Cabinet highlights: Feb. 17, 2014

New scheduling software for on-campus meeting spaces was unveiled by Matt Tantau, assistant director for Campus Services and Activities. The centralized system will allow both on- and off-campus users to explore their options for large group meetings and to learn about costs and policies. Tantau said the system continues to evolve and he welcomes input from campus sent to Matthew.Tantau@nau.edu.

Christy Farley, vice president for Government Affairs and Business Partnerships, reminded Cabinet of the state-mandated restrictions on lobbying and advocating on behalf of the university. She said university employees also are limited as to how they can expend state funds for inviting elected officials to events. If anyone has questions, email Christy.Farley@nau.edu.

The presidential search continues to move forward as the search committee was announced and members met Tuesday and Wednesday on the Flagstaff campus. Members of the Arizona Board of Regents and the firm Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates will lead the search. To nominate an individual for presidency at Northern Arizona University, send information to Chad Sampson or Alberto Pimentel.

NAU’s preliminary tuition recommendation is due to the Arizona Board of Regents this week, said Pat Haeuser, vice president for Budget and Institutional Effectiveness. NAU’s tuition and fee proposal will be announced next month and public discussion will be scheduled. Regents will vote on the proposal in April.

The annual Leadership Retreat is scheduled for Feb. 28 in the High Country Conference Center. Nearly 80 individuals from across campus will meet to discuss and recommend upcoming budget expenditures after hearing presentations from vice presidents.

Jennus Burton, vice president for Finance and Administration, said regents have approved the planned NAU aquatic and tennis center, but it still awaits the OK from the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Capital Review. Burton said the university is hoping to break ground on the 18-month project in April.

President John Haeger visited the state Legislature last week to discuss NAU’s budget request and a system-wide $1 billion bonding request for research infrastructure. Farley described the talks as “very positive.”