Parent Advisory

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
Minutes from the September 10, 2005 Meeting

In attendance for the Council: Debra Desrochers, Earlene Esters, Nancie Gillengerten, Lorie Grant, Katie Louttit, Rene St. Hilaire, Therese Scarpace, and Gary Wear

In attendance for the College: Norma Curtis, Linda McWright, Martha O’Dell, Don Tuski, and Mark Veich

The meeting was called to order at 3 PM by Dr. Linda McWright who introduced President Tuski. President Tuski asked the members of the council to introduce themselves and then enumerated a number of ways he felt a parents’ advisory council could help the college including; providing feedback, support for and attendance at parent gatherings, and recruiting students from their hometowns. President Tuski also spoke about the vision of Olivet College with explanation of how a small liberal arts college is funded.

Mark Veich, Director of Institutional Development, outlined a number of forms of fundraising that members of the Parents Advisory Council could play an important role in that includes; fundraising for specific purposes like new furniture acquisition (see attached), help with the phone-a-thon (10,000 calls placed annually to help raise funding for our annual scholarship fund), and help with identifying potential sponsors for our annual Leadership Dinner which recognizes Michigan citizens who exemplify Education for Individual and Social Responsibility. Mark presented each attending member with a special polo shirt to help celebrate their membership on the council.

Linda McWright, Vice President and Dean for Student Life, reviewed the purposes of the Advisory Council (see agenda), spoke about the construction of a web page, and shared current issues and trends in parent advisory boards (included).

Norma Curtis, Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs, shared her personal experiences serving on the Alma College Parent Association (all parents are members of the organization). The Alma College Parent Board holds two weekend meetings per academic year. Each meeting was paired with an all college event sponsored by the parent association like a parent day or career exploration day. Other activities parent board members were engaged in included the following: assistance with the publication of a parents’ association newsletter, assistance with move-in day for new students, maintenance of a data base of all parents, fund raising, and assistance with career opportunities for students. Copies of Alma’s Constitution and By-Laws was distributed.

Agenda items deferred to our next Parent Advisory Council meeting include setting short and long range goals for the council, electing a chair and co-chair for the council, and scheduling meetings for the rest of the academic year.

Group members present decided to participate in the 2005 Olivet College Homecoming Parade. Nancie Gillengerten volunteered her car. Those not riding will walk beside the car.

The next Parents Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for 8:30 am in the Oaks Dining Room in the Kirk Center on October 8, 2005. We will hold a business meeting until 11:30 am and then proceed to gather for the parade. Brunch will be provided. The football game (against Hope College) starts at 2 PM. Each council member participating in the parade will receive two complementary tickets to the game. Please indicate your ability to attend the council meeting and participate in the Homecoming Parade by calling Shirley Hirt at 269-749-7618 or Myrna Pedelty 269-749-7607.

Minutes from the March 18, 2006 Meeting

TIME STARTED: 11:00 a.m. TIME ENDED: 2:00 p.m.

ATTENDANCE FOR THE COUNCIL:
Therese McNeil Scarpace (Chair)
Katie Louttit (Recording Secretary)
Deb Desrochers
Janice Hedge
Gary Wear

ATTENDANCE FOR THE COLLEGE:
Linda McWright, Ph.D., Vice President and Dean of Student Life
Donald L. Tuski, Ph.D., President

I. SPEAKERS:

A. Nate Williams, Executive Chief for the College addressed the Committee. Mr. Williams
explained how the Student Food Advisor Committee, which is student driven is helping to bring forward student issues and concerns. The idea of a box takeout is being considered. The College strives to provide student meal choices, while still providing healthy balanced diets.The PAC requested a copy of the Student Food Advisor Committee minutes, for general information.

B. Donald L. Tuski, Ph.D., President of Olivet College addressed the PAC. Mr. Tuski discussed fund raising, annual funds, endowment and building projects. The College building projects include additional "Smart Class Room" technology, updating the Mott's Auditorium as well as changes to resident, halls. Mr. Tuski commented on the outstanding job, Linda McWright, Ph.D., Vice President and Dean of Student Life, has done with the Student Center and working within her budget restrictions. In addition Olivet College plans to increase student standard. Students will be held to a higher standard of personal achievement in order to be eligible for student aid, provided by Olivet College. Mr. Tuski referenced the book, "10 Things Employer Want You To Learn In College".

II. ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by Therese McNeil Scarpace, Committee Chair. PAC members present received a copy of the meeting agenda and November minutes. The College provided binders with a copy of the Echo, Olivet College Student Handbook and the 2005 Fall Sport Guide.

III. OLD BUSINESS:

A. The minutes from November 12, 2005 were reviewed and approved as published.

B. Action Items

1. PAC House: After inspection it has been determined that the property being considered for the PAC house would not be affordable to rebuild or upkeep.

2. MIS/Trap Shoot! Target! Wal-Mart Fundraising: These fund raiser will be tabled due to the amount of volunteers needed and time.

3. Meijer Rewards: Janice Hedge will register Olivet College for the Meijer reward card. Students and staff will be encouraged to sign up. The PAC wil have registration forms available at orientation.

IV. NEW BUSINESS:

A. Focus Group Committees:

1. Fundraising: Gary Wear will chair fundraising for the PAC. He will work with Mark Veich, Director of Development for Olivet College as the PAC representative. Mr. Wear suggested using the College website as a possible means of notifying parents when volunteers are needed. Current projects will include the Buy-A-Brick fund raiser, Grant-A-Wish and a large ticket item raffle.

2. Advisory: Katie Louttit will chair for the PAC. Ms. Janice Hedge and Ms. Deb Desrochers will co-chair. This sub-committee will assist Olivet College in mentoring, guest speakers and internship for students, by utilizing the resources available thru the parents. They will also assist the College as needed in the development of the parents' handbook.

3. Ambassadorship: Therese McNeil Scarpace will Chair. Ms. Deb Desrochers will co-chair. This sub-committee will work as a go between for the college when they need assistance at events such as orientation, sporting events and parent input.

B. Orientation: New Student Orientation will be held on June 23, July 14, July 28, and August 4, 2006. The College is asking for seven (7) parents to assist with orientation. Mrs.Desrochers will make calls to parents asking for volunteers. The following PAC members have already committed to help as needed; Gary Wear July 14 and 28, August 4, 2006, Janice Hedge July 28 and August 4, 2006, Deb Desrochers all dates, and Therese McNeil Scarpace June 23, July 14 and July 28, 2006. Ms. Linda McWright will provide a schedule at the next PAC meeting.

C. PAC Budget: Ms. Linda McWright has offered the PAC a start up budget. The money will be part of a restricted fund.

1. Student Care Packages: The Students Care Packages will be taken over by the PAC starting next year. Funds raised by this program will go into the PAC restricted fund.

2. The Campus Link: The PAC will allot $400 for the Campus Link publication. This newsletter is for parents and family.

V. OTHER:

A. Future PAC Meetings: The PAC Executive Board will meet one more time in April. This will allow the PAC to finalize action items. Additional meeting will be open to all members. Meetings will be held August thru May and will focus around events when possible. A meeting schedule will be finalized for the 2006-2007 school year at the next PAC meeting. Meetings will be published on the Olivet College website, PAC link and in the Campus Link.

B. The next Parents Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2006 at 6:30p.m. Location to be announced.

THERESE MC NEIL SCARPACE

Chairperson