Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008 Northern administrators are completing the necessary groundwork in anticipation of the March 25-27 campus visit by representatives of the Academic Quality Improvement Program. AQIP provides an alternative process for universities to maintain their accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, with an emphasis on continuous quality improvement. “We’re in good shape, but we’ve got a tremendous amount of work to do,” said Cindy Prosen (Academic Affairs). “Right now we’re working with the visitors to set the agenda for the March visit. Full Story
Northern has submitted a new trio of “action projects” it will pursue this year as part of its continuing commitment to the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP). One is to revise the mission statements of every campus unit so they align with the university’s new mission statement approved earlier this month by the NMU Board of Trustees. Full Story
TOPs Ratify New Contract Northern's technical and office professionals (UAW Local 1950) have ratified a three-year contract. The final tally was 91-44 in favor of the proposal, which had been modified from a previously negotiated agreement voted down earlier this month. Full Story
Northern has been granted an Educational Broadband Service (EBS) license by the Federal Communications Commission EBS is a type of wireless spectrum that supports high-speed Internet access using “WiMAX” technology. The license will allow NMU to better serve the university’s growing commuter and off-campus populations with broadband access to critical course related materials, expand the collaborative efforts between area K-12 schools and NMU students fulfilling student teaching requirements, and continue the development of new wireless services that are critical to the Teaching, Learning and Communication (TLC) technology initiative. NMU President Les Wong made the announcement last week in the Learning Resources Center. Full Story
Northern is hosting one of the 36 faculty and administrators selected nationwide as 2008-09 American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows. The higher education leadership development program combines placement at another institution with seminars and interactive learning experiences to condense years of on-the-job experience and skills development into a single year. Emmanuel Awuah, associate vice president of diversity services at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, N.Y., is enjoying direct access to NMU President Les Wong and Provost Susan Koch. Full Story
Imam Sayid Hassan Al-Qazwini, the spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of America, will share his progressive views on interfaith harmony with Marquette audiences on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 22 and 23. Al-Qazwini is globally recognized for promoting constructive interfaith dialogue as a necessary step to achieving true justice and peace. His recent book, American Crescent, summarizes his life in Iraq before his family—perceived as an ideological threat to Saddam Hussein’s regime—was forced to flee. They sought refuge in Kuwait and later Iran before finally settling in the United States. His book also addresses the struggle against prejudice, the dangers of ethnocentricity and the future of Muslims and Islam in America.
The recent test of Northern's emergency communication systems revealed that text alerts are one of the most timely and effective methods for relaying information during a potential crisis. The only drawback is that, prior to the test, only 2,200 students and employees had signed up for the service. Jeff Mincheff (Public Safety and Police Services said, "I must admit I'm shocked that so few people had registered. I figured we would have closer to 5,000 or 6,000. But it worked great during the test and hopefully that will encourage more people to sign up." The service is free, aside from any text messaging fees associated with the cell phone carrier, but it is not automatic. Individuals must opt in by registering at NMU Alerts. The same site can be used to verify that you previously registered and that the cell phone number on record is correct. |
License Paves Way for WiMAX 
ACE Fellow Spending Year on Campus 
Muslim Cleric Coming to Marquette
Emergency Text Alert Registration Encouraged Pledge packets have been distributed for the 2008-09 workplace campaign to support the United Way of Marquette County. The money raised will be distributed among more than 30 local non-profit member agencies that rely on financial support from the United Way. This year, the university is contributing several prizes that every donor will have a chance to win, including a grand prize of one additional paid bonus day. Kathy Maki (Graduate Studies and Continuing Education) and Jill Compton (Internal Audit) are co-coordinators of the campus campaign. |
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United Way Campaign Begins
There are more dining options than ever on Northern's campus. Terry Jennings (Dining Services) and the rest of the culinary staff at the Marketplace are playing a big role in expanding choices and catering to diverse tastes, including vegans and vegetarians.
