By CHRISTIE MASTRIC

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved tuition and fee rates for the 2023-24 academic year. NMU also will invest $2.7 million in new initiatives that are expected to increase student access and enhance campus well-being, safety and the student experience.

The average cost for full-time resident undergraduates will be $6,845 per semester, a $338 per semester increase from last year’s rate of $6,507. Nonresident undergraduates will pay an additional $338 as well, while graduate tuition will go up by $33 per credit.

NMU Vice President for Finance and Administration Gavin Leach said the recommendation presented to the board was developed around estimated fall enrollment, inflationary cost increases for supplies and utilities, a projected state appropriation and key investments.

The tuition and fee increase falls within the hard cap outlined in the executive, House and Senate preliminary budget proposals, according to NMU. It would be adjusted accordingly if the cap is lowered in the final state budget.

“Northern remains committed to affordability while also recognizing the importance of making strategic investments on behalf of our students,” Leach said in a statement. “We are putting an additional $800,000 toward removing barriers by eliminating the application fee and increasing financial aid and support for our Tuition Advantage program and Bridge Awards. We’re also investing $1 million in student wellness and health promotions, child care initiatives and public safety.

“Remaining investments will fund enhanced academic programming and enrollment staffing, new technology development and community outreach, and maintenance of the university’s infrastructure. All support the new administrative pillars under President Brock Tessman’s realignment plan.”

The NMU Tuition Advantage program goes into effect this fall for qualified Michigan resident first-year students. It provides them with free tuition for four years by covering any remaining balance after federal, state and university funds are applied. More information about eligibility and covered expenses is available at nmu.edu/tuitionadvantage.

“I think it’s great that we’re still able to offer some of the most affordable tuition in the state of Michigan,” said Alexis Hart, chair of the finance committee and vice chair of the board, at Tuesday’s meeting.

Hart said the rates will allow NMU to keep up with inflationary perspectives and meet its contractual obligations for salary increases.

Board Chairman Steve Young said, “This is always a very difficult decision on our part. I think we’ve got some good momentum with our new president and some renewed energy and enthusiasm. Hopefully, what we’re doing here today will help further a lot of those efforts that are going on right now all over campus and in the community in general.”

In other action during Tuesday’s virtual meeting, the board:

• approved a donation of equipment from Medibio Limited valued at $14,820, to be accepted through the NMU Foundation for the NMU Department of Psychological Science. The donation includes five each of Zephyr HxM Smart, ResMed Apnealink Air Complete Set and Zephyr BioModule Sensor-Model BH3.

• approved a new tenure-track appointment for Elizabeth Mandeville, assistant professor in the Biology Department, and the following five-year appointments: Jane Milkie, associate dean/director in the School of Art and Design; Mark Shevy, head of the Communication and Media Studies Department; and David Wood, head of the English Department. The board also authorized a one-year contract extension for Leslie Warren, interim associate provost/dean-Library Information Services.

• agreed to rename two new academic programs as follows: applied sports psychology, master of science; and natural hair cultivation certificate.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.