NFA  Executive Board Meeting
Minutes for August 18, 2007

Present: Jennifer Nelson, Jim Matovina, Brenda Talley, Steve Konowalow, Kathy Baker.

Discussion of membership packets:  Whose responsibility are they? – the Secretary or the Membership Vice President? After some discussion it was agreed that packets were the responsibility of the Membership V.P. Gayle Thomas assembled the membership packets previously. Packets have included the membership certificate, and it was asked whether they should also include a member directory and AAUP informational pamphlets. It was pointed out that as of yet there has been no problem using CSN mail delivery for disseminating information to the membership and faculty.

Considerable discussion followed regarding the general opinion non-members (and sometimes members) have of NFA’s ability to solve problems and effect positive change.  The Board considered possible ways of addressing this issue.

Convocation – what we will do: Jennifer will address the audience then introduce the Executive Board who will stand when named. We will also have a table in the vendor’s display hall. Information about NFA and applications for membership will be at our table. Kathy offered to bring candy as a give away for our table. It was agreed that the coffee mugs Jim had previously purchased would be given to those who sign up for membership. A few NFA t-shirts would also be made available to new members.

Jennifer brought up the question of planning meetings. She asked whether we had been successful in our meeting planning for last year by separating our meetings from faculty senate sessions. Some discussion followed with Jim noting that he didn’t really see an increase or decrease in attendance at the meetings whether they were in proximity to faculty senate or not.  Steve suggested we might increase our visibility by holding meetings once a month, maybe the first Friday. He also asked if faculty senate could advertise our meetings; Jennifer said she would ask Judy Stewart about that. This would also include the ability to use the “all” email to announce the meetings. Brenda suggested we have guest speakers and advertise them for specific meetings. Jennifer noted that the "Evaluation of Shared Governance questionnaires collected last spring, though few, did give us some ideas to consider for meetings. She thinks there is a need for faculty to see what their responsibilities are- encouraging proactive rather than reactive response to issues.

Jim asked about having an NFA member on the Presidential Search committee. It was mentioned that we might need to contact the Regents or the Chancellor to get a seat.

Jennifer brought up the topic of collective bargaining.  Steve said the restrictions are great when you have collective bargaining. Jim said he saw “zero advantage.” Brenda suggested we might bring in Jim Richardson and Scott Huber to talk about it.

Jennifer is looking into how to get our own website up. Brenda offered to help with that. Steve said that Register.com is a good source for a domain name.

Jennifer, Steve and Jim will be at the NFA table for convocation.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:05 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Baker , Secretary