The attractiveness of the NMU campus in the beautiful natural environment of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a unique asset that should play a prominent role in our portfolio of academic programs, our research agenda and the efficiency with which the campus operates. While the campus itself represents NMU's physical assets, academic programs and other campus operations represent the human capital of the university community. Both are instrumental in sustaining the university's collective efforts to maintain a standard of excellent practice, manage costs and achieve the institutional mission.
A. Goal: Utilize the Campus Master Plan and related initiatives to continue to build and develop a greener and more learner-centered campus.
For the combined heat and power project, the 5-12-08 Michigan DEQ air permit No. 60-07 for the proposed new co-generation plant was voided on 5-7-09 due to backup coal fuel concerns. A new revised wood fuel only air permit has been submitted for DEQ approval. The staff continues to work on determining the available wood supply and anticipated pricing structure. Until the permit issues have been resolved, work has stalled on the site plan and facilities designs.
The renovation of Hunt Hall was completed on schedule and within the $9.6 million budget. Students began occupying it in August 2008.
Renovation of the south side of Cohodas Hall was completed on schedule by the end of September 2008. The Beaumier Center occupies this renovated space. Plans were developed and ready to bid for the renovation of the first floor lobby of Cohodas Hall to make it more attractive and inviting to guests, faculty, and staff of the institution. The project has been placed on hold because of the current economic situation.
Priorities:
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicThe Student Services and Enrollment Division played a key role in developing the Campus Master Plan, and on the Way-finding Committee for new campus and campus-related city signage.
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceDuring the development of the University's 2008 Campus Master Plan, much discussion ensued regarding the need for defined campus portals and an improved exterior signage system. A wayfinding system would improve access to and around campus as well as help to distinctively mark and brand the university campus. As a result of this identified need, Corbin Design was hired to develop a campus wayfinding plan. Over the course of the last year a new plan has been developed based on ideas and input received from a number of campus focus groups, input from the City of Marquette and the Michigan Department of Transportation. This new plan addresses all the needs outlined in the 2008 Campus Master Plan by establishing a "trailblazer" system to improve routes to the university for first-time visitors as well as outlining a new design theme for campus entry signs, directional signs, and building identifiers that incorporates more color, a modern design theme, and NMU branding.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficeThe University Parking and Traffic Committee has been made aware of the plan and will ensure that initiatives are in line with the plan.
Office of General Counsel participated in meetings related to mixed-use development in support of the Campus Master Plan.
The President held special forums with the university community, city and county commissioners, and the Marquette Area Public School Board to review the Campus Master Plan and budget challenges.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicBroadcasting and A/V Services accelerated planning and integration of DTV production capabilities to provide additional support for specialized courses in digital media and new technology. Achievements include supporting the launch of sports and entertainment majors at NMU, the reassignment of staff supporting field production work required by students and the implementation of B2 Networks Web streaming for NMU sports. Plans for the current year include replacing WNMU-TV's analog production equipment with digital facilities which will permit the department to host upper level students and courses that need experiences with DTV facilities.
The Registrar's Office has worked to identify all appropriate classrooms for general classroom offerings in order to maximize the utilization of space and create better schedule offerings.
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceA committee is being established to review the JXJ facility. The facility is NMU's primary lecture facility and is in need of major infrastructure upgrades and classroom furnishings changes/upgrades.
The Space Utilization Committee completed development of a new space utilization software data system and is in the process of establishing a university committee to perform ongoing review of university space. The system allows the university to better evaluate efficient use of space on campus.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic"Library of the Future" discussions are continuing under the leadership of the dean of AIS. The Provost's Office sponsored a Web cast in fall 2008, offered in collaboration with the Association of College and Research Libraries titled, "The Engaged Library: Strategies for Building Vibrant Learning Communities". Library faculty are conducting a study that focuses on issues including what faculty expect from student research, how students do their research, how students would design a library, and student ideas for the library Web site. An AIS committee has identified five strategic directions as well as goals, objectives, benchmarks and criteria.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicThe Student Services and Enrollment division participated extensively in the development of the consultants' recommendations.
