Ball State University Alumni Association
Nursing Alumni Society
Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Korina Room, Pittenger Student Center

Board Members Present: Mary Buckley, Pam Cole, Mario Contreraz, Kathy Hutson, Jo Ann Johnston, Julie Johnson, Ernie Krug, Jan Noel, Linda Siktberg, and Ruth Ann Tolle.

President Mary Buckley called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. and asked for any corrections or additions to the minutes of the April 10, 2007 Nursing Alumni Society board of directors meeting.  Kathy Hutson made a motion to approve the minutes as presented.  Jo Ann Johnston seconded the motion and the minutes were approved by voice vote.

Nursing Alumni Banquet Review – All goals were met for the 2007 banquet. There were no negative comments reported and everyone was accommodated.  The board felt more graduates participated this year and all went well.  The same format will be followed for the 2008 banquet to be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008.

Pinning Ceremonies – The May pinning ceremony went very well.  However, the July ceremony had some difficulties due to the location.  The ceremony was moved from Cardinal Hall to the Ballroom, at the last minute, due to inadequate risers and room space.  The board discussed moving the July 2008 pinning to the Alumni Center or Pruis Hall.  Ernie Krug will inquire on capacity, availability and a cost comparison of the Alumni Center, as well as the arrangement of risers and will report back at the next meeting.  The graduates rearranged the format of the ceremony by moving the pinning to the end of the program followed by the benediction.  The board recommends changing the program format for subsequent pinnings.  The person(s) meeting with the current class will make that suggestion to them. The following are the next pinning ceremony dates; December 14, 2007, May 2, 2008 and July 18, 2008.

2007-2008 Board Slate – Nadia Paul will not continue on the board.  There are no openings for new members.  Ruth Ann Tolle will be the boards' secretary.

2007-2008 Budget – Ernie reviewed the 07-08 proposed budget.  Expenses were higher last year than projected due to an increased number attending the banquet and adding a third pinning ceremony.  Linda Siktberg made a request to the board to add an additional $1000.00 to the budget for expenses in sending 2 students to the BSU BSN national meeting.  Jo Ann moved the motion and Kathy seconded and the motion was carried.  The budget will go from $11,500.00 to $12,500.00 and is adopted for 2007-2008.

Community Project Update –The Children's Museum will host the project the last Saturday of the month for September and October.  Kathy Hutson reported that Barbara Heffner has indicated interest as a preceptor and there are 16 BSU nursing students interested in participating so we will need another preceptor. Kathy asked if anyone was interested in being a preceptor.  Children will get in free to the museum and the students will discuss with the preceptors what they plan to do with the children.

President's Hand Book – Ernie will put together sample agenda's for board meeting and will include agenda's for student meetings as well.  Jan Noel will put together a check list of all the board's major events so that tasks may be assigned and everyone will know who's doing what.  Jan will contact Sherry White to see if she has the previously made book.

Julie will check under old files to try to find previous assignment sheets.

Department Update – Linda Siktberg reported that the DNP was approved: it will now go through Indiana Higher Education for the next process of approval.  Target date for phasing out Masters NP program is 2015.  The baccalaureate program has signed an agreement with Miller's Merry Manor to accept 30 students as employees for extended education for a 10 week course.  For the fall, the SON program has 80 masters' students and 65 baccalaureate students.  There will be 50 graduates for December. 

The simulation lab is still in the renovation stage but should be done by mid September.  In an attempt to bring attention to the SON and increase its rankings, a magazine is in the works which was a request by the Dean.  The housing cluster is continuing for the females in the program.

Other Business –Jan Noel and Ruth Ann Tolle agreed to meet with the students September 24, 2007 at 3p.m. 

Upcoming Dates – Future board meeting dates are as follows:

October 23, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. in the Alumni Center

December 13, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. in the Alumni Center – dinner to follow at a place to be determined.

December 13, 2007 pinning practice at 2 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Julie Johnson, Communications Assistant