The university experience is predicated on a blend of a number of intellectual and organizational enterprises. Northern must reinvigorate the standards and processes that will sustain successful programs, create new ones, eliminate programs with declining enrollment and reflect the creativity of campus talents. The curriculum must remain relevant and meaningful, and our teaching must be contemporary and effective.
A. Goal: An academic curriculum that balances successful programs with new offerings at the undergraduate and graduate level to meet the needs of students, as well as improve student career opportunities after graduation.
Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports has made progress with developing relationships with businesses to sustain and expand program offerings through new revenue streams.
The department has expanded recreational fitness offerings to meet the ever changing needs of the participants.
Priorities:
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicIn April 2008, Northern Michigan University was selected as one of 25 institutions for the American Council on Education (ACE) "Bridging the Gap" Symposium in Washington, D.C. An NMU team participated in the symposium in June 2008. The goal of this project is to cultivate and improve collaboration on campus among units responsible for multicultural education and internationalization (as well as Native American studies). Progress continues on collaboration among these areas.
The Office of International Programs is working with faculty, staff and the NMU Foundation to expand and increase study abroad opportunities for NMU students in a variety of formats including faculty led study abroad (FLSA) programs, service learning and internships. Of particular note is the completion and implementation of the FLSA Handbook (a detailed guide for FLSA), the leadership provided by faculty taking part in the programs and important donor support for scholarships for study abroad. (Examples of study abroad programs provided include: Peter Pless, Art and Design, led students from his European Design Culture course on a study trip to the Netherlands, Switzerland and Italy. The students toured design shops and museums, met with designers and visited the International Design Fair at the Salone Deo Mobile in Milan, Italy. Professors Eileen M. Smit, Nursing, and Mary Jane Tremethick, HPER, implemented a public health cultural immersion/service learning course in Honduras. Fourteen students participated in the program.
With the leadership of the Office of International Programs and in collaboration with various academic departments, the university hosted eight international scholars, including scholars from Canada, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, India and the U.S. diplomatic service corps for campus presentations during the 2008-09 academic year. The International Visiting Scholars Program engages NMU students in global issues and viewpoints and is co-sponsored by the Provost's Office, the Office of International Programs and academic departments.
With support provided by the Provost's Office, the International Performing Artists Series (coordinated by Dan Truckey, director of the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center) brought six outstanding musical performances to the university and the community during the 2008-09 academic year. Visiting artists also provided on-campus workshops for students and community participants.
The Office of the Provost sponsored a new student art competition and exhibition during 2008-09 titled "People, Places and Things". The project, inspired by the Roadmap to 2015 and based on the book, One World, One Community, was conducted by the NMU Student Art Organization in collaboration with the School of Art and Design. The purpose of the project was to inspire art with an international perspective. The project will become an annual event.
The Office of International Programs, in collaboration with the College of Business, is implementing the "Brazilian/U.S. Partnership for People, Planet and Profits," funded by a $220,000 U.S. Department of Education grant. In the coming year, four Brazilian students will attend NMU and two NMU students will attend a Brazilian university.
Professors Greg Warchol and Dale Kapla, Criminal Justice, are expanding collaboration with the University of South Africa (UNISA), sharing expertise in both teaching and research. The department will also host two UNISA Criminology professors in fall 2009.
The Multicultural Education and Resource Center provides resources to all academic departments regarding diversity learning experiences, in addition to providing support to the FYE program in diversity initiatives.
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceThe NMU Health Center is developing Travel Medicine Clinic capabilities so that NMU staff and students receive the most current and specific medical advice prior to overseas travel. The Health Center will be refining the procedures we have established with the Study Abroad Office to medically screen students prior to travel.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficeOffice of General Counsel worked closely with the Office of International Programs
and faculty on agreements for study abroad or exchanges in such countries as Canada, Mexico, China, Korea, Brazil, Peru and Germany. A protocol is now in place for appropriate institutional review and signatures on international agreements. General Counsel advised on the development of a study abroad program in Cuba. General Counsel continues to advise on risk management issues related to study abroad and serves on the risk assessment committee for study abroad.