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceDining Services is exploring options for "trayless" serving. A soft rollout began in January 2009. ASNMU has been involved in the discussions and is supportive of the approach. Beginning fall 2009, we do not intend to have trays available. The goal is to reduce the amount of food waste and to encourage healthier student eating habits. This is a joint concept developed between Dining Services, Student Government, and Housing and Residence Life.
Dining Services has received both support and some resistance to the "trayless option" and will continue to communicate with students and staff regarding this issue before moving forward with full implementation.
Preparation work continues towards a December 2008 rollout of an enhanced campus card processing system. CBord will be onsite for two weeks beginning Monday, December 8, 2008, and be operational by the start of winter 2009 semester with a processor for transactions for meal plans, vending, printing, and other card services. The new system will provide better sales and revenue reporting data. It will also lower our annual maintenance fees.
Programmed and implemented an online system that allows students to sign up for textbook feservation. Students complete the online form which is submitted to the NMU Bookstore and authorizes the bookstore to charge the student's account for the textbooks. Students then pick up their books at the bookstore before the semester begins.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficeThe Foundation continues to seek donors with an interest in "brick and mortar" gifts that are campaign priorities.
B. Goal: Enhance processes throughout campus operations to guide the use of resources and inform resource allocation.
With the leadership of Bill Bernard, associate provost for student services and enrollment, the Office of Career Services has been integrated with the Academic and Career Advisement Center. This will allow both departments to maximize productivity, maintain high levels of service and lower administrative costs.
The university is in the process of completing implementation of a new online application and tracking system (PeopleAdmin). The HR department conducted trial training sessions on PeopleAdmin to identify any potential problems with workflow. Initial focus and testing have been completed. Based on input from a cross section of departments, HR and PeopleAdmin consultants were able to develop a change log and complete testing of system design changes and are now moving to phase two of the testing process. After phase two a final change will be developed and testing of additional system changes will be completed before moving into the final phase of implementation. The new online application and tracking system (PeopleAdmin) is expected to be completed by the beginning of the winter 2009 semester and will assist HR in streamlining and standardizing the university hiring process. The project is expected to be completed winter semester 2009.
Implemented a new system that allows community members to register and pay online for motorcycle safety training agencies. Twenty-eight (28) courses, taught by different instructors, are offered at seven different locations throughout the U.P. Prior to having an online system, the Motorcycle Safety program was manually administered by the Continuing Education staff and the field instructors who would receive voice mail messages from people who wanted to register. Now that everything is electronic, this system is very timely and efficient.
Implemented a new system that allows community members to complete online registration and payments for the new NMU golf course.
HR has partnered with AdIT to create a Cognos cube on employee data for use with proactive workforce planning and scenario development based on budget funding. This tool has been used very effectively for communicating information to new Board members, for the College of Arts and Sciences benchmarking, and for HR planning. The data has been most recently used to assess the feasibility of targeted retirement programs and budget planning impacts.
In partnership with AdIT, the online tuition benefit form has been added to the myNMU employee options, eliminating the need to physically move triplicate papers between multiple offices (HR, Financial Services, Financial Aid, Computer Inventory).
Completed the installation and implementation of the new card access system for all residence hall entry points and upgraded/installed security surveillance system in halls through a collaborative effort between Student Services, Facilities, and Public Safety.
Completed the construction for the LRC HVAC Upgrade to improve the environmental conditions within the facility.
Completed the retro-commissioning of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in Cohodas Hall to determine the deficiencies. Ready to take the next step to make the corrections if funding is available.
Established Adopt a Flower Bed Program to provide more colorful landscaping in high visibility areas on campus, while increasing the volunteer opportunities for employees who want to help beautify the grounds. The response was overwhelming with nearly twenty (20) beds being planted and maintained. The Grounds Department prepared the beds, provided the plants, water source, and hose. The volunteers designed the bed, planted the flowers, and maintained the garden through regular watering, weeding, and flower dead-heading.
-The Purchasing Department and Mail Services currently support Northern Michigan University's reuse and recycling programs.
In an attempt to maximize the value of the university's surplus assets, NMU is creating a Surplus Store on eBay. If equipment, furniture, or other material goods cannot be reused by other university departments on campus, it can then be sold to the public at a fair market price. Historically, university surplus auction events have required significant investments in staff time through event organization and surplus goods handling with limited return. Standard operating procedures will ensure that posted goods for re-use and sale meet strict state requirements and university policies. This venture should afford an excellent opportunity to recapture value held in surplus assets with the added benefit of reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill each year. -NMU Surplis Store pilot is set up and operational and a business plan is being developed.
