Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes: February 19, 2007
Members Present: Jennifer Clark, Michael Gemma, Cindy Gonya, Scott Harris, William Honig, Bill Laird, Wayne Magdziarz, Tim McGuriman, John Pelissero, Alan Raphael, David Slavsky
Committee Member Introductions
Bill Laird announced that the purpose of this meeting is to discuss the changes to the committee charter andselection of a chair. New members Jennifer Clark, Scott Harris and Michael Gemma were introduced. Minutes from the previous meeting will be disseminated to the group via email.Committee Chair Selection
It was decided that ex-oficio members, Bill Laird, Wayne Magdziarz, John Pelissero and Tim McGuriman would not vote in the election for a chair. William Honig expressed an interest in the role of committee chair, and David Slavsky nominated Alan Raphael as a candidate for committee chair. A closed ballot vote was taken and Alan Raphael was elected, receiving 5 out of 7 votes cast. Bill Honig and Bill Laird each received 1 vote a piece.Review of Committee Charge
A discussion around the priorities and goals of the committee was held.Ms. Gonya suggested a review of the Finance Division’s strategic priorities while examining ways to involve the Budget and Finance UPC.
Mr. Honig expressed a desire to see the committee’s role in the budget process clarified, adding that transparency and other issues related to the charter charge need to be thought through, including how to involve and get feedback from constituent groups.
Mr. Slavsky would like the committee to be kept apprised of Finance Division goals and processes but with information contextualized so that it is understandable by all members. Mr. Slavsky also suggested a “Guide to University Budgeting 101” workshop for non-budget staff that would outline the factors involved in preparing the University budget.
Wayne Magdziarz suggested that good practices currently being followed in Financial Services should be memorialized as policies (i.e. CAR, Retail Leases) similar to how the new Strategic Real Estate Investing Policy that was recently put in place. Ms. Gonya suggested adding rationale for policies.
Mr. Gemma agreed with getting students (i.e. Student Government reps) up to speed with University financial and budgeting information.
Mr. Laird advised that salary information is protected and not available for review. Mr. Laird also reported that while pleased overall the Board of Trustees is presently concerned with the medical center transition to a new CEO and increasing research.. John Pelissero mentioned that a new BOT committee has been formed to review tuition and enrollment strategies.
Mr. Laird advised that the budget process has been changed so that all planning is done before tuition increases are announced. P & L’s are also becoming an increasingly useful tool across the university for budget planning purposes.
Honig added that the research agenda, and how to increase financial benefits to the University, should be added to the committee’s agenda.
Future Meetings and Committee Work
Orientation meetings for new committee members will be scheduled separate from committee meetings.Mr. Raphael advised that regular committee meetings will be held quarterly with ad hoc meetings scheduled when necessary.
Mr. Honig, Mr. Gemma and Ms. Clarke will form a subcommittee to find out what other groups’ concerns are for the committee.