| BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES | ||
| December 7, 1996 | ||
|---|---|---|
Members Present:
Howard Farrell (Board of Directors), Anne Forcier (Board of Directors), Kent Gardner (Executive Director), David Grady (Editor), John Hatley (Student Board of Directors), Larry Lunsford (Board of Directors), Michael Shonrock (Vice President), Mardie Sorensen (Province Coordinator), Carol Thompson (Secretary/Treasurer), Barbara Tootle (Board of Directors), Ed Whipple (President) and Daisy Woods (Board of Directors).
Members Absent:
None.
Province Advisors Present:
Bridgit Guernsey-Riordon (Beta).
The Winter Board of Directors Meeting of the National Order of Omega was called to
order by Ed Whipple, President, on Saturday, December 7, 1996 at the Orlando Hyatt -
Orlando, Florida.
Reports:
1. Corrections/approval of the Board Minutes of July 18-20, 1996:
A motion was made by Kent Gardner and seconded by Daisy Woods to correct the Summer Board of Directors Meeting minutes item 18 - to read the Board scheduled the next Summer Board of Directors meeting for July 17-20, 1997. This would correct the year of the meeting from 1996 to 1997. Motion passed.
2. Fellowship Recipients:
Michael Shonrock reported to the Board the following applications and candidates for The National Order of Omega Fellowship Awards were reviewed by the Executive Council at their meeting on November 2, 1996.
Doctoral Fellowship Award Applicants Name Institution Callais, Mari Ann Southeastern Louisiana University Ertel, Mark E. University of North Florida Hart, Lori A. Georgia State University Hennessey, Nicholas J. Bowling Green State University Kratz, Lisa E. University of South Florida Morat, Derick A. University of the Pacific Price, Jon K. Texas A&M University Rook, James S University of Arkansas-Little Rock Skarlis, Dean P. Duquesne University Street, James L. Jr. University of Georgia Sullivan, Eileen G. Bowling Green State University Masters Fellowship Award Applicants Name Institution Crowe, Jason A. Central Missouri State University Treadway, Barbara E. University of Nebraska-Omaha Graduate Assistant Fellowship Applicants Name Institution Burton, Amy M. University of Tennesee-Martin Buck, Alan L. Winthrop University Collins, Courtney A. Villanova University Carulli, Stephanie L. Slippery Rock University Gorski, Dawn M. University of Akron Johnson, David A. Iowa State University Kauffman, Ellen E. Ohio State University Kinney, Daniel P. University of Kansas Klimkiewicz, Jennifer M. Alma College Malugen, Lynda L. Southeast Missouri State University Meeker, Carly R. University of Florida Meier, Rebecka M. Texas Christian University Mire, Stephanie L. Southeastern Louisiana University Newton, Michelle M. University of Louisville O'Tolle, Janette J. Emporia State University Scott, Jenny R. Pennsylvania State University Stash, Kimberly S. Kansas State University
The Executive Council of The Order of Omega selected Nicholas J. Hennessy of Bowling Green State University and James L. Street of University of Georgia for the Doctoral Fellowship Award ($1,000 each); and Dawn M. Gorski of University of Akron, Daniel P. Kinney of University of Kansas, Stephanie L. Mire of Southeastern Louisiana State University for the Graduate Assistant Fellowship Award ($500 each). The Executive Council voted not to award any fellowships in the Master's category this year.
Michael reported that the Fellowship recipients will be announced at the National Order of Omega Reception Saturday, December 7, 1996. Michael also noted that he would mail follow-up congratulations letters to each of the Fellowship recipients and their respective supervisors. He also reported that since 1988, The National Order of Omega has awarded thirty-eight (38) fellowships; thirteen (13) doctoral, ten (10) master's and fifteen (15) graduate assistant, totaling $26,500.
