Approved
NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Formal Session
of
Friday, May 3, 2019
A formal session of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University was held on Friday, May 3, 2019 in Cohodas Hall of Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan. The meeting was convened at 11:00 a.m. in the Board Room, 602 Cohodas Hall, by Chair Robert E. Mahaney.
Trustees present included:
|
Mr. Robert E. Mahaney, Chair |
Mr. Steven M. Mitchell, Vice Chair |
|
Ms. Lisa I. Fittante |
Ms. Tami M. Seavoy |
|
Ms. Alexis M. Hart |
Ms. Bridget N. Summers |
|
Mr. James K. Haveman |
Mr. Stephen E. Young |
|
|
Dr. Fritz J Erickson, ex officio |
Senior Staff and Counsel present included:
Mr. Brad Canale, Chief Executive Officer – NMU Foundation
Mr. R. Gavin Leach, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees
Dr. Kerri Schuiling, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Steven A. VandenAvond, Vice President for Extended Learning and Community Engagement
Ms. Deanna Hemmila, Executive Director – Board/Government Relations
Ms. Cathy A. Niemi, Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Mr. Kurt McCamman, Legal Counsel
Chair Mahaney welcomed Trustee Bridget Summers and Trustee Stephen Young to the NMU Board of Trustees.
ROLL CALL
Secretary Niemi took roll call and noted that all Trustees were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Seavoy, seconded by Trustee Haveman, and approved unanimously (8 – 0) to approve the agenda as written.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Provost and Vice President Kerri Schuiling read the following memorial:
· Ms. Keara Bullen, a freshman majoring in Marketing, died April 14, 2019
INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
Mr. Connor Loftus addressed the Board of Trustees regarding his time at NMU and his involvement with the student government. He said his favorite NMU core value is community. He thanked the Trustees and administration for the mutual respect he has felt during his time, for listening to the students, for the culture of shared governance they have shown, and for all of the work they do for the students and NMU. Chair Mahaney thanked Mr. Loftus for his commitment to NMU.
Dr. Brent Graves, President of the American Association of United Professors (AAUP), addressed the Board of Trustees regarding the upcoming contract negotiations. Chair Mahaney thanked Dr. Graves for his service and union leadership and assured him the Board looks forward to the negotiations with a positive outlook.
The following students addressed the Board of Trustees regarding the Student Sustainability Educator Program (Eco-Reps Program): Ms. Olivia Walcott, Ms. Megan Khodl, and Ms. Marissa Linstrom. They touched on the following: participation in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AACHE); activities the group was able to provide because of the funding provided by NMU, some of which were multiple articles in the NorthWind and The Mining Journal, interviews with TV-6, promoted energy conservation in the dorms with the “Turn Down the Lights” campaign, repaired 50 bikes promoting sustainable and safe transportation around Marquette, and held 2nd annual sustainability week, the highlight which was a clothing swap which resulted in over 800 pieces of clothing donations, coordinated a zero waste game which diverted 93% of the waste from the landfill, and sustainability workshops; how the program has evolved on the campus and the Marquette community. They requested that the university provide carry-over funds to ensure that the Eco-Reps Program can continue into the future on campus and in the community, as well as the green fee that students supported last year.
Chair Mahaney thanked the students for their comments and said it’s been a pleasure to see the progress that has been made with Eco-Reps.
STUDENT RECOGNITION
Chair Mahaney recognized and congratulated Ms. Tess Kostelec on her life-saving effort at The Lights dining this past semester. (Addendum #1)
INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATING SENIOR SPEAKING AT SPRING COMMENCEMENT
Provost and Vice President Schuiling announced Mr. Tristan Ruiz, a Biochemistry major, Military Science minor, from Richmond Hill, Georgia, will represent the graduating class of spring 2019 at Commencement ceremonies tomorrow, Saturday, May 4, 2019. On behalf of the Board, Chair Mahaney congratulated Mr. Ruiz and presented him with a plaque. A photo was taken with Mr. Ruiz, Chair Mahaney, and President Erickson.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
President Erickson announced the Honorable Debbie Stabenow, United States Senator from Michigan, will be the Spring 2019 Commencement Speaker.
