MARQUETTE, Mich.—The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees today approved a $110.5 million general fund operating budget for the current fiscal year. The budget increased $2.5 million over last year, mainly because of contractual obligations and inflationary adjustments.

The board also approved the facilities five-year master plan and the 2014-15 capital outlay project request. Both are required annually by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. The top three priority projects identified by NMU remain the following: renovation and addition to the Learning Resources Center; an academic facilities upgrade project involving Forest Roberts Theatre, the McClintock Building and the Physical Education Instructional Facility (PEIF); and the renovation of Cohodas Hall.

The board’s finance committee was updated on two construction projects: the new Jamrich Hall, where a traditional ironworkers’ “topping off” ceremony was held Wednesday; and the privately funded Wahtera Pavilion at the site of the former Carey Hall.

In other action, the board:

▪Elected Rick Popp as board chair and Sook Wilkinson as vice chair for the 2014 calendar year.

▪Accepted about $7,400 in items gifted to the university.

▪Participated in a focus discussion on the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), one of several pathways leading to accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.

▪Listened to a leater read by Popp recognizing legendary football coach Buck Nystrom for his contributions to the football program, university and community. A Buck Nystrom group will be holding special events over Homecoming weekend.