 AAUP Approves Contract
NMU's American Association of University Professors (AAUP) ratified a new three-year contract. The final outcome of today’s vote was 179-55 in favor of the proposal, with one abstention and one vote disqualified. AAUP is the larger of two faculty bargaining units, with nearly 300 members. Full Story
New State Budget Breaks Promise to Students
Michigan’s college students are directly impacted by the final budget bills signed last week by Gov. Jennifer Granholm for fiscal year 2010. Promise grants worth up to $4,000 per student were eliminated and other financial aid was reduced. Base operating support for universities was also reduced by 3.2 percent, which is a $1.5 million decrease for NMU. The state allocated some restricted one-time dollars from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that temporarily provides 2.8 percent for tuition mitigation and renovation, repairs or modernization of facilities, resulting in a net overall decrease of 0.4 percent for this fiscal year.
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 McCommons Explores Timely Topic in 'Waiting on a Train'
James McCommons (English) spent a one-year sabbatical riding the rails across much of the Amtrak system to research his new book, Waiting on a Train: The Embattled Future of Passenger Rail Service. Published this week by Chelsea Green, the book is already gaining media attention because of its timely, relevant topic. President Barack Obama supports a high-speed rail network and $8 billion in federal stimulus funding has been earmarked to get the project on track. The book addresses two questions: Why has the greatest railroad nation in the world turned its back on the very form of transportation that made modern life and mobility possible? And why has Amtrak, created in 1971, failed to expand and play a significant role in surface transportation? Full Story
Local Writing Showcased
Students and teachers connected to the English education program at NMU have joined thousands of Americans whose compositions have been posted online for public viewing. A National Gallery of Writing was unveiled Oct. 20 by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). It is designed to celebrate the integral role of writing and showcase composition in all of its forms—from kindergarten picture messages, short stories and journal entries to e-mails and YouTube videos. Several local online galleries have partnered in the effort, including one at NMU, with Kia Jane Richmond (English) serving as curator. Full Story
 Students Choose to 'Live United'
Northern's workplace campaign for the United Way of Marquette County has raised $32,355, or about 92 percent of its $35,000 fundraising goal. Faculty, staff and retiree contributions benefit about 30 agencies that fulfill basic needs or provide services that improve the lives of others, from youth to the elderly. NMU students are also getting involved. Some have started a new campus organization called Student United Way. They are recruiting members and planning future fundraising efforts in the hope of convincing their peers to "Live United" and give back to the community. Full Story
 World Cup Action to be Televised
More than 200 of the world’s best short track speedskaters from 34 nations will compete in the final International Skating Union World Cup before the Olympic Winter Games. The action takes place Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 12-15, at the Berry Events Center. Weekend races will be nationally and internationally televised by Versus, a sports cable network reaching more than 73 million households. Full Story
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Filled with clever and spooky decorations that included bats and potions, the office of Janice Hampton (Communication and Performance Studies) resonated with the Halloween spirit leading up to last week's holiday. 
