Ripon College Parents' Advisory Committee Meeting

Meeting Highlights and Minutes

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Attending:  Advisory Committee:  Janice Born, Lisa Bruce, Daniel and Patricia Carpenter, Mary Christensen, Todd and Dawn Henrickson, Frank and Lori Kratky, Ann Lindberg,

Beth Patterson, Tony and Kristin Roy, Ann Rumpf, William and

Debra Scholfield, Deborah Sundmacher 

College Administration/Staff: Jerry Seaman (Vice President and Dean of Faculty), Chris Ogle '80 (Vice President and Dean of Students), Lyn Corder (Vice President for Advancement), Larry Malchow '77 (Director of Development),

Amy Gabriel Gerretsen '04 (Assistant Director of Alumni Relations),

Carol Seeliger (Office of Annual Fund, Alumni Relations and Parent Programs), Michele Wittler '76 (Associate Dean of Faculty and Registrar), Nancy Hintz '82 (Associate Director of the Annual Fund), Stacy Klegon (Admission Program Coordinator)

I.      Welcome

• Meeting called to order by PAC president couple Daniel and Patricia Carpenter.
• Self introduction of board members.

II.    Business Meeting

A.     Spring meeting minutes approved.

B.     Dean Seaman reported to the committee highlighting campus renovations, the new apartment building completion, and faculty and student updates. A question and answer session followed.

C.     Larry Malchow welcomed prospective members and explained the role of the Parent Board.

D.     Daniel and Patricia Carpenter reported on the Parents' Welcome Receptions.

E.     The Family Weekend Schedule was reviewed.

F.      Amy Gabriel reported on the online Parent Newsletter - quarterly newsletters through our online community-send the college suggestions for topics.

G.     The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 23, 2008 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm with a Lunch and Learn portion.

H.     Michele Wittler reported on the first year students which included a Final Enrollment Report '07-'08 handout. The highlights included: 1,000 students an increase of 19 from last year and 956 full time degree seeking students.

I.      Student Life Report by Chris Ogle

• 16 new apartments opened this fall as another living option.
• Strategic initiatives goal to have 90% of students living on campus was met.
• Student Senate is off to a good start.
• Lower level of Harwood Union is nearing completion.
• Parking issues - restriction from 3 am-6 am in effect October 1 to May 1.
• New lighting throughout campus makes the campus safer.
• Facility updates are making a difference in enrollment, however the faculty and staff are what makes Ripon College such a valuable educational experience.

J.    Alumni/Parent Admission Alliance (AAA) Report by Stacy Klegon

a.     Program through Admission Office using alumni and parents to help to expand states we recruit students from.

b.    102 referrals obtained from alumni and parents last year.

K.   Parent Fund Report by Larry Malchow

a.     A goal of $85,000 for this year; goal for the past year was met.

b.     The college uses mailing and Phonathon to solicit parents.

L.    Advancement Report by Lyn Corder

a.  Advancement moves the institution forward by soliciting money to enhance scholarships and the operating budget.

b.  A goal of $100 million endowment by 2014.

M.  2007 "Educating Students…Enriching Lives" video was distributed to each Parent Board member.

III. Adjournment

• Meeting adjourned for Family Weekend festivities at 9:10 am which included the Continental Breakfast with Dean Seaman.

Respectfully submitted,

Amy Gabriel Gerretsen '04

Assistant Director of Alumni Relations