|
|||||||||||||||
|
(Draft Minutes, pending approval) Minutes
of the Parents Meeting Present: Admiral Rick Gurnon, Captain Ed Rosak, Fugi, Regimental Commander of Cadets Matthew Duggan, Karen Nahigian, Pat Proctor, Beth Sobiloff, Joanne Fleming, Ann Kenny, Marie Griffin, Kevin Griffin, Laura Brady, Kristine Esdale, Carol Doherty, Trica Topoulos, Andrew Topoulos, Bill Yalen, 10 Chinese Exchange students-Ray, Daniel, Renee, Sarah, John, Alex, Rocky, Steve, Lily, Mitchell, and various other participants who joined via teleconference. Guest Presentations: 10 Chinese Exchange Students from the Shanghi Maritime University: Ray, Daniel, Renee, Sarah,John,Alex, Rocky,Steve,Lily and Mitchell. The 10 students -5 Marine Transportation and 5 International Business majors arrived here at the end of February and will stay through the Spring, 2009 term for a total of 22 weeks. Next February, 2010 the cadets that are hosting these students –who were chosen by MMA ,will in turn have the opportunity to do their spring term at the Shanghi China Maritime Academy for 16 weeks. Admiral Gurnon is very excited about this program and looks to be able to continue this new opportunity for many years to come.. Academy Overview: Admiral Rick Gurnon: Federal stimulus package numbers were released on3/24/09. The dollar amount has not been determined on how much MMA will receive and ½ of the stimulus funds will go back into the rainy day fund and the other ½ will go to computer upgrades and dorm room upgrades. However, the 5% tuition and fee increase voted by the Board of Trustees on 2/08/09 is the last in the 5 year plan that was voted on 5 years ago in the increments of 3, 2, 4, 4, and 5% respectively. The new budget goes before the Board in June, 09 with pay increases, promotions, and a hiring freeze taking effect across the board at MMA. The subject of tenure was discussed. Professors get tenure after 5-6 years of service. Once tenure is achieved then the students evaluate the professor at the end of the course/semester with these evaluations then going on to the Department Head. A parent brought up a concern about a teacher/professor being unreachable during posted office hours. Admiral Gurnon suggested the following steps be taken: go to the teacher/professor office during the posted office hours at least 2 times, if the teacher /professor are a no-show then contact Admiral Gurnon or the Dean of Academics-Captain Brad Lima and discuss the situation with them. It was also discussed that MMA has spent $ 100,000 on the Learning Center and the tutoring on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights is available and should be utilized. Commandant of Cadets: Captain Ed Rozak: Sea term was a success. Ports visited were Tampa, San Juan, and St. Thomas. Everyone who started out on sea term came back and that is always a good sign. There were no major incidents involving cadets with the local police or missing cadets at any time during the cruise. Ship ran well and no engineering problems to report. Sea term for the 2010 is being discussed. A council of facility, staff and the cadet corps are suggesting 2 different trips - Europe-if the funds are available with ports to be determined or another Caribbean cruise with ports to be determined. MMA admitted 8 mid-year transfer students from community colleges. As of 3/02/09 there are 1015 in the dorms compared to 953 one year ago. Change of student command will take place on 5/20/09. Welcome Aboard for all students that have sent in their acceptance fee is scheduled for 4/4/09 and there are 257 students registered. There will be a Spring Break this semester—end of classes on 4/15/09 till 4/20/09 when all students report back for classes on 4/21/09. Coast Guard exams are 5/4/09, last day of classes is 6/09/09, final exams are 6/10-6/16/09 and graduation is 6/20/09. Commander of Cadets: Matthew Duggan: Matthew explained the process of how cadets go through the process of applying for leadership positions. It starts with applications, physical testing, academics, service records, and leadership classes. Then the cadet review board goes over the candidates and throughout the course of the next few weeks the leadership positions for the 2009/2010 years are announced. Guest Speaker: Kristine Esdale: Kristine is the Director of Fundraising and Alumni Relations. She reported that over $ 600,000 in financial aid was given out by the Foundation. Every May the Foundation awards 35 scholarships to the incoming class of freshmen. There are 20 Emory Rice scholarships –a full 4 year award, 4 Presidential Awards and various other scholarships available. The annual fund raiser for the Foundation is the Admiral’s Ball to be held 11/6/09 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston. The Leaders for Leaders scholarship program that ends 6/30/09 is a dollar for dollar match. So far this program has raised $450,000 and the goal is $ 600,000. On-line scholarship applications for current students start 4/17/09 and goes till 4/27/09. Secretary’s Report: Treasurer’s Report: Note
reflected in the report are the additional funds from the MMAPA products
income of $ 3080.50 that was deposited after 2/28/09 bank statement, outstanding
payment of $ 170.00 of product sales and sea term certificates of $ 878.72. Upcoming
expenses –new sun catchers to reflect Kennedy name change-$ 500 for
new mold and $ 400 to order 100 sun catchers. Cruse taxes and airfare
is $ 1100.00 estimated and MMAPA tee shirt replenishment is $ 6.25 per shirt. Admissions Liaison: Karen Nahigian: Karen reported that at the last open house 2/22/09 same day as the ship arrived home there were about 100 people. Last open house is scheduled for 5/09/09. Welcome aboard is set for 4/04/09 and starts at 8:30 am and last till 4pm. So far 257 have indicated that they will be attending. The incoming students pick the areas of study to go to a mini session on each topic while the parents attend various briefings on financial aid, health services and general dorm and campus living for the students. By-Laws Committee/Review: - headed up by VP Bill Yalen and to work on over the summer to review current by-laws for any necessary changes. Anyone interested in working on this committee should contact Bill. Officer Elections: are schedule for the May 6, 2009 meeting. Anyone interested in serving on the Board for MMAPA should contact Beth Sobiloff. Parent Handbook Project/Update of FAQ’s on website: headed up by Bill Yalen. This is a printable handbook for parents that also include the Q and A from the parent’s web-site. Would like a volunteer from each class. Anyone interested in working on this project should contact Bill. Next meeting is May 6, 2009-elections will take place. Respectfully submitted |
||||||||||||||
Copyright © 2004-10 | MMAPA logo designed by Susan Petersen | Web Design by Birchwood Enterprises |
|||||||||||||||
