Minutes from Union-Management Meeting 3-4-21

Meeting:           Union-Management meeting
Date:                March 4, 2021 at 1:00p, via Zoom
In Attendance:  Will Silvio, David Scott, Andrew Shryock, Elizabeth Seitz, Wendy Rolfe, Prince Charles Alexander, Michael Abraham, Dennis Cecere, Marti Epstein, Paul Masters, Denise Pons-Leone, Utar Artun, Alicia Bower, Michael Johnson, Nichelle Mungo, Stephanie Reich, Nicholas Urie, Vanessa Morris
Andy Vores, Darla Hanley, Matthew Nicholl, Melinda Thomas, Jay Kennedy, Michael Shinn, Mike King, Rachael Denison, Scott Edmiston, Tommy Neblett, 

Call to order 1:10p.

1. Enrollment update

KING summarized enrollment activity: at the College, Fall 2020 marked by 22% decrease in deposits, prompted largely by announcements about hybrid and remote activity. College invested $10 million in student financial support. Ultimately, incoming class comprised 1,000 students, plus 366 at the Conservatory. Continuing student enrollment dropped 9%, which owed largely to international students.

For Fall 2021, applications are on pace to exceed Fall 2019 levels, though not Fall 2020. Domestic applications are up, generally. Current projections, for incoming class – 1,131 COL, 285 CON  – and for continuing students – 2,950 COL, 499 CON continuing.

SILVIO asked for timelines on application, deposit deadlines. KING responded deposit deadline is most significant (May 1).

ROLFE asked about faculty contact with potential students and returning students considering withdrawal; KING responded students prefer to hear from faculty than marketers, and he is working with Performance Division (at College) to identify effective communication approaches for prospective and continuing students. 

SILVIO asked about contingency plans to replace in-person recruiting and audition tours; KING responded that these activities were 100% remote.

SILVIO & SEITZ asked about timelines for decisions about summer and fall teaching modalities (e.g., on-campus, hybrid, and remote learning decisions). KENNEDY responded that decisions haven’t been made.

URIE asked about Covid vaccine requirements. KENNEDY said vaccine mandates are unlikely. 

Meeting adjourned 1:52p.