The Foundation received a $1million gift for international study abroad experiences for students from each of the 15 Upper Peninsula counties.
The Office of the President hosted NMU's first American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow, Dr. Emmanuel Awuah, associate vice president of Diversity Services at Onondaga Community College, during the 2008-2009 academic year. In addition to collaborating with various internal and external committees and groups regarding the interrelationship among enrollment, academic planning, and budgeting in higher education, Awuah took on a special project of developing a model for bridging the gap between multicultural education and internationalization.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicDuring 2008-09, the Educational Policies Committee (EPC) conducted a study of selected low enrollment programs. This study will serve as the foundation for the coming years' discussions and will inform decisions regarding appropriate program consolidation and reductions. During 2008-09 the auto collision repair technology program and the plastic injection technology program were suspended and the Department of Clinical Sciences completed a consolidation of programs.
The following academic programs have been discontinued since 2007:
2 year programs
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Histotechnician
Industrial Electrical Technology
Science Technician
4 year programs
Chemistry (without ACS Certified)
Clinical Laboratory Scientist – Clinical Microbiology Concentration
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Clinical Systems Analyst
Cytotechnology
Diagnostic Genetics
Histotechnologist
Physical education
Science Technologist
Social science
Speech Communications – (changed to Communication Studies)
Water Science
Certificates
Carpentry
Plastic Injection Molding - suspended
Certifications
Corrections Certification
Minors
Planning
Labor Studies
Performance Theatre
Research Analyst
Speech Cluster
Speech Communication
Technical Theatre
2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic Progress continues on implementation of the faculty-mix model across the colleges, resulting in a more appropriate and flexible mix of tenure-earning, term and adjunct faculty.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicThe School of Nursing, with the leadership of Kerri Schuiling, received a $360,000 State of Michigan Nursing Corps grant to expand the post masters nurse educator certificate program. This is an accelerated program that provides full tuition and a stipend for students to complete the program in six months.
Kevin Foley, department head in Clinical Sciences, received a Wildcat Innovation Fund grant to conduct a feasibility study of graduate programs in clinical lab sciences. Recommendations are forthcoming in September 2009.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicThe College of Business has developed a new masters in business administration (MBA). The proposal has been approved by the Graduate Studies Committee and approval by the Faculty Senate, Provost and Board of Trustees is expected in fall 2009. Program implementation is anticipated in 2010.
NMU is collaborating with Central Michigan University to offer a collaborative Ed.S./Ed.D. program. This doctoral program provides graduate students in the region, most of whom are educators in K-12 schools, with better access to doctoral education.
In fall 2008, NMU began offering a graduate certificate in public administration. The certificate is designed to meet the needs of working graduate students and credits will transfer into the master's of public administration program.
NMU has signed an MOU with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, permitting NMU students to receive both a master's of public administration from NMU and a certificate in the foundations of public health from the University of Michigan. The program permits NMU students to transfer credits from the University of Michigan into the MPA program, enhancing the professional skills and expanding the potential number of graduate students in this area.
The NMU School of Education graduate programs in reading and science education are now offered in an entirely online format. The new format has increased graduate
enrollment and makes the programs more accessible to practicing teachers throughout the state and beyond who need advanced degrees. The online program in reading has already exceeded expectations for enrollment and additional class sections have been added to accommodate the increase.
With the leadership of Dennis Stanek, June Schaefer and Derek Anderson in the School of Education, the M.A. program in education administration and supervision will be offered in Sault Ste Marie in fall 2009. The program is a hybrid of face-to-face classes and online components and has been marketed through the area K-12 schools.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicIn fall 2008, Dean of the College of Professional Studies Paul Lang provided the NMU Board of Trustees with an overview of NMU's "community college function" including a review of the "less-than-four year" academic programs. This overview will be used to inform strategic planning for programs of this type.
