Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 10:35 a.m. by Vice President Pam Morris. Morris welcomed new member Carl Radford and reported that Ebonee Cooper (unable to attend) is the other new director on the board.

Minutes
The minutes from the September 8, 2007 were unanimously approved by a voice vote following a motion by Chisley and second by Cox.

Guest Presentation
Charles Haynes, Associate Director of Admissions, discussed undergraduate admissions, Summer Scholars and the GEAR UP program.  He noted that 8% of all Ball State students are students of color and said that the university is working hard to increase that number over the next 10 years. He also said that Admissions is always available with a panel of current students to meet with high school students who are visiting campus. Overnight visits can be planned for those who do not live nearby.

Summer Scholars is an early outreach program designed to increase minority enrollment. Indiana students in grades 8 through 10 participate in a week-long stay on campus. Students familiarize themselves with campus and take a variety of college preparatory courses at this time. The GEAR UP program began at Ball State in 2002 under the efforts of Dr. David Davis. The program began with 1400 children at three area middle schools. The goal of the program is to prepare students for college and the college application process via tutoring, mentoring and counseling for students and their families.

Haynes said that Ball State is always looking for creative ways to engage potential students. He hopes that the alumni society will increase its involvement with Admissions by discussing Ball State programs and experiences with families. He noted that families are happy to hear about individual experiences on campus - then and now. He will also provide the society with talking points about where Ball State is now and about Education Redefined. Chisley said that the alumni society could be of assistance to parents in particular. He noted that a potential freshman might be a first generation college student.

Jamerson commented that she had been speaking with parents about what would "seal the deal" and convince parents to send their children to Ball State. She found that many parents were looking for a mentor for their child. Jamerson asked if Summer Scholars counselors could mentor incoming students or occasionally take students to lunch. She also noted that current students feel that Greek students and athletes are cliquish and that many upper classman aren't welcoming to friendships with new freshmen. She suggested that mentor leaders or the alumni society could facilitate dialogue between new and current students. Stephens agreed and noted that Greeks embraced freshmen when he was a student. Anderson suggested that more minority admissions and orientation leaders might increase the connection students feel to the campus.

Haynes explained that the Admissions relationship does not stop with enrollment. He noted that the multicultural student panel could be more engaging.  He is interested in formalizing peer mentoring and will talk with Vice President Tom Taylor and Vice President Kay Bales.  

Payne noted that he is working on an academic mentoring program for students. The focus of his program is to get students involved in research. Payne also reported that he is looking into a second entry point into the Honors College. Currently, a student can only be admitted into the Honors College upon admission. Payne said that a second entry point would increase opportunities for students who perhaps didn't come from a strong high school experience.

Jamerson is willing to meet regularly with Haynes and bring campus updates to the meetings. She would also like to see the board be more visible at events like orientation and Black Student Association meetings. She said it is powerful for students and their parents to see dedicated alumni involved with the university.  Radford asked if the board could come up with a survey to periodically interact with students and continually re-evaluate where board involvement could best be focused.

Armstead asked if Admissions solicited corporate partnerships for its programming. She indicated that when she worked for Lilly, they were always looking for ways to partner. Haynes responded that the office collaborates with some organizations on minority directed scholarships but that there is room for more partnership opportunities. Radford suggested that partnerships could potentially involve student internships as well scholarships. Armstead, a former Summer Scholars counselor, said that she is willing to share her experiences with potential students.

Radford asked if Ball State goes to historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) to recruit for master's programs. Payne replied yes but that more could be done. He noted that graduate admissions does not have a recruiting staff as undergraduate admissions does. In addition, recruitment of minorities has been more successful when it entails pulling minorities from schools that have a more diverse student population. Radford questioned that statistic and noted that HBCU have higher graduation rates. Payne agreed but said that it is difficult for Ball State to compete against MIT and institutions of that nature at HBCU. Jamerson suggested that Ball State could promote the assistantship opportunities that are available to graduate students. Radford agreed and said that the university needs a marketing program toward this end. He pointed out that many Howard students are from the Midwest and may be looking for graduate institutions closer to home. Radford suggested that Ball State attend HBCU college fairs to get the Ball State name out there. Morris said that the university should not just attend but should develop partnerships and hold joint activities at HBCU – long term.

Haynes was encouraged to come to Black Alumni Society meetings when he is available for continued discussion.

Alumni Council
Chisley reported that Alumni Council met on February 1-2, 2008.  He was very impressed with Steve Fulton's "new media" presentation. Chisley would like members of this board to go to www.linkedin.com and sign up, saying "It is an excellent networking opportunity between the university and professional alumni." Chisley noted that he has joined and he checks it almost daily. He said that BSU receives several new members every week. Chisley also noted that the Alumni Association is involved on Facebook (www.facebook.com) and that Facebook is very popular with the kids in his school - and everywhere. In terms of visibility, he recommended that the alumni society also get on Facebook.

Chisley also reported that a survey was conducted on behalf of the Alumni Council about Ed Shipley's performance and compensation, comparing him to Alumni Association presidents and directors in other universities. The results of this survey will be presented to President Gora.

Outreach
Chisley mentioned that Homecoming was a great event and that the parade was a good time. He noticed that the Caribbean Student Association (CSA) followed behind the Black Alumni Society vehicles, and mentioned that he did not think the CSA was aware of the Black Alumni Society, and that he would like to reach out to them and similar groups on campus. This would raise the visibility of the alumni society and would provide a resource for groups on campus who do not have alumni societies. Radford said that the Caribbean group is "very culture based." Radford said he is open to building relations with the organization but he thinks it is important that the Caribbean group be permitted to do their own thing as they are very proud of their culture and background. Jamerson said that there are many smaller separate groups who want their unique ID but all come together at the OMA House.

