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President Sarah Maisto called the meeting to order at
Business
2004 Journalism Awards—Deborah Robinson presented award recipient recommendations and summaries were distributed for the board's review. Following discussion, recommendations were made as follows:
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award—Rowan Benecke, '94; and Michael S. Kellams, '94. Jim Grim moved to recommend both Benecke and Kellams for the award, David Knott seconded, and the recommendations were passed by majority vote.
Outstanding Journalism Alumnus Award—Raymond S. Begovich, MA88EdD93. Deborah Robinson moved to recommend Begovich for the award, Heather Perry seconded, and the recommendation was passed by majority vote.
Hall of Fame—Nancy A. Hastings, '72. Michael Price moved to recommend Hastings, Pamela Records seconded, and the recommendation was passed by majority vote. It was agreed to also forward a second name to faculty for consideration.
There was discussion regarding the number of recommendations to make for the Young Alumnus Award. Gene Policinski moved to establish a policy that the board annually consider no more than a total of three recommendations, each from a different field within the department, for the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. Deborah Robinson seconded, and the motion passed by majority vote.
2004 Board—Charlotte Shepperd reported that there are two possible openings on the board. A list of prospective new members was distributed for discussion. Following discussion, Layne Cameron moved to recommend, in order, Celeste Williams, '79; and Steven Healey, '88; and Robert Jonason, '80, to fill the next three vacancies. Robinson seconded, and the motion was passed by majority vote. Shepperd reminded the board that members need to be active donors to BSU. She will follow-up with further communication with the prospects.
Heather Perry reported that the basketball pre-game reception discussed at the September 13, 2003 board meeting is not feasible. She suggested the group might consider planning a MAC conference basketball game watch party in conjunction with the BSU Alumni Association. Shepperd reported that there is a possibility of a BSUAA Indianapolis Area Watch Party for the televised Central Michigan game on March 6, 2004. Perry moved to investigate piggy-backing with the BSUAA Indianapolis Area event, David Knott seconded, and the motion passed by majority vote. Invitation will be via e-mail.
Department Update
Marilyn Weaver reported that the Northern Central Association accreditation visitation was concluded. A summary draft of the site evaluation was distributed. The summary lists strengths and weaknesses, and the department has been recommended for re-accreditation. Some challenges for the department include finding ways to increase enrollment and successful recruitment of a more diversified body of students and faculty.
Gene Policinski offered a summary of the J-Ideas program, launched last November. The program, he noted, has made an amazing amount of progress and, although his time as interim director is concluding, there is an assistant director, Christi Girton, and three excellent graduate assistants to continue. A pilot program was conducted with North Central High School in Indianapolis. J-Ideas, Policinski said, helps high school journalism directly, but it also helps Ball State's journalism program. He concluded by commending Marilyn Weaver's leadership with the program. Weaver, in turn, commended Policinski and thanked him for spending three months on campus to effectively launch the program. Meanwhile, she said, the search continues for a director.
The Daily News has been nominated for a Silver or Gold Crown award. The honor will be announced in March. Cardinal Communications, under the direction of Bob Pritchard, continues to move forward. Ball Bearings, the online publication, continues to improve.
In summarizing other department news, Weaver said the program recently received a first and second in the Hearst competition. Sixteen new digital cameras and a class set of Dell tablet computers have been added to the department's equipment. Journalism has formed a new partnership with the Indianapolis Star which will enable students to work in similar assignments as they did last year under Jennifer Palilonis. The digital portfolio project, under the direction of Sheryl Swingley, is progressing.
Alumni Council
Jim Grim presented a report on the activities of the Alumni Council since the previous meeting. The Council heard a Presidential Search Committee report from Board of Trustee President Tom DeWeese. The committee, comprised of a cross section of individuals, is working with a search firm out of Atlanta. The 2003 budget was reviewed and 2004 budget was presented and approved. The Ball State University Foundation remains in solid financial state, in spite of the financial market and other economic changes. Journalism's report included a review of the accreditation status, an update on the diverse programs the alumni group is doing, and a mention that department chair, Marilyn Weaver, had been acknowledged with numerous honors last fall. The next Council meeting will be Saturday, June 12, 2004 in conjunction with Alumni College activities.
Other Business
Gary Graham raised a question on the Board of Trustees confidential search process for Ball State's president. Shepperd read a statement in the form of a resolution that Graham had forwarded to Diane Williams for the board's consideration. Following considerable discussion, Gene Policinski moved to send the resolution to Board President Tom DeWeese. David Knott seconded. The motion passed by majority vote. Layne Cameron and Charlotte Shepperd abstained.
Future Meetings
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at
