August 21, 1999

Secretary-Treasurer J.D. Froula reported on the status of the 1999 Alumni Giving Program and presented financial results for 1998-99. Approval was given to sponsor six Tau Beta Pi-SAE Scholarships at $1,000 each for 2000.

The Council reviewed the Membership Study Report for 1998-99 indicating that a significant number of eligible engineering students continues to seem uninterested in Tau Beta Pi membership. Invitation materials are being revised to address this concern.

A temporary waiver was extended to the Ohio Eta Chapter to initiate graduate-student electees after they complete two quarters of their studies - as long as the degree requirement remains at 72 quarter-hours. The Council reviewed the report from the 1999 Laureate Selection Committee.

Final plans were made for officers' meetings at the 1999 Convention, and approval was given to use a videographer to film parts of the Convention. The Council reviewed proposed changes in the ritual for the initiation of former members of Sigma Tau Fraternity.

Baltimore-Annapolis, MD, was selected as the location for the June 10, 2000, meeting of national officials. The Council reviewed and approved specific District budgets. Gabrielle M. Steffen, TX I '83, and Karthik Natarajan, OH B '99, were appointed as District 4 and 7 Directors, respectively, for terms ending in June 2002. The Council enthusiastically voted a Tau Beta Pi Resolution of Appreciation to retiring District 7 Director Annette M. Brenner, OH K '92. The Council reviewed the discussion notes from various focus-group sessions at the June 26 meeting of national officers.

The Council reviewed a written proposal to begin implementing an information technology assessment and strategic plan for Tau Beta Pi, approved the budget, and accepted the contract from Q Systems, Inc., in Oak Ridge, TN.

The Council approved a new Tau Beta Pi logo, reviewed proposed materials to comprise a new initiation package, discussed the timing and logistics for the presentation of new membership invitation materials at the Convention, and approved the scope of work and the budget for BMWW, which is redesigning materials for the Society.

Secretary Froula reviewed a compensation consultant's study and report of the organizational structure, work assignments, and compensation of the Headquarters staff.