Cabinet highlights: Oct. 14, 2013

The Arizona Board of Regents is moving forward with its search for a new NAU president, according to President John Haeger. The deadline for executive search firms to submit proposals is this week, and a search committee is expected to be announced within two weeks.

Budget issues for the 2014-15 fiscal year are under discussion among administrators and departments. NAU appears to be facing “a good year, financially,” said Pat Haeuser, vice president for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness. Taking enrollment, tuition and fees and state appropriations into consideration, talks are focusing on both near-term and long-term considerations. Among the near-term issues are student-success programs; more efficient use of existing facilities; summer session tuition rates; technology; and dealing with growth. Longer-term concerns include instructional alignment with K-12; public-private partnerships; sustainability programs; and research growth.

Haeuser and Diane Verkest, associate vice president for Human Resources, also mentioned an upcoming wellness program for employees enrolled in Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The program would encourage participants to make healthy choices and save up to $260 a year on their insurance premiums. The program is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2014. Details will be announced.

Winter commencement will be Thursday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The proposed honorary degree recipients are awaiting approval from ABOR. Provost Laura Huenneke said the May commencement will feature five ceremonies.

Vice President Sarah Bickel urged cabinet members to become members of the United Way’s Summit Society by increasing their annual gifts.