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, May 2, 2008, in the Cohodas Hall of Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan. The meeting was convened at 9:30 a.m. in the Board of Trustees Meeting Room, 602 Cohodas, by Chair Mary C. Lukens.
Trustees present included:
Mary C. Lukens, Chair Samuel S. Benedict Douglas B. Roberts
Alan T. Ackerman (via telephone) Brian D. Cloyd Gilbert L. Ziegler
Stephen F. Adamini Jon G. LaSalle Leslie E. Wong, ex officio
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
Ms. Nease reported that there were no requests to address the Board.
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF NMU STUDENTS
Mr. William Bernard, Associate Provost for Student Services and Enrollment, presented memorials for Aaron Pelkie, a student in the Electrical Line Technician program who passed away unexpectedly, and for Morgan Cyr Holsinger, a student who passed away after a two-year battle with Hodkin’s Lymphoma. The Board of Trustees observed a moment of silence in their memory.
FOCUS DISCUSSION: Athletics and NMU’s Community College Role (Addendum #1)
Mr. Kenneth Godfrey, Special Assistant to the President and Athletic Director, gave an overview of the Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports Programs including mission; organizational charts; facilities; programs and clubs; student employment and internships; current sports including conference affiliations, participation, athletes’ GPAs, academic credit loads, and scholarships; budget and expenses; and community connections.
Dr. Susan Koch, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, reviewed NMU’s Community College Role. The presentation included information on community collaborations, headcount and credit hours by level of program, and non-credit programs. Dr. Koch also demonstrated how NMU’s Community College role ties into the Roadmap for 2015 and reviewed challenges and opportunities ahead. The Board of Trustees confirmed their commitment to NMU’s community college role.
RECONVENE -- Chair Lukens reconvened the meeting at 11:15 a.m.
INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATING SENIOR SPEAKING AT SPRING COMMENCEMENT
Mr. Bernard introduced Mr. Aaron Pairolero, from Gladstone, MI, who will represent the graduating class at Commencement ceremonies tomorrow. He is graduating with a Social Studies/Elementary Education major with minors in Speech Communication, Science Education, and Outdoor Recreation. On behalf of the Board, Chair Lukens congratulated Mr. Pairolero and presented him with a plaque. A photo was taken.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER AND HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT
President Wong announced Mr. James Shaughnessy, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. as the Winter 2008 Commencement Speaker. Mr. Shaughnessy will also receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
Mr. Christopher Storves, 2007-2008 ASNMU President, and Mr. Hobie Webster, 2008-2009 ASNMU President, reported. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #2). On behalf of the Board, Chair Lukens congratulated Mr. Storves on his success and presented him with a gift on behalf of the Board. A photo was taken.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Wong reported on the Additional Eligible Adult (AEA) Benefits package, said a committee will be charged in the Fall 2008 semester to study the smoking policy on campus, gave an enrollment update for Winter 2008/Fall 2009, and reported on the March 2008 roll out of the Roadmap to 2015 and said the Roadmap will be the focus of the Summer President’s Council Retreat.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Academic Affairs
Mr. LaSalle, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held Thursday, May 1, 2008. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #3).
The following action was taken at this time:
It was moved by Mr. Cloyd and seconded by Mr. Benedict, and supported unanimously by the Board to approve the reauthorization (renewal) of the charters for Burton Glen Public School Academy and Walton Public School Academy for a three-year period to June 30, 2011.
Dr. Roberts, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a meeting held this morning. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #4).
Executive
Mr. Benedict, Chair of the Executive committee, reported on meetings held on April 10, 2008, and
May 1, 2008. A copy of the reports are appended to these minutes (Addendum #5 and #6).
Based on the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the Board then took action as follows:
It was moved by Mr. LaSalle, seconded by Mr. Cloyd, and supported unanimously by the Board to approve an additional $30,000 to complete the renovation of the Kaye House kitchen.
It was moved by Mr. Ziegler, seconded by Mr. Adamini, and supported unanimously by the Board that following the Executive Committee's annual presidential compensation review as specified in the Presidential Employment Agreement, President Leslie E. Wong's 2008-2009 base salary be increased by 5% bringing the total base salary to $194,225 per year and that the amount of deferred compensation be increased by $5,000 for each additional year of employment.
It was moved by Mr. LaSalle, seconded by Mr. Adamini, and unanimously supported by the Board of Trustees to approve the Formal Recommendations. (Addendum #7)
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION TO BE HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JULY 17-18, 2008, MEETING OF THE BOARD
President Wong made this announcement for the public record.
Former/Current Trustee Joint Meeting
Mr. Ziegler proposed a joint meeting with current and former Trustees for the July 2008 Board of Trustees meeting. The Board concurred. Ms. Nease will follow through with the invitation.
Chair Lukens adjourned the meeting at 12:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Theresa M. Nease
Secretary of the Board