The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees today approved three capital projects. It authorized $20.5 million for the Don H. Bottum University Center renovation. The two-year project will be completed in phases, with construction scheduled to begin in May.

The remaining capital projects include phase II of the forensic research laboratory on campus, at a cost of $150,000, and renovations to the Superior Dome football office and academic area. The latter would cost $700,000, but is contingent upon achieving a private fundraising goal.

In other action at today’s meeting, the board:

Ÿ-Approved a new bachelor’s of applied science (BAS) in management degree program through the College of Business, effective fall 2018 (see related story here);

-ŸElected Robert Mahaney of Marquette as chair of the board for calendar year 2018 and Steve Mitchell of West Bloomfield as vice chair.

-ŸAuthorized the NMU administration to charge a differential tuition rate for targeted online programs or partnerships with high schools and community colleges that is at or below existing published rates;

-ŸAgreed to change the name of Academic Information Services to Library and Instructional Support, effective Jan. 1;

Ÿ-Approved naming the Forest Roberts Theatre lobby the Lambda Chi Alpha Lobby;

-ŸAgreed that NMU will continue the 80/20 cost-sharing arrangement with employees for annual health care costs, pursuant to Michigan Public Act 152;

-ŸGranted professor emeritus status to Patrick Brown, biology, and Mary Jane Tremethick, health and human performance;

Ÿ-Approved the following Public School Academy board appointments: Kimberly Hedges, Bahweting Public School Academy, through June 30, 2020; David Bearss, Francis Reh Public School Academy, through June 30, 2018; and David Wiegand, North Star Academy, through June 30, 2020;

Ÿ-Approved board standing committee appointments. The finance committee will be composed of chair James Haveman and trustees Scott Holman and Lisa Fittante. The academic affairs committee will be composed of chair Tami Seavoy and trustees Rick Popp and Alexis Hart.