State Budget Update
As recent news reports from Lansing emphasize the state's escalating fiscal crisis and potentially extreme impacts on state services, Michigan legislators are in the midst of a dual challenge. They must determine how to address the current year’s deficit – estimated to exceed $940 million – while also developing a FY2008 budget around a more ominous projected shortfall of $2 billion.
“Right now, there are a lot of ‘the sky is falling’ stories out there as all sides continue to position themselves,” said NMU President Les Wong. Full Story
 NMU and Ironwood Plastics Create New Certificate Program
Northern has partnered with Ironwood Plastics on a new certificate program in plastic injection technology that will be offered beginning this fall.
The company and its owners, the Stephens family, contributed a gift valued at about $125,000 to fund student scholarships, a plastics injection machine, raw materials to operate the machine and an instructor who will teach some courses in conjunction with NMU professors. Scott Stephens of Ironwood Plastics is pictured in front of the machine during a demonstration and presentation Wednesday morning at the Jacobetti Center. Full Story
Senate Approves 'Open Access' Resolution
The Academic Senate recently approved an “open access” initiative that acknowledges the detrimental effects of rising journal subscription costs and supports alternatives to commercial ownership of scholarly publishing. Full Story
 Maki Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Phyllis Maki of Marquette is just the second person in the university’s 108-year history to receive the NMU President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She was honored at a dinner on March 24. Pictured during the presentation are (from left): Les Wong, Maki and former NMU presidents Judi Bailey and Mike Roy. Full Story
Faculty Grants Announced
Ten NMU faculty members have been selected to receive research grants worth about $7,000 each for upcoming projects. The proposal submissions were reviewed by the Faculty Grants Committee, the Academic Senate and the provost. Full Story |
Wanted: CAMPUS Feedback
Faculty and staff feedback is requested for an upcoming CAMPUS readership survey – the first conducted since the last hard copy rolled off the press and it transitioned to an electronic format in 2001. The brief surveys are scheduled to be distributed in April. Thank you in advance for helping us to learn more about your preferences so that this publication better serves NMU employees. |
President’s Ball April 7
First Impressions, the NMU ambassador organization, is sponsoring the annual President’s Ball at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 7, in the University Center’s Great Lakes Rooms.
This year’s theme for dining and dancing is “Bringing Classy Back.” Westerly Winds will provide entertainment. Tickets can be purchased through noon on Wednesday, April 4, at the Dean of Students office. Admission is $8.50 for individuals with an NMU meal plan or $15 for those without.
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 Hosking Named Student Employee of the Year
Jeremy Hosking, a senior political science and history major from Palmer, is the NMU Student Employee of the Year for 2007. He works as a clerical assistant for the combined departments of economics, history, philosophy and political science.
The two runners-up for the honor were: Kendall Sutliff, a senior marketing major from Gillett, Wis., who is a marketing assistant in the communications and marketing office; and Amanda Rosenburg, a senior psychology major from Iron Mountain, who works as a clerical assistant in the psychology department.
Full Story |
Mandatory Workshop for Recent Hires
To fulfill Northern’s commitment to a “zero tolerance” policy for discrimination, harassment and retaliation, a mandatory workshop for faculty and staff hired since May 2006 will be held from 10-11 a.m. Thursday, April 5, in Mead Auditorium. Cathy Dehlin (General Counsel/Equal Opportunity) will address relevant university policies, including internal complaint procedures and anti-retaliation provisions.
“It is vital that all of our employees understand their rights and responsibilities under these policies,” Dehlin said. “We want to ensure that NMU remains a respectful place to go to school and to work.”
The Equal Opportunity Office serves as a resource for NMU students and employees on sexual harassment and discrimination concerns. Employees should contact the office at ext. 2420 to register or make alternative arrangements in the event of a scheduling conflict. |
NMU alumna and Negaunee native Jana Nicholls is putting her office systems degree to good use as the principal secretary in the geography department. It's a career she began planning for back in high school.
Nicholls' professional experience at NMU began when she was an undergrad working in the purchasing department. Full Story
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