Periodic Updates -Update #70
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
December 13, 2007
December Commencement Ceremonies
CMU’s fall semester concludes on December 15 with three commencement ceremonies in Rose Arena that include 2634 prospective degree and certificate recipients. Each ceremony will feature a guest speaker who will receive an honorary degree. The 9:30 a.m. speaker is Jerry Campbell, CMU Trustee Emeritus and Chairman of the Board, Citizens Republic Bancorp Inc.; the 1:30 p.m. speaker is Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land; and the 5:00 p.m. speaker is Joe Dumars, President, Detroit Pistons Basketball Operations. Sidney Smith, CMU Trustee Emeritus and President and CEO, Smith Equities Corporation, also will receive an honorary degree at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Congratulations to all graduates!
Reaffirming CMU’s Commitment to Diversity
As most people know, four nooses were found hanging in an engineering classroom in mid-November. CMU police investigated the incident along with the FBI. As criminal charges and processes are handled by the local courts, the police report has been turned over to the Isabella County Prosecutor’s office to determine charges. The CMU dean of students office and affirmative action office are proceeding in accordance with the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Disciplinary Procedures and Affirmative Action Protocol, respectively. Federal law (FERPA) prohibits the university from disclosing any information about discipline of any student.
The university unequivocally continues to denounce this act and what it represents. Intimidation will not be tolerated at CMU. I find nothing insignificant about this incident. There is so much to do to continue our important undertaking of raising awareness and educating everyone on diversity issues. It is up to each one of us to ensure fairness and equality for all human beings upholding values that embrace all people. This atrocious occurrence can only be used to learn and talk about the importance of inclusion — something most of us know is right and want.
I continue to call upon every person individually to do what’s right and treat all others with respect and be sensitive to others about what matters to them—even if it does not matter to you. One of many things that we hope students and others at CMU will learn is to embrace what can be learned from those who are different.
The expansion of diversity at CMU will continue to enhance the learning experience for everyone involved. Particularly in light of disturbing events, efforts to expand diversity will not only continue, they will accelerate. In the coming months, Associate Vice President Denise Green will also be working with our other colleagues to expand efforts to educate students and others about offensive and intimidating symbols that go against our efforts to welcome diverse groups to the university.
Finally, I appeal to everyone at the university to be professional, honest, and respectful in all of their interactions with each other. I am confident that I can count on everyone here to do what’s right.
Update on Diversity Charges and CMU 2010 Project
The status of plans submitted in response to the 22 diversity charges I issued a year ago (December 2006) was recently updated here. Realistically, diversity charges are not going to be effective unless everyone takes them seriously, everyone takes part in education that I mandated, and unless people at all levels of influence including senior officers, administrators, chairs, professors, and staff all invest in promoting diversity in sincere and thoughtful ways and in all of our interactions. Because diversity is such an important part of the learning experience, all members of our team are expected to support it—just as all employees are expected to support the mission of the university and its goals in various offices. Diversity is and should be supportable in every discipline and in every area. As a team dedicated to learning and the development of people, we must embrace diversity. How will you support CMU and support its inseparable goal of achieving diversity?
The CMU 2010 update available here includes information about the CMU 2010 funded "A Project to Explore Racial/Ethnic Diversity at CMU." To review the full report or its executive summary, go to this site. It highlights some of the key findings of the recently completed student diversity survey:
The last finding above causes me considerable concern. We all need to be sensitive to symbols and signs and how others may think or react to them. All who come to CMU need to feel comfortable being themselves. CMU will continue its many educational efforts and provide opportunities, such as the recent campus diversity forum, to expand our understanding of people who may be different from us ethnically or in other ways.
Board Chair and Vice Chairs Elected
Congratulations to Trustee Jeff Caponigro, who was re-elected chairman at the December 6 Board of Trustees meeting. Congratulations also to Trustees Gail Torreano and John Kulhavi who were elected to serve as vice-chairs. Central Michigan University is fortunate to have a highly talented board with dedicated members who work well together to advance this university.
