Cabinet Meeting Notes April 2021

CABINET MEETING NOTES
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
9:00 a.m. A110

Members in Attendance: Steve Turner, Debbie Landry, Jerrid Freeman, Christy Landsaw, Dan Mabery
Members Absent: None

The cabinet meeting began at 10:30 a.m.

President Turner welcomed the group.

Campus Photography
VP Mabery reported to the group that Communications and Marketing is working to brighten web
presence at BA. Efforts are underway to place nice NSU visuals on the website. He reported that they
will be transitioning to NSU branded people, building and other types of photos. They will be scheduling
headshots at BA soon.

Enrollment/Retention
Provost Landry reported that the reporting is one week behind. Current numbers for fall are showing a
34% increase at this time. We are actually expecting to be up 4% or flat. VP Landsaw asked how
housing numbers were looking. VP Freeman reported that housing is doing good at this point.
President Turner asked about other substantive numbers. VP Freeman reported that FAFSA numbers
are up at this time over last year. Provost Landry mentioned that she feels that retention is up as senior
and junior head count numbers are up. First-Time, Full-Time numbers are at 24%, but we are still
unsure if those we lost last year will return or if they have gone somewhere else. VP Mabery stated that
we are seeing positive reactions from the recruitment videos as we are seeing gains in the number of
requests for information. Post cards and digital campaigns have begun. Provost Landry also reported
that graduate enrollment is up at 55% with two times the number of admits. VP Freeman reported that
new student numbers are down by 19% but climbing from weeks ago. It was also reported that Transfer
numbers are still down but most haven’t enrolled yet. The deadline is May 3rd. We are doing more
than normal with recruiting as in the past.

Summer enrollment us up 12% from last year. Provost Landry stated that this should be a good
indicator for fall numbers.

Commencement
Provost Landry reported that Commencement is coming along as planned. NSGA is presenting
legislation regarding stoles. They have requested more details on what the policy is and can it be posted
for students to review.

Committee Question
Provost Landry discussed the need to updating the Admissions Appeals Committee. Drs. Landry and
Freeman will discuss and bring forward a proposal at a later date.

DEI Committee Changes
VP Freeman informed he group that a member left the university and requested that an international
representative be added. He will bring this item back to Cabinet when name have been determined.

UC Signage
VP Freeman reported that signage is being finalized now. Lights will be on a timer. He stated that the
sign looks nice and it will highlight offerings in the University Center.

HEERF Funds-Employees (with Dr. Freeman)
VP Landsaw reported that the committee working on the distribution of funds has recommended to
include 34 employees that are enrolled in courses. There are 10 FT and 24 PT. She also reported that
61.4% of the students notified of the funding responded to letters that were sent out regarding
requirements on receiving the funds. There have also been emails sent to students in an attempt to
notify all students. Business Affairs will continue attempts to notify students until the deadline. She
asked for input from Cabinet members. VP Mabery stated that we need to be consistent with past
practice and that there is value with the committee review. All members of the Cabinet approved to
move forward with adding the employees as recommended by the committee.

FFCRA Options
The group discussed guidelines related to the extended FMLA Leave for COVID-19. It was to end on
December 31, but was extended through March 31. President Turner stated that it was voluntarily
extended. VP Landsaw stated that we have not ended yet. VP Mabery stated that he thought we ended
as of March 31. They discussed what other regional universities were doing. VP Landsaw reported that
some ended March 31 and some are continuing through May 31. President asked if the university can
still get payment and VP Landsaw reported, yes. President Turner stated that at some point the
university will be back to normal. When vaccinations are at 50% in Oklahoma, NSU will be back to
normal. All members approved to extend the Leave through May 31.

Project Updates
Seminary Hall – The group discussed the requested changes in the Administration areas with some
movement of doors. The Museum area looks very nice. The glass walls are up. There are issues with the
drawings for the window replacements and copper trim.

Jack Dobbins Field House Paint – The bid has been awarded and work will begin on May 17.
Outdoor Basketball Court – Changes will be completed by April 17.
Mike Synar Building – Bids are still overpriced. More information will be provided as it is available.
CTL Project in John Vaughn Library – Constructions documents finalized by April 17.
Wilson Hall – Coming along well. The elevator shaft is complete, the 3rd floor is coming along nicely.
There is a lot of work going on.
Green House – Started framing some exterior walls. A Purchase Order has been issued for the roof
repairs. The mechanical and electrical updates are coming along well.
Jazz Lab – Purchase Order has been issued
Optometry Sidewalk on Street Side – stated bid work with work planned to begin this summer.
Play House Signage – Bid work happening now.
Lewis Street Closing – President Turner met with Mayor Catron. He will bring a group together to
discuss a start date.
Bagley Elevator – Trying to find parts

EAP Report
The President reported that HR is working on a summary of all employees on these programs from this
year vs. last year. This data will be shared with Cabinet once it is obtained.

Optometry Update
The President reported that meetings continue to be favorable. There are New Market Tax Credit
funding opportunities that we may be able to receive. These are tax credits from large corporations that
can be requested. The group discussed how NSU may qualify for funding. We are working on the
application at this time. VP Mabery reported that the Tahlequah Daily Press will routinely have a story
reported about Optometry.

Legislative Update
President Turner updated the group on current activities on bills – Claw Back portion of the Concurrent
Enrollment bill was removed for now. It will now it go back before the conference committee and then
back to the full Senate. SB658 which looked like an immunization bill is now adding mask mandate
restrictions. OHLAP (Oklahoma’s Promise) – Is still moving along.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
-Employee Recognition – Thursday, April 29th-4:30 p.m.– Limited in-person with Zoom Webinar
Livestream
-Commencement – Friday, May 7/Saturday, May 8 (TQ) & Monday, May 10 (BA)

The meeting adjourned at 11:47 a.m.
Notes reported by: Robin Hutchins