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, February 14, 2020 in the Northern Center of Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan. The meeting was convened at 9:05 a.m. in the Scott L. Holman Executive Conference Room, by Chair Steven M. Mitchell.
Trustees present included:
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Mr. Steven M. Mitchell, Chair |
Ms. Donna L. Murray-Brown |
|
Ms. Lisa I. Fittante |
Ms. Tami M. Seavoy, Vice Chair |
|
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 Haveman, seconded by Trustee Seavoy, to amend the agenda to add an additional item following Agenda Item #8, Committee Appointment.
Chair Mitchell said that a 10-minute recess would be called following Agenda Item #8.
Being no further discussion, Chair Mitchell called for the vote:
The motion was supported by a vote of 8 – 0 to approve the agenda as amended.
INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
There were none.
ACTION ON FORMAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Young, seconded by Trustee Seavoy, and supported by a vote of 8 – 0, to approve the Formal Recommendations. (Addendum #1)
NCAA DIVISION II WOMEN’S WRESTLING
President Erickson said in December 2019 the university began exploring the idea and opportunity to add women’s wrestling as an NCAA recognized sport. The university was waiting to hear what the NCAA was going to do at its annual meeting in January 2020; women’s wrestling was approved as an emerging sport by the NCAA at that meeting. He said given the history NMU has with women’s wrestling this will provide an opportunity for approximately 30 women athletes to be added to NMU’s campus community and, along with its impact on opportunities through Title IX, it makes a great deal of sense to add women’s wrestling.
Director of Athletics Forrest Karr said there
is an opportunity for Northern to be the first public university in Michigan to
offer women’s wrestling as an NCAA level program.
He provided a history of NMU's exceptional success in women’s
wrestling, which included:
· NMU previously sponsored women’s wrestling as part of the U.S. Olympic Education Center from 2004-2012, which was under the direction of USA Wrestling.
· Seventy-six (76) women came through the program, including three Olympians.
· Shannyn Gillespie, head coach at the time, coached 29 National Championship gold medal winners, 14 World and Pan American medalists, five USA Wrestling outstanding wrestler awards, and one Olympic bronze medalist – Randy Miller – at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
· Former U.S. Olympic Education Center wrestlers Adeline Gray and Helen Maroulis went on to compete in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, with Maroulis becoming the first Olympic gold medalist from the United States in women’s freestyle wrestling.
Mr. Karr said as NMU continues to have a higher percentage of
female students, adding women’s wrestling will help the University continue to
ensure the numbers of men and women participating in intercollegiate athletics
are substantially proportionate to the university's overall enrollment, which
is the first prong for Title IX compliance.
Mr. Karr also said if approved, NMU would plan to renovate
locker room space, but otherwise current facilities can accommodate women’s
wrestling without a major building project, the new women’s wrestling coach
would start during summer 2020, the program would be offered at the club level
starting fall 2020, and the new coach would recruit throughout 2020-21 to bring
NCAA level student-athletes to campus for fall 2021.
Trustee Mahaney asked what division level the University would be participating and asked Mr. Karr to explain what an “emerging sport” is. Mr. Karr said an emerging sport means over 20 NCAA institutions have committed to sponsoring the sport at the varsity level. Once you reach 40 institutions, the NCAA can offer an NCAA championship in the sport. Currently, commitments for women’s wrestling is somewhere between 20 and 40. He said when something is added to the Emerging Sport for Women’s List, it gives member institutions a reason to consider adding the sport. NMU would compete as a club program fall 2020, hire a coach this summer, and compete at the NCAA Division II level fall 2021.
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Mahaney, seconded by Trustee Seavoy, to add NCAA Division II Women’s Wrestling.
Trustee Mahaney said this is a great opportunity for Northern to expand women’s athletic sports opportunities and it’s a natural fit given NMU’s legacy and history in both men’s and women’s wrestling throughout the years. He said it’s a wonderful move by the University and he looks forward to seeing the first home wrestling meet.
Being no further discussion, Chair Mitchell called the vote:
The motion was approved by a vote of 8 – 0.
ROOM AND BOARD RATES – FISCAL YEAR 2021
President Erickson said that setting costs for families as early in the year as possible is important. It’s also important to look at the room and board rates in the overall context of what we do at the institution and apply the same level of commitment towards access and affordability to our housing rates that we do with our tuition rates. He said the administration is making a recommendation to the Board on what they believe is an appropriate amount.
Trustee Young, Chair of the Finance Committee, said that the committee has looked at the recommendation and has worked with Vice President Leach and President Erickson on this item.
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Young, seconded by Trustee Seavoy, and supported by a vote of 8 – 0, to approve the following room and board rates for fiscal year 2020-2021:
An increase of 2.84% for the traditional residence halls and an increase of 2.88% for The Woods. A copy of the proposed detailed room and board rate schedule is on file with Secretary of the Board of Trustees and will be posted to the NMU website.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
Chair Mitchell introduced Trustee Donna Murray-Brown who was appointed by Governor Whitmer to replace former Trustee Bridget Summers who resigned last year when she moved out of state. Chair Mitchell recommended that Trustee Murray-Brown be appointed to the Academic Affairs Committee and the Extended Learning and Community Engagement (ELCE) Committee.
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Hart, seconded by Trustee Haveman, and supported by a vote of 8 – 0, to appoint Trustee Murray-Brown to the Academic Affairs Committee and Extended Learning and Community Engagement Committee.
