Registrar's Newsletter - Office of the Registrar

Disability Services provides assistance for students who qualify under the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) to receive accommodations.

Students interested in requesting accommodations should contact Disability Services.

Disability Services
(located in the Dean of Students Office)
2101 Hedgcock
Phone: 906-227-1737
Email: disability@nmu.edu
Website: nmu.edu/disabilityservices

Human Resources provides assistance for employees of the university and applicants for employment who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act and amendments to receive accommodations.

An employee or applicant interested in requesting accommodations should contact Human Resources.

Human Resources
105 Cohodas Hall
Phone: 906-227-2330
Email: hr@nmu.edu
Website: nmu.edu/hr

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the university may release—without your authorization—certain information about you. This information is called "directory information."

However, you have the right to restrict the release of all directory information by completing a form available from the Student Service Center, C.B. Hedgcock, Room 2201. This may be done at any time during the semester.

You may also request to withhold directory information from the university online directory.

The following information may be released unless you specifically request otherwise:

• name
• local address, local telephone number, permanent address, permanent telephone number
• NMU email address
• dates of attendance at the university, enrollment status, degrees earned, honors, awards, participation in officially recognized university activities and sports(includes height and weight of student athletes), current term candidacy for degrees and/or teaching certification
• program level, class standing, major/minor
• photographs

Requesting a restriction of any of the above categories of information will result in a confidentiality indicator being set on your record. If your name is restricted, this means that you must transact all business in person or via the web. NMU staff will not be able to assist you over the phone, nor will the university acknowledge your presence as a student to outside agencies or in university publications.

Implications of Restricting Your Information

Exercising your right under FERPA to restrict your information has implications university-wide. If you restrict your name, you are telling the university that you do not want NMU to acknowledge your presence as a student to any outside agency in any way. This means that you will have to conduct all business either in person with proper photo identification or on your computer at MyNMU. Staff members cannot assist you over the telephone.

Restricting all directory information results in several issues students don't often realize. It means that your enrollment cannot be verified to any outside source such as potential employers, colleges or universities or medical insurance companies. Your name will not appear in any official university publication distributed to the public, such as the Dean's List, a theater or commencement program, and no information concerning your accomplishments can be provided to the media including academic, extra curricular, or athletic recognition.

A restriction that you place on your information lasts until you remove it, even though you may no longer be a student. If you leave the university with the restrictions in place, the university may not be able to verify to a future employer or anyone else that you had attended or graduated from NMU.

A full report on athletic program participation rates and financial support data can be found at:

https://nmuwildcats.com/sports/2021/8/16/information-policies-procedures-reports.aspx

A paper copy is available upon request at the Financial Aid Office or the Intercollegiate Athletics Office.

Financial Aid Office
2107 Hedgcock,
Phone: 906-227-2327
Email: fao@nmu.edu
Website: nmu.edu/finaid

Intercollegiate Athletics Office
B109 Superior Dom
Phone: 906-227-2105
Website: NMUWildcats.com

Federal regulations require that institutions provide enrolled and prospective students specific consumer information about financial aid, campus, facilities, student athletes, important resources and disclosures, as well as information to promote campus security and fire safety, and to prevent drug and alcohol abuse. Because of the nature of federal, state and institution guidelines affecting financial aid programs, the information contained in the consumer and safety section is subject to change.

Northern Michigan University is an equal opportunity institution and an equal opportunity employer.

NMU is committed to administering all employment, admission and educational policies and practices without unlawful discrimination, according to state and federal laws. These laws and policies are intended to ensure fairness in hiring, employee relations and benefits, student admissions, the provision of student services, and workplace and classroom accommodations.

Northern Michigan University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of ancestry, race, national origin, immigration status (unless restricted by State or Federal law and regulations), color, ethnicity, religion or creed, sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, height, weight, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law in employment or the provision of services. NMU provides, upon request, reasonable accommodation including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in all programs and activities.

In addition, Northern is committed to ongoing efforts that increase the diversity of its faculty, staff and students.

The Dean of Students Office, 2001 Hedgcock, 906-227-1700, handles student-on-student discrimination/harassment complaints.

The Equal Opportunity Office, 105 Cohodas, 906-227-2420, handles employee, applicant, and student employee discrimination/harassment complaints.

If you have questions, or if you believe that a violation or potential violation of state or federal non-discrimination laws has occurred, is occurring or will occur, please notify the Equal Opportunity Office or the Dean of Students, as appropriate.

Dean of Students
2001 Hedgcock
906-227-1700
Website: nmu.edu/dso

Christine Greer
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Student Success/Dean of Students
ADA 504 Coordinator - Students
Email: cgreer@nmu.edu

Equal Opportunity Office
105 Cohodas Hall
906-227-2420
Website: nmu.edu/equalopportunity

Janet Koski
Executive Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, Equal Opportunity Officer
ADA 504 Coordinator - Employees
Email: jakoski@nmu.edu

“Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech . . or the right of the people peaceably to assemble . . .” 
- First Amendment to the United States Constitution, excerpt.