Implemented a new online system for requesting tuition benefits for self, spouse, and dependents. This system replaces a paper process that included a three-part paper form that was routed through Human Resources, Financial Services, and Financial Aid (not to mention Mail Services in-between). In 2008, 727 forms were processed. The online system now does the verification and updating that was completed in each office and it contains a built-in workflow so that supervisors can approve requests from their staff members who must submit a work make-up schedule.
Priorities:
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicMembers of the Student Services and Enrollment Division participated in the Benchmarking AQIP Action Project under the leadership of Dean Terry Seethoff.
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceCreated new data cubes to provide quick access to performance data. Cubes are now in place for Admissions, Orientation, Finance, and HEIDI. Cubes for analyzing student retention and workforce planning are in development. Advertising Recruiting cube is in development. This cube will be used to analyze how we spend our recruiting dollars and whether or not they are yielding students.
Dining Services is working on staffing/budget analysis and benchmarking to National Association of College and University Food Service data. The survey was recently completed and expected benchmarking data will be available April 2009 which will allow us to further analyze operations and potential for even greater efficiencies.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicAll Student Services and Enrollment departments offered opportunities for professional development to staff.
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceExpanded Public Safety online training to include the Clery Act, Right to Know, and Active Shooter. Employees can now view required training from their desktops rather than attend group training sessions. The system records the date the employee completed each training module.
The Human Resources department has been reorganized. The changes include movement of Equal Opportunity into the department and the hiring of an HR generalist. Through the reorganization processes and positions have been identified to focus on training and professional development. The reorganization savings have made additional funds available for enhanced campus-wide training and development initiatives.
Created an electronic notification system that will eliminate all paper payroll processes, employee status and system related changes. The university recently discontinued printing of paystubs for all students and staff. The information is only available through secured online access. The online system allows students and staff to see a complete history of their paystubs that is accessible 24/7. The move to this process saves paper costs, distribution costs, and personnel time.
Moved telephone voicemail to open source technologies, savingthe university over $150,000 in one-time costs and reduces ongoing maintenance costs of approximately $25,000 annually. The new system provides the ability to check voicemail by phone or web. We are exploring and testing its use in videoconferencing.
NMU now uses the Cognos business intelligence and performance management software tools for all campus reporting and data analysis using data cubes. Data from many different systems can be combined and used in a single report or data cube.
Content Management System software for creating, managing and controlling a collection of Web material – HTML documents and their images – has been implemented. It is a system that facilitates the creation, control, editing and many essential web maintenance functions. Usually the system provides tools that allow users with little or no knowledge of programming languages to create and manage web content with relative ease of use. NMU uses SunGard's Luminis Content Management Suite.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficeOffice of General Counsel presented on legal issues to deans, directors and department heads (sexual harassment panel and Bullard-Plawecki Act) and to the Academic Cabinet, and made available training on the amendments to the Higher Education Act. Also assisted with orientation for incoming new members of the Board of Trustees.
The staff in the Office of the President are given the opportunity to attend at least one professional development program/conference during the year.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficePublic Safety and Police Services is currently developing a proposal for alternative funding for a position that will work directly with compliance and training.
Office of General Counsel provides continuing advice to university senior leadership
on compliance issues.
C. Goal: Enhance the portfolio of academic programs, research and other activities that leverage the university's location in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Priorities:
Office of General Counsel provided support related to new research opportunities in the Upper Peninsula.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicWith support from the Wildcat Innovation Fund, Suzanne Williams, department head in Chemistry and Jill Leonard, professor of biology, are conducting the "Center of Ecological Studies Feasibility Project." The aim of the project is to determine the feasibility of a Center that would serve as a unifying structure for NMU's various environmental science and related interests to enhance research, increase enrollment and better serve faculty and students in these areas.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicWith the leadership of Dan Truckey, director of the Beaumier Upper Peninsula Heritage Center, NMU hosted the second annual Upper Peninsula Folklife Festival in March 2009 to celebrate the living traditions, history and culture of the Upper Peninsula. The festival, supported in part with a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and associated with the Learning to Walk Together Pow Wow, included a scholarly symposium and a variety of entertainment and educational events. The 2009 Festival also introduced the Upper Peninsula Folklife Award. Sponsored by the Beaumier Center and the Provost's Office, the award will be given annually to honor individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution to the preservation, performance and legacy of the folk arts in the Upper Peninsula. The inaugural recipient of the award (given posthumously this year) was Johnny Perona, a widely revered Upper Peninsula musician.
