Acknowledgement and use of the rich learning environment outside the campus energizes the faculty-student relationship and creates an essential bridge from theory to practice. According to the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a community-engaged campus collaborates with its larger communities (local, state, regional, national and global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. Students who attend a community-engaged institution learn the broad context in which they live, work, play and grow.

A. Goal: Include all units of the campus in the process of community engagement; that is, collaborations between the university and its larger communities (local, state, regional, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.

Priorities:

1. Achieve the voluntary Carnegie classification for Community Engagement and implement the institutional commitments associated with the classification.

2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic

With the leadership of the Provost's Office, the work of Professor Sandra Poindexter and contributions by many campus constituencies, the application for the voluntary Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement was submitted and NMU is now one of 192 colleges and universities in the U.S. to have achieved the distinguished Community Engagement Classification.

 

2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/Office

Through the RAD Program, Domestic Violence Training, Clery Act Training, affiliation with various Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards subject matter expert committees, local, regional and state committee, and the offerings of the Public Safety Institute Public Safety and Police Services has demonstrated positive community engagement.

2. Utilize the documentation framework of the Community Engagement classification to develop baseline measures of the university's community engagement activities and use those measures to monitor community engagement activities.
3. Establish a joint NMU/health-care industry task force to make recommendations regarding possible collaborations.

2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic

With the leadership of Dean of the College of Professional Studies Dr. Paul Lang, a joint NMU/MGH task force worked during  Summer, 2008 to develop a concept paper establishing a vision for an "Upper Peninsula Center for Human Performance Enhancement, Research and Wellness".  The concept paper was submitted to the President and to the CEO of MGH and is under consideration.

 

With the leadership of  Brian Cherry, department head in Political Science, and Ann Sherman, director of human resources, NMU provided a leadership training program during 2008-09 for Marquette General Health System employees.  The training was arranged on both a non-credit and a credit (graduate and undergraduate) basis. Approximately 65 participants were enrolled in the program.

 

2008-09 Road Map Update - Finance

Continued to explore the possibility of joint use of the University Center and West Hall with Marquette General Health Systems, and other potential partnerships to enhance use of our facilities while maintaining overall efficiency and functionality for both parties.  Schematic drawings and a construction cost estimate were completed.  Discussions regarding possible funding options are occurring.

4. Create new community engagement awards that will be given annually to faculty, staff and students who have exhibited an outstanding commitment to community engagement.

2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/Office

A recommendation has been made to the NMU Alumni Association to include a student service award as part of the alumni awards presented at Homecoming.

B. Goal: Increase faculty, staff and student involvement in the Superior Edge program, academic service learning and other community engagement and leadership development initiatives.

Priorities:

1. Develop a resource plan for the Superior Edge and academic service learning programs to ensure optimal growth.
2. Significantly increase the number of NMU students who participate in the Superior Edge, academic service learning and other leadership development opportunities.

2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic

Under the Center for Student Enrichment's leadership, the Superior Edge program continues to evolve as a defining characteristic of the NMU student experience.  In its third year (2008-09), 1,843 students were enrolled in the Superior Edge program, contributing thousands of hours to the campus and surrounding communities.

 

Academic Service Learning courses are steadily growing.  During the Winter, 2009 semester, there were 49 class sections (30 courses) designated as academic service learning courses with 783 students.  For example, Dr. Carol Steinhaus, associate professor in business, and her students assisted in the organization and successful presentation of the Noquemanon Ski Marathon and the U.P. 200 Sled Dog Races in Marquette as part of an Academic Service Learning experience. This community engagement initiative tied theoretical learning to practical experiences while students earned academic credit towards event planning/management. 

 

The Housing and Residence Life Office provided on-going promotion, support, and recognition for community service involvement by students living on campus in group meetings, the department's newsletter, and in hand-outs to residence hall leaders.

 

The Housing and Residence Life Office provided on-going promotion, support, and recognition for Superior Edge participation by students living on campus to include hosting Superior Edge orientation meetings throughout on-campus housing facilities.

