Join Us at NMU’s Exciting Winter University Forum: Engage, Learn, and Connect!

MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University (NMU) recently held its biannual forum, led by President Brock Tessman. The meeting covered several important topics, including updates on diversity initiatives, student admissions, housing challenges, and upcoming campus construction projects.

Tessman shared that NMU has completed an internal review of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The good news? NMU is in compliance with the recent executive orders from the White House regarding these initiatives. This means there won’t be any changes to academic programs, admissions processes, or student organization policies, ensuring that the university’s commitment to inclusion remains strong.

“Inclusion will stay as one of our core values,” Tessman stated. He emphasized that the university’s mission and vision won’t change, but some language around DEI initiatives may be updated. Notably, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion might be renamed to the Office of Opportunity, Empowerment, and People. Similarly, changes are proposed for the Diversity Common Reader program and other related areas.

Interestingly, NMU has removed a specific target of having 10% of its student body identify as Native American from its strategic plan. The university’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Hub may also be rebranded as the NMU Opportunities Dashboard.

The university is facing a housing crunch, with the expectation that it will exceed its capacity again for the 2025-26 academic year. To cope, some dorms have started accommodating three students per room instead of two. However, plans for new housing are on the horizon, with a proposal to build 400 new beds expected to be ready by Fall 2027. This kind of growth highlights a broader trend in higher education: many universities across the U.S. are expanding facilities due to increasing enrollment.

In addition to housing, NMU is looking at construction projects that include a new science complex and enhancements to Harden Hall, expected to reopen in winter 2026. Tessman expressed optimism about these developments, stating, “The outcome will be well worth this period of disruption.”

With college enrollment steadily rising nationwide, primarily driven by first-generation college students, schools like NMU are faced with unique challenges. According to a recent report from the National Center for Education Statistics, enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions increased by about 4.5% from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023. This growth puts pressure on universities to provide adequate housing and resources.

As NMU navigates these challenges, it remains committed to its values of inclusivity and opportunity, ensuring it meets the needs of its diverse student body.

Source link

Front Page News,NMU holds winter university forum