Email a Friend
Print
Larger
Smaller
Minutes
The minutes from the January 28, 2003 meeting were approved as written following Terry’s move to approve and Emily’s second.
Introductions
The board welcomed new member John Maher to his first meeting. John is an environmental engineer for Delphi in Kokomo.
Alumni Council Report
Terry thanked the board for the opportunity to be a part of Alumni Council. He said that he enjoys working with such an outstanding group. He, and the board, congratulated Emily on her nomination for the Alumni Association’s Benny Award. Terry pointed out that Alumni Association president Cathey Boggs came to the NREM Awards Dinner in April and expressed his appreciation that the group was being recognized at that level.
Terry reported that Ball State University was feeling the pinch of the state budget crisis and would not be receiving increases in funding as a whole. On the plus side, Tom DeWeese reported that Ball State historically had a 70-80% retention rate that has increased to over 90% in the past year. The next council meeting will be during Alumni College on June 14, 2003.
Departmental Report
Hugh said that Dr. Siewert really enjoyed the roast at the awards dinner. Dr. Siewert will retire from the department after a summer class trip to Europe that includes Hugh. Jarka Popovicova has been hired to take over the areas Dr. Siewert had covered.
Enrollment in the graduate program is steady and the department is now funding 5 graduate assistants. Undergraduate enrollment is not quite as high as the department would like but efforts are continually underway to increase the number of students in the program. Hugh currently sends letters to prospective students who have expressed an interest in the department but noted that any additional personal communication would be beneficial. The board is considering sending additional letters next year to incoming students in order to reinforce the department’s contact.
The board congratulated Hugh who has been elected to serve another three year term as NREM department chair.
Internship/Career Opportunities Day – Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Terry, Sue and Danesa have agreed to serve on a committee to work on Internship Day. Terry said he would like to see more expansion into the private sector – including zoos, consulting and tourism. Sue agreed and asked the board to look for organization in relatively close proximity and with an alumnus connection if possible. Terry asked each member of the board to submit at least 3 names to him by the next meeting so that the board may send them an invitation to Internship Day.
Amanda recommended that when Internship Day is marketed, organizations should be asked to bring neat things, giveaways and pictures for their tables. Mike suggested door prizes and coming up with a who’s who list of successful alumni starting with award winners in order to increase interest in both Career and Internship Days.
Career Day (as it is currently known) – Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Hugh said that Career Day was envisioned as a presentation of what is “out there” for the NREM major. Terry pointed out that one big advantage of Career and Internship Days was the opportunity to get to know and meet the students. John B. suggested that Career Day be revamped to accomplish more and to differentiate more from Internship Day. He added that a name change might be beneficial to the event as well. Potential names suggested by the board included Professional Development Day, Visiting Professionals Day, Environmental or Career Symposium. Hugh recommended returning to a previous format that included a panel representing each of the options coupled with food and extra credit. Tim J. asked the board if they wanted to lose the employer aspect or keep it in a different arrangement. Hugh suggested that there could be employer tables staffed during the food session that follows the panel. In addition, there could be hosts for the event who staff a table or just mingle with students. He recommended an early evening affair that lasted two hours – an hour for the panel and an hour for the food/employer session.
Amanda noted that anyone interested in serving on the panel should be willing to take the gloves off and answer the tough questions that students will ask – including salary questions. Danesa agreed and recommended that the panelists make students aware of the certifications and additional training opportunities that are available to help students further their career. Dean said it was important for the panelists to point out the wide variety of jobs available. He added that many don’t start out as a park director and that opportunities in solid waste districts, county health departments and so on should not be overlooked – as a stepping stone or otherwise. Emily requested that the department be pretty specific about what they wanted the panelists to speak on and about time limits. Amanda recommended that when the board was looking for panelists they ask what the one thing alumni wish that had known or done as a student in order to determine discussion topics. John B. added that the request could also ask for success stories. Hugh noted that alumni are always welcome to speak to his sophomore seminar about these issues and about their careers.
Mike suggested holding a breakout session for majors to get better access to information on their specific area of interest. Danesa agreed and added that a general panel could be followed by a very informal breakout session. For example, students could be eating pizza while visiting with the panelist representing their option.
John B., Hugh, Tim J., Mike, Denise and Sue agreed to look into name and format changes for Career Day. If members of the board have suggestions or would like to do anything to help that day they are encouraged to contact Hugh.
E-mentoring
Hugh stated that e-mentoring was ongoing but the program has not been assessed yet. He added that they were short on naturalist mentors and Danesa and Amanda offered their assistance. Sue suggested that thank you notes be e-mailed to all of the participants. She also requested that mentors be invited to contribute again and be asked for their suggestions on improving the program and their experience. To sign up to become an e-mentor or for more information visit: http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/contacts/nremementoring/
Awards/Awards Dinner – Friday, April 23, 2003
Hugh, Sue, Amanda and Danesa agreed to serve on a committee to establish criteria for a new, award. Nikki was nominated by Terry and Denise to serve on the committee in her absence. Sue suggested that the board use a name like “recent graduate” instead of “young” for the board’s new award. Award names put forth by the board for consideration include Fledgling, Tadpole, Foundation or Apprentice, Acorn, Eaglette, Redbud, Sapling and Emerging Professional.
Denise requested that the award not be a plaque. She thought that a sculpture-type award that could sit on a desk would stand out more – especially since someone being considered for the NREM award would probably be a go-getter with several plaques already. Ideas will be discussed at the next meeting.
Miscellaneous
Tim would like the group to think of opportunities for an alumni gathering by the next meeting. At the meeting, John M. suggested linking an activity to the annual White River Clean Up, John B. proposed a gathering at Homecoming and Sue recommended a zoo outing
Dean pointed out an upcoming issue in the society’s bylaws. When the board formed, staggered terms were established in the bylaws along with language that an individual could serve no more than 3 consecutive 3-year terms. He noted that John and Emily would be affected by this when their term’s expire in December and put forth an amendment to remove that language from the bylaws. Emily said the board should consider leaving some form of term limits in the bylaws in order to get new life, ideas, individuals, etc. into the board. Dean will chair a committee with Sue and Hugh that will look for any potential changes in the bylaws. Hugh suggests the committee meet in early July and make a recommendation to the board at the August meeting
Mike reported that Jerry will be deploying to Kosovo in August or September and anticipates returning next spring
Upcoming Events
Alumni College and Symphony on the Green is Saturday, June 14, 2003. For more information, please visit http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/college/
Northeastern Indiana Area Picnic and Baseball Game at the Fort Wayne Wizards is July 3, 2003. For more information, please visit http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/events/ftwaynewizards/
Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie on July 26, 2003. For more information, please visit http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/events/symphonyprairie/
Indianapolis Indians Baseball Outing will be August 10, 2003. For more information, please visit http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/events/indians/
Golf outings and other events are available throughout the summer. For more information, please visit http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/events/
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Many thanks to Amanda for providing the wonderful tour and the space for the meeting!
Next Meeting
The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2003 at 4:00 p.m. in the Alumni Center. Ball State’s first home football game will follow the board meeting. Tickets will be available for those who wish to attend the 7:00 p.m. game with Indiana State.
