Southern University at New Orleans

Key discussion points included an update on current enrollment figures, which reached 8,151, representing the largest percentage increase in nine years, and the highest average GPA and ACT scores in several years. Retention percentage increased to 71.2%. Discussions covered plans for potential raises despite not meeting the 8,500 enrollment goal. Campus improvements addressed seal coating, the acquisition of new amenities via the R&T Foundation donation, and ongoing arbitration with FEMA regarding Bienville Hall. Regarding the legislative session, education funding remained the same as the previous year, though UNO's budget was cut by one million dollars due to formula changes. Fundraising goals increased from $5 million to $7 million this year, with funds allocated to scholarships, lab renovations, and classroom improvements. The Hall of Distinction ribbon cutting was noted for September 20, 2018. Audience questions addressed concerns about building interior quality versus exterior improvements, temporary fixes for gravel parking lot holes, the potential impact of LSU's admission standard changes, long-term goals for student body size and research efforts, and methods to alleviate the financial burden of textbook costs for students. Procedures for reporting facility and academic issues were also clarified. Committee reports noted that the Employee of the Month would now be included in the newsletter and that the faculty equal pay survey was finalized.

The meeting agenda included the approval of previous minutes (excluding details), a presentation from guest speaker Mike Esordi regarding website and accessibility changes, updates from President Kathy Johnson, and various campus updates concerning the UNO Alumni Association, enrollment status, Workday implementation, Financial Aid, Purge process, and the Faculty Senate. The meeting also included time dedicated to remembering Katrina and addressing professional development topics.

The executive committee reports included an update on the Treasurer's account balances for the Credit Union, Foundation, and General Fund. Committee reports addressed a received email concerning the cleanliness of bathrooms in the PEC ahead of student orientation, with facilities and service providers notified and responding that the issue is being addressed. New business focused on nominations for officers, resulting in only one nomination for Kassie to remain as President. The guest speaker, Dr. Nicklow, provided extensive updates on campus improvements, including elevator work and chiller replacement, campus enrollment trends showing increases in spring enrollment, first-year retainage, and fall applications, research projections, fundraising goals, and the forthcoming 'Impact UNO' strategic plan. Further discussion covered the approval of undergraduate certificate programs, the transition of Food Services from Aramark to Chartwell, the legislative session's reinvestment plans for higher education, the planned demolition of Bienville Hall, the current year's budget outlook involving a potential cut, master planning for space usage, and a review of 'Admission by Exception' data, which revealed UNO's actual exception rate was 5.5% compared to LSU's higher rate. Updates were also provided on Chartwell food availability during breaks, Sodexo services, and the prioritization of repairs for the Library parking lot and facility roofs.

The agenda for this meeting included calling the meeting to order, reviewing reports from the Executive Committee (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary) and various other committees (Membership/Elections, Staff Concerns, Events, Awards). New business items involved the Research & Parking Committee, Annual Training by Doug Mittelstaedt, and a 'Meet the Coach' event featuring free ice cream. Old business centered on open comments for Bylaws revisions and discussions regarding councilor nominations. The meeting also featured a guest speaker, Caroline Noyes, who presented on Recruiting and Retention. The next meeting was scheduled for November 18th.

The meeting commenced with the President reporting on financial balances across the Credit Union, General Fund, and Foundation. The primary focus was the New Business section where the new Director of Athletics, Tim Duncan, was introduced as the guest speaker. Mr. Duncan detailed his approach, including the "100 Meetings in 100 Days" initiative to engage with faculty, staff, and students. Key initiatives discussed included enhancing outreach to the community, focusing on social media storytelling (mentioning a positive interaction with Tulane), increasing community service hours, and promoting Education Day via a rescheduled women's basketball game. He also outlined academic achievements, noting a 3.1 average GPA for student athletes and 26 anticipated fall graduates. Furthermore, Athletics is focusing on competitiveness through facility upgrades and is almost self-sufficient regarding revenue generation from baseball and basketball. Suggestions included offering season tickets via payroll deduction and broader advertising of events. Finally, upcoming engagement activities such as Special Olympics participation, Trunk or Treat, a Golf tournament, and Homecoming were mentioned.