September 9, 2004

Higher Ed Bill Goes to Legislature

 

A legislative panel approved a deal Wednesday that would restore 1.5 percent of the 5 percent cut from Northern’s state appropriation through an executive order issued in December.

It would also allow most of the state’s 15 public universities to increase tuition and fees by 2.8 percent – the rate of inflation – and still avoid a significant cut.

The plan awaits final approval from the legislature and Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Full Story

Cherry Commission Holds Hearing at NMU

Lt. Governor John Cherry and his Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth held the first of its six public hearings scheduled throughout the state on Tuesday (Sept. 7) at NMU.

About 20 people testified at the hearing. They included NMU President Les Wong and the presidents of all Upper Peninsula community colleges and universities; U.P. business and community leaders; and several K-12 superintendents and teachers. Full Story

New DNA Sequencer in Use

 

With the purchase of a new DNA sequencer, NMU biology students are being trained on the same equipment used at major genome centers and throughout the biotechnology industry. Alec Lindsay (Biology, pictured right) is shown explaining the equipment to NMU students Jonelle Thompson and Andy Moriarty.

“This is a great advancement,” said Neil Cumberlidge (Biology). “It gives results in two hours. Students can load samples and at the end of a three-hour lab they can have data in an electronic format that can be shared through their laptops. It allows us to get results faster and with greater accuracy. … We had a very old sequencer that had been donated to the department, but it was obsolete. It required 48 hours to set up and run, so we couldn’t use it in classes or labs. There is only one company that makes DNA sequencers and it no longer services the older model, so that was an added incentive to invest in the new version.” Full Story

Computer Network Policy Revised

 

Based on a recommendation by the NMU President’s Council, the Computer Network Acceptable Use Policy, which is a guide to the appropriate use of network and computing resources, has been updated and revised. The policy defines users and addresses issues including privacy, system integrity, laws, student code and disciplinary actions. Full Story

New Faculty Faces at NMU

 

In continuing its commitment to academic quality, even in tight budget times, NMU created 10 new faculty positions for the 2004-05 academic year. Full Story

Roy is NMU Rep on Kennecott Citizens' Committee

 

President Les Wong has asked Mike Roy (Finance and Administration) to serve on the Kennecott Minerals Company's Citizens' Advisory Group.

 

Wong said that while the university is not advocating for or against the mining endeavor, it is important that a member of NMU’s senior administration have access to factual information on how Kennecott’s Eagle Project may impact Northern’s physical campus. Full Story

           

Lot 62 May Open Sooner

Parking Lot 62, between Forest Roberts Theatre and C.B. Hedgcock, may open next week if the weather continues to cooperate. That would be about three weeks ahead of the original construction schedule.

Lot 62 will provide 122 spaces, designated primarily for faculty and staff. There will also be 16 spaces designated for 30-minute use by students who need to conduct business at the student services center offices.

 

President's Golf Outing Sept. 19

The 24th Annual NMU President’s Golf Outing will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at Wawonowin Country Club near Ishpeming.

All NMU faculty, staff and retirees are eligible to play. The cost is $40 per person, and covers golf, dinner, beverages, awards and prizes. A limited number of golf carts can be rented for $25.

The deadline for registration is Wednesday, Sept. 15. For more information call Russ Tripp at 2075 or Brandon Sager at 1446.

An Eye Near the Storm

One of the most qualified connections between Northern and the Florida hurricane saga is former NMU President John Jamrich. Not only does he reside in Jacksonville, but Jamrich earned his undergraduate degree in meteorology from the University of Chicago. He served as a forecaster for the U.S. Air Force during World War II and continues to keep close tabs on weather-related developments.

Even a veteran observer like Jamrich is impressed by this recent meteorological phenomenon: a devastating three-punch combination of hurricanes Charley, Frances and the fast-approaching Ivan.

“It is historic to have three come so close and at that strength,” said Jamrich, in a phone interview from his home. “You have the convergence zone located a little north of the equator at this time of year, plus extensive thunderstorms rolling off the Sahara Desert and coming on to the Atlantic. These factors provide the spin for tropical storms that pass through the Caribbean islands frequently during the summer. You may see 12 to 14 tropical storms, but for them to develop into the strength these have and in such close sequential order is very unusual." Full Story

Wong Reception Sept. 14

The campus community and general public are invited to a welcome reception for Les and Phyllis Wong. It will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, in the Peter White Lounge of the University Center.

The event is sponsored by Northern Michigan University, NMU Conference & Catering Services, the Marquette County Ambassadors, and Lake Superior Community Partnership.

It will include a light dinner featuring a carving station for roast beef sandwiches with sauces and a vegetarian alternative. A cash bar will also be available.

There will be numerous drawings for door prizes, including 20 pairs of tickets for a president's-box view of the Sept. 25 Wildcat football game.

 

 

 

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Updated: February 23, 2005