3. Improve the alignment of the curriculum with the Superior Edge and academic service learning initiatives.
4. Implement strategies to assist students to more effectively communicate the skills and competencies developed through their achievements in community engagement.

C. Goal: Put into action a commitment to be an inclusive community where differences are recognized as assets of the institution, respected attributes of the person and a valuable part of the university experience.

Priorities:

1. Endorse a statement on diversity that clearly communicates the university's commitment.

2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic

The President's Council has approved the following statement on diversity:

 

Northern Michigan University strives to be an inclusive community where differences are recognized as assets of the institution, respected attributes of the person and a valuable part of the university experience.

 

The statement is posted on the NMU Web site.

 

2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/Office

Public Safety and Police Services has added a statement to their department goals and objectives that address this commitment.

2. Implement and fund strategies to increase the number of students and employees from under-represented and nontraditional groups.

2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic

As mentioned elsewhere in this report, the NMU Admissions Office, with cooperation of the Multicultural Education and Resource Center (MERC) initiated a new collaboration during 2008-09 with Admissions Promise an organization whose goal is to increase the number of students of color who attend college.  The project brought high school juniors from Minneapolis and Milwaukee for a multi-day visit to the NMU campus.

3. Establish an endowed chair in religious studies that will be the catalyst to the development of a religious studies program.
4. Provide ongoing diversity training and education for faculty, staff and students.

2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic

The Multicultural Education and Resource Center provided diversity training sessions each semester for faculty, staff and students.

 

The Multicultural Education and Resource Center provides diversity education sessions for students in the First Year Experience program.

 

With the leadership of Judith Puncochar, Education, and a steering committee, the UNITED Conference is held annually to focus campus attention on diversity issues.

 

2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/Office

Office of General Counsel participated in a panel discussion on sexual harassment for academic leadership.

D. Goal: Increase collaboration with local communities, schools, governments, development groups and other partners to enhance community and economic development in the Upper Peninsula.

Priorities:

1. Establish a team of NMU faculty, under the auspices of the Sam M. Cohodas Scholar, who conduct and publish applied research that supports community and economic development across the Upper Peninsula.

2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic

A collaborative group--CORE, the Center of Resources for Enterprise--has been formed with representatives from NMU, Northern Initiatives and various local and regional economic development organizations.  The purpose of CORE is to better engage NMU expertise and resources in working with individuals and groups to enhance entrepreneurship and economic development in the Upper Peninsula.  With external funding secured by the College of Business, space in NMU's Jacobetti Center is being renovated for a business incubator program  with availability anticipated for August 2009.

 

Faculty members in the departments of Technology & Occupational Sciences and Engineering Technology have compiled a list of product development and prototyping support services they are able to provide entrepreneurs and businesses. These will be promoted through the marketing activities of CORE.

 

Tawni Ferrarini, Sam M. Cohodas Scholar, has led a number of activities designed to address economic needs and trends in the Upper Peninsula.  These activities include research on projected industry trends in the U.P. and assisting individuals to obtain projections that address job needs of the community.  In addition, Ferrarini collaborated with Michigan Works!, the Michigan Small Business and Technology Center and Lake Superior Community Partnership to host, at NMU, a patent workshop for business professionals, community leaders, faculty and students. 

 

The Center for Economic Education, under the direction of Tawni Ferrarini, hosted numerous market economics and entrepreneurship events for the K-16 educational community across the United States.  The center also collaborated with MSU Extension Services to host a forum for small business owners, entrepreneurs, young professionals, youth and interested community members. 

 

The Studio for Experimental and Eco-Design (SEED) started in the NMU School of Art and Design in fall 2008 and active discussions are under way with regional economic development entities in the state.   SEED will assist regional entrepreneurs in developing prototypes for products that are innovative, sustainable and customized.  It will also give students career-building opportunities to interact with clients and respond to real-world design challenges.  Faculty and students associated with SEED are working on a unique project in cooperation with faculty and students in Engineering Technology and regional government agencies to design and manufacture a prototype for kayak storage lockers that will be placed along "water trails" across the U.P.  Faculty have also developed a list of the design-related services they and their students are able to offer businesses through SEED. These, too, will be promoted through CORE marketing activities.

