UNT Parent Association Bi-Annual 4/24/10
1. Introductions of Attendees
2. Call to order 11:32
-Minutes Approval 9/26/10
3. Officer Reports
A. President: Dixie Pennington reported that members have been volunteering at UNT
Preview Days and Music Audition Days. She also reported that executive board met in April
to discuss the membership changes that will presented later in the meeting.
B. President Elect: Brian Richman reported that he and Sharon had represented the PA at UNT
Preview and audition days and that they plan to be at all Orientation sessions.
C. Vice President : Jana Sloan reported that three Parent Orientation sessions are still in need
of volunteers.
D. Secretary: No Report
E. Historian: Shawn LeBlanc reported that she will be downloading new pictures to put into the
Parent Association digital frame
F. Parliamentarian: Sarah Clark announced her resignation. Family commitments will prevent
her from completing her term.
-Is resigning because of time commitments
G. Past President: No ReportH. Treasurer: Elizabeth Cheney reported on the financials of the Parent Association.
4. University Report – Jaime Blanton, Coordinator of Parent Programs shared that UNT has named a new
interim President, V. Lane Rawlins, who will serve from May 14, 2010 until a new president is selected.
She also shared that UNT was ranked in US News and World Report in the following ways:

One of Americas Best College Buys

Graduate Program in Library Science also ranked
Blanton shared details about the university’s desire to become a Tier One research university.
Information about the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s criteria for becoming a research
university is available on the UNT website.
Blanton also reported that the Office of Parent Programs plans Summer Send Off Parties in 15 Texas
cities from August 1-15. Parent Association volunteers are greatly encouraged to attend the party in
their area.
5. Old Business – None
6. New Business
A. Family Weekend October 8-10, 2010: The next bi-annual meeting, which includes the election
of new officers will take place during Family Weekend.
B. Presentation regarding Parent Association membership
-Jaime Blanton was reintroduced to share information regarding the benchmarking
research conducted by the Office of Parent Programs regarding membership. Her presentation began
with history of Parent Programs offerings nationally. She said recent research my Dr. Marjorie Savage
shows that Research on Parent Programs only 43.2% of colleges and university have a Parent
Association and only 3.8 percent of those surveyed were proud of their Parent Association.
She said that while membership has grown to over 1,110 members and benefit continue to increase,
costs are also increasing. Presentation details include:


UNT Parent Association Revenue Average over 4 Years

$86,000 Revenue

Membership represents 72.9%
Expenditures

$7,421 Goodie Boxes / Pizza

$10,523 Merchandise Purchase Sales

$5149 Calendars Orientation

A comparison of peer institutions was discussed. The UNT Parent Association contributes more to
student scholarships and offers more benefits that almost all peers and membership fees are
competitive. However, the UNT Parent Association has lost significant revenue since 2008 with a
decrease in renewals and the introduction of the Lifetime Membership, which allows members to
only pay once for benefits that cost through four years or more.

Current Membership was compared to what is proposed.
Current Membership Type
Orientation Price
Non-Orientation Price
Annual Membership
$54
$60
Lifetime Membership
$180
$200
Renewal Upgrade from Annual
to Lifetime
$146
What changes are being proposed?

A cost-benefit analysis and benchmarking study was conducted throughout the Spring 2010
semester, and findings were presented to the Executive Board and full membership at the April
2010, Parent Association bi-annual meeting. The following fee structure was endorsed by the
Executive Board, has been reviewed by the overall membership, and is now being considered for a
vote:
Membership Type
Orientation Price
Non-Orientation Price
Annual Membership
$60
$70
Two-Year Membership
$115
$125
Lifetime Membership
$275
$300
Renewal Upgrade to Lifetime
$240

Why is the Parent Association considering a membership fee change?

The Parent Association continues to offer quality services to its members and students, including
significant support for scholarships. By increasing membership dues, the organization hopes to
continue to serve students and families in innovative and meaningful ways. The cost benefit analysis
revealed that the Parent Association struggles to retain annual members, and loses revenue based
on the current lifetime-level membership. For example if half of the 113 members who purchased a
lifetime membership in 2009-10 had instead opted to renew at the new annual level, the Parent
Association would have received 14 percent more overall revenue.

If this measure is passed, when will the new structure take effect?

The new structure would go into effect immediately, and would be publicized during the renewal
period and summer 2011 Orientation season. Current annual members would be asked to renew at
the higher rate.

What is the path moving forward?

The change will be voted on October 9 at the bi-annual meeting.

Debbie Burns expressed support for the change and thanked Blanton for the in-depth analysis.

Tuition Draw Scholarships were discussed. Blanton shared that the Parent Association has
$5259.70 in available revenue, which is 10 draw scholarships. The general balance was
$24,746.80. Discussion regarding how much of the remaining expendable account can be
transferred.


Blanton suggested the Parent Association reserve between $10,000 to $12,000 to
purchase merchandise for the summer.
Brian and Sharon Richman proposed moving $10,000 – 20 scholarships from the expendable
account to the draw scholarship

2nd Shawn LeBlanc (motion passed universally)

Fleece Jacket Sales Discussed. Members agree to sell current stock, not re-order and consider a redesign once the current stock is out.

Members draw tuition names

76 Names available – Online applicants

Draw out 30 names

5 alternates drawn
7. Move to Adjournment – Brian Richman, 2nd Elizabeth Cheney
8. Meeting adjourned at 12:50pm