MARQUETTE, Mich.—The NMU Board of Trustees today approved housing and dining rates for the 2014-15 academic year. The annual cost of a standard double-occupancy room and the “constant meal pass” option will be $8,742, an increase of $254 to offset inflationary cost increases for utilities, food, health care and contractual compensation.

Trustees also authorized continuation general fund and designated fund budgets until new versions are approved pending a decision on state higher education appropriations. The budgets will not exceed the current level, except for increases required by negotiated union contracts.

Seven new degree programs gained board approval. Three are at the baccalaureate level: paralegal studies, neuroscience and information assurance/cyber defense. Four are at the master’s level: higher education in student affairs, post-secondary biology education, clinical molecular genetics and applied behavior analysis. Four academic programs were eliminated: the health education baccalaureate and master’s programs in biochemistry/chemistry, school counseling and nursing educator.

 In other action, the board:

▪Approved the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) tuition rate of $625 per credit hour and the DNP program fee of $12.50* per credit hour to cover instruction, equipment, supply and simulator costs.

▪Approved the following part- and full-time tuition rates for online master’s degree programs (full time is 8 or more credit hours per semester): master of public administration, $440/credit part time, $400/credit full time; master of higher education in student affairs, $440/$400; and master of science in clinical molecular genetics, $495/$445.

▪Agreed to offer a Faculty Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive Program to faculty members who are age 62 or older with at least 10 years of service to the university

▪Authorized the following capital/maintenance projects: $300,000 for the Norwood/Center Street Apartments roof replacement, about $2 million for costs associated with demolishing the old Jamrich Hall and moving Starbucks into the new Jamrich Hall; and $44,000 to renovate the lower level of Kaye House

▪Accepted about $28,800 in external gifts to the university

▪Agreed to grant Cheryl Teeters the status of professor emeritus of health and human performance

▪Acknowledged President David Haynes and Vice President Martha Haynes for their service to the university

▪Participated in a focus discussion titled “Broadcasting at NMU: A Collaborative Effort”

▪Received an update on the Higher Learning Commission accreditation process

 

*previously reported as $12.50 per semester, which was an error in the board materials