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April 19, 2007

Call to Order:  F. van Hartesveldt called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m., Ford Fieldhouse.
Approval of Agenda: Approved with the addition of millage update.

Discussion and action items:

• Millage update:
• Phone banks have been well staffed.  Reported numbers are that 10% of calls are responding negatively, 60% are positive, and 30% are undecided.  Phone banks have been supported by staff, students, and faculty members.  A few departments have volunteered to go as a group to staff the phone banks. 
• Calls in the east and north are generally pro millage, and the campaign will start focusing contact with yes voters in the Kentwood area. 
• J. Hesse, who has been very involved in the millage campaign, has written two letters asking for support.  He is sharing with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues in order to help get positive votes.  Copies of the letters are attached.
• Faculty members are encouraged to talk with individuals in order to gain more yes voters.  J. Hesse stated in his letter that if each faculty member brings in 10 positive votes, that will result in almost ¼ of the votes needed for a successful millage.
• Some discussion took place on the different ways that millage information can be dispersed, including possibly setting booths up in public places such as malls.  Millage information, including buttons, can be obtained from Friends of GRCC located at 5 Lyon Street. 
• The Board of Trustees has thanked the Faculty Association for the $25,000 donation made to the millage campaign, in addition to the staffing of the phone banks.
• The estimated campaign cost is $90,000; more donations are needed.
• Endorsement of Board of Trustees candidates?
• The Association has been asked whether faculty will endorse any candidate(s) this election.  In past elections, the Association did endorse candidates, but it is not required. 
• Discussion included the qualifications of each candidate, their interest in GRCC, trustee accessibility, and faculty involvement and interactions with various candidates.
• Faculty members expressed their appreciation to the candidates for running.     
• This item is on the next Faculty Council meeting to discuss support for candidates.

Next Meeting: 

·         Association meeting, Friday, May 4, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at Ford Fieldhouse

Adjournment: 

• Motion to adjourn N. Schichtel, J. Chesla seconded.  Adjournment at 4:56 p.m.

Submitted by K. Danko, Secretary, and A. Cook, Archivist