Strategic Plan

Northern Michigan University's Safety Department received two chairs made from recycled nitrile gloves, a thank-you gift for participating in RightCycle's personal protection equipment (PPE) recycling program. NMU diverted more than 500 pounds of single-use glove waste from the landfill last year and is preparing to ship another box weighing about 300 pounds. 

The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health announced the winners of its essay competition for high school seniors on National Rural Health Day Nov. 18. This year's topic was the shortage of paramedics and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel in the Upper Peninsula, which was exacerbated by the pandemic. Students were asked to address how EMS agencies and communities could interact and build and strengthen relationships that would enhance recruitment, retention and overall success.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University will present a workshop, jam session and concert related to the Métis fiddling tradition Nov. 17-18, featuring Jamie Fox of the Aaniih and Nakoda tribes of Montana. The Métis are members of ethnic groups native to Canada and parts of the United States, who trace their descent to both Indigenous North Americans and European settlers. 

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance is offering a new bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree in acting, beginning in fall 2022. The acting major offers students traditional and specialized training, including acting for film, Shakespeare and commercials, as well as voice acting and pantomime. 

Northern Michigan University will celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November with a series of presentations and other activities on campus and in the community.

Northern Michigan University's indoor agriculture and construction management programs are partnering with the True North Treks Foglia Foundation WALDEN Institute, a wilderness retreat facility built into the cliffs of Lake Superior near Au Train, where young adults with cancer can connect with nature. 

The Northern Michigan University Foundation has released a five-year impact report on strategic changes implemented to support fundraising for NMU. The report details enhancements in four focus areas that put the NMU Foundation in a better position to secure and manage major gifts to support innovative strides in learning, teaching, programming and operations.

Northern Michigan University honored Indigenous Peoples' Day Oct. 11 with an unveiling ceremony for a new sign on the academic mall acknowledging that the campus is located on the ancestral homelands of the Anishinaabe Three Fires Confederacy. The event included songs by the Morning Thunder Drum, speakers and a group procession to the Center for Native American Studies' fire site near Whitman Hall.

A free book launch party for Dorothy Paad's "Dance Your Dance, Sing Your Song," based on her positive experience overcoming challenges related to cerebral palsy and other factors to achieve her goal of taking dance classes at NMU, will be held Thursday, Sept. 23. The event is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. at NMU's Forest Roberts Theatre. It will feature a dance performance by NMU students, a book signing, light snacks and refreshments, and posters and other related items available for purchase. Masks are required.

Northern Michigan University's indoor agriculture program has received a special delivery to enhance education, research and partnership opportunities. A new shipping container that houses a state-of-the-art growing center is located just outside of the Jacobetti Complex. Its operation will be supervised by students and the produce it generates will be distributed to NMU's hospitality management program and campus dining facilities.