Eleven members of Northern Michigan University's administrative/professional union, UAW Local 2178, participated in a global pushup challenge during Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month in September. They completed 10,272 pushups. The International Sports Science Association (ISSA) initiated the challenge with a goal of 2.2 million worldwide and far exceeded that with more than 3 million pushups pledged.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University is partnering with WNMU-TV to present a documentary series featuring films related to the people and cultures that give the Upper Peninsula its unique identity. The second film in the series is "1913 Massacre," about the Italian Hall tragedy in Calumet. It will be shown at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. 

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a 2020-21 general fund operating budget of nearly $117.1 million. While the figure represents a 1% decrease from the previous year, NMU is able to increase its scholarships and fellowships by nearly $300,000. It will also invest in strategic initiatives previously authorized by the board.

Northern Michigan University Biology Professor Josh Sharp and students in his lab are monitoring Marquette wastewater for COVID-19, applying the same methods they have used to test local beach water for E. coli. They are participating in a statewide, $10 million grant-funded pilot program in which local public health departments are coordinating with universities and other entities on COVID-19 wastewater testing programs, which could be an early warning system for virus spread or outbreaks.

Associated Students of Northern Michigan University (ASNMU) partnered with the Marquette City Clerk's office to set up a satellite clerk's office where individuals can register to vote, request and drop off a Marquette City absentee ballot and return Michigan voting applications. The office is located in room 1205 of the Northern Center. It is open now through Nov. 2 from 2-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays.