Trending
MARQUETTE -- The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a new five-year facilities master plan during a special meeting on Monday, which also included votes to accept the university’s audited financial statements and ratify a new labor agreement, according to an NMU news release.
The newly approved five-year facilities plan lays the groundwork for the development of a new NMU Arts District. A central component of the project is a major renovation of Forest Roberts Theatre, which will expand square footage to accommodate a new scene construction shop, an upgraded Blackbox Theatre and a state-of-the-art media creation lab equipped with a live recording room, sound editing booths and post-production workspaces.
The board formally accepted the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2025-26 following a presentation from Rehmann Robson, the firm contracted to conduct the audit.
Trustees approved a one-year contract with Local UAW 2178, representing the university's Administrative Professional union, following union ratification on Sept. 30. Effective Oct. 1, the agreement includes a 2 percent increase in annual base wages, a one-time payment equal to 1 percent of base wages, additional mediation steps within the grievance process and updated leave language to comply with Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act.