Chisley questioned whether the board should also reach out to faculty. Could the board facilitate introducing faculty of color to one another? Morris asked if there was a black caucus on campus for faculty and staff. Jamerson said there was not but that a graduate student and faculty of color reception is held in the Student Center each fall. She said that it would be beneficial to have this event more than once a year. 

Scholarship
B. Robinson reported that the Black Alumni Constituent Society scholarship now has a Foundation fund account with a balance of $8,925.84. The fund needs to have $25,000 in it before the first scholarship can be awarded. It is hoped that the first scholarship will be awarded at the 2009 reunion. For those interested in contributing to the scholarship, the Foundation fund number is 461. B. Robinson requested that board members check with employers to see if they will contribute matching funds to the scholarship.  He also requested that the membership consider what they can contribute to the scholarship fund and over what time period.  Radford suggested that the scholarship be publicized at the end of the year as a good tax deduction.

Jamerson said that a golf fundraiser might be a great summer activity for the off-reunion year and would also raise funds for the scholarship. Taylor suggested that Jamerson speak with Ernie Krug about golf outings. Krug can help determine venues and facilitate work with development if this event is pursued.

B. Robinson reported that a committee has not been formed at this point to determine the criteria for awarding the scholarship.

Elections
Cox reported that nominations were submitted for the office of president and two vice presidents in October and November 2007. He led the nominating committee and followed up with all nominated individuals regarding their interest in serving.  In December, Cox communicated the following slate:  Pam Morris, president and Joyce Jamerson and Keith Robinson for the vice presidential positions. Following a motion to approve the slate by Radford and a second from Stephens, the board unanimously accepted the slate of officers.

After much discussion on Roberts Rules of Order and the commitment that officers need to make to the board, it was decided that the membership had received the slate in ample time as well as had methods to make further suggestions or changes to the slate. In addition, it was noted that the vote was supposed to have taken place before December 31, 2007, but that the December meeting had been postponed.

Calling for the vote, Cox announced Morris' name three times as the candidate for president. No new nominees were submitted. By voice vote she was unanimously elected president of the Black Alumni Constituent Society Board of Directors for the 2008-2009 term.

Next, Cox announced Jamerson's name three times as the candidate for vice president. At one point, B. Robinson nominated Chisley for this position. Chisley declined. Jamerson was elected vice president with one dissenting vote.

Last, Cox announced Keith Robinson's name three times as the second candidate for vice president. Concerns were raised about his attendance and current absence. It was noted that Keith was absent due to a death in the family. Cox said he had spoken to Keith and confirmed his commitment. K. Robinson was elected vice president with one dissenting vote.

The presented slate was then voted on one additional time and approved.

Summer Outing 2008
The United Way Breakfast at Expo will be held on Saturday, July 19. The board voted to participate again this year. Cox suggested that the board help Haynes at the Ball State booth at Expo.

Pam noted that Purdue and IU have receptions at Expo and asked if Ball State could host one at the Convention Center. Chisley suggested that B. Robinson could talk about the scholarship. B. Robinson agreed. Jamerson suggested that a reception could become an annual event that people can put on calendars and look forward to. Cox will check costs.

Armstead suggested that the board contact Indiana Black Expo for sponsorship and advertising opportunities. She also suggested the group work with Admissions and market this reception to Ball State University as a means to engage alumni and enhance student recruitment. Perhaps the board could get some funding for the event this way. Radford suggested that the board also look at involvement with the Circle City Classic College Fair. He noted that BSU may see this recruitment opportunity as a better investment. Jamerson noted that the State Fair is also a great place to hold an activity and meet with alumni. She said that the board can work with Ball State alumni or  admissions offices.  Taylor suggested the Summer 2008 Committee talk with Al Rent, the director of marketing for University Advancement. Chisley will check with Charles Haynes, Al Rent or Tom Taylor.

The board agrees to enhance an existing event each summer versus creating a new event. 

Chisley agreed to serve as chair of the Summer 2008 Committee. Jamerson asked him to send an e-mail to the board about his role and to ask for assistance as needed. Stephens suggested that all event committees do this in the future to save time at the meetings. Summer 2008 Committee: Cox, Armstead and Radford, plus Chisley serving as chair.

Reunion 2009
After discussion, the board selected July 31 - August 2, 2009 for the next reunion. Taylor said that she has booked the Alumni Center.

Constitution
A copy of the Constitution was passed out to members for review. (Members who were not in attendance will be mailed a copy). At the April 5, 2008 meeting, the board of directors will work on correcting any errors in the Constitution as well as updating matters which are out of date. Stephens requested that the vice president positions be designated as first and second in the bylaws so there is a clear line of succession. Chisley seconded the motion and the motion carried. B. Robinson suggested that a parliamentarian be added to the list of officers to assist with Robert's Rules of Orders and other procedures. Chisley suggested that President Morris  appoint a parliamentarian. The board agreed. Armstead suggested that one of the vice presidents might be a good choice. Morris will get back to the board with her decision.

Announcements
Congratulations went out to Radford, who was expecting his first grandchild on February 16, and to Cox, who will become a grandfather in September.

Next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Alumni Center. Morris noted that future meetings would begin on time and will last approximately two hours.
The meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m.