MARQUETTE, Mich.—The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees has approved 2013-14 housing and dining rates. The annual cost of a standard double-occupancy room and the “constant meal pass” option will be $8,488, an increase of 3.5 percent over last year. NMU ranks 11th among the state’s public universities for its combined housing and dining rate, excluding fees that vary among institutions.

The board also authorized the university to continue in 2013-14 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.

An executive committee report indicated that President David Haynes’ annual performance evaluation will be finalized at the board’s next meeting in July. The board also has started the search process for a new president. Haynes was appointed on May 12, 2012, and the board approved a three-year employment agreement through June 30, 2015. The terms stipulated that Haynes would serve the first two years as interim president. His third year would be split between assisting with special projects and/or consulting NMU’s new president, assuming a successful nationwide search, and taking sabbatical leave in preparation for his return to the faculty.

“After this meeting, we will contact our professional organization, the Association of Governing Boards, and ask a representative to do a session with the board in the next few weeks on how to run an effective, professional search for a new president,” said L. Garnet Lewis, NMU board chair. “Details regarding the search process will be forthcoming in the next few months.”

In other action, the board:

▪Authorized a new 45-credit hour certificate in industrial maintenance, effective this fall. The program prepares students for entry-level millwright positions or as an apprentice in a journeyman training program. It will allow students to enter the workforce sooner in response to industry demand by certifying their completion of core welding courses, which can also ladder into an industrial maintenance associate degree. Employment opportunities include fabrication facilities, ore processing plants, paper mills, wood processing plants and marine vessel fabrication facilities. 

▪Granted president emeritus status to Judith Bailey and professor emeritus status to the following: Mary Lynn Anderson, nursing; Thomas A. Hyslop, English; Barry Peterson, mathematics and computer science; and Darlene Walch, library science.

▪Agreed to donate old furniture being replaced in Spalding Hall, valued at nearly $38,000, to Marquette County Habitat for Humanity.

▪Approved public school academy board appointments, all of which expire in June 2015 unless otherwise indicated: James German and Ginger Stratton (through June 2014), Bahweting Public School Academy; Robert Wilson, North Star Academy; and Melissa Jimenez, Experiencia Preparatory Academy.

▪Accepted $11,500 in gifts.

▪Participated in a focus discussion on enrollment and trends associated with the health sciences programs.