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Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at
Admissions
Charles Haynes spoke to the board about his position as Gear Up Project Coordinator. The Gear Up Project is a federally funded aspect of Early Outreach Programs and Office of Admissions at Ball State University. The program identifies students in junior high and tracks them through high school in order to help prepare them for, and promote an interest in, higher education. If you are interested in more information about the program or in working on minority recruitment initiatives please contact Charles at chaynes@bsu.edu .
2003 Reunion: Creating a Bond That Never Ends – Recap
The board discussed the reunion and agreed that the numbers were good and the responses to the attendee survey were positive. The board talked about the idea of changing the number of years between reunions and the date. After much discussion, the board unanimously agreed to keep the current 2 year format and the first weekend in August date. The board agreed that this was the best decision for consistency. Linda made a motion for the next reunion to be held the first weekend in August 2005. After Joyce's second, the board unanimously accepted the date for the next reunion.
Allen suggested that the board send a thank you to the attendees of the reunion in order to keep communication open. He also mentioned that he would like the board to make a stronger effort to get past award winners to return for the reunion as a majority of them do not.
Non-Attendee Survey
The Alumni Association surveyed over 1400 black alumni who graduated between1990-2002 and had never attended the reunion. The purpose of the survey was to determine what aspects of the current reunion format appealed to them and find out what was keeping them from attending. The results indicated that daytime activities during the week were difficult for many as were the lack of options for family activities. As such, the board is considering a return to holding a regional outing on the reunion's off-year so that as many alumni as possible will be included in the board's events. Sue expressed concern that younger alumni are not responding to the current reunion format and that the board needs to seriously consider an activity or program that meets the needs of younger alumni.
Laura reported that many respondents agreed to serve as communicators for the next reunion and were willing to help invite alumni back for the next reunion. When communication initiatives get underway for the 2005 reunion, these alumni will be contacted to see if they are still interested in contacting classmates and other alumni.
John Hall
John Hall retired from the board at this meeting. The board shared memories and presented John with a cake. They also thanked him for his time and efforts on the board. Ben also presented John with a gift in honor of his retirement.
Membership
After much discussion, the board decided to vote electronically on the new prospects who would serve out the remainder of John's term and any other openings. The board was asked to submit additional names at the next meeting for consideration of upcoming openings.
Ben will set up a nominating committee over email in order to determine the slate of officers for 2004-2005. Voting will be at the January 2004 meeting.
Upcoming Events
- A Chicago Area Alumni Outing will be held at the Rock Bottom Brewery in Chicago on
- Commencement will be held on campus on
- The next Alumni Council meeting will be on
Next Meeting Date
The next board meeting will be held on