NMU's Department of Engineering Technology, in partnership with Lake Superior Community Partnership, local and regional electrical power utilities and private companies and contractors is moving forward to implement an electrical power technician associate degree. The curriculum has been approved and recruiting will begin soon for an initial cohort of students for fall 2009.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/Office Public Safety and Police Services has the Regional Police Academy program in place as well as the advanced law enforcement training diploma, both offered through the Public Safety Institute. They are finalizing the corrections diploma program with a goal of beginning next year.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Academic NMU continues to provide an outstanding tuition benefit program for employees and their families.
B. Goal: A new professional development program for faculty and staff that rewards innovative practices and encourages interdisciplinary and interdepartmental collaboration.
The Leadership Model is being incorporated across several areas of campus: It was the basis for the new department head job descriptions and offer letters. Similarly, newly revised leadership positions are highlighting the six roles of a leader in their questionnaires. Leaders of TOP employees were (re-)introduced to the Model and we used Using and Sharing Information as an example when discussing contract changes for Local 1950. Plans are under way for an academic development calendar for department heads and directors, which will be mirrored on the staff side starting September 2009. Virtual technologies for creating leader ‘avatars' who receive "credits" for their participation in the model elements are being explored.
Public Safety and Police Services continues to increase offerings of training in areas related to safety and security for all faculty/staff and students. They now have staff who teach in the Criminal Justice Program, HPER and the First Year Experience.
Priorities:
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicWith the leadership of the Academic Cabinet, guidelines and procedures were developed for the Wildcat Innovation Fund in fall 2008. In consultation with the president and vice president for finance and administration, priorities for 2008-09 were established in recruitment, retention, revenue generation and quality improvement. Seven projects were funded in 2008-09 via the Wildcat Innovation Fund and are now being implemented:
Young Wildcat Scholars Program $10,000 Exploration of graduate programs in Clinical Lab Sciences $7,451 Sophomore to Senior University Scholars $25,000 Asian Initiative $25,000 Course Technology Innovation Project $25,000 Center for Ecological Studies Feasibility Project $11,000 College Prep Medicine Wheel Academy $12,500
Broadcast and A/V Services completed an upgrade to MediaSite Live this year and promoted it to individual departments as a way to aid in the delivery of course content (audio, video and graphics) to off-campus students. System adoption became more universal and to-date over 2,000 programs have been recorded and stored on MSL servers. Currently over 49,000 individual users access content within the system. This work was coordinated through the Course Technology Alliance (CTA) which is comprised of members from AIS and LRD.
Additionally, a cooperative LRD/AIS project is underway to create a technology corridor in the LRC. The corridor includes Broadcasting, A/V, Media Services, CITE and Academic Computing services in a way that facilitates "one-stop-shopping" for students and faculty who need assistance with technology and streaming media for course work. In May of 2009, AIS and LRD received Wildcat Incentive Funds to assist and train a faculty cohort group in using advanced course related technology. This project is providing year-long intensive training and assistance to 15 faculty who have committed to using significant and appropriate technology applications in their on-campus or on-line courses.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/Office Fund has been established, although not with charitable funds, but with university support.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicThe AQIP Scholarship Action Committee completed its final report, "Enhancing the Campus Climate for Scholarship," in August 2008. The report was discussed during the 2008-09 academic year. Some recommendations from the project have been proposed for implementation within the NMU-AAUP contract. A Provost's Scholarship Advisory Committee will be formed in fall 2009 for the purpose of continuing the enhancement of faculty and staff engagement in scholarship.
The U.S. Department of Education FIPSE grant for the Brazil Initiative (mentioned earlier in this report) will support faculty in Business and Economics to conduct research on sustainable entrepreneurship.
