Here is an informal account of the Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees meeting, Monday, May 19, 2014.
Details on the actions items and reports are contained in the Board Packet available online at https://www.nmc.edu/about/board-of-trustees/agendas/2014/051914-Regular-pkt-pg.pdf.
The NMC Board of Trustees:
DECIDED
- To adopt the Truth in Taxation First Resolution be adopted as presented.
- To recommend approval of a level I certificate in programmable logic controllers (PLC) as part of the construction technology program offerings, effective fall semester 2014.
- To recommend authorization for administration to enter into an engagement agreement with Rehmann to conduct their professional services plan for Northwestern Michigan College for the year ending June 30, 2014 as presented.
REPORTS/DISCUSSION
- Irina Grougan, Office Manager, Learning Services was named NMC Employee of the Semester. Among the comments made in Irina’s nomination were, “Irina goes above and beyond whenever possible. Whether it is through her impeccable organization and leadership for the Career Fair, or simply walking a student to where they need to go. It is clear that she cares deeply for the students we are here to serve. “
- Todd Neibauer, Executive Director of Learning Resources and Technology gave an update on his area. He reported that through his dual role at TCAPS and NMC the technology areas at both institutions have worked to identify areas of collaboration and cost sharing, with more of that to come.
- Marguerite Cotto, Vice President of Lifelong and Professional Learning, Chris Weber, Vice President of Enrollment Managment and Student Services and NMC President Timothy J. Nelson gave a report on the recent visits to China. They discussed the importance of face-to-face meetings as part of the relationship building process. Formal discussions with Chinese institutions began in fall 2012 when NMC hosted delegations from six Chinese universities. Both the Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute and Huanggang Polytechnic College plan to return to Traverse City this summer to continue discussions. President Nelson called this work some of the most important that NMC has done in his 13 years as president.
- Vicki Cook, Vice President of Finance and Administration presented a report on discussions with Traverse City Light and Power on a possible co-generation project with the college. The findings of two TCLP studies showed that such a project would create a payback time for them of more than 40 years. There are no plans to move forward with this project.
- Aaron Beach, Director of Human Resources and Linda Racine, Director of Program Advancement, gave an update on the Classification and Compensation Project. That part of the meeting can be viewed here. They reported on the progress of the workgroup, discussed the concept of “total compensation” which is not limited to salary, but also includes benefits, performance and recognition, work-life balance, professional development and career opportunities. They also discussed the Point Factor criteria used as a much more comprehensive evaluation of position classifications.
- Chris Weber’s enrollment report showed that applications for admission, applications for housing and attendance at orientation sessions are up. New student enrollment is tracking up, while returning student enrollment is down from last year.
- Kennard Weaver, Chair of the Trustees Audit Committee gave an update that included a recommendation to continue to enter into an agreement with Rehmann to conduct their professional services plan for the year ending June 30, 2014.
- Vicki Cook, Vice President of Finance and Administration’s financial report showed April 2014 revenues up six percent over April 2013 and expenses up three percent over the same time.
- Board Chair Doug Bishop gave the Foundation report. Three former NMC students received recognition as Outstanding Alumni: John Militello, class of 1990 is Head of Creative for Google in New York City. Angela Nahikian: ’83 is Director, Global Environmental Sustainability at Steelcase in Grand Rapids, and Craig LaFave ’01 isPresident of Olmsted Products in Traverse City and President of Oilgear in Milwaukee.
- Kennard Weaver, Board Representative to the NMC BBQ reported that May 18’s BBQ was an outstanding success. More than 9,000 meals were served in six hours and thousands took advantage of great weather to visit the campus and enjoy the day.
- In his legislative issues report, NMC President Timothy J. Nelson reported that neither the House or Senate preliminary budgets contain tuition cap language for community colleges. Governor Snyder’s initial proposal did.
- In his president’s update, President Nelson thanked everyone who helped out at the NMC Barbecue. He also thanked everyone who made TEDx Traverse City a success. The event was held at the Milliken Auditorium and also streamed to the State Theatre, Traverse City Central and West High Schools and NMC’s Scholars Hall. He congratulated the Great Lakes Maritime Academy for receiving permission to offer fast rescue boat training, something that not every maritime academy in the nation can offer. He said he has asked Vicki Cook and Holly Gorton, Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees to review the college’s records retention policy as it pertains to e-mails.
- In his board chair’s report, Chairman Bishop said that May is a “particularly cool month to be on the NMC Board,” as trustees were able to attend commencement, maritime graduation, honors convocation and the barbecue, and that it’s great to see how much spirit and pride the community has in its college. He said the college attorney has completed a preliminary draft of a Board of Trustees e-mail policy and he requested the Board Policy Committee meet before the regular June meeting to review that draft.
- Vicki Cook gave a presentation on the progress of the budget planning for fiscal year 15 and methods being explored to renew the budget which will be presented at the June Board meeting for possible approval. Her presentation can be viewed here.
- Joe Connolly provided public comment to encourage NMC to consider exploring technology to store renewable energy.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NMC Board of Trustees is Monday, June 23 at the Great Lakes Campus in room 112.