Michael recommended to the Board utilizing a committee, similar to the one developed for the Scholarship Program, to review Fellowship applications and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. He suggested utilizing higher education faculty, doctoral and master's students from Texas Tech University for the committee. Kent Gardner noted that this would change the format of Executive Council meetings. Instead of flying into Dallas, the Executive Committee would conduct business through a conference call. Ed Whipple requested that these items be place on the Summer Board of Directors Meeting agenda.
3. Scholarship Report:
Michael Shonrock distributed to the Board the report on the 1996 National Scholarship Program. Michael reported that 124 applications were reviewed and considered by the Scholarship Committee composed of students, faculty and administrative staff at Texas Tech University including: Patrick Day - Assistant Dean of Students, Multicultural Services Center; Andrew Garza - Graduate Assistant, Multicultural Services; Juretta Gonzales - Administrative Assistant, Dean of Students Office; Tamara Golden - Graduate Assistant, Greek Life; Patricia Honacki - Assistant Dean of Students, Greek Life; Michael Shonrock - Dean of Students (Chair); Tom Shubert - Director, University Center; and Katie Terrell - Graduate Assistant, Dean of Students Office.
The scholarship committee recommended a minimum of fifty (50) $500 scholarships be awarded from the Board of Directors to undergraduate members of The Order of Omega. The Scholarship Committee recommended the following fifty (50) Order of Omega members in alphabetical order and provided a list of ten (10) alternate Order of Omega members in preference order. After discussion by the Board, a motion was made by Howard Farrell and seconded by David Grady to award 50 scholarships. Motion passed.
Michael explained that letters will be sent to the national organizations of the recipients notifying them of the recognition.
Scholarship Committee Recommendations (41) - Alphabetical Order
Name Affiliation Institution Jason P. Alberts Delta Chi Arizona State University Michael J. Anderson Sigma Chi Texas A&M Unversity Kristin J. Back Delta Gamma Morehead State University Lisa M. Buonacore Kappa Alpha Theta Pennsylvania State University Elizabeth A. Burmeister Chi Omega California St. Polytech. Univ. Kelly Ann M. Carey Alpha Delta Pi San Diego State University Leonard J. Carollo, III Lambda Chi Alpha University of New Orleans Drugue' H. Daigle Sigma Alpha Epsilon Millsaps College Joseph T. Darden Phi Delta Theta California St. Univ.-Sacremento Brad M. Dashoff Tau Epsilon Phi University of Michigan Christine A. Duplessis Alpha Theta Beta Hofstra University April M. Farwell Phi Mu Appalachian State University Theresa Furmato Zeta Tau Alpha College of New Jersey Thomas R. Gauq Sigma Nu Bradley University Brandon E. Geis Sigma Phi Epsilon Lamar University-Beaumont Melissa I. Gordon Alpha Gamma Delta Univ. of South Alabama Natalie R. Haydon Kappa Kappa Gamma University of Arkansas James R. Henry Alpha Tau Omega University of Memphis John J. Hermanek, Jr. Chi Psi Northwestern University Erin A. Hietpas Gamma Phi Beta University of Oregon Bethany N. Hodakievic Phi Mu Bowling Green State Univ. Stacey E. Holmes Kappa Kappa Gamma Texas Christian University Hannah B. Jacobs Alpha Omicrom Pi Univ. of Alabama-Birmingham Bayne Castle Johnston Phi Kappa Sigma University of Virginia Dennis M. Jordon Sigma Tau Gamma University of Central Arkansas Matthew D. Kitzi Sigma Phi Epsilon Northwest Missouri State Univ. Brian M. Kramer Sigma Chi Valparaiso University Amy Elizabeth Mayo Kappa Delta Albion College Elizabeth A. McGrath Alpha Chi Omega Calif. State Univ.