March 20, 2004

The Executive Council met in San Jose, CA, on March 20, 2004.

The Council enthusiastically voted two TBP Resolutions of Appreciation to retiring advisors of the collegiate chapters.

The Council reviewed the status of the incomplete chapter balloting to ratify three constitutional amendments from the 2003 Convention. President M.W. Ohland reported on a proposal to increase the percentage of juniors eligible for membership. The status of two chapters that initiated candidates in graduate school without submitting proof of worthiness was considered, but the chapters were not placed on probation for violating the Constitution. Specific questions about proposed eligible curricula at four chapters were discussed but resulted in no change of policy. A proposal to make honor cords available to members was approved.

The Council adjusted plans for the 2004 Convention to be held in Orlando, FL, on October 7-9, and approved a mailing to graduate school deans to consider recruiting potential graduate students at the meeting. A proposal from Director of Rituals E.J. D’Avignon to modify a display procedure during the initiation ceremony was accepted and will be sent to the Convention.

Reports of eight recent District Conferences were presented, and Executive Director J.D. Froula reported on his participation in the February ACHS meeting in Seattle, WA. Preliminary plans were made for the June 19 meeting of National Officials in Colorado Springs, CO.

Dr. Velio A. Marsocci, P.E., NY E ’53, was re-appointed to the Fellowship Board for a term ending July 31, 2007.

Mr. Froula reported on the status of the TBP 2003 Alumni Giving Program; his second-quarter financial report of the fiscal year had been sent to the Council and was accepted. Sponsorship of six TBP-SAE Scholarships for 2005 at $1,000 each was approved. The salary schedule for the Headquarters staff was modified in accordance with merit policy and the cost-of-living index. The Council accepted the report of improvements in information technology projects in the Headquarters.

Councillor R.W. Pierce reported on the meeting of the TBP Financial Development Committee in Knoxville, TN, on January 24. The Council raised the installation fee for new chapters from $500 to $2,000 effective August 1, 2005, and approved a policy that “Tau Beta Pi will not send unsolicited attachments in email.”

Vice President E.D. Styles reported on the status of the TBP National Project—The Bicycle Project, and the Council reviewed and amended the TBP Strategic Plan.