With the leadership of Paul Duby, associate vice president for institutional research, NMU has acquired a new survey research software system known as "Qualtrics." To date, Duby has provided Qualtrics training for over 75 faculty, staff and graduate students. The departments of Psychology and Sociology are integrating this tool into their routine data collection processes as well as survey research instruction.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicThe Wildcat Innovation Fund provides opportunities for these projects.
Time has been allotted to all Student Services and Enrollment departments to focus on Roadmap initiatives.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficeCommunications and Marketing utilized block-period staff scheduling so that the departmental Road Map goals could be realized. This was accomplished to the level that was possible in their very busy office. Where and when they made one of the departmental Road Map goals the priority (and when possible, the sole) project of the week for the staff person working on it.
Public Safety and Police Services has implemented a "Ride Along" program with police and sheriff departments from the Upper Peninsula for all the students in the Regional Police Academy as well as interested CJ and First Year Experience students.
The Office of the President held an event at Kaye House to promote and gain support for the Study Abroad Program.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicThe Student Services and enrollment division has implemented a review of all policies and procedures related to the unit and student handbook.
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceHuman Resources and Internal Audit worked together to collect information about current policies. The information will be used to populate a new policy database. This database will house all policy information, making it easier to search by keywords and quickly identify relevant policies.
C. Goal: A growing portfolio of corporate collaborations that exploit NMU's technical expertise, enhance academic programs and facilitate global engagement for students and faculty both on campus and abroad.
Intel and NMU implemented an 802.11n wireless technology upgrade. A joint press release with Intel Corporation on how NMU and Intel are working together on 802.11n wireless technology and how the university provides a unique wireless environment for students and for testing technology was issued and widely published. The 802.11n wireless is five-times faster than previous wireless technologies (802.11G), allows for wireless video services, is more stable, and provides a stronger connection. This has been installed in our major academic mall areas and is included in the Quad II residence halls.
Office of General Counsel provided legal assistance reviewing agreements.
Priorities:
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceLenovo created a case study marketing piece which provides a customer profile and how NMU provides a world-class class technology learning environment. This material is being distributed worldwide by Lenovo.
NMU will deploy an 802.16e WiMAX network in the City of Marquette during summer 2009 that will be fully operational by July 1, 2009. The Motorola based WiMAX network will be installed by NMU with assistance from Intel, Lenovo, and Motorola. The WiMAX network will provide cellular-like data coverage for members of the university community.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficeOffice of General Counsel worked on agreements with the City of Marquette and Marquette Township to expand NMU's wireless reach in the community.
Partnership with B2 Networks to video stream NMU Athletic events worldwide has proven very beneficial. B2 Networks provided NMU graduation in high definition for the first time over the B2 Network.
Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports will expand production with B2 Networks using new, multi-camera, high-tech production equipment in Audio Visual Services and the talents of Communication and Performance Studies students.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicThe College of Business has developed a plan to offer every student who requests one an internship experience during their undergraduate program. Assistant Dean Rob Lion is working with corporate partners in the region and across the country to establish opportunities. The college has also adopted a new policy on internships to facilitate additional for-credit internship opportunities. Among the new companies now accepting NMU interns are Price Waterhouse Coopers and KPMG Peat Marwick accounting firms.
The College of Arts and Sciences in collaboration with NMU Technical Services and Finance and Administration worked with Intel Corporation to provide summer internships at Intel headquarters for two NMU students in summer 2008 and 2009. The student then work with AdIT Technical Services on campus continuing research on collaborative technologies with Intel. This internship model is expected to be expanded to include additional students and high-tech corporate partners.
The Career Services Office works with all academic departments to increase internship opportunities for students.
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceIn discussions with officials at IBM and Lenovo to create ongoing internship programs with the two organizations. The programs would be modeled after the internship program developed with Intel. It will provide students opportunities to work at large IT firms in the areas of information technology and/or sales/marketing.
