MARQUETTE, Mich.—The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees has approved 2012-13 housing and dining rates. The annual cost of a standard double-occupancy room and the “constant meal pass” option will be $8,200, an increase of $230. The full rate schedules can be found at www.nmu.edu/housing.

            The board also authorized the university to continue in 2012-13 at a budget level no greater than the current year—with the exception of increases required by negotiated union contracts—until the state’s appropriation is determined and a new general fund budget is approved.

            In other action, the board:

▪Authorized a new Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, effective fall 2014;

▪Approved the demolition of Carey Hall, slated to begin in mid-June and last six to eight weeks, and received updates on other summer facilities projects. These include construction of the Renewable Energy Facility addition to the Ripley Heating Plant and installation of a new door access and security system that will improve efficiencies and enhance security if an emergency lockdown is required;

▪Approved the previously negotiated agreement between the university and the NMU Faculty Association, comprised of those teaching in programs primarily located in the Jacobetti Center. The contract was ratified by the union on April 11 and covers the period from Aug. 26, 2011 to June 30, 2013;

 ▪Agreed to grant a five-year charter to the South Pointe Charter Academy in Ypsilanti from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2017 and approved the following board appointments for the academy: Judith Smith, Joel Kirkpatrick, Gary Smolinski and Rodney Grober. The board also appointed Gregory Stevenson to the Walton Charter Academy board;

▪Accepted $57,800 in gifts and more than $956,000 in external grants;

▪Granted professor emeritus status to the following: Cheryl Peterson, mathematics; and Donald Rybacki, Karen Rybacki and Walter Niebauer, communication and performance studies. Also granted emeritus status to former trustees Larry Inman and Douglas Roberts;

▪Adopted a revised memorandum of understanding between the NMU Board of Trustees and the NMU Foundation;

▪Approved the results of a brand survey performed by Stamats Inc. and authorized the administration to proceed with proposed action steps toward announcing the brand promise; and

▪Participated in a focus discussion on proposed state formula funding models for higher education.

The next meeting of the NMU Board of Trustees is scheduled Wednesday and Thursday, July 11-12.