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 Friday, December 11, 2020, in Marquette, Michigan. The meeting was convened at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom Videoconference by Chair Steven M. Mitchell.
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 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 |
The meeting was live-streamed on YouTube at https://bit.ly/2UeD5Ex.
ROLL CALL
Secretary Andrew took roll call of the Trustees and noted that a quorum was met with all Trustees present.
MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Seavoy, seconded by Trustee Hart, and supported by a vote of 8 – 0, to approve the agenda as written.
INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
Professor Brandon Canfield addressed the Board regarding the Medicinal Plant Chemistry Program and the importance of branding – which is the history and integrity of Northern Michigan University – and his concerns with the non-credit programs NMU is exploring and establishing in partnership with for-profit education services.
Chair Mitchell thanked Professor Canfield for his comments.
RECOGNITIONS
· Graduating Senior Commencement Speaker – Provost Schuiling recognized Ms. Cecelia Ruiz, Biology Major, Mathematics Minor, who represented the 2020 NMU Graduates at the Virtual Commencement Ceremony which was held on December 6, 2020 as the Student Commencement Speaker.
· Student’s Choice Award Recipient / Commencement Speaker – President Erickson recognized Dr. Kia Jane Richmond – Professor, English Department, who was selected by the students to be the Commencement Speaker at the Virtual Commencement Ceremony which was held on December 6, 2020.
· Staff Member – President Erickson recognized Ms. Kim Rotundo, Registrar, who is retiring at the end of 2020. He read an excerpt of a letter of appreciation from Governor Gretchen Whitmer thanking Ms. Rotundo for her service and leadership on the statewide Transfer Steering committee that led the MiTransfer Pathways initiative, resulting in the Michigan Transfer Agreement and the Michigan Transfer Network.
MOMENT IN NMU HISTORY
Dr. Russell Magnaghi, provided a report on a Moment in NMU’s History. (Addendum #1)
ASNMU REPORT
Ms. Emma Drever, President – Associated Students of Northern Michigan University, provided a report on activities that have occurred within ASNMU throughout the semester.
· ASNMU Assembly – two appointments at the end of the term, including first graduate studies rep in 5 years
· Hired a new secretary for the office
· She touched on the activities in the three prongs of advocacy, accountability, and action:
o Advocacy –
§ Voting – satellite city clerk’s office on campus for two weeks leading up to the election – issued ballots to voters who were then able to vote on campus – first time this has happened at NMU; election day – registered 200 students on voting day; partnership with city clerks’ office and commitment to civic engagement added value to the campus;
§ Fellow students – still actively receiving communications; NMU did a great job as a university to handle the pandemic with testing, facilitating safe processes, etc. – however, students have been reaching out to let everyone know that while the semester was successful, there was a lot of fatigue – important to recognize that moving forward.
§ Some confusion regarding how winter semester will look – received many questions from students: graduate assistant teachers having freedom to change the format of their classes, testing, policies – COVID and Safe on Campus emails have been good sources of information for getting some of these answers but still trying to get the remaining answers
§ Hearing concern from students about financial relief after discovering the $1,000 transfer scholarship for winter 2021 semester – believe some type of care should go to current students first
§ Doing best to maintain virtual connections amid the concerns
§ Members of the university have created a winter activity series for students because the break is much longer
§ Continue to encourage the use of mental health facilities
o Accountability or Outreach
§ ASNMU worked with alumni by cohosting a Skill Builder – paired alumni with students to network – hoping to continue building those connections in the future
§ Some alumni who graduated in 2020 reached out saying they were disappointed to not see their names scrolled during the virtual commencement – working on a proposal for any future virtual commencements NMU may have
§ Have been working with Michigan Tech and LSSU – have bi-2eekly call with their student government Presidents – planning a virtual conference for the winter semester
o Action
§ Year-to-year normal projects dictated by bylaws:
· Reached an agreement with Facilities so Period Project will be run in bathrooms next semester
· Bike share continued on hold for winter semester – bikes are in storage but will work with students who reach out with the need for a bike
· Career closet continues to run in a limited fashion – have a surplus of some sizes coordinating a donation to the LSSU closet
· Future plans – working to add the election date to the NMU academic calendar as Marquette has an election every year on the first Tuesday in November whether local, state, or federal – this also stems from the positive feedback on the different efforts so this will continue to build the university acknowledgement of election day and civic duty of American citizens.
· Working on an hour health week educational event acknowledging health care for university aged people – combination of lectures, skills builders, and virtual events with a focus on the intersection between mental and physical health and to ensure promotion of all types of care
· Continuing to review the ASNMU constitution and bylaws – looking forward to input from the student governments at Michigan Tech and LSSU
· Continue to look forward to the recognition of indigenous peoples and cultures at NMU most prominently next semester through the grant-funded exhibit The Decolonization upcoming at the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center.
Ms. Drever responded to questions from the Trustees.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Erickson read a memorial recognizing Senator Tom Casperson (Addendum #2). A moment of silence was held in his honor.
President Erickson reported on activities and accomplishments that have occurred since the last meeting. (Addendum #3)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance Committee
Trustee Young, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a meeting held Thursday, December 10, 2020. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #4)
After the report, Trustee Mahaney asked to be recused from the discussion and any vote on the following recommendation from the Finance Committee.
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Hart, seconded by Trustee Seavoy, and approved (7 – 0) that the Board approve the Northern Michigan University administration to negotiate potential leases for commercial properties located in the downtown Marquette area with commercial property owners, including Veridea Group and its affiliates.
