Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 10:40 a.m. by President Ben Robinson.

Minutes
Approval of the January 14, 2006 meeting minutes were initially tabled due to lack of a quorum. (This item was not revisited at the meeting).

Alumni Council
Mike Chisley reported on the April 29, 2006 meeting of the Alumni Council. President Gora spoke to the Council about the future and direction of Ball State University and indicated that there will be a focus on experience based learning for all students. The president also mentioned the upcoming marketing campaign, her Electronic Field Trip ( http://www.bsu.edu/eft/ ) participation with First Lady Laura Bush and administrative changes occurring at the university.  Beginning on July 1, Ben Hancock will become vice president for University Advancement; Terry King will be the new provost; and Ronny Thompson will be the head men's basketball coach.

Mike noted that Jenell had posed a question to trustee Tom DeWeese regarding the advancement of minorities in the university's administration. DeWeese said the board recognizes this issue and is continually working to improve the percentage of minorities in these positions.

Mike reported that many alumni awards were announced at the Council meeting. He sits on the Legacy Scholarship committee and said that 50 winners, from more than 150 applicants, received $1,600 each. He noted the high quality of the winners and said that every recipient was probably in the top 7% of their class and had high SAT scores. Information on the Benny, Bumb, Coach of the Year, Distinguished Alumni, and G.O.L.D. award recipients is available online at http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/awards/ and in the Alumni Council meeting minutes at http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/council/minutes/. The next Alumni Council meeting is September 9, 2006.

Board membership
After a quorum was reached, Teresa Jeter and Doriel Armstead were officially nominated for board membership.  Several members commented about the energy and enthusiasm the candidates would bring to the board and attested to them personally and professionally. The board of directors unanimously approved the membership of Teresa Jeter and Doriel Armstead.

Some members have terms concluding on 12/31/06, including Ben, Fred, Nancy and  Connie. These members will be contacted about their continuing interest.

Reunion
Fred suggested that the theme for the 10^th anniversary reunion be, "Celebrate the Legacy."  Linda seconded the theme and the board unanimously approved it.

Summer Alumni Events
Charmaine reported that the "After Work Matinee" is scheduled for July 13 during Expo. It will be held at ICE from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.  ICE is co-owned by Ball State alumnus Ken Thorpe. Ken is asking for a $2,500 bar guarantee. The planning committee anticipates that 300 will attend.To cover expenses, pre-paid reservations to the Alumni Association will be $10. At the door, the cost will be $15. Charmaine will head a decorating committee but she would like some assistance.

Keith suggested that attendees be invited via e-mail and will be linked to in NEWS from the Cardinal's Nest. Registered attendees can be posted online per a request from the board.

Pam reported that the United Way Minority Recognition Breakfast will be held during Expo on July 15. It is $200 for a table for 10 and $500 for sponsorship (table and a banner). Pam noted that she would be unable to sit at the society's table but that she will be there. Linda made a motion to use the Black Alumni Society's fund to sponsor a table and banner for $500. The banner would help get greater information out about Ball State and the society. Pam seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Pam will talk to Sue about what is needed for the banner.

Discussion with Alan Hargrave, associate dean of Student Affairs, and Lynda Wiley, director of Student Organizations and Activities
A review detailing the racial incidents on campus this past fall was presented. It is believed that those responsible were not Ball State students and they have not been located at this time. These incidents have stopped. 

There was also discussion of an altercation between some Ball State students and the University Police Department this spring after a late night game of tag on LaFollette Field. Alan detailed the incident and where things stood today. A couple of students were ticketed for violating the city's noise policy (fined) and an officer was reprimanded for inappropriate language.  Alan also noted that Dr. Bales wrote a guest column for the Daily News to address this situation (http://www.bsudailynews.com/media/storage/paper849/news/2006/04/06/Forum/Your-Turn.University.Takes.Complaints.Seriously-1798767.shtml?norewrite200606071444&sourcedomain=www.bsudailynews.com ) 

The Ball State University Diversity Policy Institute has named its new director, Dr. Taiping Ho from the criminal justice department.  Charles Payne had been the interim director. Linda requested a copy of the job description for 6the board and information about how and where the job was advertised. Lynda Wiley and Alan Hargrave noted that the position comes out of Academic Affairs which carries weight with professors. The university wanted a candidate who could address concerns in the classroom and at the university as a whole, as well as be a resource for students, faculty and staff.  Pam stated that the position should work towards increasing sensitivity and awareness of instructors.  Linda suggested that cultural competencies or skill sets to work with students, faculty and staff of all cultures were needed. Ben and Linda noted that the top of the administration needs to diversify.  Linda suggested that the university talk with alumni to see what they think.  Alan said he would take the comments and concerns to the administration.

Lynda Wiley noted that other positive changes were underway.  There are Diversity Action Teams comprised of faculty, staff and students in place to address concerns that members of the university community may have. The Campus Safety Action Team is creating a web site detailing procedures and means to report bias or hate incidents as well as streamline policy information.   The Campus Programming Action Team will examine campus programming to see if the right kinds of programming are being done. The team will also be launching an awareness campaign and web page for diversity resources this fall thanks to the feedback of over 150 students.  The Education and Development Action Team will hold a panel on classroom climate during the new faculty orientation this August.  In addition, the team will work with Ball State's Core Curriculum Task Force on a diversity requirement for students.

Upcoming Dates – Attendance Requested
*     Thursday, July 13 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Mix, mingle and talk up the 2007 reunion at the reception at ICE Lounge, 235 S. Meridian, Indianapolis. Pre-paid reservations are $10 and are $15 at the door. Visit http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/reunions/matinee/ for additional information.
*     Saturday, July 15 from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. United Way Minority Recognition Breakfast. Space is limited – reserve your spot as soon as possible!

Next meeting
The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m. The next meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Alumni Center on either August 19^th or the 26^th. Details will be e-mailed when determined.