SUMMARY

Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees

Academic Affairs Committee

July 23, 2015

Members Present: Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, Chair, Dr. L. Garnet Lewis, Mr. Steve Mitchell

Others Present: Mr. Richard Popp, Mr. Scott Holman, Mr. Robert Mahaney, Ms. Tami Seavoy, Dr. Sook Wilkinson, Dr. Kerri Schuiling, Dr. Fritz Erickson, ex officio

The Academic Affairs Committee meeting was called to order at 9:08 a.m.

Charter School Board Renewals/Appointments

Mr. William Pistulka, Charter Schools Officer, proposed new board member appointments and reappointments for East Shore Leadership Academy, Experiencia Preparatory Academy and Nah Tah Wahsh Public School Academy.

After motion duly made and seconded the Committee recommends to the Board of Trustees the approval of the board member appointments.  This motion is part of the formal recommendations.

Charter School Resolution to Acquire Additional Site for Francis Reh Academy

Mr. William Pistulka, Charter Schools Officer, recommended approval of a resolution for Francis Reh Academy to add an additional site that will be used for grades seven through twelve. 

After motion duly made and seconded the Committee recommends to the Board of Trustees approval of the resolution for Francis Reh Academy to add an additional site.  This motion is part of the formal recommendations.

Environmental Communications Presentation

Dr. James Cantrill, Department Head and Dr. Jessica Thompson, Assistant Professor of Communication and Performance Studies gave a presentation on environmental communication.  Environmental communication deals with the processes through which people influence one another’s meanings and actions regarding the use of natural resources or environmental conditions.    Dr. Thompson discussed scholarship and research activities and the potential for a new Master’s program in Conservation Leadership and Environmental Communication.

Extended Learning Update

Dr. Steve VandenAvond provided the committee with an update on extended learning activities including The Northern Promise, off-site and online programming and a new streamlined accelerated process for experimental programs. 

Dr. Zurbuchen thanked the Committee and the meeting was adjourned at 10:22 a.m.