ASNMU REPORT
Mr. Cody Mayor, President of the Associated Students of Northern Michigan University (ASNMU), provided a report of ASNMU activities during the past semester:
· 2019 elections and referendums (Addendum #2)
· Ease of working with the administration
· Bike share program
· Period Project (free feminine hygiene products across campus)
· Graduation cap and gown donations for students who can’t afford to purchase them
· 24-hour study lounge
· One U.P. Conference – NMU will be hosting LSSU and MTU’s student governments this year
· Indigenous Peoples Day – requesting that current academic and future calendars be amended to recognize the 2nd Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day.
Chair Mahaney thanked Mr. Mayer and said the Board will take the Indigenous Peoples Day request under advisement.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Erickson reported on university accomplishments since the February meeting. His report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #3)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Academic Affairs
Trustee Seavoy, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held today, Friday, May 3, 2019. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #4)
Finance
Trustee Haveman, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a meeting held today, May 3, 2019. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #5).
Executive
Trustee Mahaney, Chair of the Executive Committee, reported on a meeting held via conference call on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 and a meeting held in person on Thursday, May 2, 2019. A copy of the reports is appended to these minutes. (Addendums #6 and #7)
ACTION ON FORMAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Seavoy, seconded by Trustee Hart, and supported unanimously (8 – 0), to approve the Formal Recommendations. (Addendum #8)
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
Chair Mahaney noted with the appointment of Trustee Summers to the Board of Trustees, a motion was needed to appoint her to the Finance Committee. The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Mitchell, seconded by Trustee Fittante, and supported unanimously (8 – 0), to appoint Trustee Bridget Summers to the Finance Committee.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF INFORMAL CLOSED SESSIONS TO BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE WEDNESDAY – THURSDAY, JULY 17 – 18, 2019 AND THURSDAY – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 – 20, 2019 SESSIONS OF THE BOARD
President Erickson made this announcement for the public record.
GOOD OF THE ORDER
Chair Mahaney opened the floor to the Trustees for Good of the Order comments.
Trustee Mitchell made the following comments:
· Thanked Mr. Mayer and Mr. Lofton for their hard work and dedication as members of ASNMU
· Thanked the students who spoke on behalf of and are part of the Eco-Reps for the work they have done regarding sustainability on campus
· Thanked Ms. Kostelec for her extraordinary description and effort on saving a fellow student’s life
· Thanked Dr. Graves for his leadership with the AAUP union and said he looks forward to working towards a contract that works for everybody
· Welcomed Trustees Summers and Young to the NMU Board of Trustees
· Remarked on how well this Board works and functions together as a team
· Complimented President Erickson and the leadership team on another extraordinary year at Northern
Trustee Seavoy recognized the Student Leader Fellowship Program and the members who were present at the meeting
Trustee Fittante made the following remarks:
· Welcomed Trustees Summers and Young
· Highlight of her time on campus this week was the tour of the Art & Design program and the Senior Art Exhibit.
· Noted that the Northern Center remodel is beautiful and well done
· Expressed her enjoyment of the lunches and interactions with the students
Trustee Haveman noted the following:
· Welcomed Trustees Summers and Young
· Attended an NMU Alumni reception in Florida – the number of people who attended was amazing and indicative of the support and pride in NMU
· Thanked the administration for the support of the mental health components at NMU
· Provided a report of the AGB Conference he and Trustees Hart, Mitchell, and Seavoy attended
Trustee Hart commented on:
· Construction of the Northern Center and the many transformations on campus, both physically and academically
· 120th Anniversary of NMU
· Favorite part of being on campus is the interaction with students and the passion of everyone across campus
· Welcomed Trustees Summers and Young
Trustee Summers made the following comments:
· The Board and administration did a great job of orientating her to the Board
· She was impressed with the presenters today – they embody the core values of NMU and make her proud to be a member of this Board
Trustee Young commented on the following:
· The tours of the Art & Design program and the Cyber Hub were phenomenal
· He is excited and honored to be serving on the Board
Trustee Mahaney noted the following:
· NMU’s 120th Anniversary – introduced Dr. Russ Magnaghi, NMU’s historian, and noted activities associated with the anniversary (Addendum #8)
· Congratulated those individuals listed in the appointments and promotions in the Formal Recommendations and thanked them for their hard work and dedication to NMU
· Commented on the new programs NMU has approved and implemented – they represent the vision, initiative, and leadership needed to bring them to fruition and the foresight that NMU brings to higher education
· How well-run the day-to-day life of the campus is
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Mahaney adjourned the meeting at 12:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Cathy A. Niemi
Secretary of the Board of Trustees