Facade of Northern Center

NMU - A Community Citizen for Over 125 Years

At Northern Michigan University, civic engagement is central to who we are and how we serve. It reflects our shared commitment to strengthening democracy, addressing community needs, and contributing to the public good of the Upper Peninsula and beyond. Through civic learning and community engagement, NMU empowers students, faculty, and staff to develop the knowledge, skills, and sense of responsibility needed to participate meaningfully in civic life. By working in partnership with our communities, we strive to create positive, lasting impact for all.

For NMU students, it is about showing up for the places and people that shape your college experience. It means learning alongside community partners, understanding the unique history and challenges of the Upper Peninsula, and using your voice to help strengthen the communities you call home, now and in the future. Whether through coursework, service, leadership, advocacy, or civic participation, NMU supports students in turning learning into action and building the confidence to contribute thoughtfully, responsibly, and with impact.

Carnegie Foundation logo

RECENT RECOGNITION FROM THE CARNEGIE FOUNDATION!

“The Carnegie classification reinforces Northern's ongoing commitment to community service and involvement.” 

NMU President Chris Olsen

January 12, 2026

 

LEARN MORE
Students filling out MLK I March For signs

Grand Challenge 2: Partnering with Our Place

NMU is committed to focus on purposeful partnerships strengthens NMU’s connection to its community, fostering a thriving and resilient Upper Peninsula where Wildcats make positive impacts as career-ready, community-engaged citizens. 

Grand Challenge 2.2. Expand civic engagement and learning opportunities in order to empower students, faculty, and staff to address critical community issues and contribute to community and public good.

Purpose: To increase the number of NMU students, faculty, and staff who engage in purposeful participation in democracy and directly contribute to the public good of the Upper Peninsula.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT DEFINITIONS

Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivations to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.

Community engagement is collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.

Civic learning means the acquisition of the knowledge, the intellectual skills, and the applied competencies that citizens need for informed and effective participation in civic and democratic life; it also means acquiring an understanding of the social values that underlie democratic structures and practices. Civic learning prepares students for participation in community life in a democratic society.

Ways to Get Involved

NMU students, faculty and staff can access attend programs and get involved with on-campus and local community projects.

Check out these pages to learn more:

Superior Edge

The Hub for University events and volunteer opportunities

NMU Events

Yoopers United

2.2 Strategic Planning Team

Leslie Warren

Dean, Library & Instructional Support

Gwen Feamster

Graduate Administrative Assistant

Petra Hendrickson

Associate Professor, Political Science

Pat Lakenen

Director, Broadcast & AV Services

Don Ludemann

Instructor, Business Academic Service Learning Facilitator

Erik Maillard

Associate Director, Center for Student Enrichment

Ashley Shaffer

Associate Director, Residence Life

Renee Sheen

Associate Director, Employee Experience

Carter Wilson

Department Head, Political Science

Image of the Wildcat Statue