The Beaumier Center has also received grants during 2008-09 from the Michigan Humanities Council (MHC) and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). The MCACA grant was to support the Folklife Festival and the MHC grant will fund the creation of a traveling exhibit that highlights the Upper Peninsula's rich storytelling tradition.
With the leadership of NMU Archivist Marcus Robyns, NMU collaborated with various community organizations to present a symposium and other events focusing on the 50th anniversary this summer of the filming of John Voelker's Anatomy of a Murder, which was set and filmed in the Marquette area. In association with these events, the Beaumier Center is providing an exhibition of memorabilia from the filming. Shelley Russell, professor of theatre, is directing the stage version of "Anatomy of a Murder" during the summer 2009 season of the Lake Superior Theatre in Marquette.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficeThe Foundation is seeking a major gift to endow the Beaumier Heritage Center curator salary.
The Office of the President held a luncheon to promote the Beaumier Heritage Center.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficePublic Safety and Police Services now has a secure storage area for students who desire to bring their recreational vehicles with them; i.e., boats, snowmobiles, ATV's.
D. Goal: Be a model community for sustainable education and practices.
The Hunt Hall renovation has been completed and submitted for LEED certification. Awaiting notification from the U.S. Green Building Council. A faculty member and staff member have passed the LEED Accredited Professional exam to become a LEED Accredited Professional.
Explored ways to develop low maintenance landscaping to determine the cost and level of maintenance required to establish this type of landscape and potential long term savings for the university. The sample plot was installed in fall of 2006 totaling 4.1 acres. Within the sample three types of plantings were established and evaluated: Woodland restoration – 1.3 Acres, Parking lot Islands - 0.34 acres, and open turf areas – 2.5 acres. The woodland reforestation planting includes 8 types of native type trees (92) total and 22 native woody bush shrubs. All 9 tree species and 19 of 22 wood brush plants are well established require no maintenance. The specialized grass seed utilized for the open turf areas required frequent water for the first year, but has been maintenance free for years 2 and 3. The parking lot landscaping has required extensive effort to maintain. The second year maintenance costs were 25 percent of the original installation. The third year's maintenance was handled by NMU staff and required approximately 240 hours (estimated) for less than one acre. This exceeds annual turf maintenance of 182 hours per acre.
Working with President Wong and our Washington consultant, developed and submitted proposals for federal transportation bill dollars to create a new entrance to campus and develop an east/west corridor connecting Kaye Avenue and Fair Avenue between Fourth and Seventh Streets. This linkage will provide access along the southern boundary of campus, connecting the campus to town, and provide the local community with an east/west corridor as identified in the 2004 City of Marquette Community Master Plan. The project submittal is for $2.8 million dollars in federal funds.
The NMU Golf Course opened in April 2009. The entrance sign on M-28 at the entrance to the course has been resurfaced and three positions to operate the course have been filled, along with hiring 10 students. The pro shop has been cleaned and the interior painted, pesticide and fertilizer application has been completed, and irrigation system pumps and controllers have been installed. A new rate schedule was issued and to date,.membership has increased by 25 percent over last year; five leagues are scheduled for weekly play; and three NMU events have been scheduled. Dining services provides food at the course. All net proceeds will go to a scholarship fund for students. Enhancements are planned for the golf course appearance, grounds, buildings and signage to increase membership and public use. Planning has started to construct a club house / instructional center.
-
Planning is under way to explore alternative and expanded use of the University Center.
The campus 802.11 b/g/a wireless network will continue to be upgraded to 802.11 b/g/a/n to facilitate video broadcasts over wireless and provide for IP-based TV.
Priorities:
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicThe final report of the AQIP Action Project, "Northern Naturally: A More Sustainable NMU" has been submitted. Various sustainable practices recommended in the report continue to be implemented across campus.
