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Draft - Pending Approval MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION The attendees of MMAPA gathered from 6:00 – 6:30 pm for a brief time of refreshment & socializing prior to the meeting being called to order. The meeting was officially called to order by President Christine Mucciarone at 6:30 pm. As the meeting began Chris Mucciarone welcomed all & introduced the new officers: President: Christine Mucciarone Admiral Richard Gurnon was introduced & began answering an array of informal questions from parents in attendance. He stated that MMA has a very intensive education program with most classes having less than 20 students, yet thus far the cost is the lowest of all maritime academies. He then took a look back at MMA’s past five year history, spoke of present improvements & then took a look forward at MMA’s five year future objectives. During the next 5 years MMA is moving toward increasing its female cadet population from the current 11% of cadets. (This present freshman class is 11% women.) Also the academy anticipates having 350 cadet candidates each year. Admiral Gurnon summarized this year’s Orientation as very successful in terms of the leadership of the cadre of cadets & the “followship” of the cadet candidates. He also spoke briefly about the upcoming Sea Term with visits to the ports of Vera Cruz, Mexico, Barbados & San Juan, Puerto Rico. Admiral Gurnon also commented that parents would be informed of all the details of the upcoming Sea Term at the December meeting & encouraged all to attend. Captain Brad Lima (Dean Of academic Affairs) spoke about the need for parents to be informed of their cadet’s curriculum, even suggesting that they post the classes on their fridge in order to be aware of their cadet’s performance in each course. Being informed of their student’s academic grades & standing will help parents in encouraging their cadet’s overall performance so they can participate in Sea Term. The requirements are that they pass the following courses: Ship Familiarization & Intermediate Algebra. Capt. Lima reinforced how important it is that students ask for help as soon as there is difficulty in a subject. He said that too many ask for help too late. The cadet has a number of resource persons who are ready to assist them when they are experiencing academic problems or difficulties: the instructors, cadet retention officers, tutors, etc. The parents were also made aware of the upcoming Fall Job Fair on Oct. 14 for which 60 + companies send representatives to the MMA campus. All cadets, especially upperclassmen, are encouraged to attend, with an invitation being extended to parents as well. Captain Rozak (Commandant of Cadets) spoke of upcoming events involving the Cadet Candidates: He shared the program of events for Cadet Recognition Day including: There was also a discussion of the cadet candidate’s curfew & duties on Sunday evening: The parents were advised that there might possibly be exceptions to this schedule on some holidays such as Easter, or as the company commander requires a change in check-in time esp. for Admiral’s Inspections. The Captain also answered several questions about 4/C cadets’ regimental life & requirements. He answered a question about 4/C leaving campus during the week by stating that it could only be done with permission & that it was not encouraged on a regular basis. Another question was posed about parents eating with cadets & was answered in the affirmative, stating that the parent is asked to pay the meal cost, but that the parents need to be aware of the space issues in the Mess Deck with 1,200 cadets which is already crowded. When asked about the requirement for community service, Captain Rozak stated that there are multiple opportunities such as participating in the Dept. of Family Services Day on campus, the Scallop Fest in Buzzards Bay, visiting area nursing homes, & others. The question of helping freshman with adjustment was asked & Capt. Rozak assured parents that there are many avenues that encouragement is given including explanation of the purpose of regimental life at the Sunday Lecture Series where various speakers, including graduates contribute. In answer to the question about transfer students Capt. Rozak informed the parents that these students go through the 1st semester as regular freshman & participate in Sea Term & then are bumped up. Parents should call the Registrar’s office for the specifics on their student. Lieutenant Magee(Band & Honor Guard Director & 7th Company Officer) was introduced & shared a few words with the parents concerning the band & honor guard. Lieutenant John McLaughlin was introduced as MMA’s new Director of Admissions. Mr. McLaughlin was previously employed as Director of Transfer Admissions at Merrimack College. He stated that he looks forward to the challenge of bringing in a more diverse population & of making MMA a campus with a more inclusive campus for women and students of color. To that end he is responsible for getting the word out at various college fairs & asked the parents to volunteer to assist at any fairs in their area. Trudy Avery (Director of Advancement) deals with advancing Corporate Donations to MMA & gave an example of the very large donation given by Clean Harbors for the Athletic Complex. She encouraged parents, alumni & corporations to seriously consider the importance of making donations to render MMA even more excellent for present & future cadets. She stressed the importance of parents & alumni staying in contact with MMA to assist in any fundraising efforts. She also suggested that many companies look for institutions where they can donate & see a favorable return on their investment – perhaps the company you work for may donate if asked. Paul Kelly (Chairman of the Board of Trustees) began by stating that new parents & freshman most often feel like they are in the position of “learning to drink from the fire hose” as they try to absorb/take in all that this new regimental life at MMA entails. It will be worth it & you will grow in the process. Mr. Kelly informed the parents that the Board of Trustees is an 11 member committee appointed by the governor for a 5 year term for the purpose of oversight & support of this institution & its administration. He informed the parents that he is not an alumnus of MMA but a “convert” who has been impressed by “the road less traveled” here where leadership development is taught, emphasized & practiced. “We train people to work hard,” Mr. Kelly stated. A process that takes place & is achieved through 2 things: the regiment & the ship. As a result of the degrees our cadets earn they have great job opportunities because the course of study has no fluff – just solid “gut courses”. He spoke of the greatest area of difficulty & challenge as being in the subject of math, but encourages cadets to take advantage of the tutoring that is available at the Learning Resource Center. However he insisted that the cadets must take the initiative in this area. Paul Kelly then spoke of his role as consultant to the MMAPA By-Law Committee. He took some time to discuss Robert’s Rules of Order as the protocol used for public assemblies. He advised that when we meet we must be sure that the will of the majority prevails. Chris Mucciarone (MMAPA President) read a letter from Ann Kenny in which she explained her resignation as MMAPA President & wished the organization the very best. Carol Doherty (Co-Secretary) presented the minutes from the previous meeting (May 5, 2010) which were unanimously accepted. Jeanne Mourey & Christine Gilbert (Co-Treasurers) presented the following Treasurers’ Report: Balance as of Aug. 1, 2010 $13,750.47 EXPENSES: Cost of Cruises, T-shirts, Analysis Fee, Checks) $5,095.82 Bank Balance as of Aug. 31, 2010 $11,367.65 The Treasurers’ Report was voted on & accepted. Karen Nahigian (Admissions Liaison) presented the dates for the 4 upcoming Open Houses & discussed the need for at least 12 parent volunteers to be present for each Open House to welcome new parents & prospective students. She reviewed the time, place & benefits of volunteering. Karen suggested parent participation in college fairs also, to assist in representing MMA in their areas. She extended many thanks to the 140+ volunteers who worked very hard during the Sea Bag Fundraiser which is our biggest effort at raising scholarship money for the cadets. Karen continued to encourage all parents to volunteer & participate in whatever way they can & thanked those who have done so in the past. Chris Mucciarone adjourned the meeting at 8:15 pm & apologized for the length of the meeting. Respectfully submitted, |
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