MEMORANDUM
March 17, 2008
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Campus Community
Gary Abramson, Chairman, Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees Winter 2008 Meeting Summary
The Board of Trustees met on campus Thursday and Friday, February 28–29, 2008, the third
meeting of the 2007–2008 academic year. As is customary, board committees met throughout
Thursday. At the board meeting on Friday, President Kerwin reported on progress in
nationwide searches for the university’s provost, vice president of development, and
executive director of communication and marketing. President Kerwin also reported on the
strategic planning process. He said two trustees would serve on the 17-member Strategic
Planning Steering Committee, which is chaired by Kogod School of Business professor
William DeLone and composed of representatives from the university’s several
constituencies. Following further review and discussion, the Board voted to approve the
scope of the university’s strategic plan.
The Board also approved several amendments to the Bylaws in order to change the name of
the External Relations Committee to the Communication Committee, to align language in
several sections of the Bylaws with relevant language in other sections or with language in
the Board Policies, and to clarify the role of the President as a non-voting member of the
Board’s Executive Committee.
In other actions, the Board approved a new policy on the reimbursement of trustee expenses,
two resolutions authorizing the university to negotiate new, more favorable terms and
financing for the conversion or refunding of several existing bond issues, and a resolution to
amend and restate the defined contribution plan because of new regulatory and legislative
changes and to increase participant flexibility.
Finally, to honor Michael Brady, head coach of the women’s soccer team, who is leaving AU
to become top assistant coach of the Duke men’s soccer team, the Board approved a
resolution of appreciation for Mr. Brady’s service to the university.
Near the close of the Board meeting, President Kerwin announced that the next town hall
meeting will be Tuesday, April 22, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm. The next and final regular board
meeting of the academic year will be Thursday and Friday, May 15-16, 2008.