Extended Learning and Community Engagement (ELCE) Committee
Vice Chair Seavoy, Chair of the ELCE Committee, reported on a meeting held Friday, December 11, 2020. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #5)
Academic Affairs Committee
Trustee Hart, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held Friday, December 11, 2020. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #6)
ACTION ON FORMAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Haveman and seconded by Trustee Murray-Brown to approve the Formal Recommendations. (Addendum #7)
On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:
Aye Nay
Alexis M. Hart
Lisa I. Fittante
James K. Haveman
Robert E. Mahaney
Steven M. Mitchell
Donna L. Murray-Brown
Tami M. Seavoy
Stephen E. Young
CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR ELECTIONS
Chair Mitchell asked for nominations from the floor.
It was moved by Trustee Murray-Brown and seconded by Trustee Fittante the following nominees for calendar year 2021: Trustee Tami M. Seavoy – Chair and Trustee Stephen E. Young – Vice-Chair.
Being no discussion, Chair Mitchell called the vote:
On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:
Aye Nay
Alexis M. Hart
Lisa I. Fittante
James K. Haveman
Robert E. Mahaney
Steven M. Mitchell
Donna L. Murray-Brown
Tami M. Seavoy
Stephen E. Young
The motion carried with a vote of 8 for and 0 against.
Chair Mitchell congratulate Trustees Seavoy and Young on their election.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF INFORMAL CLOSED SESSIONS TO BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FEBRUARY 2021 SESSIONS OF THE BOARD
President Erickson made this announcement for the public record.
· Chair-elect Seavoy recognized outgoing Chair Mitchell for his service and commitment as Chair over the past year, noting the difficulties that occurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was presented with engraved marble bookends.
· Chair-elect Seavoy recognized Chair Steve Mitchell for his service and dedication to NMU during his tenure on the Board. He was presented with a framed resolution and Wildcat Statue. Chair Mitchell expressed his thanks to the Board and administration. Chair Mitchell shared a video outlining university accomplishments that occurred during his tenure on the Board.
· Chair-elect Seavoy recognized Trustee James K. Haveman for his service and unwavering support to NMU during his tenure on the Board. He was presented with a resolution and Wildcat Statue. Trustee Haveman expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Board and Administration.
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Seavoy, seconded by Trustee Young, and passed (8-0), to table the committee appointments for next year until the next meeting.
Chair Mitchell opened the floor to the Trustees for Good of the Order.
Trustee Murray-Brown made the following comments:
· She thanked Chair Mitchell for his leadership, noting that his video should be required viewing for future Trustees to receive NMU history.
· She thanked Trustee Haveman for his sage advice during her short time on the Board.
Trustee Young made the following comments:
· He thanked Chair Mitchell and Trustee Haveman for their service on the Board and wished them the best moving forward.
· He said he appreciates the support and counsel and advice in his term as chairing the Finance Committee. He was appreciative of Trustee Mahaney’s and Haveman’s input on this Committee during the pandemic.
· He said he looks forward to working with Trustee Seavoy in his new role as Vice Chair.
Trustee Seavoy made the following comments:
· She thanked Trustees Haveman and Mitchell for their service on the Board.
· She thanked the Trustees for their support toward the chair vote.
· She looks forward to working with Vice Chair-elect Young in the coming year.
Trustee Hart made the following comments:
· She said that 2020 has been a year-defining time – the care, compassion, and leadership of the entire campus community from the President, leadership team, faculty, staff, and students – has been exemplary.
· She said she came on the Board with Trustee Haveman in 2017 and it has been a pleasure to serve with him. His knowledge and expertise in the healthcare industry which has brought a focus of rural healthcare which will be incredible for years to come to the Upper Peninsula.
· She thanked Chair Mitchell for driving many important initiatives during his tenure on the Board. His passion on the enrollment initiatives will ensure the growth and viability of the University.
Trustee Mahaney made the following comments:
· He said Trustee Haveman’s impact on the Board has been tremendously positive. He’s done yeoman’s work for Northern, raised the bar for fellow and future trustees, his passion for northern and the upper peninsula has been tremendous. He thanked him for what he’s done for Northern and the U.P. and for making him a better board member.
· He commended Chair Mitchell for his eight years of service and always doing what is best for Northern.
· He congratulated Chair-elect Seavoy on her election and wished her nothing but success.
Trustee Fittante made the following comments:
· She thanked Trustees Mitchell and Haveman for their service to the university, their knowledge, experience, energy, help and support, all they have done during their terms.
· She said she came on the Board with Trustee Haveman in 2017 and she enjoyed learning so much from him and his guidance throughout the last four years.
· She said she looks forward to working with Chair-elect Seavoy in her new role.
President Erickson made the following comments:
· He said he appreciates the dedication and engagement of the Board members. The university doesn’t move forward without the discussions and debates.
· He said he is deeply appreciative particularly in a year such as we’ve had.
· He wished Trustees Haveman and Mitchell the best.
Chair Mitchell made the following comments:
· He thanked Secretary Andrew for her work and all she has done for the Board.
· He thanked Ms. Hemmila for all the work she has done on behalf of the Board and the work on behalf of the university in Lansing as the lobbyist.
· He thanked Mr. McCamman for his wise counsel he has provided to the Board.
Chair Mitchell adjourned the meeting at 11:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/signed/Cathy A. Andrew
Secretary of the Board of Trustees