Continued discussions with the U.P. Construction Council Executive Director to develop summer internship opportunities throughout the area for students in the construction management and trades programs. UPCC membership is willing to participate, but due to lack of construction activity, will not be in a position to provide employment opportunities for summer 2009. The Associated General Contractors is involved in a similar program in other areas of Michigan and the UPCC is engaging them in discussion about our program and the possibility of exposure to their membership.
In discussion with officials at Cognos to create ongoing internship program. The program would be modeled after the internship program developed with Intel. It will provide students opportunities to work at firms in the areas of IT and/or sales/marketing.
Engineering and Planning is providing an opportunity for an area high school student from MARESA to work within the Engineering and Planning Department for exposure to the engineering and construction fields.
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceWorking with the School of Technology/construction management program on a grant application to the Kresge Foundation. The application is for a planning grant to construct a building at the Jacobetti Center that could be utilized as a "green technology building laboratory." It would focus on evolving technologies in the sustainability movement, and provide students with a lab setting to demonstrate the latest innovative building practices.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficeOffice of General Counsel supported NMU's efforts to build its CHP burning wood as its primary fuel source by, inter alia, providing legal assistance related to the EAB proceeding and assisting with responses to FOIA requests.
D. Goal: Develop the financial resources to support innovation and student success.
Constant cultivation by President and Mrs. Wong by entertaining various prospective and current donors. This includes meals at Kaye House and restaurants as well as theatre, sporting events, Marquette Symphony, and golf.
Priorities:
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicIn response to new funding opportunities offered within the American Recovery and Reinvestment (ARRA), an ad hoc task force, under the direction of the provost, was established to assist qualified faculty and staff to pursue ARRA funding. Andrew Smentkowski, associate director for research and sponsored programs, is coordinating these efforts and his office provided a week-long intensive grant writing "Boot Camp" in May 2009 with 21 participants. To date, five AARA-related proposals have been submitted totaling $328,457, with one having been funded as of the date of this report.
Since February 2009, NMU has received $839,500 in funding for seven proposals and the Office of Grants and Research has submitted additional proposals on behalf of faculty and staff totaling $517,522. Grants received include job training opportunities, early college experience for disadvantaged youth, nurse educator training and a science project exploring anti-influenza antibodies.
With the leadership of Andrew Smentkowski and Peter Holliday, Director of Student Support Services, NMU has been selected to receive $220,000 under the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. The grant is a four-year project designed to successfully prepare undergraduate participants for doctoral study. The program includes intensive academic advisement, graduate school admissions and financial aid assistance, undergraduate and graduate faculty mentoring, summer research seminars/internships, and academic-year research workshops. The program provides each participant with a $2,800 stipend.
In September 2008, the Office of International Programs sponsored an on-campus Fubright Scholars Workshop presented by Maria Bettua, assistant director for the Fulbright Grants Program. The goal of the workshop was to enhance faculty success in Fulbright applications for teaching and research abroad. Over 25 faculty participated in the workshop and/or individual consultations.
2008-09 Road Map Update - AcademicThe Provost's Office partnered with the NMU Foundation and Academic Impressions to sponsor a professional development workshop in fall 2008 for deans, department heads, constituency development officers and selected others. The goal of this workshop was to provide a valuable professional development experience that would enhance collaboration between Development and Academic Affairs to increase fund-raising success. Feedback on the workshop was very positive and follow-up activities including new collaborations are ongoing. In consultation with the provost and deans, a handbook is being developed.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficeThe Foundation is working closely with Provost and Academic Affairs on all fund-raising initiatives.
The Foundation sponsored an in-service in October for all deans, unit heads and department heads to help the university community understand their role in the fund-raising process.
2008-09 Road Map Update - Department/OfficeThe Foundation is managing the fund in the current economy – although the fund lost money this year.
2008-09 Road Map Update - FinanceWorked with Lenovo and the NMU Foundation to secure $20,000 to establish a Lenovo International Scholars Fund that will provide funding for international experiences for NMU students or international programming at NMU.