NMU's approach to developing Our Compass has been divided into three distinct phases: What Could We Do, What Should We Do, and What Will We Do.
Throughout Fall 2023, we explored what NMU Could do by reaching out to our community far and wide. This included students, alumni, faculty, staff members, parents, community members, and leaders throughout the Upper Peninsula, who all shared their thoughts and ideas with the University. As we entered the Should phase, this work was brought back to campus, and all of the great ideas were distilled into realistic and achievable strategies.
NMU is now in the Will phase, where a clearer picture of the future of NMU is emerging through the creation and regular updating of detailed Action Plans. Once complete, these Action Plans will be published at www.nmu.edu/strategicplan.
Additional details about each phase can be found below. Submit questions and feedback via this form or email ie@nmu.edu.
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What Could We Do
What Should We Do
What Will We Do
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What Could We Do
Fall 2023: Listening
Through the Community Visioning Dinner and Survey, internal and external stakeholders shared almost 3,000 comments in fall 2023 related to what NMU is today (Mission) and what NMU plans to become in the future (Vision). They have been organized into themes, which will be used as we consider refreshing elements of Northern’s mission and vision statements, and will contribute as building blocks for development of the next strategic plan.
Community Mission and Vision Survey
Northern partnered with national branding agency Ologie to better understand how our community views and connects with the university. Over 600 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members shared their vision for Northern's future, and several key themes emerged: our commitment to hands-on learning and real-world experiences, our strong sense of community, and our unique connection to the Upper Peninsula environment. Respondents emphasized the value of our academic excellence paired with affordability, while highlighting opportunities to strengthen our role as an engaged partner in regional sustainability and student success.
Learn more about how these insights helped shape NMU's refreshed brand identity Always North at https://nmu.edu/mc/always-north-brand-platform.
Community Visioning Dinner Findings
The Community Visioning Dinner was held on November 8th, 2023 and provided off-campus community members and valued partners a chance to share thoughts about the future of NMU. Guided by trained Student Facilitators, Community Visioning Dinner attendees took part in small group discussions around the university's purpose and vision for the future, and ways in which NMU and the community could better align for greater impact.
The video above features NMU President Dr. Brock Tessman and Associate Provost and Director for Institutional Effectiveness Jason Nicholas discussing the Fall 2023 event, key findings, and upcoming steps for Northern Michigan University.
What Should We Do
Winter 2024: Refinement
A number of engagement opportunities occurred during Winter 2024, allowing additional synthesis of the Mission and Vision Themes into Strategies, or how NMU's future goals will be achieved. Opportunities to engage with elements of the plan included critical conversations with the NMU Board of Trustees, students, and administrative leadership, in addition to a campus wide survey and guided conversation with University Assembly members. In all, more than 1,000 additional comments and ideas were captured and used to refine our direction.
NMU Board of Trustees Workshop
The NMU Board of Trustees Workshop on February 15th, 2024 brought together board members, administrators, and undergraduate and graduate student representatives for an interactive workshop on Northern's purpose and vision for the future. The group highlighted key focus areas for Northern Michigan University, including student support and success, sustainability and environmental stewardship, community partnerships, and accessibility. While discussing internal challenges, the participants emphasized NMU's commitment to enhancing student experiences, leading in sustainability efforts, strengthening community ties, and improving accessibility and affordability for all students.
Winter 2024 Mission and Vision Survey
The Winter 2024 Mission and Vision Survey engaged over 400 faculty, staff, and students in shaping Northern's strategic direction. Survey responses strongly endorsed academic excellence through hands-on learning experiences, while emphasizing the importance of affordability, sustainability, and meaningful community engagement. The campus community highlighted key priorities including safety, student wellbeing, and fostering an inclusive culture.
Survey feedback helped refine our strategic priorities by identifying critical focus areas such as our role as a rural-serving institution, expanding global perspectives, and strengthening our commitment to cultural inclusion. These insights continue to inform our strategic planning process through ongoing campus dialogue and collaborative refinement.
President's Leadership Council & University Assembly Workshops
The University Assembly on February 21st, 2024 revealed strong community support for enhancing hands-on learning and real-world experiences through expanded internships, community partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities. Key focus areas include improving curriculum flexibility, embracing sustainability, promoting diversity and inclusion, upgrading technology and infrastructure, addressing financial accessibility, and supporting student wellbeing.
The President's Leadership Council on March 19th, 2024 brought together over 40 campus leaders to evaluate potential mission statements for the university. Through voting and discussion, the group favored mission statements that combine a short tagline with a fuller description of our academic excellence and regional impact.
These collaborative sessions provided valuable insights that continue to guide NMU's future direction and strategic priorities.
Campus Engagement Sessions
Northern Michigan University's campus-wide Engagement Sessions revealed a community invested in the institution's future. Over 80 faculty, staff, and students participated in one of 12 online and in-person Engagement Sessions hosted between April 17th and 23rd, 2024. Participants emphasized aligning with NMU's core values while balancing regional relevance and global preparedness, and called for measurable outcomes and concrete implementation plans.
The Engagement Sessions highlighted desires to leverage NMU's strengths in preparing students for an interconnected world, focusing on immersive learning and holistic support. Participants stressed maintaining a comprehensive liberal arts foundation alongside regional development efforts. The commitment to wellbeing, sustainability, and equity was well received, with suggestions to extend these efforts campus wide. This input guided the refinement of NMU's strategic plan to enhance its impact and relevance.
President's Executive Council Workshops
After gathering extensive community input, Northern Michigan University's President, Executive Council and Office of Institutional Effectiveness engaged in a series of focused workshops to transform what we heard into clear and connected priorities with ambitious outcomes. The result was Our Compass, Northern's new strategic plan, setting our mission, vision, and priorities to reflect both community voice and institutional direction.
University 125th Celebration & Convocation
During the Fall 2024 Convocation on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024, President Tessman presented the final version of Our Compass, which emerged from extensive campus and community engagement. He introduced the three grand challenges that will guide NMU's future: Supporting our People, Partnering with our Place, and Realizing the Potential of All our Students.
These challenges are reflected in NMU's new mission and vision statements, increasing focus on empowering learners through meaningful experiences and connections. Dr. Tessman emphasized that, while the plan is ambitious, significant efforts to address these Grand Challenges will raise Northern's level of excellence.
What Will We Do
Summer 2024: Charting "Our Compass"
Building on insights gathered throughout the year, Summer 2024 was dedicated to authoring Our Compass, NMU's strategic plan. Collaborative discussions and analysis by the President's Executive Council, with support from the Institutional Effectiveness office, refined NMU’s new vision, Grand Challenges, and Strategies, and ensured alignment with institutional pillars.
NMU’s Grand Challenges and Strategies are intentionally cross-cutting, address multiple university priorities, and foster collaboration within campus and the surrounding community. Our Compass embodies Northern Michigan University's commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact, and sets a clear direction for growth and success in the coming years.
To bring Our Compass to life, Action Plans detailing specific tactics will be developed starting Fall 2024, with regular updates to follow. Follow progress at www.nmu.edu/strategicplan.