The meeting recessed at 9:21 a.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:32 a.m.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Haveman, seconded by Trustee Hart, and supported by a vote of 8 - 0, that the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees supports inclusion of various cultures and peoples on our campus; that Northern Michigan University endorses an Indigenous People’s celebration – the celebration honors a contribution and culture of Indigenous People; the Northern Michigan University administration and the Board of Trustees look forward to coordinate activities with the Center for Native American Studies, the Native American Students Association, and the Associated Students of Northern Michigan University (ASNMU) organizations to finalize celebration activities and dates by the July Board of Trustees meeting.
TRUSTEE EMERITUS APPOINTMENT
Chair Mitchell said that it is important to honor the people who have done an outstanding job for Northern Michigan University serving on the Board of Trustees and recommends that Trustee Emeritus status be awarded to former Trustees Dr. L. Garnet Lewis, Mr. Richard M. Popp, and Dr. Thomas H. Zurbuchen. The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Mahaney, seconded by Trustee Seavoy, that Trustee Emeritus status be awarded to former Trustees Dr. L. Garnet Lewis, Mr. Richard M. Popp, and Dr. Thomas H. Zurbuchen.
Discussion followed:
Chair Mitchell said when he became a Board member in 2013, Dr. Lewis was the chair. She was extremely dedicated and did an outstanding job as chair. She also chaired the Alumni Association and has been an outstanding advocate for Northern Michigan University. She was a great board member and served with real distinction and he was honored to serve with her.
Chair Mitchell said that Mr. Popp served as chair of the Board for two years – the first during the transition when President Erickson was hired and the second during President Erickson’s first year at NMU. He said there is no doubt the Mr. Popp was an extraordinary representative of the university and continues to help the university in multiple ways.
Chair Mitchell said Dr. Zurbuchen served for a relatively short period of time and was appointed with him in 2013. Those who served with him know how important he was to the Board during his tenure. He is an extraordinary man and it’s an honor to give him this award as well as the honorary degree.
Being no further discussion, Chair Mitchell called the vote:
The motion was approved by a vote of 8 – 0.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF INFORMAL CLOSED SESSIONS TO BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE THURSDAY, APRIL 30 – FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020 SESSIONS OF THE BOARD
President Erickson made this announcement for the public record.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
Chair Mitchell said he would like to appoint an ad hoc committee to work on Indigenous People’s Day. The committee will consist of Vice Chair Seavoy, who will chair the committee, Trustee Steve Young, Trustee Alexis Hart, and Trustee Donna Murray-Brown. The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Young, seconded by Trustee Seavoy, and supported by a vote of 8 -0, to appoint an ad hoc Committee to work on Indigenous People’s Day. The committee will be made up of Vice Chair Tami Seavoy, who will chair the committee, Trustee Steve Young, Trustee Alexis Hart, and Trustee Donna Murray-Brown.
Chair Mitchell opened the floor to the Trustees for Good of the Order.
Trustee Fittante made the following comments:
· She welcomed Trustee Murray-Brown noting that she will be a great addition to this team.
· She sees good things happening and is looking forward to see what will be done this year.
Trustee Haveman commented on the following:
· He welcomed Trustee Murray-Brown to the Board noting that he has heard many great things about her.
· He said he appreciates the job Chair Mitchell and President Erickson did at the forum and is pleased with the publicity the December Board initiatives have received.
· He is appreciative of the Board wanting to be transparent and investing in the future of the university.
· He said one of the reasons he wanted to continue discussions around Indigenous People’s Day is because he believes in civility of a society and the importance of inclusiveness, acceptance, and tolerance. He believes it will have a meaningful impact on the students, faculty, and future of the university.
Trustee Hart touched on the following:
· She welcomed Trustee Murray-Brown to the Board.
· She said it is important as a board that we are formally recognizing the importance of an Indigenous celebration and is excited to be on the ad hoc committee.
· She said great things are happening and heard positive things about the Forum.
· She said as a university we are making the right changes and investments to remain competitive and adaptable.
· She said she is excited for this year and to see the initiatives that were approved come to fruition.
Trustee Murray-Brown made the following comments:
· She thanked everyone for their kind words.
· She said the last few days have been life changing – the ability to hear all the great work that is happening on campus just lifts her spirits.
· She was asked by a professor this morning what one thing is the most important to her – the importance of being in alignment with her values and seeing that being demonstrated at this table and all the work that is being done, reaffirms that she made the right choice in saying ‘yes’ to serving on this Board.
Trustee Young made the following comments:
· He welcomed Trustee Murray-Brown and said she is going to be a great addition to the Board and looks forward to working with her.
· He thanked Vice President Leach and President Erickson for their assistance in working with him as the Finance Committee Chair.
Trustee Seavoy touched on the following:
· She welcomed Trustee Murray-Brown and is looking forward to working with her on the Board and the committees.
· She thanked the administration and those who have worked so hard on the initiatives that were approved in December.
Trustee Mitchell made the following comments:
· He said that we have an extraordinary President and team at this university and thanked everyone for the hard work with the beginning of the implementation process on the initiatives.
· The primary focus for the Board this year will be to help ensure the programs are implemented as they will make a huge difference.
· He said the university has made the correct investments and believes we are getting the message out to the pubic how important these investments are and how they are going to benefit Northern Michigan University in the long term.
Chair Mitchell adjourned the meeting at 9:47 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/signed/ Cathy A. Andrew
Secretary of the Board of Trustees