should focus on how much dollar revenue we can retain of tuition; driving advantages by bringing in more students.

Mr. Leach gave a brief update on formula funding.  The state budget director was meeting with Mr. Boulis, the president of the State President’s Council, at which point he may get an indication of what the state is looking at as the formula.  Mr. Gulis asked Mr. Leach what the impact is of recruiting out of state.  Mr. Leach indicated that ten years ago it would have been seen as a more negative impact, but lately it is seen more as a positive one as it’s looked at as “how do we get more people to come to our state.” 

Mr. Leach also gave a brief update on the 7 MPSERS schools who will be meeting with Mr. Nixon on what we can do in MPSERs to stop the large cost increase we are getting each year.

Mr. Leach said that he will be testifying in Lansing on the tuition restraint.  This hearing was scheduled by Representative Genetski’s office.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. Gulis adjourned the meeting at 10:51 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Stephen L. Gulis, Jr., Chair