-Fullerton Ginger L. Miller Delta Zeta Central Missouri State Univ. Jennifer L. Miller Delta Gamma University of Kentucky Michael A. Murphy Sigma Chi University of Miami Tamara L. Nall Delta Sigma Theta Emory University Kathryn E. Nicholas Alpha Xi Delta Univ. of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Jennifer L. Price Alpha Omicron Pi Transylvania University Matthew A. Radefield Sigma Phi Epsilon Southern Illinois University Jason E. Rose Delta Chi Univ. of Massachusetts-Amherst Diane Schmelzel Alpha Sigma Tau Eastern Illinois University Eric N. Schumann Sigma Alpha Epsilon Eastern Illinois University Olivia L. Smith Pi Beta Phi Lousiana St. Univ.-Baton Rouge Jennifer A. Sponcil Pi Beta Phi University of Louisville Klara K. Staffer Delta Gamma University of Houston David Leslie Szekeres Sigma Alpha Epsilon Univ. of California-Irvine John J. Tannehill Sigma Alpha Epsilon Iowa State University David P. Touwsma Sigma Chi Georgia Institute of Technology Gioia M. Wahhab Gamma Phi Beta University of San Diego Kathryn W. Williamson Alpha Delta Pi Samford University Jeffrey L. Yan Sigma Alpha Epsilon Western Kentucky University Hsiang Yin Kappa Alpha Theta Massachusetts Institute of Tech. Catherine F. Young Delta Delta Delta College of William & Mary
Scholarship Committee Alternates (10) - Preference Order
Name Affiliation Institution Rachael A. Callcut Alpha Phi Case Western Reserve University Kelly Heung Alpha Omicron Pi Univ. of California-Davis Jill M. Hoffman Chi Omega Purdue Unviversity Erin Leahy Chi Omega Colorado State Unviversity Eric W. Junginger Sigma Chi Loyola Marymount University Perry Lee Nations Sigma Alpha Epsilon Mississippi State University Malissa A. Perritt Chi Omega Valdosta State University Lisa Blank Alpha Sigma Univ. of Wisconsin-Whitewater Brenda J. Wensel Delta Zeta Univ. of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Shelly Hester Chi Omega University of North Texas
Michael Shonrock requested that the following items be discussed at The Summer Board of Directors Meeting regarding the scholarship program: 1) change the application form to a portfolio submission - to include a cover letter and resume; 2) change the scholarship selection time line from fall to spirng; and 3) provide the five to ten top scholarship recipients with more money.
Barbara Tootle suggested the 1997 scholarship program focus on selecting thirty (30) Order of Omega Anniversary Scholars in celebration of the 30th anniversary. Ed Whipple suggested developing a special 30th anniversary scholarship program with separate criteria. Ed requested these items be placed on the Summer Board of Directors Meeting agenda.
Howard Farrell thanked Michael for his excellent coordination of the Scholarship
Program.
4. Case Study Competition:
Michael Shonrock reported that the second Order of Omega Case Study Competition was held Thursday, December 5, 1996. Michael shared that Carol Thompson, David Grady, Mardie Sorensen, Kent Gardner, and Cindy Pennington (representing the Association of Fraternity Advisors) served as judges.
Michael reported that ten (10) teams were formed to compete. One team withdrew, leaving nine (9) teams participation. The winners of The Order of Oemga Case Study Competition were:
First Place $300.00 Prize Christian Garcia Florida State University Jennifer Lee Florida State University Second Place $250.00 Dawn Gorski University of Akron Brandi Heffner Kent State University Third Place $150.00 Leslie Gibb University of San Diego Bob Gordon Eastern Michigan University
Kent Gardner noted that the judging team met to assess the Case Study Competition process and made the following recommendations: 1) use a laptop to record judge's comments to provide immediate feedback to the teams; 2) address use of resources in preparation of competition (e.g. conference computers); 3)develop teams by matching graduate students from different schools; and 4) adjust the judging schedule to provide for breaks.
5. Province Coordinator Report:
Mardie Sorensen reported that five (5) new province advisors have been appointed: Gamma - Traci Christler, East Tennessee State University; Eta - Frank Shushok, Northern Arizona University; Nu - LaVelle Hendricks, East Texas State University; Rho - Wesley Schaub, Case Western University; and Sigma - Cub Berrian, Old Dominion University.
