Bailey Morrison
News Editor
FSU’s Alumni Association held its second meeting of the semester on Nov. 17 to discuss campus initiatives and programs.
The meeting addressed possible candidates for the commencement speaker, expansion of academic programs and the emergency grant fund network.
JeE Ritter, the president of the Alumni Association, said the group is looking to include more of the “key deans” in the meetings so department heads can share program ideas and advancements.
Susan Dargan, dean of social and behavioral sciences and interim dean of education, addressed both colleges at the meeting.
She addressed some of the features of the college of education. “It was founded in September of 2015. It’s got one academic department although we would like to have more. ... We would like to have the department of early childhood, department of elementary ed., going forward,” Dargan added.
In the college of education, there are three academic programs – three coordinate majors and one minor. Each student in the college must have a major in another department, said Dargan.
She added there are approximately 60 student teachers placed in local schools during their final year at FSU.
The college currently has eight full-time faculty members and two full-time staff members. Dargan said the division is looking for another tenured-track faculty member and another full-time staff member.
The college is currently conducting a search for an education dean and will be bringing candidates to the campus soon, said Dargan.
Rita Colucci, chief of staff and general counsel, is steering the Strategic Plan Committee with geography professor Judy Otto.
The Strategic Planning Committee is currently in the “discovery phase” and has hosted an open forum discussing the fiscal realities of the University, Colucci said.
She said the committee plans to hold more forums at which they will discuss academic programs, student concerns and diversity at the University.
“This semester is about gathering information and getting to know ourselves. ... Next semester, it will really be boots on the ground and talking to people within our departments and what we want to see on campus,” said Colucci.
The committee plans to have the Strategic Plan completed by the end of the summer to bring it in front of the Board of Trustees, she said.
Ritter announced the executive committee of the Alumni Association voted to endorse raising the amount of money each board member donates to the University.
Susanne Conley, a member of the Alumni Association’s Fundraising Network, said the committee recommended a minimum annual “defined commitment” in the amount of $100 from board members who have graduated in the last five years and $250 for all other board members.
This amendment was approved unanimously by the board. It will go in effect July 1, 2017.
Ritter addressed the second goal for the 2016-17 academic year is the “successful launch” of four affinity group events – Alumni of Color, Entrepreneurship, Alumni Employees and Football. These groups aim to fundraise for each affinity group, he said.
Eric Gustafson, executive director of development and alumni relations, said the Alumni of Color event was held during Homecoming weekend and approximately 50 people attended.
Each affinity group has Alumni Association board members involved and plans to have events
throughout the year.
Gustafson addressed the Emergency Grant Fund Network, a program that provides funding to students who cannot afford to stay at the University. “It’s for students who have maxed out financial aid and it’s clear there’s no money left. ... If we don’t help them, they can’t come back. ... There’s a difference between need and crisis.”
The network has given out two grants this semester, Gustafson said.
He addressed one case in which a student’s parent was unable to help pay her tuition, and loans weren’t covering her bill.
The committee had then reviewed the student’s case file and granted her $200 which allowed her to enroll in classes for the spring semester.
Robin Welch, a member of the committee, said the committee must be “very judicious” about where the money goes and stressed students must provide “extreme clarity” about why they need the money – otherwise, the application will be rejected.
This grant is completely funded by alumni donations and the alumni have raised approximately $6,000 for the fund.
Pam Edrehi, a representative for the Commencement Speaker Committee, updated the board about possible candidates.
Edrehi said the committee members all “come to the table with ideas.”
She suggested first lady Michelle Obama, fashion designer Tim Gunn and Dr. Jay Bradner, a cancer research specialist.
She said students on the committee suggested actress Amy Poehler as a possible commencement speaker as well.
The Alumni Association also welcomed two new members: Elinor Goodwin and Terri Kanieff.