Cabinet members in attendance: Ande Croll, Matthew Knisley, Anthony Nuval, Mindy Brown, Mark Czynski, Neal Groothuis, Joanna Messer, Timothy Meyer, Scott Swanson

From IMSA: Carolyn Johnson

Excused: Ryan Armour

Absent: Kevin Colby, Annelise Li, Tarun Nagpal

The meeting was called to order at 8:05 PM CDT.

The Future of IMSAlum

Ande reiterated how the IMSAlum newsletter continues to become more expensive as the number of alumni increases.

Carolyn detailed Suzyn's proposal for IMSA publications moving forward--to consolidate all mailings into a single publication with three to four issues per year. This plan combines the Nova newsletter with the IMSAlum newsletter into one complete, comprehensive magazine that will go out to alumni, parents, donors, and other affiliates. The new publication will include sections for and about the extended IMSA community, including alumni, current students, and parents. The first issue is slated for publication sometime in the early spring of 2008.

The benefits of such a plan include streamlining communications, reducing redundancy of information, and saving time and money. In this way, a consistent message can be ensured.

Ande and others voiced concern over ensuring alumni still retain control over content. It was suggested that the IAA website would be a useful media for disseminating information the IAA needs to maintain control over.

Carolyn stated that details are still being worked out as to who will be in control of the new publication.

With this plan, the fall 2007 issue of the IMSAlum newsletter will be the final issue. Ande stated that the content for the issue has already been set and those who wish may email her to find out details.

IMSA Carnival

Carolyn provided a brief history of the IMSA carnival. As part of the activities surrounding IMSA's 20th anniversary, Student Life held a carnival complete with carnival-type activities. Because it was successful, it was decided to carry it on. The carnival is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12th, 2007, from 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM.

Carolyn proposed that this would be a great chance to have alumni-student interactions as was mentioned in the previous IAA cabinet meeting; the IAA could have an informational booth, come up with an activity to run, or run one of the activities already scheduled.

Tim said it would be a good idea to determine the purpose of the IAA presence at the carnival. Matt and Tony suggested that it would be enough at the moment to simply get exposure to the student community.

It was agreed that simply having an informational booth would not be enough to draw students in; it would be best to run an activity being provided by Student Life, as it would better facilitate interactions with students and relieve the IAA of needing to plan out an activity.

Ande asked about the logistics of getting alumni to participate. Tony inquired about sending out a request for volunteers to Chicago-area alumni. Scott and Neal stated that the IAA announcement distribution list would be useful for this. Concerns were raised about problems with obsolete email addresses and sending out a mail to the entire alumni community when it is unlikely that alumni not in the area would participate. Tony volunteered to coordinate this effort. Joanna and Ande both said they would be able to participate. Carolyn mentioned that IMSA personnel could staff the booth during the hours alumni are likely to be unavailable, i.e. working hours.

Call-ins with Suzyn Price and Max McGee

Ande described the 2nd call-in session, where she was the only participant. Points of discussion included creating the IAA identity and strengthening it by creating a stronger tie to IMSA and leveraging "brand commonality." The possibility of changing the IAA logo was also discussed.

Matt was present on the 3rd call-in session. Points of discussion included the need to have alumni keep their information in the myIMSA database up-to-date, the new IMSA magazine, and concerns regarding the IMSA "brand." Matt stated that a strong product is needed in order to have a strong brand; while a lot of things are great, some areas need work. Max stated that he is concerned about implementing the strategic plan in such a way as to ensure the "brand promise" is delivered. With respect to increasing alumni participation, ideas such as including alumni in advisory roles with various IMSA departments were discussed. The possibility of making Alumni Weekend more effective was also discussed, perhaps by holding class reunions on separate dates. Regional clubs also need to reach out to recent IMSA graduates through targeted events.

IAA Support for IMSA Disciplinary Hearings

Ande discussed how, as of two years ago, IMSA students engaged in disciplinary hearings may request an alumni representative or parent of an alumnus to be present. Hearings are attended by the principal, CAC counselor, and residential counselor. The alumni representative or parent of an alumnus can offer comments and recommendations regarding the disciplinary action to be taken; alumni presently employed by the Academy are not allowed to serve in this role.

Ande stated that the IAA is being called on to support the hearings. To that end, a pool of 8-10 people (excluding cabinet members) will be formed; opinions on the process were solicited.

Scott pointed out that people who are on the "persona non grata" list should be excluded, but it was opined that such people would naturally exclude themselves from participating. It was also brought up that persons interested should provide references and a statement as to why they would like to participate.

It was decided to continue this discussion at the next scheduled cabinet meeting.

IAA Budget

Neal motioned to accept the budget as-is. Matt seconded the motion. The budget was opened for discussion.

Ande proposed splitting the IMSAlum line item in half, given that the newsletter will become part of a general IMSA mailing as discussed earlier and the IAA would only need to cover the cost of one issue. Carolyn provided background on funding of the IMSAlum: normally IMSA picks up the cost of one issue and the IAA covers the cost of the other; IMSA's contribution was handled last year as a transfer of money from the IMSA Fund to the IAA budget. She anticipated no problems with halving the allocation.

With no other concerns, Ande moved to amend the budget proposal to reduce the IMSAlum line item by one-half. Neal accepted the amendment; no objections were raised.

Student activities were discussed--specifically, the IAA providing an end-of-year lunch for seniors. Last year, the cafeteria was closed for breakfast as it was assumed that the IAA would provide breakfast; however, this opportunity was missed. Traditionally, this serves as the official "welcome to the alumni association" gathering.

Tony asked what the class reunion item was intended to cover--whether up-front fees are covered (such as reservation fees). Ande explained that the IAA will dispense funds to cover items in reunion budgets once said budgets are approved, with the assumption that ticket fees will cover any needed expenses in the end.

With no other items brought up for discussion, Ande moved for a vote to approve the budget. The budget was approved unanimously, with one abstention.

Other Items

Ande reminded everyone to submit their goals for their cabinet tenure. Tony is to set up a discussion forum on the IAA web site for collaborative discussion of everyone's goals.

Scott congratulated Joanna on her flute performance at convocation. Alumni speakers at this year's convocation included Sam Yagan and Jessica Droste.

Carolyn brought up the point that dates should be selected for regional club events so that ones where it is desired to have Max McGee in attendance may be scheduled well in advance.

Ande moved to close the meeting at 9:20 pm CDT. The motion was seconded by Neal and was passed unanimously.