The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees has approved room and board rates for the 2025-2026 academic year, along with a bond authorization to fund two new apartment complexes that will better meet the demand for student housing. The board also agreed to launch four new academic programs in the fall: bachelor of science in early childhood education teacher certification, birth-kindergarten; bachelor of applied science in cannabis and plant-based wellness operations; associate of science in psychology; and a master of science in sustainability.
The cost of a standard double room with the base required meal plan and comprehensive fee will be $6,435 per semester, an increase of $242. The full rate schedule for all housing options will soon be available at nmu.edu/housing/rates.
Residence halls and campus apartments are projected to be at maximum occupancy again in the fall, a trend that has fueled the plan to build two new apartment complexes capable of accommodating 386 students. The project aligns with NMU's strategic goals to enhance the student experience, reduce barriers to success and promote well-being. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall and be completed before the fall semester in 2027.
Trustees approved a $79 million general revenue bond authorization. Most will fund remaining design, development and construction costs for the new apartment buildings, which will be located along both sides of Presque Isle Avenue near Cohodas Hall. The remaining bond issuance will be applied to ongoing and planned academic and student building projects: the Harden Hall renovation; a first-floor student area in Harden; new science labs; and a new home for the College of Business.
In other action at today's meeting, the board:
-Approved a finance committee recommendation that university operations continue at budget levels no greater than the current fiscal year, except for negotiated contractual increases, until new general fund, housing and residence life, designated fund, and auxiliary operations budgets are approved once the state budget process is finalized.
-Agreed to the following title and name changes: the former Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is now the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success; Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Services has shifted to Intercollegiate Athletics; the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is now the Office of Opportunity, Empowerment and People; and the former Student Equity and Engagement Center has become the Center for Community and Connection.
-Accepted the following donations: communications device and accessories for the Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic, valued at $17,260; and an original work of art by Liz Ward to be added to the DeVos Art Museum's permanent collection, valued at $13,500.
-Approved revisions or updates to the following: equal access and non-discrimination policy; relationship violence, sexual misconduct and stalking policy; the ASNMU constitution; and temporary suspension within Part 2: Student Code of the NMU Student Handbook.
-Renewed two Charter School Academies, JKL Bahweting and Nah Tah Wahsh Public School Academy, for five-year terms ending June 30, 2030. Also approved appointing Marguerite Guter, Jessica Pfitzer and Derek Pugh as board members for North Star Montessori Academy.
-Agreed to continue the rental agreement between NMU and the State of Michigan, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, for the Department of Attorney General, for suites 1201 and 1202 in the Northern Center from June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026.
-Confirmed approval of the upcoming academic year's Technology, Learning, and Communication (TLC) notebook program's annual purchase of Lenovo ThinkPad T14, Gen5 and ThinkPad P16s, Gen 3 (to include warranty, engineering services, software imaging, and shipping costs). Apple MacBook Pro units will also be ordered.