Mardie reported that all chapter correspondence from the National Office is now copied to the respective province advisor. This includes petitions for new chapters, status changes, and initiation reports. In addition, province advisors are responsible for mailing the student data information sheets to the chapters, seeing that they are completed, returned, and sent to the National Office. Mardie reported that there are three (3) province advisors who are not sending in reports. Ed Whipple authorized Mardie to replace them, per the Province Advisor Responsibility and Agreement Form they signed.
Mardie recommended to the Board that Greg Singleton - Purdue University (Pi Province) and Tammy Patterson Manko - Indiana University Pennsylvania (Tau Province) attend the Summer Board of Directors Meeting. She also recommended that Marita Lebedz-Poll - University of Rochester (Chi Province) be the alternate in the case that Greg Singleton or Tammy Patterson Manko are unable to attend. It was the consensus of the Board to approve these recommendations.
Mardie presented to the Board a plan to reorganize the provinces. The plan included a relignment and redistribution of chapters in some provinces. She recommended the following changes which the Executive Council endorsed at their November meeting:
- California - change from a north/south division to an east/west division. This would eliminate the Iota province advisor position and realign eastern California chapters with the Eta Province.
- Nebraska - move from Mu Province to Zeta Province.
- Pennsylvania - divide state into east and west provinces: realignment of the Tau Province and the addition of a second new province - Psi.
- Beta and Sigma Provinces - realigned to expand from two to three provinces.
West Virginia and Kentucky - Sigma Province
Virginia and North Carolina - Iota Province (new province)
Georgia and South Carolina - Beta Province
After Board discussion, a motion was made by Barbara Tootle and seconded by Howard Farrell to accept Mardie Sorensen's recommendations for province changes. Motion passed.
Mardie reported that she is identifying which province advisors will be attending the regional conferences this spring. Ed noted that a breakfast will be hosted for those province advisors in attendance to provided an opportunity to dialogue about role and responsibilities. Anne Forcier recommended highlighting province advisors in the Omega Trends. After Board discussion, it was recommended to David Grady to highlight Rueben Perez and Bridgit Guernsey-Riordon in the second spring issue.
6. Regional Conferences:
Kent Gardner reported to the Board that the Greek Regional Leadership Conferences for 1997 are scheduled. The following Board of Directors or Province Advisors will be attending as follows:
SEIFC February 13-16 Atlanta Kent Gardner MGCA February 20-23 Chicago Ed Whipple NPHC February 20-23 Indianapolis Kent Gardner, Daisy Woods NEIFC/NEPC February 27-March 2 Pittsburgh SEPC April 3-6 Atlanta Michael Shonrock WRGC April 3-6 San Francisco Kent Gardner
7. Omega Trends:
David Grady reported that the next issues of the Omega Trends will highlight the scholarship and fellowship recipients. He also reported that he will incorporate into the newsletter facts of interest about Order of Omega. David noted that this would include demographic information, as well as noteworthy items on the history of Order of Omega.
8. World Wide Web:
David Grady reported that the Order of Omega World Wide Web page has received a large number of hits. Order of Omega mouse pads were sent to those students who were the first to access the home page.
9. Student Board Member:
Barbara Tootle reported that she would be coordinating the selection process for the new Student Board Member. This year the student will be selected from the Middle-America Region. Barbara reported that applications would be sent out to Order of Omega chapters in this region at the beginning of February. Barbara indicated that the Province Advisors in the Middle-America Region and John Hatley, the current Student Board Member, will serve as the application review and recommendation committee. The committee will forward their recommendation to the Executive Council by mid-April, 1997.
