Approved
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 Thursday, April 30, 2020, in Marquette, Michigan. The meeting was convened at 3:33 p.m. via Zoom Video Conference, by Chair Steven M. Mitchell.
Note: The meeting was livestreamed on YouTube at: https://bit.ly/2UeD5Ex.
Trustees present included:
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Mr. Steven M. Mitchell, Chair |
Ms. Donna L. Murray-Brown |
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Ms. Lisa I. Fittante |
Ms. Tami M. Seavoy, Vice Chair |
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Ms. Alexis M. Hart |
Mr. Stephen E. Young |
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Mr. James K. Haveman |
Dr. Fritz J Erickson, ex officio |
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Mr. Robert E. Mahaney |
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Senior Staff and Counsel present included:
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Mr. Brad Canale, Chief Executive Officer – NMU Foundation |
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Mr. R. Gavin Leach, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees |
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Dr. Kerri Schuiling, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs |
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Dr. Steven VandenAvond, Vice President for Extended Learning and Community Engagement |
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Ms. Deanna Hemmila, Executive Director – Board/Government Relations |
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Ms. Cathy A. Andrew, Secretary of the Board of Trustees |
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Mr. Kurt McCamman, Legal Counsel |
ROLL CALL
Secretary Andrew took roll call of the Trustees and noted that a quorum was met with all Trustees being present.
MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Seavoy, seconded by Trustee Young, and supported by a vote of 8 – 0, to amend the agenda to include Agenda Item #11 which is action for a recommendation from the President to move forward with planning for face-to-face instruction in 2020.
It was moved by Trustee Murray-Brown, seconded by Trustee Seavoy, and supported by a vote of 8 – 0, to approve the agenda as amended.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Chair Mitchell called for a moment of silence in honor of former First Lady, Mrs. June Jamrich, who died on April 20, 2020.
President Erickson read a memorial in honor of Mrs. Jamrich. (Addendum #1)
Chair Mitchell read a statement that was provided by President Emeritus, Dr. John X. Jamrich. (Addendum #2)
INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
There were none.
ASNMU UPDATE
Ms. Emma Drever, President – ASNMU, and Ms. Paige Pucelik, past ASNMU President, provided a report on plans for fall and accomplishments over the past year. (Addendum #3)
Chair Mitchell welcomed Ms. Drever as the President of ASNMU and thanked Ms. Pucelik for her work on behalf of the students during her tenure.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
Chair Mitchell recognized the students who received the Board of Trustees Student Achievement Awards this year. (Addendum #4)
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Erickson reported on university accomplishments. His report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #5)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Academic Affairs
Trustee Hart, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held today, Thursday, April 30, 2020. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #6)
Extended Learning and Community Engagement (ELCE)
Vice Chair Seavoy, Chair of the ELCE Committee, reported on a meeting held today, Thursday, April 30, 2020. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #7)
ACTION ON FORMAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Fittante and seconded by Trustee Murray-Brown to approve the Formal Recommendations. (Addendum #8)
On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:
Aye Nay
Lisa I. Fittante
Alexis M. Hart
James K. Haveman
Robert E. Mahaney
Steven M. Mitchell
Donna Murray-Brown
Tami M. Seavoy
Stephen E. Young
PLANNING FOR FACE-TO-FACE INSTRUCTION FOR FALL 2020
President Erickson said NMU has had amazing work done from the Emergency Response Group who have been working with several constituents across campus to discuss the intricacies of the possibility of moving back to face-to-face instruction for fall 2020. Based on these discussions, President Erickson made the following the recommendation:
“The Northern administration would like the support of the Board of Trustees to move forward with planning for face-to-face instruction for fall 2020. We will take all reasonable measures necessary to make classes, housing, dining, student events, and all university activities safe. We will abide by all reasonable recommendations and lawful orders of state and federal authorities. A motion by the Board would indicate to the public and campus community our intention to take actions that will provide the NMU experience for which students choose our University and have come to expect Northern to provide.”
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Seavoy and seconded by Trustee Young that the Board of Trustees adopt the recommendation of the administration. It is the intent of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University that NMU will return to face-to-face instruction for the fall 2020 semester. We will follow all reasonable recommendations and lawful orders of state and federal authorities. This motion encourages the Northern faculty, staff, and administration to be innovative and intentional in its approach to offering face-to-face instruction and on-campus living during the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Discussion followed:
Trustee Seavoy said we do not take this decision lightly. The primary focus of making this decision is to ensure we feel confident that every precaution is taken to protect our students, faculty, staff, entire campus, and the entire community, while being able to provide a robust learning and living experience for our students. It is very important for us that our students enjoy and get back to the collegial environment.
