Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
Worcester Crowne Plaza
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
6:00 p.m.
Present: Tom Campbell, Jackie Carlson, Ed Godek, Ron Grasso, Andy Hochberg, Shyno Chacko Pandeya, Sara Coady Howe, Sean LeBlanc, Joel Slovin and Ron Spicer
Staff: Deb Goodhind and Anna Symington
Guests: Bob Shaughnessey
The meeting convened at 6:10 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Motion: by Tom Campbell, seconded by Ron Grasso, to approve the minutes of the December 8 Executive Committee meeting. The motion passed with nine ayes and one abstention.
President’s Update
Sean spoke with Mike Leto, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations, regarding the alumni/donor database. Members of the database committee plan to meet with Mike and Anna in mid-February to discuss this matter.
Executive Director’s Update
Staff is working to plan an alumni reception in Springfield to introduce several new campus leaders and highlight the economic partnership between UMass Amherst and Springfield. Staff is also collaborating with colleagues in Admissions and University Relations to plan and promote in-home yield receptions for early acceptance students in the New York City area.
The Student Alumni Association will be hosting the CASE ASAP District I Conference at UMass Amherst in February for two days of networking, educational sessions and peer-to-peer workshops. Over 150 student leaders and advisors from Canada and the northeastern United States will attend. Staff is currently reaching out to possible keynote alumni speakers.
The volunteers who have registered to participate in the New Orleans community service trip are very excited about their participation in the program. In addition to our volunteer programs director, a second staff member will be traveling to New Orleans to provide communications coverage of the program, including daily updates to our social media sites, story-blogging, videos, and photos.
Membership Restructure
The Communications, Marketing and Membership (CMM) Committee distributed a survey to all alumni for whom we have email addresses. The purpose of the survey was to receive alumni feedback on what tangible and intangible programs and services are most important to them. Over 4,000 alumni responded and the survey results indicated that the top five categories valued most by our alumni are:
- Campus and Alumni Association communications
- Alumni social and professional networking opportunities
- Discounts on general merchandise, entertainment and travel
- Career development programs, workshops and online tools and resources
- Discounts for on-campus merchandise
Members and non-members responded similarly, and the survey was representative of all age groups in a wide range of geographic locations.
A number of alumni provided additional comments and indicated they would like the Alumni Association to provide various programs and services, which, in fact, are offered already as part of our membership benefits program. This suggests that we need to improve communications and marketing regarding our various programs, services and benefits.
Based on the perceived value alumni placed on benefits in the survey, the CMM Committee is evaluating all current and some new benefits to identify which would be offered to specific member types. Next steps will include a financial analysis of the current and proposed membership program, along with development of a proposed transition plan premised on a possible launch date of July 1, 2010. The Committee hopes to present a comprehensive restructure proposal to the Board of Directors for consideration at their February meeting.
Anna noted that some alumni have seen some press on the possible restructure and have contacted her to express their support of the plan. They are excited about all alumni being included as members of the Alumni Association, as well as all dues paid being credited towards Life membership, and see this as a positive step forward.
Bylaw Amendments
Deb identified the Membership and Finances sections of the Alumni Association’s current bylaws as possibly requiring amendment if the Board approves the current membership restructure proposal as presented. She asked committee members to consider the draft revisions she distributed for future feedback.
February Board Meeting Agenda
The February board meeting will convene in the new function room on the 26th floor of the W. E. B. Du Bois Library. In addition to discussion of the membership restructure proposal, the Board will participate in a strategic planning session. Anna is working to identify a possible facilitator for this portion of the meeting.
Committee Reports
Audit
Deb noted that we have officially changed the Alumni Association’s broker of record and secured a new D&O insurance policy with a $3 million limit of liability. The broker is working to bind a new cyberliability policy with a $1 million limit of liability and will be conducting further research on the possibility of securing an independent general liability policy for the Alumni Association.
Career Connections
None
Clubs
The Clubs Committee is beginning discussions on Community Service Month in April.
Communications, Marketing and Membership
None
Finance and Investments
The Finance and Investments Committee is meeting later this month to review mid-year investment performance reports and financial statements, as well as continue discussions on the future use of life membership reserves. The investment portfolio has shown growth over the first half of the fiscal year.
Honors and Awards
The Honors and Awards Committee plans to meet soon to evaluate the review and selection process for our Distinguished Alumni Awards. The names of this year’s recipients will be released as soon as all awardees have confirmed their acceptance. The Committee will begin reviewing scholarship applications next month.
Nominating
The Nominating Committee received 16 completed nominee applications for the position of general director, and four for the Clubs Representative position. The Committee will begin reviewing all applications shortly and meet in early February to determine which nominees will be invited to interview with committee members.
Programs and Services
The Programs and Services Committee plans to begin discussions on a possible restructure of our current reunion programming.
Technology and Online Services
Members of the Technology and Online Services Committee will be helping to conduct usability testing of a new website design.
Volunteer Advocacy and Public Affairs
Over 100 alumni and guests participated in Volunteer Appreciation Day. Derek Kellogg, coach of the men’s basketball team, spoke at the pregame reception.
Old Business
None
New Business:
None
Adjournment:
Motion: by Ed Godek, seconded by Jackie Carlson, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.