East Michigan News

The Central Michigan University (CMU) Board of Trustees has approved a $443.2 million operating budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This budget aims to support academic programs, student services, and strategic priorities aligned with CMU’s strategic plan, according to Mary Hill, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services.

Key investments include health professions, the Institute for Transformative Dialogue, the Public and Applied Liberal Arts program, and Michigan's only accredited online counseling program. The budget also emphasizes diversity initiatives and critical student support services such as the Counseling Center and mental health first-aid training.

CMU President Bob Davies described the budget as responsible, reflecting efforts to achieve cost savings. Trustee Edward Plawecki Jr. noted that recent cuts have been minimal due to past actions aimed at maintaining financial stability.

Tuition rates for the upcoming academic year were also set. Domestic lower-level undergraduate tuition will increase by $19 per credit hour, while international undergraduate tuition will rise by $25 per credit hour. Graduate programs will see increases between $40-$43 per credit hour. Despite these changes, CMU maintains one of the lowest cumulative tuition rate increases among Michigan public universities since 2016.

Hill stated that proposed tuition rates were included in financial aid packages already sent out to students. Additionally, 88% of CMU undergraduates receive financial aid from various sources, with 81% receiving non-repayable aid.

President Davies highlighted the long-term value of a CMU degree, citing U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing higher lifetime earnings for college graduates. He also referenced CMU’s First Destination Survey indicating nearly 94% of graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.

Housing and food rates will increase by an average of 4.8%, with no price increase option available for returning students choosing certain living arrangements. Meal plans have been restructured to offer equal pricing across all residential meal plans.

Vice President Jennifer DeHaemers reported positive enrollment trends for the fall semester despite challenges with FAFSA processing times. She noted a double-digit increase in new student metrics compared to last year and a 1.2% rise in retention rates.

During his report, President Davies congratulated Trustee Edward Plawecki Jr., who will receive the Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award from the State Bar of Michigan. He also acknowledged Don Uzarski and Tom Masterson for their service at CMU.

Davies shared findings from the National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement report showing an 11% increase in student voter participation since 2018, exceeding national averages by 15%. He praised recent university events including a successful Diversity Symposium and Juneteenth celebration.

Vice President Jennifer Cotter announced that CMU is on track to close its most successful fundraising year in history with over $25.4 million raised so far this fiscal year.

Provost Nancy Mathews presented an update on CMU’s new 20-year academic vision titled “Elevating the Human Condition,” which includes strategies for transformational change over two decades.

Interim Vice President Stan Shingles outlined five priorities for Student Affairs focusing on mental health training and filling vacant positions. The division has hired Kacey Perez as Director of Indigenous Affairs following a national search.

Melissa Hutchinson from the Counseling Center reported success with an embedded counselor program making outreach more accessible to marginalized students and securing permanent funding for after-hours crisis intervention services.

Symantha Dattilo updated trustees on increased demand at the student food pantry which now operates five days per week thanks to partnerships with distributors lowering expenses.

Trustees approved significant investments in campus IT infrastructure through a multi-year partnership with Hewlett-Packard aimed at upgrading equipment campuswide.

In response to concerns raised by the Student Government Association (SGA), President Davies announced changes eliminating a non-refundable withdrawal fee and restructuring tuition refund policies effective this fall semester.

The Board also approved an optional $5 sustainability fee proposed by SGA to fund sustainability projects managed by elected students who can opt out each semester if desired.

Trustee Denise Williams Mallett provided updates on selecting CMU’s next president noting progress reaching potential candidates through targeted advertising resulting in contact with over 3,000 individuals so far.

Trustee Todd Anson reported ongoing engagement with community partners in Saginaw's Medical Diamond project aimed at expanding medical education within Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay region due to growing physician demand.

Several other items were approved or accepted during Tuesday's meeting including electronic copies soon available online via Office Of The President webpage along meeting minutes added Board Trustees webpage post-approval next meeting.