NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2006, ROOM GLC 112

CALL TO ORDER
Chair Jay Hooper called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

OATH OF OFFICE
Chair Jay Hooper administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed trustee, William Myers.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved on a motion by Cheryl Follette, seconded by Ross Childs.

PUBLIC INPUT
Public input was heard from Brian Christ, who stated: that he has been an NMC student for ten years; that NMC faculty helped him adjust socially and academically following an automobile accident; that changes to NMC facilities are beautiful; that the college's computer system is excellent compared to others in his experience; and that the flight program is excellent. He suggested that the college consider allowing flight students to carry passengers as a source of additional income.

CONSENT ITEMS
On a motion by Cheryl Follette, seconded by Bob Brick, the following items were approved:

• Minutes of the February 27, 2006, regular meeting and the March 6, 2006, special meeting;
• Contributions and pledges for February 2006 totaling $441,335.45;
• Summary report for general fund accounts as of February 28, 2006. (Attachment)

FACULTY COUNCIL REPORT
Faculty Council member Jerry Dobek read a statement from the Council expressing their belief in the college's culture of open discussion and shared governance in reviewing programs and services, including the aviation program, and that the faculty eagerly looks forward to working with administration, staff and the BOT in this review process. (Attachment)

ENERGY GRANT PROJECT UPDATE
Marguerite Cotto described the project purpose, which is to showcase specialized equipment and draw community attention to alternative energy resources. Ed Bailey stated that the program consists of wind generation equipment, solar photovoltaic equipment, solar thermal equipment, geothermal equipment, bio-diesel equipment and fuel cell technology. Ed reviewed the proposed sites that each piece of equipment will occupy. All will be at M-TEC with the exception of the large wind generator, which will be erected at the north end of the University Center campus if the Board approves the sites, an action item on tonight's meeting agenda.

AQIP STRATEGY FORUM UPDATE
Craig Mulder reviewed the Vital Focus/AQIP processes to date, including the recent Strategy Forum attended by select faculty, staff, President Nelson, and trustees Elaine Wood and Ted Mattis. Craig explained the next steps in the process, which include implementing the management structure for the action projects, launching the action projects, and continuing to integrate the AQIP process with our Institutional Effectiveness Model.

BBQ BOARD REPORT
Bob Brick announced that the BBQ Board has already achieved 65% of its corporate sales goals of 3,000 tickets, and that $29,000 was recently awarded for NMC projects.

BOARD FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
Jay Hooper reported that the Finance and Audit Committee considered the following at their meeting on March 16, 2006:

• Reviewed the fiscal year financials through February 28;
  • One notable change: Hagerty Center has been removed from the FY06 General fund financials to an auxiliary account, which impacted both income and expenses;
  • We received more than $1,700,000 in winter property taxes in February;
  • Investment income continues to be higher than budget due to higher interest rates and changes in NMC investment guidelines;
  • All other expense categories are in line with, or slightly below, expectations.
• Discussed the status of FY07 budget development and heard a recommendation from Stephen Siciliano on behalf of Planning and Budget Council to raise tuition for next year by 3.4% for in-district rate and 6% for out-of-district and out-of-state rates. The 3.4% would allow students or their parents to be eligible for a Michigan tax credit.
• Heard a report on the Energy Grant Facilities implications, which Ed Bailey reported on this evening.

BOARD STRATEGIC GOALS COMMITTEE
Committee Chair Cheryl Gore Follette reported that the committee did not meet.

BOARD POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT
Chair Ross Childs stated that the committee did not meet in March. Policy review is suspended until after implementation of the AQIP process.

FOUNDATION REPORT
Cheryl Follette reported "great news," that the Annual Community Campaign is at 99% of goal, with nearly $298,000 raised. The Board of Trustees goal of 100% participation has not quite been met, and the Foundation Board is at 98% of its participation. Nominations for the Foundation Excellence Awards are currently being solicited from faculty, staff, students and volunteers. Any NMC employee is eligible, and recognition is given for those who exemplify the NMC mission and values beyond their job description. The NMC Faculty Excellence Award and Foundation Excellence Awards are funded by the Foundation and are the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an NMC employee.

FOUNDATION FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Ross Childs reported that he Foundation Finance and Audit Committee has not met since his last report on February 27th. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 19th.

BOARD CHAIR REPORT
Chair Jay Hooper stated, in the interest of time and the reception for Jack Stegenga following tonight's regular board meeting, he would not report until the next regular meeting.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
President Timothy Nelson thanked faculty, staff and trustees who accompanied him to the recent AQIP Strategy Forum. The schedule was grueling, but much was accomplished, at the sessions, at dinner, and on the drive home. President Nelson also thanked the executive staff for their tireless commitment and hard work

PRESIDENT'S CONTRACT
Ross Childs made a motion, seconded by Bob Brick, to approve the President's contract as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

ENERGY GRANT EQUIPMENT PLACEMENT
On a motion by Cheryl Follette, seconded by Ross Childs, the administration was authorized to take necessary action to place the equipment included in the Energy Grant Project in the locations presented; unanimously approved.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Recorded by
Karen Sabin