 

In cooperation with Michigan Works! Job Force Board, NMU students approaching completion of applied programs in the College of Professional Studies will be able to register with the Job Force Board.  Upon registration, NMU graduates along with the regional employers seeking the students' skill set, certification, experience and degree will have secured access to U.P. and state job banks. This NMU registration will assist NMU graduates in their employment search while providing the regional business community and industries with assistance in filling employment vacancies.

2. Continue to increase and whenever possible promote a culture of openness and access through regularly scheduled community/campus forums, high-quality publications and the effective use of communication technologies.

2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic

As mentioned previously in this report, the Provost's Office has completed the development of a new Provost's Office/Academic Affairs Web site with goal to provide a resource-rich site for the campus community and a more transparent communication of the roles and responsibilities of the Provost's Office and the Academic Affairs Division.  The website will become live approximately August 1.

 

The Academic Cabinet has made a commitment to hold some of its Academic Cabinet meetings at off-site locations hosted by area businesses, industries or organizations, with the purpose being to share information and explore new and enhanced opportunities for collaboration.  During 2008-09,  joint meetings were held with Lake Superior Community Partnership and Cliffs Natural Resources.  The initiative will continue in the 2009-10 academic year.

 

In fall 2008, the provost initiated "Coffee with the Provost," an informal opportunity for individual faculty and staff to meet with the provost and engage in conversation.  Participants are invited to discuss topics of their choice and conversations may include discussions about teaching, research, special projects, and a variety of other issues.  About 35 such events have been held and the practice has been positively received by faculty and staff.  It will continue in 2009-10.

 

2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/Office

University forums were held in March (budget) and October (Economic impact on NMU and other updates).  Periodic emails were sent from the president to the university community to keep employees and students up to date on legislative and budget issues.

3. Provide new faculty and staff with an on-the-road introduction to the U.P. to orient them to the assets, cultures and economy of the U.P. and to connect them with research ideas that will promote community and regional involvement.

2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic

New Faculty Orientation has been expanded to include a community reception in downtown Marquette. Downtown and civic leaders are invited to attend the event and new faculty are officially welcomed by the Mayor of Marquette.

 

The first "Northern Express" on-the-road orientation to the U.P. region was provided for new faculty in fall 2008.   With tour guides Dan Truckey, director of the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center, and Russ Magnaghi, Department of History, participants in the program visited the Quincy Mine, had a tour of the city of Calumet and lunch at the Michigan House.  Additional such opportunities will be provided for new faculty during the 2009-10 academic year.

4. Explore the feasibility of collaborating with existing community development organizations, units of government and the private sector to establish a high-tech economic development center on the NMU campus.

2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic

NMU has submitted a second Michigan Initiative for Innovation and Entrepreneurship grant.  The first grant helped to establish the one-stop center now named Center Of Resources for Enterprise (CORE) at NMU.  The second grant will enable CORE to offer a series of "entrepreneurship academies" for would-be entrepreneurs.

 

2008-09 Road Map Update - Finance

Selected firm to conduct the market and financial analysis for the Presque Isle Avenue Development concept.  Conducted several focus groups meetings and a survey with a range of university and community members to determine perception and consumer preference for a mixed use development along Presque Isle Ave. The market and financial study should be completed by July 30, 2009 with the economic impact assessment to follow if proven to be viable.

 

The College of Business has received grant funding for the creation of the business incubator component of the concept.  Renovations are scheduled for 1,000 square feet of incubator space this summer.  

 

2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/Office

Public Safety and Police Services has a mutual aid agreement in place with all police agencies in the county for emergencies.  They have a contract with MGH to provide police and security services.  Through the Public Safety Institute they have a training consortium that provides in-service training to Upper Peninsula law enforcement agencies.

5. Explore the feasibility of collaborating with the state, U.P. universities and private alternative energy companies to make the Upper Peninsula a nationally recognized alternative energy and technology corridor.