Action Plan Calls for More Faculty, Different Mix

The NMU Board of Trustees on Thursday reviewed a proposed action plan that would reduce faculty productivity, which is highest among state universities, by adding 60 full-time equivalent teaching positions over the next three to five years. The target would be achieved through a combination of budget reallocations and an “appropriate mix” of tenured/tenure-earning faculty (T/TEF) and non-tenured faculty (NTF).

During a focus discussion, Terry Seethoff (College of Arts and Sciences, pictured) said NMU faculty compensation is slightly below the state average. But instructional costs and productivity (fiscal-year equated students per full-time equivalent teaching faculty) are high because the faculty mix is 74 percent T/TEF and 26 percent NTF. Seethoff said the state average is 58 percent and 42 percent, respectively. “The bottom line is that Northern relies on full-time faculty to a greater extent than other schools and this mix governs the overall cost,” he added.

Full Story

Granholm Proposes 1.8 Percent Increase For NMU

Gov. Jennifer Granholm's FY2007 executive budget calls for a 1.8 percent increase for NMU. This is only the first step in the legislative budget process. But if approved, it would amount to an $827,000 boost, raising the university's total state appropriation to $45.9 million. The executive proposal included an across-the-board 1 percent increase for state universities, and up to an additional 1 percent based on three criteria: affordability, accessibility and degree completion. The next step is the Senate's proposal, which is expected to come out within the next few weeks.

TV 13 Airs NOAA Weather Bulletins

WNMU-TV, Northern's public television station, now provides a service that allows owners of TVs with Secondary Audio Program (SAP) capability to receive emergency bulletins in the event of inclement weather.

People can tune their sets to channel 13 and access the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) broadcasts by turning on the SAP function on their audio menu. The service underwent testing last fall and is now fully operational. Full Story

‘E’ is for Entrepreneurship

Northern’s Center for Economic Education (CEE) has added another “E” to its acronym: entrepreneurship.

“It came about as the center attracted more and more interest in the entrepreneurship components of its K-12 programs,” said director Tawni Ferrarini (Economics). “Our mission and vision have not changed. We are just identifying ourselves as a U.P. and statewide resource for teachers, students, parents and community members interested in advancing marketplace economics and entrepreneurship.” Full Story

Imdieke Receives MRA Teacher Educator Honor

Sandra Imdieke (Education) is the recipient of the 2005-2006 Michigan Reading Association (MRA) Teacher Educator Award. She will be honored March 19 in Detroit.

Imdieke is a member of the Marquette Alger Reading Council and serves on the MRA board. She was recently appointed to the 2006 Newbery Award selection committee and previously served on the Caldecott Award selection committee. Full Story

Forum Slated for April 3

A university forum is scheduled from 3-5 p.m., Monday, April 3, in the Michigan Room of the University Center. President Les Wong will give an update on the legislative process to date and its impact on budget planning for FY2007.

Other topics include general space usage for the future, and an update on the provost search. A general question-and-answer period will follow. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion.

Students enrolled in Northern's international health issues class will sponsor a “Hoofin’ for Heifer” walk-a-thon as an academic service learning project.

The event, which will serve as a fundraiser for Heifer International, is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. Monday, March 27, in the Superior Dome. Refreshments will be provided, and participants will be entered into a raffle for prizes.

Since 1944, Heifer International has been working to end hunger in developing countries by providing long-term, sustainable sources of food such as cows, goats, and chickens to individuals in need. Full Story

 A profile of an NMU employee.

Rebecca Mead (History) is involved with NMU in several ways. She is not only a professor, but also serves on the bargaining council, the human subjects research review committee, and is an active member of the AAUP. Full Story