Michigan Professor of the Year
Congratulations once again to teacher education and professional development professor Norma Bailey on being named the 2007 Michigan Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. The Carnegie/CASE award is considered one of the most prestigious awards honoring professors. We are all proud of Norma and the past CMU recipients of this honor, Gary Gagnon (2005), Mark Francek (2002) and Gary Dunbar (1997).
Next Phase of Medical School Feasibility Planning
At its meeting last week, the Board of Trustees authorized the university to enter the next phase of planning and continue its exploration of the feasibility of commencing a medical school or developing a separate track program in conjunction with an existing medical school. Michael Whitcomb, M.D., a senior executive at the Association of American Medical Colleges and former dean of the University of Washington and University of Missouri medical schools presented his preliminary feasibility study to the board, in which he highlighted the three primary needs associated with starting a medical school:
State Budget Update
The legislature passed a bill earlier this month to repeal the unpopular service tax, passed as part of the budget solution for 2007-2008. A surcharge on the new Michigan Business Tax, which goes into effect January 1, 2008 (replacing the old Single Business Tax), was added to replace the revenues anticipated to be lost from the service tax. We continue to watch closely state revenue projections for the current fiscal year. The university remains focused on the ever-important per-student funding issue. Though CMU is the state’s fourth largest university, it receives the fourth lowest appropriation per student. Please visit this site for the most current information and to learn how you can help advocate for higher education funding.
Revised Budget Model Approved
At the University Budget Advisory Council (UBAC) meeting on November 13, 2007, members heard recommendations from a budget model subcommittee. The recommendations, following months of study, are intended to restore and improve important aspects of the university’s responsibility centered budgeting system. Revisions to the existing budget model include the flow of state appropriations to the academic centers (colleges), an assessment dependent on an academic center’s actual revenue stream (as opposed to a fixed assessment on projected revenue), and the attribution of extended learning’s tuition revenue and instructional costs within the appropriate academic college. Following the presentation, UBAC members recommended acceptance of the revisions, which I approved. The revised university budget model will take effect July 1, 2008.
Emergency Notifications Update
Under the leadership of the Crisis Core Group, measures continue to be implemented to enhance communication in the event of an emergency. These measures include:
Commitment to Fundraising for Rose Center Expansion and Renovation
At its meeting last week, the CMU Board of Trustees affirmed its commitment to the renovation and expansion of Rose Center to transform it into a more modern and flexible multi-use events complex. The board plans that the approximately $20 million project will be funded entirely by private donations. Trustee John Kulhavi, Vice President Mike Leto, and Athletics Director Dave Heeke will lead this fundraising effort.
Senior Personnel Changes
Congratulations to Dean Bob Kohrman as he retires after 39 years at CMU. Bob has been a colleague and friend and I greatly appreciate all that he has done for the university. Thank you to Rich St. Andre who will begin service as interim dean of the College of Science and Technology in January. Searches are underway for both the CST dean and Health Professions dean positions.
I welcome Jeannie Jackson as CMU’s new Affirmative Action Officer. Jeannie is currently directing the Office of Equal Opportunity at Wayne State University and will come to Mt. Pleasant/CMU on February 11, 2008.
I offer my thanks to Steve Smith, who is serving as interim director of Public Relations and Marketing, and providing leadership to this important university function. A committee to conduct a national search for the associate vice president position is forming, which will be chaired by Vice President Kathy Wilbur.
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
December 13, 2007
| TO: | CMU Community |
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| FROM: | Michael Rao |
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| SUBJECT: | CMU Update 70 |
December Commencement Ceremonies
CMU’s fall semester concludes on December 15 with three commencement ceremonies in Rose Arena that include 2634 prospective degree and certificate recipients. Each ceremony will feature a guest speaker who will receive an honorary degree. The 9:30 a.m. speaker is Jerry Campbell, CMU Trustee Emeritus and Chairman of the Board, Citizens Republic Bancorp Inc.; the 1:30 p.m. speaker is Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land; and the 5:00 p.m. speaker is Joe Dumars, President, Detroit Pistons Basketball Operations. Sidney Smith, CMU Trustee Emeritus and President and CEO, Smith Equities Corporation, also will receive an honorary degree at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Congratulations to all graduates!
