Order of Omega Winter Exec Meeting
Minutes
December 1, 2007
AFA Meeting - Cincinnati, Ohio
Present: David Grady, Reatha Cox, Kent Gardner, Mardie Sorensen, Greg B, Seth Ressl, Barb Tootle, Sally Cobb, Wes Schaub and David Hotz
Review Minutes from 2007 Summer Board Meeting
Ø Stone marker is finished and in place at the headquarters. Photos will be on the website shortly.
Ø Computers – replacements for computers are on a rotating basis. One computer and possibly the server will be replaced and we project the annual cost will range $6,000 - $8,000.
Ø Greg reminded to send the email about Facebook
Ø Case Study competitions:
o AFA graduate student competition had to turn approximately 20 individuals away. Out of the 10 teams, 8 were very strong. Was difficult to narrow it down to the 3 top teams.
o MGCA will increase the number of undergrad/advisor teams at this year’s conference due to the overwhelming success. Two groups will run concurrently.
o WRGA had great success last year and may consider doing the same as MGCA.
o SEPC will host a competition at this year’s conference.
Ø David Hotz worked at the Omega display at AFA this year. Kent targeted 10 campuses for David to contact with the intent of reactivation. Kent and Mardie also identified 15 additional campuses for him to contact with the hopes of encouraging their campuses apply for the Outstanding Chapter Award.
Ø Business cards were made for each of the RCD’s and they felt that they were beneficial.
Ø David Grady will recognize the RCD’s and former Province Advisors at the reception tonight. Darald had to leave the conference this morning so he will not be present.
Ø Kent signed a contract with a drilling company for $800 and 25% royalties for oil found on the property. The property next door was sold and will build office buildings (1 and 2 stories) sometime in the near future.
Fellowship and Scholarship Report
Ø This year we awarded 3 doctorial and 7 graduate fellowships and no master fellowships. We had very strong applicants, preference was given to those who had completed their course work and were closer to graduation.
Ø Discussion took place about confusion with the application form and needing to clarify the Masters and Graduate categories. Some candidates wanted feedback regarding their applications - not sure if that will be possible.
Ø Received 153 scholarship applications from 106 various chapters. The number is down from 198 received in 2006.
Ø Suggestion to add an auto response for the applicants so they know that their applications were received as well as a reminder to send their picture (digital), references, and transcripts via email.
Ø Final selections will be completed by December 14 and letters will go out around the 18th of December.
Financial Report
Ø Attach report
Ø Company sent the entire year’s supply of cords and stoles so it negatively reflects a higher cost on this current year’s budget.
Ø Discussion regarding insurance coverage; Kent and David G. confirmed that we are adequately covered. Pictures of the content should be recorded and kept off campus in case of a fire. Seth will handle project.
Ø Property taxes are going up!
Ø Kent will look into a new carrier for the electricity. TXU is adding $80 monthly for some miscellaneous fee.
Ø Bad debt due to personal checks that don’t clear is very low. The figure shown is actually higher than actual debt.
Summer Board Meeting 2008
Ø July 17 – 20 with the site TBD (Park City UT, Tucson AZ, Charleston SC)
Ø Working on 2009 site in Miami
Other Business
Ø Constitution Vote passed 6 to 1 – results and new fee will go on the web, omega trends, letter from Headquarters to each campus, and mentioned in the spring and fall RCD letters.
Ø Case Study Competition was great and the winners will be recognized once again at the reception tonight. Teams will be posted on the web and are on the display board.
Ø Discussion about NIC wanting us to become an associate member. All agreed that it would be a positive thing for us to do but need to look at the other groups that would then want us to join. Kent will review and get back with Exec. for a decision.
Ø Mardie reminded group of the reception at 5:30 – please be greeters. There is some concern regarding the location and it being in a high traffic area.
50th Anniversary Discussion
Meeting adjourned