10. Fiscal Report:
Kent Gardner distributed to the Board the National Order of Omega 1995-1996 Budget and Expenses as follows:
Budget Summary 1995-1996 Beginning Balance $ 55,699.75 Income $ 213,828.67 Expenses $ 202,470.29 Ending Balance $ 67,058.13 Expenses 1995-1996 Scholarship/Fellowship $ 35,750.00 Summer Board Meeting 18,754.29 Office 18,115.40 Executive Director 15,000.00 Winter Board Meeting 10,937.28 Certificates 10,536.33 Rent 9,000.00 Postage 8,955.63 Pins 8,584.92 Stoles & Cords 7,649.57 Regional Conferences 7,369.36 Newsletter 6,635.46 Payroll Tax 5,807.51 Typing 5,096.20 Printing 4,476.96 Chapter Development 3,899.38 Telephone 3,151.12 Insurance 2,769.00 Copy Machine 2,644.56 Computer 2,582.74 Refunds 2,284.00 Fall Executive Council Mtg. 2,253.27 Spring Executive Council Mtg. 2,145.94 T- Shirts 1,830.00 Mouse Pads 1,520.00 Banners 1,393.00 Miscellaneous 1,359.37 Wages 1,239.00 Case Study Competition 600.00 Charters 130.00 Total $202,470.29
Kent reminded the Board that last year Order of Omega used two suppliers for membership pins and doubled up on orders. Consequently, membership pin orders will be less this year. Kent also reported that expenses for regional conferences increased due to attendance at the National Pan-Hellenic Conferences. One-time expenses included a computer upgrade and Order of Omega mouse pads.
A motion was made by Howard Farrell and seconded by Dave Westol to accept the 1995-1996 Budget and Expense report. Motion passed.
11. Initiation Fee Increase:
Kent Gardner presented an initiation fee increase proposal to the Board of Directors. The proposal contained three different fee increase structures and an outline of items to be covered by the increase. Kent Gardner noted that the organization is currently solvent with sufficient reserve. Ed Whipple noted that the Order of Omega has operated well to date, relying on volunteers to conduct the business of organization. He also shared that for the organization to continue growing and providing quality services to the chapters, it needs to transition these responsibilities to a professional staff organizational structure at the National Office. Currently, the initiation fee is $25.00. Kent reported that there are approximately 9,000 initiates per year bringing in $225,000 in initiation monies.
Proposed Initiation Fee Increase Options:
Option Amount of Increase New Fee Amount Amount of New Income One $ 5.00 $30.00 $ 45,000 Two $10.00 $35.00 $ 90,000 Three $15.00 $40.00 $135,000
Proposed New Budget Needs:
One (1) Full-Time Professional $40,000 One (1) Full-Time Secretary $23,000 Benefits $17,000 Scholarships $40,000 Chapter Development $ 6,000 Office Space $ 5,400 Supplies $ 3,000 Capital Outlay $ 6,000
Total $141,000
Ed recommended that the Board consider hiring a full-time secretary first, evaluate impact on National Office and determine additional needs. He also shared that the Executive Council reviewed and discussed this proposal at its fall meeting and endorsed a $15.00 increase. Ed reported that the Executive Council discussed and agreed the emphasis of any increase should be on providing additional scholarships and chapter development services and activities. Ed also reported that the Executive Council felt the need to develop more fully the expectations and responsibilities of a full-time administrator before doing any hiring.
Larry Lunsford endorsed Option Three and felt that it provided the ability to implement the Order of Omega Strategic Plan more effectively. Howard Farrell endorsed Option Three and felt it allowed the organization to provide more chapter services. Barbara Tootle suggested setting aside scholarship money for individuals who have been selected to join Order of Omega, but may not be able to join because of financial need. John Hatley did not think a $15.00 increase in dues would be problematic at the chapter level. Kent shared that a $15.00 increase still keeps Order of Omega under what other national honor societies pay for initiation fees. Mardie explained that with additional staff, attention can be provided to the 52 inactive chapters and the 429 campuses without Order of Omega chapters.
Kent reminded the Board that each chapter and each member of the Board of Directors would have one vote on an initiation fees resolution.
A motion was made by Barbara Tootle and seconded by Howard Farrell to propose to the Order of Omega chpaters during the Spring 1997 term, a $15.00 increase in the initiation fee. The initiation fee would change from $25.00 to $40.00. Motion passed.
