Present: Amy Ahlersmeyer, Jim Grim, Brian Hayes, David Knott, Sarah Maisto, Gene Policinski, Deborah Robinson, Charlotte Shepperd, Lesley Stedman, Dan Waechter, Marilyn Weaver, Diane Williams, and Heather Perry--Gary Graham and Michael Price via conference call.

President Sarah Maisto called the meeting to order at 9:37 a.m.  She asked for corrections or additions to the minutes of the June 21, 2003 meeting.  Revision, Page 2, Department Update, line 8—ACEJMC; Line 17—Lori Demo.  Gene Policinski moved to accept the minutes as revised.  David Knott seconded, and they were approved by voice vote.

Business

Review of Student Media Alumni Reunion, June 21, 2003—Charlotte Shepperd distributed the financial report from the student media alumni reunion.  The event was a success.  Appreciation was expressed to Jim Grim, and Pam and Mark Records for providing the on-site photo opportunity.  It was also mentioned that listing reservation names was a good idea.  It was agreed to consider another reunion in the future.

Chicago Event—Marilyn Weaver reported that, because there were not enough reservations to justify the expense, the event was cancelled.

The board discussed future events.  It was suggested that events might be planned in conjunction with other alumni activities.  An example would be to tag on to the Indianapolis Art Walk sponsored by the Ball State College of Fine Arts.  Shepperd will check with Sue Taylor to see if journalism can partner with this event next year. 

Another possibility would be a reception at Rock Bottom in Chicago in conjunction with the CASE Conference in December.

It was agreed to look into hosting a basketball pre-game reception February 21, 2004.  E-mail will be utilized with an accept or decline option instead of a bulk postal mailing.  It will also be publicized in Phoenix and the Ball State Alumnus.  Each board member will be committed to bring five people.  David Knott, Sarah Maisto, Heather Perry, Deborah Robinson, Charlotte Shepperd, Lesley Stedman, and Marilyn Weaver will serve as the planning committee.

Other Business

Journalism Awards—Awards materials were distributed for the board's review.  The number of awards that can be given were revised and approved in the September 7, 2002 Journalism Alumni Board meeting minutes.  The Awards Committee has the latitude to recommend up to three nominees.

An e-mail will be sent requesting nominations for the awards.  The congratulations (new nominee) letter will be revised by adding the sentence, "You have been nominated by."

The following board members will serve as the Awards Committee:  Amy Ahlersmeyer, Brian Hayes, Sarah Maisto, Gene Policinski, Deborah Robinson, Charlotte Shepperd, Lesley Stedman, Dan Waechter, and Marilyn Weaver.  The committee will meet Thursday, January 15, 2004, 4:00 p.m., Alumni Center Board Room.

Department Update

Marilyn Weaver said that the accreditation process is progressing smoothly. The accreditation team will be on campus January 25-28. Weaver said that board members may be contacted and interviewed by the team, as they were placed on a list of prospective alumni to contact.

Regarding the Newspaper in Residence program, Dan Waechter stated that funding was sought through ASJMC for the program. The department was searching for a partner newspaper that would provide for, at least, four senior staff members to come to campus during the year. The Chicago Tribune has become our partner. Each of four staff members will spend an entire week on campus, two during fall semester and two during spring semester.

Weaver said the Fort Lauderdale project was very successful. The Sun-Sentinel used all four graphics packages designed by the students and two won awards from the Society of News Design for the excellence of their work.

There is a large pool of graduate assistants in journalism this year, due in part to the iComm grant. Enrollment figures for the department were down by 2.6 percent this fall. Much of the decline was evident in the minors program. Meanwhile, the graduate program has increased in number and the department in general continues to attract quality students. Waechter attributed some of the overall decrease in number to an increasingly rigorous curriculum.

Lesley Stedman expressed concern in the number of students enrolled in the news editorial sequence. Other board members entered the discussion, expressing views on why the news ed numbers are down. Weaver noted that, while the department continues to plan recruiting efforts, journalism programs across the country are showing a decline. Michael Price added that the lower numbers only intensify the challenge for us to continue to put the very best students into the professional world.

In its 25th year, the Schranz Lecture is scheduled for October 16. Mel Sharpe is working diligently to make the event successful. Willard Nielsen, vice president for Johnson and Johnson, will be the lecturer.

Gene Policinski will assume the acting directorship for the J-Ideas program for a three-month appointment, beginning in November. Among his duties will be overseeing the selection process for a permanent director for the program that emphasizes scholastic journalism.

Alumni Council

Jim Grim said the Alumni Council had met on campus September 6. He reviewed highlights of the meeting. The Alumni Association is coordinating a football rally before each home game this season. Each of the first two events was attended by more than 300. The first game was played under lights. More than 23,000 fans attended, 7,700 of whom were students.

Both the Association and Ball State University Foundation are in sound fiscal shape. The Association budget is being helped through cost-cutting measures initiated with the new fiscal year. The Foundation is evaluating the prospect of instituting an administrative fee for accounts within the Foundation. This would be a new venture for Ball State.
The Association selected new officers for the 2004 calendar year. President will be Wayne Estopinal. Homecoming is set for October 18. The night before, Marilyn Weaver and Amy Ahlersmeyer will be honored with Benny Awards for their outstanding service to the university and Alumni Association.

Future Meetings—

The awards committee will meet Thursday, January 15, 2004, 4:00 p.m., Alumni Center Board Room.

The next board meeting will be Saturday, January 31, 2004, 9:30 a.m., Alumni Center Board Room.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:19 a.m.