Convocation Addresses 'Grand Challenges,' Free Speech

In his fall convocation in advance of the new academic year that begins Monday, Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman outlined a trio of "grand challenges" that NMU will focus on moving forward, and updated the university's core values and mission/vision statements. All are included in the close-to-final version of the "Our Compass" strategic plan, and were the direct result of extensive engagement opportunities on campus and in the community last year.

"The strategic plan revolves around three grand challenges with ambitious strategies and powerful outcomes," Tessman said. "It is bold and action-oriented, and streamlined so we can tackle big things. Some who've reviewed it have asked if I really believe these results can be achieved. The honest answer is I don't know-some are truly stretch goals. But here's what I do know: If we travel a positive path toward these outcomes and make significant progress, we will be celebrating terrific achievements that will truly raise Northern's level of excellence. At this point, the plan is a framework for fine-tuning specific strategies in the coming months."

The grand challenges are listed below:

1. Supporting People: This highlights the interconnectedness of people, place and the planet. Embracing the Okanagan Charter and its Calls to Action, along with NMU's commitment to honor and nurture the role of Indigenous people and perspectives, will ensure all Wildcats have the opportunity to thrive professionally and personally.
2. Partnering with Place: Increasing the focus on purposeful partnerships strengthens NMU's connection to its community, fostering a thriving and resilient Upper Peninsula where Wildcats make positive impacts as career-ready, community-engaged citizens.
3. Realizing the Potential of all students: NMU is driven to prepare its students for success in an ever-changing world. Increasing focus on high-impact practices, comprehensive advising and flexible learning formats/credentials will provide all students the equal opportunity to graduate on time and achieve lifelong success.

The trio is reflected in the university's new vision statement: "Like the lake that inspires us, Northern Michigan University will be known as Superior-in the ways we support our people, partner with our place, and realize the potential of all our students."

Northern's new mission statement, which is pending Board of Trustees approval, reads: "Northern Michigan University empowers learners with distinct and meaningful experiences that open doors to extraordinary opportunities. Our purpose is to foster close connections between learners, leaders, communities and the natural environment in order to nurture and inspire creative problem solvers, critical thinkers and responsible citizens dedicated to promoting the health and vitality of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan and beyond."

Well-being has been added as a stand-alone core value based on its elevated priority status at NMU. The other distinctively Northern core values are: community, opportunity, rigor, environment, inclusion, connections and innovation.

Given the current climate of political polarity, Tessman also addressed free speech and expression, academic freedom and political advocacy. The NMU leadership team spent a significant portion of this summer reviewing related elements of the student code and university policies, procedures and ordinances.

"Both the team and university legal counsel came to the same conclusion: Northern's existing policies are strong and up to date, and there are no recommended additions, deletions or changes, "he added. "Here's the bottom line: Northern will advocate for free speech and expression- including that which may offend members of our campus - unless there is a safety concern, a violation of policy or a disruption to operations. This is what defines a democracy. We want to be the example of a place where individuals can disagree and still respect and take care of each other."

A new Free Speech at NMU website offers quick and comprehensive access to related information. It also includes campus contacts for assistance in facilitating free speech and expression advocacy activities in ways that do not violate university policies.

Tessman briefly touched on enrollment, saying he is pleased that, for a second year, Northern is "bucking the trend" of many institutions and seeing growth rather than decline. Official numbers won't be released until the 10th day count on Sept. 9, but "we have every reason to believe that the gain is solid," he added.

Enrollment factors in to the following list of 10 vital indicators Tessman and the Executive Council developed to routinely monitor the health of the university:

1. Headcount
2. Retention
3. Completion
4. OPPORTUNITY Gaps (ensure even distribution across different student groups)
5. Career Placement
6. Student Experience
7. Employee Experience
8. External Giving
9. AASHE STARS Score
10. University Bond Rating

Convocation ended with a standing-ovation performance of the new alma mater anthem, Northern Pride, composed for the 125th anniversary by NMU Communication and Media Studies Professor Dwight Brady. NMU Director of Choirs Erin Colwitz sang harmony on the piece and provided the keyboard accompaniment.