The following Academic Affairs and Student Success Priorities have been selected for the 2025-2026 academic year to support the University’s Strategic Plan and to advance the core academic functions of the University.  

Our approach to this work is to achieve excellence through collaboration for long-term impact for students, the university community, and the region. 

Below you will see the nine strategies and the lead individuals for each strategy.  If you have questions or ideas, please contact the lead.  We will provide updates on the work through links to the various ongoing activities below. 

Close-up of a Northern Michigan University historical marker sign with text detailing its establishment in 1899. The background shows blurred trees and a sunburst effect through the branches.

Main Goal 1: Expand Participation in High Impact Practice
Experiences (HIPEs)

1. Continue building HIPEs Faculty Ambassador Program (Lead: Diana Lafferty)

2. Expand work-based, civic, and academic service-learning
opportunities in partnership with community (Leads: Leslie Warren, Katie Korpi, & Dave Nyberg)

3. Elevate faculty-student research collaboration (Lead: Susy Ziegler)

Main Goal 2: Advance Student Success Outcomes

4. Streamline the student success ecosystem (maximize the use of ESP; enhance connections between Student Success teams and academic programs) (Lead: Deni Brenes & Dale Kapla)

5. Implement and assess CircleIn in barrier classes (Lead: Rob Winn)

6. Identify efficiencies with transcript evaluations (Lead: Josh Santiago & Dale Kapla)

7. Expand options for flexible educational pathways for students (Lead: Steve VandenAvond)

Main Goal 3: Planning for Future

8. Identify and leverage data to inform decisions for continuous improvement (Lead: Jason Nicholas)

9. Integrate career prep into students’ academic journey at NMU (Lead: Deans and DHs)