Cabinet

Meeting Summary for November 19, 2019

November 19, 2019

Mary Petersen provided the reflection, reading a poem titled “Small Kindnesses”.

Trustee Committee Meetings Debrief: Fr. Sundborg asked the liaisons to each of the Board committees that had meetings on Wednesday, Nov. 13 to debrief, answering the following questions: 1) What was learned in the meeting that would help the Cabinet in its work or generate further agenda items for the Board? 2) How would we improve or advance the committee’s work in service to the Board? Debriefs were given for Academic Affairs, Mission, Inclusion and Culture, Student Development, Finance, Athletic Oversight, and Branding, Marketing and External Affairs. Discussion followed as to how committees might be coordinated in addressing issues relevant to multiple committees (i.e., enrollment).

Board of Trustees Meeting Debrief: The Cabinet debriefed the full Board meeting of Nov. 14 focusing on: what was learned; what was committed by way of deliverables; what are the next stages for the Strategic Directions; and what are the agenda items which need to come forward in February and April? Discussion followed regarding the strong format of the meeting, allowing for presentations and discussion among trustees. It was noted that the Executive Session was especially good.

Strategic Directions Next Steps:  With the Board’s approval of the Strategic Directions, the Cabinet discussed how best to launch the vision and goals and the prioritization of recommended actions. It was agreed that upcoming Cabinet meetings should have dedicated time to discuss this further in preparation for the Dec. 18 Cabinet Retreat. It was recommended that there be a coordinated launch group to consider how best to maximize the anticipated January 2020 launch.

Commemoration of the Jesuit Martyrs: Shane Martin shared with the Cabinet reflections of his trip to El Salvador in remembrance of the 30th anniversary of the deaths of six Jesuits and their companions, the housekeeper and her daughter. The weekend culminated with a large outdoor Mass of approximately 3000 people. An MOU was signed between the UCA and Seattle U, binging together with Nicaragua and Guatemala the Central American initiative. 

Updates: SGSU will be reaching out to members of the Cabinet to consider potential questions for SUSS survey. The men’s soccer team plays LMU in the NCAA tournament; WSOC lost to UW on Saturday. The Thanksgiving lunch, which is being provided compliments of Chartwells, is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 26. The student planning module was released for testing with positive results; the rollout will continue with WQ and SQ registrations. To date, Early Action applications are up 4.5%; regular action apps are down slightly. The Staff Survey forums continue; the first one was well attended and run well by the Staff Council leadership.