Reaffirming CMU’s Commitment to Diversity
As most people know, four nooses were found hanging in an engineering classroom in mid-November. CMU police investigated the incident along with the FBI. As criminal charges and processes are handled by the local courts, the police report has been turned over to the Isabella County Prosecutor’s office to determine charges. The CMU dean of students office and affirmative action office are proceeding in accordance with the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Disciplinary Procedures and Affirmative Action Protocol, respectively. Federal law (FERPA) prohibits the university from disclosing any information about discipline of any student.
The university unequivocally continues to denounce this act and what it represents. Intimidation will not be tolerated at CMU. I find nothing insignificant about this incident. There is so much to do to continue our important undertaking of raising awareness and educating everyone on diversity issues. It is up to each one of us to ensure fairness and equality for all human beings upholding values that embrace all people. This atrocious occurrence can only be used to learn and talk about the importance of inclusion — something most of us know is right and want.
I continue to call upon every person individually to do what’s right and treat all others with respect and be sensitive to others about what matters to them—even if it does not matter to you. One of many things that we hope students and others at CMU will learn is to embrace what can be learned from those who are different.
The expansion of diversity at CMU will continue to enhance the learning experience for everyone involved. Particularly in light of disturbing events, efforts to expand diversity will not only continue, they will accelerate. In the coming months, Associate Vice President Denise Green will also be working with our other colleagues to expand efforts to educate students and others about offensive and intimidating symbols that go against our efforts to welcome diverse groups to the university.
Finally, I appeal to everyone at the university to be professional, honest, and respectful in all of their interactions with each other. I am confident that I can count on everyone here to do what’s right.
Update on Diversity Charges and CMU 2010 Project
The status of plans submitted in response to the 22 diversity charges I issued a year ago (December 2006) was recently updated here. Realistically, diversity charges are not going to be effective unless everyone takes them seriously, everyone takes part in education that I mandated, and unless people at all levels of influence including senior officers, administrators, chairs, professors, and staff all invest in promoting diversity in sincere and thoughtful ways and in all of our interactions. Because diversity is such an important part of the learning experience, all members of our team are expected to support it—just as all employees are expected to support the mission of the university and its goals in various offices. Diversity is and should be supportable in every discipline and in every area. As a team dedicated to learning and the development of people, we must embrace diversity. How will you support CMU and support its inseparable goal of achieving diversity?
The CMU 2010 update available here includes information about the CMU 2010 funded "A Project to Explore Racial/Ethnic Diversity at CMU." To review the full report or its executive summary, go to this site. It highlights some of the key findings of the recently completed student diversity survey:
- The vast majority of CMU students recognize the value of diversity in higher education.
- Central Michigan University has expanded students’ knowledge of and experiences with diversity.
- Students of color are more likely than white students to enter college already having had experiences with people from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
- At CMU, students of color continue to have more varied and intimate contact with ethnically and racially diverse people than their white peers.
- Students of color are more likely than their white peers to engage in diversity related events and to use university offices.
- Students of color are more likely than their white peers to experience a hostile environment on and off campus.
The last finding above causes me considerable concern. We all need to be sensitive to symbols and signs and how others may think or react to them. All who come to CMU need to feel comfortable being themselves. CMU will continue its many educational efforts and provide opportunities, such as the recent campus diversity forum, to expand our understanding of people who may be different from us ethnically or in other ways.
Board Chair and Vice Chairs Elected
Congratulations to Trustee Jeff Caponigro, who was re-elected chairman at the December 6 Board of Trustees meeting. Congratulations also to Trustees Gail Torreano and John Kulhavi who were elected to serve as vice-chairs. Central Michigan University is fortunate to have a highly talented board with dedicated members who work well together to advance this university.
