Board Approves Budget, Bond Measures

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees has approved a 2005-06 operating budget request and a capital outlay request. Public universities are required to submit both to the state on an annual basis.

The operating budget increase request of $3.4 million reflects the amount that would be necessary for NMU to maintain its current level of operations in the next fiscal year.

It factors in tuition revenue based on current rates and a projected 3 percent hike in enrollment. It also includes anticipated rising costs associated with such items as health insurance, utilities, scholarships and financial aid, and compensation. Northern’s 2004-05 operating budget is $82 million. Full Story

Decision Delayed on

  Public Stations

One anticipated course of action that the NMU board did not take was to decide the future of the public broadcasting stations.

Eric Smith (Learning Resources) and Fred Joyal (Academic Affairs) gave a presentation that compared the costs and impact of keeping radio and television on the air with those of selling the licenses. They were stopped short of making a recommendation – to continue operating the stations with $250,000 in university general fund support – because several questions and comments from trustees extended the session beyond its allotted time.

The board will discuss the issue further at its December meeting. Trustees asked for more detailed information about the stations' educational missions and value, particularly relating to Public TV 13. They also asked station managers and administrators to investigate other sources of permanent, external funding that might equal the university’s current level of support. As reported in August 2003, NMU provided $250,000 in one-time funds to keep radio and television operating through June 2005.

"It would have been nice to resolve this, but I understand the board's need to have a complete understanding of this issue so they can make the best decision on behalf of the university," Smith said.

Homecoming Oct. 11-16

Homecoming 2004: Digging Up the Past will be celebrated at NMU Oct. 11-16. For a full schedule, go to Homecoming.

Faculty/Staff Reception

The NMU Alumni Association invites faculty and staff to join in celebrating homecoming and the installation of President Les Wong. A reception for employees is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, in the Peter White Lounge of the University Center. One complimentary beverage and hors d'oeuvres will be available.

Installation Activities

Installation week, which coincides with homecoming, will feature a number of student and faculty presentations. It will culminate with the investiture ceremony for President Les Wong, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, in Vandament Arena. Full Story

Six Inducted into Sports Hall of Fame

Six will be inducted into the NMU Sports Hall of Fame Oct.15. It is also the 100th year of NMU football. Inductees are:

Thomas Knauss, a retired mathematics professor who served on the NMU Athletic Council; Mark Maddox, a Wildcat linebacker from 1987-80 and two-time All-GLIAC first team selection; Barb Maszlewski, former athletic trainer for women's sports; Stacy Metro (Athletics), a two-time Division II Player of the Year in volleyball and member of the 1993 national championship team; Mark Simon, who played basketball from 1982-86 and has the record for most victories as a player (85); and Jennifer (Kleeman) Urick, a nine-time national champion swimmer.

Full Story

Alumni Award Winners Announced

Three NMU alumni will be recognized for their achievements as part of the homecoming festivities. Steven Mitchell of West Bloomfield will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, Troy Huggett of Battle Creek will receive the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, and Bobby Glenn Brown of Marquette will receive the Alumni Service Award. Full Story

Helping U.P. Schools Make the Grade

Carl Wozniak (U.P. Center for Educational Development) spent part of his summer trying to help small public schools in Michigan get report-card grades as required by the “No Child Left Behind” legislation. His effort helped result in a new methodology to solve the problem that has been approved by the state school board and the federal government.

“No Child Left Behind” requires that all schools be given grades to show the school’s yearly progress. But the law also requires that states set a minimum number of students – 30 in Michigan – to guarantee statistical validity. What lawmakers didn’t realize was that as many as 118 Michigan schools have fewer than 30 students and did not receive grades. Twenty-eight of these schools are in the Upper Peninsula.

Full Story

No Flu Shots at Health Center

Because of the disruption to the U.S. influenza vaccine supply, the NMU Health Center will not administer flu vaccines this year. To cope with the shortage, the Centers for Disease Control has issued interim recommendations for influenza immunization during the 2004-05 season.

The following groups are considered high-priority for vaccination: children 6-23 months; adults 65 and older; persons aged 2-64 years with chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, including asthma, and those with diabetes, kidney disease, or immunosuppression; women who are pregnant during the influenza season (through April); residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; children aged 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy; health care workers involved in direct patient care; and caregivers and household contacts of children aged less than 6 months.

Persons in the high-priority groups identified above are encouraged to seek immunization with other area health care providers.

First University Forum Oct. 27

The first university forum of the year will be held from 3-5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 27, in the Brule Room of the University Center. The focus topics will include outlining the 2005-06 budget planning process and the Curriculum for the 21st Century. An open question and answer period will follow. The next forum is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 17.

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