Three options designed to balance Northern’s budget were discussed at a campus forum this afternoon. Each would implement nearly $3.4 million in “low-impact” adjustments – a combination of reductions, cost-avoidance, reallocations and revenue-generating measures – spread over two fiscal years. Two of the options would include mid-year tuition increases. The proposed reductions for each division were presented by Fred Joyal (Academic Affairs, pictured), Gavin Leach (Finance and Planning) and Interim President Mike Roy.

In developing its proposals, the President’s Council assumed a 6 percent executive order for the current year and a 5 percent cut in state appropriation for fiscal year 2005. It also anticipated a 3 percent increase in enrollment next fall.

The President’s Council classified budget adjustments as having either a low or high impact on Northern’s ability to fulfill its mission statement and vision. Members also used as their guide an ASNMU budget litmus test for FY04. The test addresses the impact on scholarships/loans, learning environment and overall cost, as well as the number of students benefiting from current programs or services and the short- and long-term effects of any reductions. Full Story

Bertoline to Address Graduates

Gary R. Bertoline will deliver the keynote address and receive an honorary Doctor of Technology degree at Northern's mid-year commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13. He is a professor of computer graphics technology and associate vice president for information technology at Purdue University. He also serves as director of the Envision Center for Data Perceptualization.

A native of Norway, Mich., Bertoline graduated with a bachelor of science degree from NMU in 1974. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Miami University and a doctorate in technology from Ohio State University.

He is currently a member of Epsilon Pi Tau, SIGGRAPH, the American Society for Engineering education, and IEEE. Bertoline also serves on the editorial boards for the International Journal for Geometry and Graphics, and the Journal of Terrestrial Observation.

For commencement-related information, visit NMU Commencement.

Pre-Commencement Reception Dec. 12

NMU employees are invited to attend a pre-commencement reception for featured speaker and honorary degree recipient Gary R. Bertoline. It will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in the Explorer Rooms of the University Center. A brief program will take place midway through the reception at 6:15.

UWMC Campaign Nears 90 Percent of Goal

NMU employees and retirees have contributed about $29,000 to the United Way of Marquette County . This total, calculated on Nov. 25, represents almost 90 percent of the 2003 campus campaign goal of $33,000.

On behalf of all the children, adults and families who will benefit from this campaign to do ‘what matters,’ I would like to thank everyone who has been able to make a generous donation to allow

us to move toward our goal,” said Lenny Shible (Health Promotions). “I know that there are some of us who are still deciding how to best help those in our communities who may be less fortunate than we are. As you finalize your decisions, it is my sincere hope that you will still consider our 2003 United Way campaign as one way to make a difference.”

Shible said employees may still contribute to the campaign by completing a contribution form distributed earlier this semester and returning it to 1206 University Center . To obtain a new form, contact Bernadette Norden at 2439. For questions about the campaign, contact Shible at 1455 or lshible@nmu.edu .

Relief for Holiday Stress

Many of us approach the winter holidays with such high expectations that our spirits – which are supposed to be buoyant – quickly become saddled with stress and disappointment.

We cling to idealized visions: families uniting in friction-free camaraderie; children behaving like angels; everyone loving the “perfect” gifts we selected; friends gazing with amazement at the culinary masterpiece before them on the dinner table.

“These perfect images are fostered by the media and popular culture, or by our limited perceptions as reality,” said Thomas Stanger (Counseling and Consultation Services). “Everyone else appears to be happy, when in fact we are unlikely to see into others’ private space where they may be feeling sad.

"Trying to live up to the promise of the holidays not only saps our energy and resources – the gap between the ideal and the real may lead to holiday blues rather than holiday cheer.” Full Story

And, on a Related Note … Healthy Holiday Eating

The average American usually gains about five pounds between Thanksgiving and early January, according to the Duke Diet and Fitness Center. But Mohey Mowafy (HPER) says it is possible to maintain weight and come out of the holidays without feeling as stuffed as a turkey with blood as “rich” as eggnog.

“Having lived in this lovely place for nearly three decades, I have become familiar with our ritual of living the days and nights between Thanksgiving and the New Year as one perpetual party celebrated with food, drinks and friends,” Mowafy said.

“Quite honestly, I would not want it any other way, but I also know that many end up having to deal with the wrath of food hangover, cloths that no longer fit, and pressing or depressing wishes of going on a diet, which may indeed lower their weight but will also add another stressor.”

Mowafy offers a few simple guidelines for reasonable, sane, delightful, and healthy holiday eating. Full Story

Dear NMU faculty and staff,

For a number of years we have had holiday celebrations as a way of thanking you for all that you do for Northern. This year, after consulting with a number of people, we have decided not to have divisional parties.

Still, there is much to celebrate. Our enrollment is nearing an all-time high, our students are some of the highest quality in the history of NMU, and we continue to receive state, national and international recognition for what we do.

As the three division leaders, we are thankful to work with people who care about our students, our institution and each other. Each day your effort to teach and serve Northern students – present, past and future – is inspiring, a gift to those whose lives you touch.

Season’s greetings to you and your family. Enjoy the semester break. And let’s all ask Santa for a happy new year – one with a few less financial challenges.

Mike Roy, President’s Division

Fred Joyal, Academic Affairs Division

Gavin Leach, Finance and Administration Division