August 5, 2021 – Held via Zoom
Meeting started at 6:35pm
Members of the Executive Committee briefly introduced themselves.
Anna Brook (CUAA Secretary) presented the minutes from the May 13 Executive Committee Meeting. There were no proposed edits. The May 13 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes were approved by general consent.
Robert Tan (CUAA President) emphasized that Committee chairs are important for the success of the committees. He said the CUAA needs someone who is tech savvy to maintain the website. Anna Brook suggested student involvement via an internship or similar arrangement. Claudia Giordano (VP Student/Faculty Liaison) also suggested recruiting a student. Claudia also highlighted that it is important to have a close relationship with the school. Lynn Lander suggested that the Membership Committee can help recruit volunteers. Robert said that the Membership Committee can try to reach out to more alumni and get them involved, and to recruit class anchors.
Coordination of the Cooper Union and CUAA email lists was addressed. The first step is to compare contact lists and identify how many addresses are different between the two. Based on the magnitude of the differences, the next step would be considered and how to merge or share lists with alumni approval. Lynn Lander highlighted that coordinating communications and avoiding duplication is important if people are on both email lists.
Membership and potential chairs for various committees were addressed. The activities and composition of the Faculty/Student Liaison Committee was addressed. It is preferred to have several alumni liaisons with each school to have better coverage for meetings with the schools and/or Deans.
Robert Tan addressed the ad hoc committees (MOA, 501(c)3, and Constitution) along with potential projects for each of the committees. Anna Brook reported that the MOA Committee could work on guidance for how Cooper Union and CUAA would work together on various projects such as communications or fundraising.
Ron Vogel (Treasurer) reported that CUAA is at the point of applying for 501(c)3 status and is working on narratives that are part of the application. Ron advised that after submission the application will likely take multiple months to be reviewed. Ron is also working on securing a letter from Cooper Union explaining how CUAA is funded to support the application.
The process for amending the by-laws by the Constitution Committee was addressed. The Committee’s suggestions to date will be reviewed and next steps will be determined based on the suggestions so far.
Anna Brook mentioned that CUAA should follow up with the school regarding sending a message to recent graduates to register with the CUAA.
Robert Tan mentioned the possibility of a CUAA Plus Card that could be a membership that provides discounts at local businesses.
Lynn Lander moved to adjourn the meeting. Anna Brook seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 pm.