Michigan Professor of the Year
Congratulations once again to teacher education and professional development professor Norma Bailey on being named the 2007 Michigan Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. The Carnegie/CASE award is considered one of the most prestigious awards honoring professors. We are all proud of Norma and the past CMU recipients of this honor, Gary Gagnon (2005), Mark Francek (2002) and Gary Dunbar (1997).
Next Phase of Medical School Feasibility Planning
At its meeting last week, the Board of Trustees authorized the university to enter the next phase of planning and continue its exploration of the feasibility of commencing a medical school or developing a separate track program in conjunction with an existing medical school. Michael Whitcomb, M.D., a senior executive at the Association of American Medical Colleges and former dean of the University of Washington and University of Missouri medical schools presented his preliminary feasibility study to the board, in which he highlighted the three primary needs associated with starting a medical school:
- a suitable teaching facility for the first phase of medical study;
- obtaining necessary resources to fund the planning prior to student enrollment; and
- partnership agreements with health care entities to provide clinical experiences for students.
State Budget Update
The legislature passed a bill earlier this month to repeal the unpopular service tax, passed as part of the budget solution for 2007-2008. A surcharge on the new Michigan Business Tax, which goes into effect January 1, 2008 (replacing the old Single Business Tax), was added to replace the revenues anticipated to be lost from the service tax. We continue to watch closely state revenue projections for the current fiscal year. The university remains focused on the ever-important per-student funding issue. Though CMU is the state’s fourth largest university, it receives the fourth lowest appropriation per student. Please visit this site for the most current information and to learn how you can help advocate for higher education funding.
Revised Budget Model Approved
At the University Budget Advisory Council (UBAC) meeting on November 13, 2007, members heard recommendations from a budget model subcommittee. The recommendations, following months of study, are intended to restore and improve important aspects of the university’s responsibility centered budgeting system. Revisions to the existing budget model include the flow of state appropriations to the academic centers (colleges), an assessment dependent on an academic center’s actual revenue stream (as opposed to a fixed assessment on projected revenue), and the attribution of extended learning’s tuition revenue and instructional costs within the appropriate academic college. Following the presentation, UBAC members recommended acceptance of the revisions, which I approved. The revised university budget model will take effect July 1, 2008.
Emergency Notifications Update
Under the leadership of the Crisis Core Group, measures continue to be implemented to enhance communication in the event of an emergency. These measures include:
- Upgraded phones in classrooms to be used as emergency phones (completed 11-30-07).
- Upgraded cable system to allow takeover for emergency messages.
- Purchase of third party emergency notification system to enable rapid dissemination of messages by phone, email or text messaging.
- Modify outdoor blue light phones to broadcast an emergency message (consultant reviewing proposal).
- The Crisis Response Team is continually discussing many issues concerning emergency response at their monthly meetings.
Commitment to Fundraising for Rose Center Expansion and Renovation
At its meeting last week, the CMU Board of Trustees affirmed its commitment to the renovation and expansion of Rose Center to transform it into a more modern and flexible multi-use events complex. The board plans that the approximately $20 million project will be funded entirely by private donations. Trustee John Kulhavi, Vice President Mike Leto, and Athletics Director Dave Heeke will lead this fundraising effort.
Senior Personnel Changes
Congratulations to Dean Bob Kohrman as he retires after 39 years at CMU. Bob has been a colleague and friend and I greatly appreciate all that he has done for the university. Thank you to Rich St. Andre who will begin service as interim dean of the College of Science and Technology in January. Searches are underway for both the CST dean and Health Professions dean positions.
I welcome Jeannie Jackson as CMU’s new Affirmative Action Officer. Jeannie is currently directing the Office of Equal Opportunity at Wayne State University and will come to Mt. Pleasant/CMU on February 11, 2008.
I offer my thanks to Steve Smith, who is serving as interim director of Public Relations and Marketing, and providing leadership to this important university function. A committee to conduct a national search for the associate vice president position is forming, which will be chaired by Vice President Kathy Wilbur.