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, apply to state entities through the 14 Amendment “incorporation doctrine” and therefore apply to Northern Michigan University as a state university.  

In light of recent events on campus, across the nation and throughout the world, during the summer of 2024 Northern’s leadership team and NMU’s legal counsel performed separate comprehensive reviews of the University’s policies, procedures, ordinances and student code policies related to free speech, free expression and the right to engage in political advocacy. The reviews revealed an appropriate level of protection for the safety and wellbeing of students, employees and campus visitors, as well as for unhindered daily operations while still providing
opportunity for free speech and free expression.

The reviews resulted in no changes to any student code policies, university policies and procedures and/or university ordinances. None were added, nor deleted at this time. However, the decision was made to create this website for easier access to those affiliated with free speech, free expression, and the right to engage in political advocacy.

"Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the holistic development of students, and the general well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals.  As members of the academic community, students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth."
- Preamble, Section 1.0 of the NMU Student Handbook

NMU has a deep and longstanding commitment to free speech and expressive activities.  The Preamble to the Student Code documents this commitment.  Free inquiry and free expression are essential to the mission of NMU.  

This web page is intended to serve as a resource for students, faculty, staff, and the University community as it relates to the policies, ordinances, and guidelines that affect free expression on campus. However, free speech and free expression are not without limits. 

While the University remains scrupulously content neutral when it considers issues related to free speech, many factors impact the inquiry. NMU, by law, must provide a learning and working environment that is free from discrimination or harassment based on personal characteristics including, but not limited to, race, sex, religion, national origin, and gender identity. 

In addition, the University must implement reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions, consistent with applicable law, to ensure that speech and expressive activities do not interfere with University operations or with the ability of students, faculty, and staff to access and participate in University classes and activities.  

Throughout this website, you will find links to policies, ordinances, guidance, and other University resources related to free speech and free expression. It is the hope of the University that this clearinghouse of material will help stakeholders understand the University’s approach to free speech and free expression as well as the context and limitations that surround the issues.

Learn more about Free Speech at NMU at: www.nmu.edu/freespeech

Institutions of higher education have been directed by the federal government to share information regarding student graduation rates.

Below are Northern Michigan University’s graduation rates by cohort based on the year that the students enrolled at NMU. These rates represent all first-time, full-time baccalaureate degree seeking new freshmen in their given cohort year. Cells with “n/a” are empty because those points in time have not yet passed.

Data for 2024 graduates will be available at the end of summer 2024 and can be requested from the Institutional Effectiveness Office by emailing kschoonv@nmu.edu or calling 906-227-2675.

Cohort    4 year    5 year    6 year    7 year    8 year
2018    34.8%    50.7%    n/a    n/a    n/a
2017    33.0%    49.4%    53.4%    n/a    n/a
2016    36.1%    53.2%    56.5%    57.9%    n/a
2015    32.4%    50.5%    52.4%    53.6%    54.0%
2014    28.4%    45.1%    49.7%    50.9%    51.5%
2013    29.4%    48.1%    52.5%    54.3%    54.7%
2012    25.5%    44.1%    49.3%    50.8%    51.7%
2011    25.3%    45.1%    49.8%    51.6%    52.5%
2010    22.1%    40.7%    46.7%    48.5%    49.3%
2009    21.5%    43.6%    49.4%    51.1%    51.9%

For more information on NMU graduation rates or other statistical data, check out the NMU Institutional Research website at: https://www.nmu.edu/institutionalresearch/graduation-rates.

Notice of Availability of Annual Security Report

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the university to report certain crime statistics on a yearly basis. Northern Michigan University's Annual Security Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Northern Michigan University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting NMU Police Department or by accessing the NMU Police Department website at: https://nmu.edu/policedepartment/clery-act-requirements. For additional information or questions about the Jeanne Clery Act, please contact Ken Love, Chief and Clery Compliance Officer.

In accordance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, Northern Michigan University is providing a link to the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registration Website. A link to this registry is also available on NMU's Police Department Website: nmu.edu/police.

This act requires Northern Michigan University to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement information provided by the state of Michigan concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in the state to provide notice to each institution of higher education in the state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation or is a student.

NMU complies with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 668.43 for the implementation of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended which requires disclosures about our programs that lead to licensure/certification by states. NMU established a landing page with links to basic information for all colleges. If there are applicable licensure disclosures, the link to the department page with 668.43-compliant information is found by expanding the unit, then scrolling to the “Licensure Disclosures” section (after “Bylaws”) at: https://nmu.edu/academicaffairs/colleges.

