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Northern Michigan University President Fritz Erickson held a virtual forum this afternoon to provide a COVID-19 update and confirm that NMU is “still on track” for a return to normal operations in the fall. He also addressed a request for an official commitment to carbon neutrality and proposed modifications to the university's strategic plan.

Jalen Sims of Waterford, Mich., will be the student speaker for Northern Michigan University's May 1 commencement. The graphic design major recalled an early project in which he had to create brand and marketing materials around a fictitious business. He came up with Home Grown seed packets, a nod to his passion for gardening and plants. That might have been prophetic. Sims plans to remain in Marquette to cultivate a farming career while pursuing an online graduate degree related to running an agriculture business.

NMU Dining launched a new Eco-Bag initiative this semester, providing more than 900 residence hall students with a free bag to reuse at all of its locations. The program was created in response to student concerns about disposable plastic bag waste generated by the increased reliance on takeout meals and snacks during the pandemic.

Northern Michigan University President Fritz Erickson announced the formation of a campus committee to conduct a national search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs. Carol Johnson, dean of the School of Business, will serve as chair. The 25 members comprising the committee include faculty, staff, students and administrators.

Several Northern Michigan University student organizations are collaborating to make Anderton's Earth Week 2021 the biggest celebration of its kind on campus. The April 17-22 event will feature three virtual presentations on innovative ways to reduce the carbon footprint and daily activities that promote environmental sustainability.

Northern Michigan University has canceled vaccine clinics for students scheduled today and tomorrow in response to calls from two federal agencies, the FDA and CDC, for an immediate pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. NMU's Health Center was notified last week it would receive an allocation of J & J single-shot doses and scheduled clinics in the hope of fully vaccinating students before the end of the semester.

Northern Michigan University's Department of Music is presenting a virtual faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15. The livestream event celebrates the retirement of two of NMU's longtime music professors: Robert Engelhart and Nancy Zimmerman. 

Northern Michigan University's Theatre and Dance Department will present the North Coast Dance Festival, an inaugural dance event. The live stream production is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22-Saturday, April 24.

Northern Michigan University criminal justice alumnus Jason Sides (BS) was appointed to the Michigan Correctional Officers' Training Council by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday. 

Northern Michigan University's Temaki and Tea and Smoothie King restaurant will offer only call-ahead and drive-thru service from April 12-23. Indoor seating will not be offered during that period to conform with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's recommendation that indoor dining pause for two weeks to reduce COVID-19 community spread.  

Northern Michigan University's Health Center has confirmed that it will receive an allocation of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine next week. Because it is administered with a single shot, students will have an opportunity to get vaccinated before leaving campus at the end of the semester. The clinics will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, April 13 and 14.

Northern Michigan University students have delivered cookies and brownies to various Marquette locations to express appreciation on behalf of NMU for the above-and-beyond efforts demonstrated by teachers, first responders and nursing home staff members during the pandemic.

Northern Michigan University's Theatre and Dance Department will present a live-stream production of its Spotlight Variety Show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15-Saturday, April 17.

Northern Michigan University's Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center will present "I Go on Singing: Paul Robeson's Life in Word & Song,” a multi-media musical documentary. Held in conjunction with the center's current exhibition, "Conflict and Resolve: Labor in the Upper Peninsula," the documentary is available from Friday, April 9-Sunday, May 30.

Northern Michigan University's annual New Business Venture Competition will culminate with a virtual “The Big Pitch” event from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 8. The competition is an opportunity for NMU students, either individually or in teams of up to five, to submit their plan for a new business and compete for cash prizes and business counseling services.

Northern Michigan University's 25th Annual Celebration of Student Scholarship is being reimagined as a virtual event this year on Wednesday, April 7, and Thursday, April 8. Undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines will share their work through oral and poster presentations, visual art installations and essay submissions.

Northern Michigan University's Department of Music is presenting its virtual Jazz Festival Opening Concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 8, and Closing Concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 9. 

Northern Michigan University will host a virtual panel discussion titled “Understanding the Jan. 6 Assault on the U.S. Capitol” from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, April 9. NMU professors representing four disciplines will share their perspectives.

Northern Michigan University will host a virtual panel discussion titled “Understanding the Jan. 6 Assault on the U.S. Capitol” from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, April 9. NMU professors representing four disciplines will share their perspectives.

Northern Michigan University President Fritz Erickson is seeking campus-wide input on proposed updates to NMU's strategic plan that reflect new priorities for the “post-pandemic phase.” The revised Investing in Innovation plan includes the additional focus areas of equity in systems and processes, along with mind/body wellness. It also includes two new strategic outcomes: advancing the rural agenda and moving NMU toward carbon neutrality.