NMU has become a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), which provides NMU access to best practices that promote sustainability in all sectors of higher education.
The Housing and Residence Life Office developed and implemented a program to encourage students living on campus to incorporate sustainable practices in their day-to-day activities using group meetings, posters and fliers, the department's newsletter and closed circuit TV channel.
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceRecently completed installation of emergency backup generators at the Learning Resources Center for supporting computer server and network infrastructure, TV and radio stations, and Master control room. Created a new backup location in the Hedgcock building to provide redundancy of university systems in case of emergency or system failure.
Finance Division worked with Public Safety in enhancing our Wildcat Shuttle agreement with MarqTran. The service is expanded so that students, faculty, and staff can ride the MarqTran throughout the county. The service is accessible by simply showing their official university ID card. The goal has been to provide better access to campus by students, reduce parking demands, and promote sustainability by reducing the number of cars on the road.
Completed several long-term maintenance projects, including boiler replacement at Lincoln Street Apartments and roof replacements on Spooner Hall and two Summit Street apartments.
-Engaged consultants to assist with development of an energy saving projects list. Those that will provide operational savings with payback of less than 5 years will be investigated for implementation during the summer of 2009.
The NMU Soccer Game field was reconstructed during the summer of 2008. Reconstruction included tilling and augmenting the existing soil to improve drainage, the installation of an in-ground irrigation system, hydro seeding, and fencing the site to comply with NCAA requirements for hosting sanctioned tournaments. The turf is anticipated to be completely established and ready for play for the start of the fall 2009 season.
A three-tiered campus-wide energy saving program has been initiated to reduce energy consumption, both saving money and helping the environment. An occupant awareness program has begun to explain ways that the campus community can help by shutting off lights, turning down thermostats, closing blinds, shutting off computers at night, etc. An operation and maintenance program has been implemented to review the operating schedules of mechanical and lighting equipment and discuss equipment that needs to be repaired or replaced to conserve energy. A facilities upgrades program is being developed to identify installation improvements such as replacing existing light fixtures and motors with a more energy efficient type, installing variable frequency drives on motors, installing insulation on piping and ductwork, etc.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficePublic Safety and Police Services with ASNMU are developing a bike share program for this fall. Within the department they have increased the use of electric golf carts, bicycles and a motorcycle. In conjunction with the Facilities Department they have conducted light surveys to conserve energy while still maintaining a safe campus. Their building security personnel make rounds of every building at closure to turn off lights and conserve energy.
Communications and Marketing did significant research on the various factors related to "eco-friendly" printing processes. They have begun advising on-campus clients to environmentally friendly options and costs related to such a change. The summer issue of Northern Horizons, the alumni magazine, and Business Horizons, for College of Business alumni, were printed on more eco-friendly paper and ink. Educational materials for the university campus to use as a guide are being developed and will be completed in fall 2009.
The Office of the President has adopted an objective to develop greener practices within the office.
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceNorthern received Silver LEED certification on the Van Antwerp residence hall renovation which was completed last year. LEED certification was also granted to the previously completed Meyland Hall renovation. The Hunt Hall renovation completed during the summer 2008 is expected to receive a solid LEED Silver Certification. Our 39 point self-assessment is the highest Silver that can be achieved.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicWith the leadership of Daryl Kobie, department head in Technology and Applied Sciences, an action plan has been created to construct a Green Building and Sustainable Construction Demonstration Center. The Center will provide experience in researching, purchasing, installing, and maintaining cutting-edge alternative and energy efficient technologies, providing graduates with an advantage in respective job markets. The Center will also be available for educational opportunities for the community. A $100,000 grant has been submitted to the Kresge Foundation to support this project.
The DeVos Art Museum, with the leadership of Director Melissa Matuscak, presented "Beyond Green: Toward a Sustainable Art," January 19–March 30, 2009. During the 10-week run of the exhibition, 3,067 people attended, including 750 school children from across the U.P. who participated in a tour and associated art projects with volunteer museum docents. Two artists known as the "Material Exchange" were in residence at the museum during the exhibition and worked with university and high school students from the area as well as the Superior Watershed Partnership to create a fish habitat using recycled materials for Teal Lake in Negaunee, Michigan.