Michael Shonrock suggested preparing two chapter mailings regarding the initiation fee increase proposal. He suggested the first mailing be directed at providing the Order of Omega chapters with the basic information about the proposal. The second mailing would be the ballot for the chapter vote. Barbara suggested that an aggressive educational campaign be conducted with the province advisors, requesting their assistance in educating the chapters. She also suggested using the Order of Omega World Wide Web page to develop a list of most frequestly asked questions regarding the proposal. Ed also suggested that a one page insert be included in the next Omega Trends. Ed stated that he will work with Kent to develop a strategy to get the membership dues increase information distributed. Kent suggested conducting an evaluation of the fee impact on the membership after the first year of implementation.
12. Constitution and By-Laws:
Kent Gardner reported that the changes proposed to the Order of Omega Constitution, By-Laws and Ritual were approved by the membership.
13. Chapter Reference Manual:
Kent Gardner reported to the Board that he has reorganized the pagination system used in the Chapter Reference Manual. He noted that the current pagination system has made it difficult and confusing to insert updates approved by the membership.
14. Membership Pins:
Kent Gardner reported that the decision to have two pin suppliers has saved approximately $15,000. He reminded the Board that Order of Omega has contracted with Masters of Design and Pollack who each provide 4,500 pins a year.
15. National Pan-Hellenic Conference Initiations:
Kent Gardner reported that he and Daisy Woods attended the NPHC Collegiate Leadership Conference and felt that the Order of Omega organization was positively received. Kent shared that the NPHC initiations increased 16% over 1994-1995. He indicated that more women than men were being initiated. Kent distributed a report outlining the number of NPHC members initiated at the regional conferences.
NPHC Regional Conference Initiations
NPHC - East 38 NPHC - Northern 15 NPHC - Southern 11 NPHC - Southwest 17 NPHC - West 0 Total 81
NPHC Initiates by Affiliation
Organization 1994-1995 1995-1996 Alpha Kappa Alpha 74 65 Alpha Phi Alpha 25 35 Delta Sigma Theta 54 61 Kappa Alpha Psi 19 9 Omega Psi Phi 7 7 Phi Beta Sigma 7 7 Sigma Gamma Rho 12 17 Zeta Phi Beta 8 25
16. Speakers Bureau:
Barbara Tootle thanked the Board for the revisions to the Speakers Bureau Planning Guide. She incorporated many of the ideas into the final draft including: 1) reviewing the speaker plan with advisor; 2) making arrangements with local media to interview the speaker; 3) requesting a biographical sketch on the speaker; and 4) identifying if the speaker has any dietary requirements or special accommodation needs. Ed Whipple stated that he would draft a cover letter to go with the Speakers Bureau materials. David Grady agreed to incoporate the materials on the Order of Omega World Wide Web page.
17. Summer Board of Directors Meeting:
Kent Gardner reminded the Board that the Summer Board of Directors Meeting will be held July 17-20, 1997. Kent will notify the Board of Directors and Executive Council of the selected location of the meeting.
18. Other Business:
- 30th Anniversary:
Barbara Tootle suggested identifying thirty (30) Order of Omega members who have made a difference as a part of the 30th Anniversary celebration. She also suggested producing a special 30th Anniversary Omega Trends to highlight Order of Omega's thirty years. Ed Whipple suggested the Board identify Order of Omega members they have known and tell the story of where they are now. Kent Gardner suggested looking at the oldest chapters and identify prominent alumni from these groups.
- Western Regional Greek Conference - 50th Anniversary:
Ed Whipple reported that Western Regional Greek Conference will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 1998. He indicated that Cherie Wechsler, who is coordinating the event, approached him to see if Order of Omega would be interested in sponsoring a component of the celebration. After discussion, the Board supported the idea of participating in the celebration and proposed sponsoring an ongoing award to go to an Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association or National Pan-Hellenic Council that has made significant positive impact in their community.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol D. Thompson
Secretary/Treasurer
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