Strategic Plan

Fueled by increases in nearly every student segment, Northern Michigan University's total enrollment is higher this fall despite the challenging demographic climate facing many regional comprehensive institutions nationwide.  

Northern Michigan University's Department of Psychological Science has received a $413,000 National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation award to facilitate a new frontier in human neuroscience research that could transform the field. NMU will use the funds to acquire an integrated system that assesses the cause-and-effect brain-behavior relationships underlying social interactions and other aspects of human behavior, which could have implications for those with depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. 

Northern Michigan University's School of Cosmetology is debuting a new natural hair cultivation certificate program this fall so that students will be prepared to provide services for all hair types when they start working in professional salons. The program aligns with NMU's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Northern Michigan University will host an Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Symposium and Incident Response Workshops Monday, Sept. 25, through Wednesday, Sept. 27. The event is free and open to the public, but there are limited spaces. It covers cybersecurity topics pertaining to K-12 technology, healthcare, small business, local government and critical infrastructure.

As part of Northern Michigan University's commitment to sustainability, Dining Services has been partnering with Partridge Creek Farm and its newer sister company, Partridge Creek Compost, to divert food waste from the university for use in creating compost.

In his first fall convocation as Northern Michigan University president, Brock Tessman said he wants to learn from and steward Northern's proud history while enacting new ideas and initiatives built around a central goal: promoting student success and narrowing equity gaps so that every student has an opportunity to “reach the finish line.” With the largest incoming class in years and a solid budget, he said the university is well-positioned to plan for the future with some stability.

Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman today announced a new partnership that will guarantee NMU employees and students priority access to high-quality child care at a reduced rate. Ann Arbor-based provider Gretchen's House, which operates 10 centers in the state, will open a facility with 35-40 available slots a few blocks from campus early in 2024.

Northern Michigan University's commitment to providing a comprehensive approach to wellness that revolves around intentional care for the whole person has taken a tangible step forward with the newly constructed WellBeing Center. The $6.5 million, 13,500-square-foot facility houses both the NMU Health Center and Counseling and Consultation Services.   

As part of the Student Affairs and Success administrative pillar identified by President Brock Tessman during his convocation, Northern Michigan University has revised its advising structure to better support the holistic needs of students throughout their time at the university. The goal is that most students will be assigned a dedicated adviser in the relevant program cluster who will attend to their specific needs from their arrival on campus to graduation.

Northern Michigan University has launched a new Aspire Summer Bridge & Scholars Program designed to help select incoming freshmen make a successful transition to college by jumpstarting their education before the fall semester.