A five-star hotel on Mackinac Island doesn’t seem like it would be the best place to conduct university business, but that’s where the MSU Board of Trustees traveled for their annual retreat. The two-day retreat gives the board some extra time to review the past year and see where the university can improve in the future.
Some of the important topics being discussed this year are Housing & Food Services, the conditions of the residence halls and employee health care costs. The board also planned to evaluate the performance of President Lou Anna K. Simon in the past year and discuss ways to limit tuition hikes.
Many people would agree that it’s a bit insensitive for the board to venture off campus for a meeting in the midst of rising tuition rates — even if it is for business purposes.
Even though it might seem like a high cost to pay, the benefits outweigh the cost if they’re tackling issues. Besides, wouldn’t you be more motivated to work if one of the perks at the end of the day was a comfy full-size bed and room service?
The board normally meets once a month and like most meetings, it’s probably boring and can drag on for hours. Decisions made under these conditions aren’t always the best, because they can sometimes be rushed. This retreat is an informal but relaxing atmosphere. It gives the board two days to debate topics that might otherwise be skimmed over at a regular meeting, which could possibly help them to make more rational decisions.
The conditions of the residence halls and finding ways to keep tuition costs down are issues that shouldn’t be taken lightly. They can require a significant amount of time to discuss and can create an intense atmosphere. This trip could motivate the board to think things through a little better, if they know that afterwards they can kick back and enjoy the rest of the evening.
Retreats are also meant to establish and strengthen relationships so hopefully the board members will emerge with a better understanding of each person’s goals for the university. This might help them to collaborate ad strengthen their plans for the university for the following year.
Even though the sole purpose of this retreat is to discuss university affairs, some people might still be skeptical of the motives behind it because the board hasn’t always been the best at communicating with staff and students.
Fortunately, in the past, they’ve made the topics they covered and the conclusions they came to while on the retreat public information. This information can open what seems like a shut door that hides what goes on inside these annual retreats.
This retreat might be one of the more extravagant ways to conduct business, but combining relaxation with business might help the board make better decisions.
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