Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Emergency Text-Alert Service Available
In the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings, many universities – including Northern—now offer instant text-message alerts to complement their existing emergency notification procedures.
“There is talk of making this type of service a requirement for all universities,” said Jeff Mincheff (Public Safety and Police Services). “A driving force behind this is the Clery Act and its emphasis on timely notification. It’s estimated 95 percent or more of the campus population has cell phones with text messaging capability, so it’s an easy way to contact a majority of the people you’re trying to reach in an urgent situation."
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Lang Appointed Dean of College of Professional Studies
Paul Lang is the new dean of the College of Professional Studies. He had served as interim dean since July 2007. His permanent appointment was announced yesterday by Susan Koch (Academic Affairs) and followed a national search.
"Dr. Lang has an outstanding reputation as an academic leader who supports excellence in both teaching and scholarship," Koch said. "He brings a successful record of collaboration with faculty and staff and a strong history of involvement with regional development activities. I am confident that, with Dr. Lang’s leadership, the College of Professional Studies will continue to advance in its contributions to the university and to the region."
Senate Subcommittee Proposes 3 Percent increase
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee last week recommended a 3 percent across-the-board increase for Michigan universities for 2008-09. This compares with the governor’s formula-based plan, which includes funding increases ranging from 2.3 percent – where NMU falls – to 6.2 percent.
NMU President Les Wong gave his Senate testimony Feb. 25 in Grand Rapids. The subcommittee also had asked university presidents to submit written responses to five standard questions addressing tuition, research, commercialization of research and technology, endowments and formula funding. Full Story
'Road Map to 2015' Discussion Begins
NMU President Les Wong will launch a campus-wide discussion of the university's future priorities next week when he rolls out a new strategic plan. He will unveil his "Road Map to 2015 and Beyond" at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, in Jamrich Hall room 102. NMU faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend the session and help prioritize Northern's activities for the next seven to 10 years. The road map represents a compilation of information Wong has collected from many campus discussions on a wide range of topics since he arrived at NMU in 2004.
Rochester Participates in "Hit the Hill"
Julie Rochester (HPER), second from left, was one of nearly 300 certified athletic trainers who participated in the "Hit the Hill" event Feb. 24-26 in Washington, D.C. The event was organized by the National Athletic Trainers Association and involved meetings with U.S. senators and state representatives to show support for HR 1846, a bill that would allow athletic trainers to bill Medicare and Medicaid for services.
Rochester met with legislative representatives from the offices of Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Sen. Carl Levin and Rep. Bart Stupak. She said if the bill isn't passed, it could adversely impact the job market and have a negative ripple effect on athletic training education programs like Northern's. Rochester is pictured with other Michigan members of the NATA who took part in the effort.
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