Board of Directors Retreat 2.0

Memorial Hall
Saturday, September 17, 2011
9:00 a.m.

Board Members:  Tom Campbell, Konstantin Danilov, Gerald Fonville, Grant George, Ed Godek, Bob Graham, Ron Grasso, Andy Hochberg, Ogechi Ibe, Michelle-Kim Lee, Sean LeBlanc, Christine Lopes, Sarah Low, Andy MacDougall, Mike Mahoney, Molly McCullough, Zachary Morello, Joe Moro, Joe Piedrafite, Rahul Prakash, John Pride, Dave Richter, Scott Robbins, Kim Sherman, Ron Spicer, and Petra von Ziegesar

Absent: Bridget Boles, Sara Coady Howe, Jeremy Copeland, Paul Hohenberger, Carole Mansur, Adam Martignetti and Michaella Morzuch

Staff: Deb Goodhind

Guests: Vice Chancellor Michael Leto

Welcome and Introductions
Ron Grasso, President of the Alumni Association, welcomed everyone in attendance and thanked them for their participation in this special Board of Directors retreat.  Board members who were not in attendance at the last retreat introduced themselves and provided a brief overview of their UMass Amherst academic and volunteer profiles.

Speed Networking
Board members participated in a speed networking session where newer board members were able to interact directly with more seasoned board members.  General consensus among board members indicated that this was a successful exercise and directors would like to see similar opportunities incorporated into future board meetings.

President’s Update
Ron noted that he is serving as the Alumni Association representative on the search committee for a new UMass Amherst chancellor, and both he and Kim Sherman are serving on the search committee for a new executive director. 

Based on the recommendations developed at the last retreat, Ron asked members of the Executive Committee to facilitate further discussions on various points of consideration and associated action items as outlined below:

Board Practices – Kim Sherman

  • Points of consideration
    • Improved transparency and inclusion
    • Director roles and responsibilities
  • New director orientation
  • Ongoing Board training/communications
  • Annual Board assessment
  • Current action items
  • Volunteer Leadership and Development committee established
  • Ad hoc committee established to review Volunteer Code of Conduct and Review of Board Member and Volunteer Conduct policy
  • “Board Buddies” assigned to all new directors
  • Next Steps
  • Include VC and Executive Director as ex officio members of Board

University Partnerships & Collaboration – Tom Campbell and Ron Grasso

  • Points of consideration
    • Align AA strategic plan and goals in support of campus priorities
    • Campus leaders and students – how do we engage them in mutually beneficial partnerships and keep them informed of AA initiatives?
    • Work with campus leadership to resolve conflicts or concerns in a timely and collaborative manner (including volunteer issues)
  • Next steps
    • UMass Amherst Magazine
    • Invite chancellor, deans and vice chancellors to provide mini-updates to Board
    • Meet with new chancellor as soon as he/she is selected
    • Government Relations Committee – how can the AA add real value to state and federal legislative advocacy initiatives?

Programming and Staffing – Sean LeBlanc, Ron Spicer and Petra von Ziegesar

  • Points of consideration
    • Update on event analysis data and recommendations
  • Career development programming
  • Regional programming and volunteer resources
  • Collegiate-based programming
    • How does the Board define a “signature” event and what is its goal?
  • Current action items
    • Staffing realignment under consideration to support collegiate units
    • Programs sub-committee to be charged with review and enhancement of proposed volunteer resources and training opportunities

Funding Models – Andy Hochberg and Andy MacDougall

  • Points of consideration
    • Overview of current funding model and revenues generated
    • Interdependent vs. Independent?
    • AA membership program –enhances or impedes campus fundraising initiatives?
    • What should be the AA’s role in supporting campus fundraising initiatives?
    • Presentation of various proposed funding models
  • Current action items
    • Search in progress to hire new Alumni Business Development Manager

Recap and Next Steps
A number of new proposed initiatives were identified through these discussions.  Ron will work with the facilitators and staff to prepare a summary of the discussions, associated action items, and proposed committee assignments for each action item for review at the November board retreat.  

Adjournment 
The retreat adjourned at 3:15 p.m.