At the Oct. 27 campus forum, Northern Michigan University Interim President Gavin Leach provided updates on the presidential transition, enrollment-related initiatives, facilities projects, and impacts of both the finalized state budget and federal funding cuts. Other staff members gave presentations on progress related to the Grand Challenges in “Our Compass,” Northern's strategic plan.
Presidential Transition
Incoming President Chris Olsen and his wife, Jennifer, are scheduled to visit campus Nov. 8-11. A welcome reception open to the campus community and general public is planned from 4:30-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in the Northern Center Ballrooms. Olsen officially begins his new role Jan. 1.
Enrollment and Recruitment
Leach continued to emphasize the importance of enrollment-driven revenue, which comprises two-thirds of the university's budget.
“Over the last 24 years, the state appropriation to NMU increased from $52 million to only $55.6 million, putting more reliance on tuition,” he said. “Where we're seeing weaknesses in recruitment, we're trying to develop micro-strategies such as targeted marketing, special recruitment events and developing direct admit programs with strategic high schools and community colleges. The Admissions team has also implemented same-day processing for applications and documents to expedite the process.”
Leach said NMU will continue to grow its Global Campus, which has experienced enrollment gains in recent years; expand its Northern Promise programs that allow high school students to earn college credit at their schools, online or on campus—in most cases, at no cost; and expand its marketing reach beyond the Midwest.
He also addressed the value of establishing “touchpoints” with prospective students earlier and more regularly. Examples include more effectively leveraging data collected from attendees at the many events held on campus, and establishing a pre-transfer concierge-type program that matches students with advisers who will maintain a connection to them while they're in community college, then guide them through the transfer to Northern. Leach added that Northern is trying to counter some recent declines in transfer students by streamlining the time it takes to complete the process to a three-day window.
Campus Project Updates
Harden Hall: The building slated to reopen at the start of next semester in January. Shelving is being installed this week, and furniture will begin moving into the fourth floor next week. A rededication ceremony for Phase I is tentatively set for Feb. 12. Phase II, which will create a student union-style space, will begin in May and conclude by February 2027.
Northern Enterprise Center (College of Business): While this project was approved for capital outlay funding, it is still awaiting construction authorization from the state. Leach said he is optimistic that will be granted by Thanksgiving or in December at the latest.
New Campus Apartments: The building on the west side of Presque Isle nearest Cohodas Hall is taking shape, with poured footings, foundation walls and framing underway. Crews expect to have the roof completed in January, allowing interior work to begin over the winter. Meanwhile, framing will continue on the second building on the east side.
Impending projects on campus include a flag display honoring the five U.P. Native American tribes, which will be installed inside the Superior Dome and dedicated during a ceremony at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11; and the installation of solar panels on the roof of the WellBeing Center, scheduled to begin in May.
State Budget, Federal Funding
While Michigan's latest state budget provided no base funding increase for universities, Leach said NMU received a 3% one-time allocation and successfully secured restoration of a prior funding reduction tied to the MPSERS pension plan. Federal cuts are affecting some campus programs:
- McNair Scholars Program funding has been eliminated, though NMU will cover costs internally through the academic year.
- WNMU Public Radio and TV faces a one-third reduction in federal funding. The station is pursuing donations, cost savings and strategic adjustments to maintain operations.
- The TRIO Student Support Services program will continue for three years, including this year, with funding from the NMU Foundation.
Leach said the ongoing federal government shutdown has resulted in a temporary hold on funds supporting ROTC and veterans' scholarships.
“During this delay, we are making accommodations for students receiving those funds to pay for their education,” he added. “This is the first direct impact on Northern I've seen since shutdown began. It would be more challenging if it was late December or early January and we were getting ready to issue financial aid to students. We'll be watching this closely, and we always try to work with students to accommodate them as best we can.”
Strategic Plan Update
Entering year two of the “Our Compass” strategic plan, the university continues progress related to the three Grand Challenges that embody Northern's mission, vision and core values. A brief summary of the forum presentations follows:
Grand Challenge 1: Supporting Our People
NMU received a $600,000 grant from the State of Michigan for the “Strengthening Pathways North” initiative aimed at increasing degree completion among American Indian/Alaska Native students while improving retention for all students.
Grand Challenge 2: Partnering with Our Place
Planning is underway for an Arts and Athletics District, including a feasibility study for a new performing arts center. The university has selected HDA Architects and Web Management to conduct the study, with guidance from a 17-member advisory council. SmithGroup will assist in developing the broader campus arts district and athletic campus plans. NMU is also conducting a regional impact assessment evaluating the university's economic, cultural and public health contributions to the Upper Peninsula, with results to be presented to the Board of Trustees in February.
Grand Challenge 3: Realizing the Potential of All Students
There are efforts to expand student access to “high-impact learning practices,” including internships, global learning, service learning and undergraduate research.
Before ending the forum, Leach encouraged faculty, staff and students to submit transformation ideas that might be included in future planning discussions to nmupres@nmu.edu.