The following are the NMU programs that have been identified as leading to state authorization (licensure or certification) that is required to practice the profession students would expect the academic program to prepare them to practice. Most of the NMU programs subject to this regulation are in the College of Health Sciences & Professional Studies:

• Numerous programs in the School of Clinical Sciences.
• Department of Criminal Justice 
• School of Education, Leadership & Public Service (including secondary education programs offered in partnership with other colleges)
• School of Health & Human Performance master’s in Athletic Training
• School of Nursing 
• Department of Social Work

Additionally, one program, in Dept. of Psychological Sciences, in the College of Arts & Sciences; the College of Business prepares students for professional practice as Certified Public Accountants (CPA); and the College of Technology & Occupational Sciences has numerous programs that lead to various optional and/or certifications by professional organizations, but only one that leads to required state licensure, Cosmetology.

Faculty, staff, and students practice a variety of religious and spiritual traditions, which enhance the diversity of our campus community. NMU acknowledges that scheduling conflicts between required academic activities and religious and spiritual obligations are inevitable.

When an exam, assignment, or class conflicts with a religious or spiritual obligation, students should contact their instructors as soon as possible prior to the schedule conflict (generally a minimum of two weeks prior to the date or as specified by the instructor).

If advance notice is given by a student, faculty should work with the student to provide a reasonable accommodation to the request. The specific accommodations employed may vary from course to course depending upon factors such as the size of the class, nature of the course content, and mode of instruction. Students are not exempt from meeting course requirements or completing assignments in a timely manner as determined by the instructor. If applicable, students are responsible for making arrangements with a placement site (e.g., internship, practicum) to meet required obligations or responsibilities.

Northern Michigan University works diligently to maintain the highest level of integrity in all areas of its mission and daily operations. However, it is important that students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and other consumers of NMU's services know what to do in the event of a situation that involves suspected fraud, illegal, or unethical behaviors regarding consumer protection. In addition to the university's internal policy for reporting fraud and other consumer protection violations, NMU follows the federal guideline of providing a state contact where complaints can be filed. For information on filing a complaint, go to nmu.edu/consumer protection.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights are:

The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days from the day the university receives a request for access.Students should submit a written request to the office housing the records, identifying the record(s) he or she wishes to inspect.

The right to request an amendment to the student's education record that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Students should write the university official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record he or she wants changed, and specify why they believe it is inaccurate or misleading.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without written consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. A school official may include those who contract with the university to provide services.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202.

NMU's complete FERPA policy can be viewed at nmu.edu/registrar/ferpa.

Northern Michigan University is committed to providing education and support services that empower students, faculty, and staff. NMU is dedicated to creating a safe and respectful community that does not tolerate relationship violence (dating violence/domestic violence), sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation and sex discrimination), and stalking, collectively referred to as "Prohibited Conduct." NMU seeks to cultivate and support a community of sexual respect and safety.

If you or someone you know has experienced relationship violence, sexual misconduct or stalking, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or staff in the Title IX Office. All NMU employees are Mandatory Reporters and are required to report all potential Prohibited Conduct to the Title IX Coordinator.  

Harger Boal
Assistant Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator
105 Cohodas Hall
phone: 906-227-2416, email: hboal@nmu.edu 

Chad Allard
Equal Opportunity and Title IX Specialist
105 Cohodas Hall
phone:  906-227-2417, email: callard@nmu.edu

Janet Koski
Executive Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, and Equal Opportunity Officer
105 Cohodas Hall
phone: 906-227-2420, email: jakoski@nmu.edu

Northern Michigan University has always maintained a zero tolerance policy for copyright infringement; it is an integral part of the university's Acceptable Use Policy that all users of the NMU community must read and agree to before being granted access to the university network.

NMU purchased a software tool to monitor the network for illegal sharing of copyrighted materials (audio, video, and software), and has been using the software since August 2007.

A first infraction will result in a pop-up screen and warning email that will be sent to the offending network user informing them to stop the illegal activity; this will include a listing of the copyrighted material that was detected. In addition, the user will lose Internet access for a period of 48 hours from the time the infraction is recorded. Once the 48 hours has passed, the user will need to re-register their computer for access to the NMU network.

A second infraction will result in a pop-up screen and warning email that will be sent to the offending network user informing them to stop the illegal activity; this will include a listing of the copyrighted material that was detected. In addition, the user will lose Internet access for a minimum of 48 hours, and until the user resolves all infractions with the NMU HelpDesk. Once the infractions are resolved and a minimum of 48 hours have elapsed, the user will need to re-register their computer for access to the NMU network.

A third infraction will result in a pop-up screen and warning email that will be sent to the offending network user informing them to stop the illegal activity; this will include a listing of the copyrighted material that was detected. In addition, the user will lose Internet access for a 60-day period. Third infractions by students will result in Student Code charges and will be processed through the Dean of Students Office. Once the 60-day period has passed, the user will need to re-register their computer for access to the NMU network. Human Resources will handle third infractions for faculty and staff.

Those with questions regarding acceptable network and computer use should contact the NMU HelpDesk at 906-227-2468 or helpdesk@nmu.edu.