Chair Mitchell thanked President Erickson for this recommendation. He said this is very important and when the Board indicates to everyone in the NMU community, to our students and potential students, and everyone in the Marquette area that we are going to come back in the fall, we are going to be an on campus university, it sends a very loud and clear message that we’re going to come back and going to do the best job we can to protect everyone in the NMU community. NMU is a face-to-face university. The reason people come up here is not only to receive a great education but to enjoy the beauty of the Marquette community. By passing this resolution, we are sending a loud and clear message to everyone that unless there are unforeseen forces beyond our control we will be opening up in the fall as a face-to-face, in-person university.
Being no further discussion, Chair Mitchell called the vote.
On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:
Aye Nay
Lisa I. Fittante
Alexis M. Hart
James K. Haveman
Robert E. Mahaney
Steven M. Mitchell
Donna Murray-Brown
Tami M. Seavoy
Stephen E. Young
ANNOUNCEMENT OF INFORMAL CLOSED SESSIONS TO BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE THURSDAY – FRIDAY, JULY 16 – 17 AND THURSDAY – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – 25, 2020 SESSIONS OF THE BOARD
President Erickson made this announcement for the public record.
Chair Mitchell opened the floor to the Trustees for Good of the Order.
Trustee Fittante made the following comments:
· She thanked the administration, faculty, staff, and students at NMU for their efforts during this Corona Virus pandemic and continued efforts.
· She can’t wait to see everyone personally in the, hopefully, not too-far future.
Trustee Hart touched on the following:
· It is fantastic that we’re moving with the decision to go back to face-to-face in the fall; it is the right decision.
· Everyone has done a fantastic job in the flexibility and agility of moving on line as quickly as NMU did.
· There is a real value in the social education and being face-to-face that is critical for students today.
· She welcomed Ms. Emma Drever as the new ASNMU President and thanked Ms. Paige Pucelik for her tenure as interim ASNMU President since December 2019
Trustee Haveman commented on the following:
· He referenced the following quote and how it relates to what everyone has been doing during this time: “We’re all in the same storm but we’re all in different boats.”
· He said it’s impressive how everyone, in different ways, in their own lives and homes, have been able to work together to accomplish some significant transformations at the university.
· He said we will have to learn how to pivot very quickly going forward and thanked everyone – students, faculty, staff – for their engagement and tolerance during this time. He said the future looks very optimistic.
· He was moved by the tributes Chair Mitchell read about the students who received the BOT Student Achievement Awards and said it holds well for Northern and its reputation throughout the state.
Trustee Mahaney made the following comments:
· He said he tips his hat to the President and leadership team, faculty, staff, that have put in yeoman’s work to allow us to get through this and be in the position to open in the fall.
· In order for us to open in the fall it will require a collaborative effort with the community, not just Marquette but across the U.P., to ensure our students and the residents of the U.P. are safe.
· One thing that has been rewarding on a personal level is to see the U.P. community come together in a very collaborative and bootstrap manner sharing resources, etc. to start the work that is required in order for the Upper Peninsula to reopen.
Trustee Murray-Brown made the following comments:
· She said being a new board member during a pandemic crisis has been interesting but has allowed her to see in real time the leadership of the team, faculty staff, students, and how courageous they are.
· She commented on the following quote that reminded her of the leadership team and those making courageous decisions on behalf of the students and community.
“Expect change. Analyze the landscape. Take the opportunities. Stop being the chess piece; become the player. It’s your move.” — Tony Robbins
· She said she is excited about the decision for students to join face-to-face in the fall.
· She is looking forward to continue being on the Board and working with everyone.
Trustee Seavoy touched on the following:
· She thanked the leadership team for the great job that has been done so far and wanted to thank everyone in advance for what’s going to be happening in the next few months in preparation for everyone to come back.
· She said she knows the administration will take everything very seriously and look at all of the issues coming forward.
Trustee Young made the following comments:
· He said he thinks back to the call when everyone was informed the University would be going to on-line instruction and how far we’ve come to today – it’s amazing and much of that is due to the leadership team that did what needed to be done in these extraordinary times.
· He said we have to adapt to advance and believes we are going to do just that.
· He is looking forward to having face-to-face meetings again in the, hopefully, near future.
Trustee Mitchell made the following comments:
· He said it is extraordinary the way the University handled this situation – the leadership team, staff, faculty who went to on-line almost overnight, the police department, dining, housing, grounds, facilities, students, etc.
· He said we are one of the smallest Universities in the state, but believes Northern handled the problems dealing with the Corona Virus better than any other university – we kept our residence halls and food service open so students who wanted to stay on campus could. Everybody from the Board all the way down should be proud of how we handled this pandemic and continue to handle it.
Chair Mitchell adjourned the meeting at 4:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/signed/ Cathy A. Andrew
Secretary of the Board of Trustees