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 14, 2007, in the Cohodas Hall, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan. The meeting was convened at 9:00 a.m. in the Board of Trustees Room, 602 Cohodas by Chair
Mary C. Lukens.
Trustees present included:
Mary C. Lukens, Chair Samuel S. Benedict Gilbert L. Ziegler
Alan T. Ackerman Brian D. Cloyd Leslie E. Wong, ex officio
Stephen F. Adamini Jon G. LaSalle (for part of meeting)
The Trustee absent was:
Douglas B. Roberts
Senior staff and counsel present included:
Catherine L. Dehlin, General Counsel
Susan J. Koch, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
R. Gavin Leach, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board
Theresa M. Nease, Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary of the Board
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF MONSIGNOR LOUIS CAPPO
Chair Lukens led the Trustees and Staff in a moment of silence in memory of Monsignor Louis Cappo who passed away following a brief illness. She announced President Wong would be leaving the Board meeting immediately after the Focus Discussion in order to attend Msgr. Cappo’s funeral services.
FOCUS DISCUSSION
President Les Wong and Provost Susan Koch gave a presentation on student life in 1960, 1985, and 2007, including changes in economics, demographics, campus life, and curriculum (See Addendum # 1).
President Wong left the meeting at this time.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Mr. Ziegler requested the Distinguished Alumni Award be presented at the December Commencement Ceremony instead of during Homecoming Weekend as it had been done in the past and expressed concerns that the plaque for this award needs to be updated. Ms. Lukens will forward these concerns to the President of the Alumni Association for review.
RECONVENE -- Chair Lukens reconvened the meeting at 10:45 a.m.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
New Technologies: Mr. Gavin Leach and Mr. Eric Smith reported on current wireless technology at NMU and opportunities for future expansion. (See Addendum #2)
Women’s Fast Pitch Softball Proposal: Mr. Leach reviewed a proposal for possible implementation of a Women’s Fast Pitch Softball team at NMU. He stressed the sport’s increasing popularity and potential recruitment value as well as continued compliance with NCAA Title IX requirements.
Campus Master Plan Update: Mr. Leach updated the Board on the progress of developing the Campus Master Plan after receiving input from the University community. (See Addenda #3a and b)
RECONVENE -- Chair Lukens reconvened the meeting at 1:34 p.m. President Wong rejoined the meeting at this time.
Ms. Krista Clumpner, President of the NMU Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), addressed the Board regarding faculty concerns with the proposed Campus Master Plan. Chair Lukens thanked Ms. Clumpner for her comments.
INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATING SENIOR SPEAKING AT MIDYEAR COMMENCEMENT
Associate Provost for Student Services and Enrollment William Bernard introduced Ms. Jessica Compton from Marquette, Michigan, who will represent the graduating class at Commencement ceremonies tomorrow. She is graduating with a double major in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences and Spanish. On behalf of the Board, Chair Lukens congratulated Ms. Compton and presented her with a plaque. A photo was taken.
Mr. Chris Storves, 2007-2008 ASNMU President, reported. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #4).
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Academic Affairs
Mr. LaSalle, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held on Thursday, December 13, 2007. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #5).
Mr. Benedict, Acting Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a meeting held on Thursday,
December 13, 2007. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #6).
Executive
Mr. Benedict, Chair of the Executive Committee, reported on the meeting held on
Thursday, December 13, 2007. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #7).
Ad hoc Emeritus Trustee
Mr. Ziegler, Chair of the Ad hoc Emeritus Trustee Committee, reported on the meeting held on Thursday, December 13, 2007. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #8).
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD STANDING COMMITTEES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2008
Chair Lukens announced that the recommended 2008 NMU Board of Trustees Standing Committee Appointments are included in the formals (Formal Recommendation F-3). The appointments are as follows:
2008 NMU BOARD OF TRUSTEES STANDING COMMITTEES
Academic Affairs Finance Executive
Jon G. LaSalle, Chair Douglas B. Roberts, Chair Samuel S. Benedict, Chair
Samuel S. Benedict Alan T. Ackerman Brian D. Cloyd
Brian D. Cloyd Stephen F. Adamini Douglas B. Roberts
Gilbert L. Ziegler Brian D. Cloyd Mary C. Lukens, ex officio
Mary C. Lukens, ex officio Mary C. Lukens, ex officio Leslie E. Wong, ex officio
Leslie E. Wong, ex officio Leslie E. Wong, ex officio Alan T. Ackerman, alternate
Chair Lukens also announced her ex officio appointments to the NMU Foundation Board of Trustees for calendar year 2008. They are: Mr. Gilbert Ziegler and Mr. Stephen Adamini.
It was moved by Mr. LaSalle, seconded by Mr. Benedict, and unanimously supported by the Board of Trustees to approve the Formal Recommendations, as amended. (Addendum #9)
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED INFORMAL SESSION TO BE HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE THURSDAY-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21-22, 2008, MEETING OF THE BOARD
President Wong made this announcement for the public record.
Chair Lukens adjourned the meeting at 2:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Theresa M. Nease
Secretary of the Board
