Northern has initiated the search for an architectural firm to guide the planned transformational renovation of the Jacobetti Complex into a Career Tech and Engineering Technology Facility. The $28.6 million project was included in the supplemental appropriations bill signed by former Gov. Rick Snyder in December. It calls for the modernization of existing classrooms, a new educational manufacturing design center and flexible laboratories for skilled trades learning and product/equipment testing and training.

Northern Michigan University has increased the number of credit hours students can transfer from regionally accredited community colleges from 64 to 90. The recently approved policy change will go into effect this fall. It recognizes the value of students’ past academic work at other institutions and aligns with the statewide initiative to create better transfer pathways that maximize the use of credits earned.

Invent@NMU has expanded its presence on campus with a remote kiosk located at Lydia Olson Library. A "New Year, New Ideas" launch event, with a chance to win an Apple iPad, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, on the first floor of Elizabeth and Edgar Harden Hall (formerly known as the Learning Resources Center).

Northern Michigan University Theater and Dance will present the world premiere of the full-length ballet, East of the Sun, West of the Moon. This twist on the classic Scandinavian folk tale features original choreography by director Jill Grundstrom and original music composed by Griffin Candey. The production is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, through Saturday, Jan. 26, in Forest Roberts Theatre. Admission is $15 for general public, $10 for students and $5 for NMU students. All theatre and dance majors and minors are invited to attend free of charge.

Singer-songwriter Annie Humphrey, the Native American Music Awards' 2018 Artist of the Year, will perform at Northern Michigan University on Saturday, Feb. 16. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. in the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre. Humphrey's performance is being held in conjunction with the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center's exhibition, Ancestral Women. Tickets are $5 for the general public and $1 for NMU students.