Board Reviews Projects

Northern has hired an outside firm to assist in reviewing its bookstore operation and to develop the most effective long-term direction for the facility. The university's contract with Campus Bookstore Consulting was a discussion item on the finance committee agenda at today's NMU Board of Trustees meeting. It was prompted, in part, by a conversation about possible alternative uses for the University Center space.

The committee also discussed an agreement to lease University Center space to Marquette General Hospital for its School of Radiology, which will move in Dec. 20, and its EMT training department, which will relocate by Jan. 2. On a related note, the College of Professional Studies is working with MGH to develop and obtain approval for associate degree programs in radiology and respiratory therapy.

In a review of capital outlay projects, Mike Roy (Finance and Administration) told the committee that Northern plans to continue its "fast-track" residence hall renovations. Van Antwerp is scheduled for an overhaul this summer and Hunt Hall will be renovated in the summer of 2008.

A portion of the $9.6 million Van Antwerp project will be funded through remaining dollars from a previous bond issue. No recommendation was made for issuing bonds to cover the remainder because administrators are exploring the possibility of "packing" the funding for the residence hall projects and the combined heat and power cogeneration plant. Roy said the latter remains at the top of Northern's priority projects list, though it was not selected for inclusion in the state's joint capital outlay bill awaiting the governor's signature.

In action taken at the meeting of the full board, trustees

●Accepted $567,000 in external gifts and grants.

●Agreed to officially rename two dining services venues to reflect their modified appearance, concepts and menus. Bookbinders Eatery is now Fieras, featuring Latino foods and made-fresh burgers and chips. The Fieldhouse Food Bar is now Temaki & Tea, featuring fair trade coffees, teas, organic products and hand-rolled sushi.

●Approved up to $200,000 to cover additional, unanticipated repairs required at Kaye House beyond what was previously earmarked.

●Voted to grant Norm Hefke the status of professor emeritus of education.

●Recognized Chair Karl Weber and Vice Chair Larry Inman for their service on the board. Their terms are scheduled to expire at the end of the year, but they will continue to serve until replacements are appointed by the governor.

●Recognized Phyllis Wong for her "full-time volunteer" activities on behalf of the university.

●Appointed Anne Stark as a board member for the North Star Public School Academy.

●Approved the recently negotiated agreement between the university and its administrative/professional union, UAW Local 2178, for the period Oct. 1, 2006 through Sept. 30, 2009.

The board also participated in a focus discussion. Topics were an update on the legislative process, an update on the repurcussions of the Proposal 2 outcome, and information on financial aid models.