The CALL Executive Board met on September 9, 2025, with all board members present at the start of the meeting. Kristen Naik left the meeting at 9:27 a.m. Meetings Committee Co-Chairs Scott Vanderlin and Keith Klein attended as guests.
Financial & Membership Update
The Treasurer reported balances of $12,654.37 in checking and $21,507.52 in certificates of deposit. Current membership stands at 170 members, including one new member.
Key Old Business
WEbsite Project
The Board discussed the stalled website project after learning that Matt Strict is unable to complete the remaining work. Matt offered to transition the project to a replacement. Board members will seek recommendations, establish clearer accountability and communication expectations for future website support, and ensure a long-term maintenance plan. Board members were asked to test website functionality, and Philip Johnson will investigate access issues.
Committee Recruitment
Several committees, including Bulletin, Community Service, Meetings, and Nominations & Elections, continue to need additional volunteers. Efforts to recruit members will continue throughout the year.
Membership Committee
No updates were available regarding potential implementation of rolling memberships through Neon. Any membership structure changes would occur after the upcoming renewal cycle.
Committee Chair Visits
The Board approved a schedule for committee chairs to attend board meetings throughout the year, providing regular updates on committee activities.
Grant Qualifications
The Board discussed revising grant criteria to encourage broader participation. A proposal to give preference to members who have not previously received a grant received favorable feedback and will be revisited next month.
New Business
Listserv Issues
Ongoing problems with the CALL listserv were a major topic of discussion. Some messages are not being delivered consistently, particularly meeting reminders. The Board reviewed alternative communication platforms and will evaluate options before the next meeting. Britnee will audit the current listserv membership, and Todd continues to work with University of Chicago IT on troubleshooting.
Committee Highlights
- Bulletin Committee: Plans include adding member-interest features to strengthen connections among members and moving publication timelines earlier in the year.
- Continuing Education Committee: Planning an October 22 roundtable focused on technology challenges such as single sign-on systems and generative AI. The committee is seeking speaker recommendations.
- Meetings Committee: Preparations for the upcoming luncheon are progressing well, with venue and sponsorship arrangements finalized. Registration stood at 29 attendees at the time of the meeting. Ongoing listserv issues may be affecting event communications.
- Public Relations Committee: Continues recruitment efforts and plans to focus outreach on LinkedIn and Facebook rather than X.
Action Items
- Board members will test website functionality and identify website support candidates.
- Philip Johnson will investigate website access issues.
- Jill Meyer will distribute information on alternative listserv platforms.
- Board members will review communication platform options before the next meeting.
- Mike McMillan and Philip Johnson will coordinate regarding speaker resources for Continuing Education programming.
The meeting adjourned at 10:03 a.m.
Compiled by Joanne Kiley