NAU’s Personalized Learning initiative has about 700 prospects in the pipeline and 20 enrolled students, according to Fred Hurst, senior vice president for Extended Campuses. Hurst said he believes that despite the “any time” starting date for Personalized Learning, more students will enroll when summer ends. Additionally, he said three additional majors may be added in the near future.
President John Haeger announced that George Mehaffy, vice president of Academic Leadership for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, will visit NAU Sept. 11 and 12. Mehaffy will meet with faculty and participate in a campus-wide forum to discuss the future of higher education. Details will be announced soon.
Other upcoming events of note are the President’s Welcome Back Picnic, Sept. 4; upcoming meeting at NAU by the Arizona Board of Regents, Sept. 26 and 27; and the President’s Campus Forum, Oct. 1.
Marc Burdiss, director of Emergency Management, announced a new website, nau.edu/ready, a one-stop shop for NAU Alert, preparedness information and emergency communication. The site, which is not yet live, will be mobile friendly and contain needed information in case of emergency. However, Burdiss said the day-to-day focus will be on pre-event communication.
A “very preliminary” update on NAU’s FY15 state operating budget request was presented by Pat Haeuser, vice president for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness. The request will include parity and performance funding, expansion of allied health programs, health and safety and deferred maintenance, and research infrastructure.
Laura Jones, associate vice president of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, presented the President’s Cabinet Report, focusing on student and advancement data as well as research and grants and contracts. The report also includes student success and progress rates.
NAU and American Campus Communities are moving forward with plans to add more housing to the existing residence hall on south campus, The Suites, said David Bousquet, senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. The project awaits approval from ABOR and the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Capital Review.
Christy Farley, vice president for Governmental Affairs and Business Partnerships, reminded cabinet members of the university’s and the Arizona Board of Regents‘ policies about lobbying and political activity.
Associate professor Astrid Klocke, president of the Faculty Senate, announced a brief ceremony with President Haeger to sign a joint statement of shared governance.
Several campus projects are wrapping up in time for the start of the fall semester, reported Jennus Burton, vice president for Finance and Administration. The University Union dining expansion will open in time for returning students and several classroom improvements have been made. Construction on the new science and health building is under way as well.
NAU student athletes have earned the university’s second Big Sky Conference Presidents’ Cup, said Lisa Campos, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics. She also reminded cabinet that the annual Wine & Dine in the Pines fundraiser at Snow Bowl is scheduled for Aug. 18 and tickets remain available.