$200M student housing plan finalized at Eastern Michigan University
YPSILANTI, MI - The $200-million plan to overhaul Eastern Michigan University student housing is a go after Thursday’s approval by the university’s Board of Regents. The regents finalized the plan presented to them by Gilbane Development Company of Rhode Island during their June 16 meeting to finance its “Welcome Home 2025″ initiative.
mlive.comRoe v. Wade reversal would be ‘nightmare scenario’ at University of Michigan, official says
ANN ARBOR, MI - A potential U.S. Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade could come with a bevy of negative effects at the University of Michigan, Board of Regents Chair Jordan Acker said Sunday. Many Michigan Democrats fear the overturning of Roe would activate a 1931 state law that makes any attempt to procure a miscarriage a felony. Acker and Nessel have called the 1931 law “draconian.”“Our faculty will look the same way,” Acker wrote. The 1931 Michigan law does not allow for exemptions in these instances. Whitmer sues in attempt to strike down Michigan’s 1931 abortion lawGuaranteed abortion access a fight Michigan Democrats say they aren’t giving up onMost abortions happen in first trimester, and other facts about Michigan abortion rates
mlive.comUniversity of Michigan regents OK $52M project at former Dexter book manufacturing building
DEXTER, MI - A longtime Dexter book manufacturing facility could see new life as a part of University of Michigan Health’s pharmacy program under a multi-million dollar plan given the green light by the university’s Board of Regents. On Thursday, March 24, the regents unanimously approved the purchase of the building at 7300 West Joy Road for $6 million, pending final due diligence, and a $52-million development plan for the facility that once housed Thomson-Shore, Inc.
mlive.com15 student groups urge faster timetable for carbon neutrality from University of Michigan
ANN ARBOR, MI - Several University of Michigan student groups have drafted an open letter to the Board of Regents and university leadership urging further climate action. Among other things, it demands a faster timetable than 2040 for UM to achieve carbon neutrality. The groups also want climate action to be considered when the next university president, provost and leader of its carbon neutrality strategy are selected. However, the 2040 carbon neutrality goal is “insufficient,” according to the letter. The students point to the former President Mark Schlissel’s Commission on Carbon Neutrality’s recommendations that Scope 1 emissions reach carbon neutrality by 2025, and are completely eliminated by 2040.
mlive.comNew University of Michigan student rec center now expected to cost $165M
ANN ARBOR, MI - The estimated price tag for a replacement student recreation building at University of Michigan has increased to $165 million after a Board of Regents vote. The future 200,000-square-foot sports center will replace the Central Campus Recreation Building, commonly known as the CCRB and located on 401 Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor. Funding is coming from university reserves and the Student Life Student Fee for Facility Renewal. UM’s North Campus Recreation Center wrapped up its $17.3 million renovation in 2018, while the university’s Intramural Sports Building unveiled its $22 million space in September 2016. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Required oversight of University of Michigan sexual misconduct policies lynchpin of court settlementRock ‘n’ Roll professor, University of Michigan finally served in sexual harassment lawsuit$920 million Michigan Medicine hospital project on budget despite pandemic delay
mlive.comMichigan approves new $41 million scoreboard project
The new $41 million project to replace the scoreboards at Michigan Stadium is a go. Rob Rademacher, executive senior associate athletic director and chief operating officer, provided the public a line-item look at the costs. While the two video boards themselves are only expected to cost $12 million, Michigan plans to spend an additional $12 million on infrastructure, site work and design to help get them up. In addition, the project calls for an $8 million upgrade to the production studios at Crisler Center, which serves multiple athletic facilities across campus, including Michigan Stadium, Yost Ice Arena, field hockey, baseball, softball and indoor track. The school last replaced the scoreboards inside Michigan Stadium in 2011, and haven’t upgraded the production equipment inside Crisler since 2013.
mlive.comWith $41M Michigan Stadium scoreboards proposed, a look at other NFL and college renovation costs
It’s a big price, and big project — work isn’t expected to be completed until the fall of 2023, nearly 18 months from now — that will bring Michigan Stadium’s audio/visual setup up to date, the department says. “The existing Michigan Stadium video scoreboards were installed in 2011 and have exceeded their anticipated service life,” Manuel wrote in a action request letter to Michigan’s Board of Regents. According to OregonLive, the project cost $12 million. It's one of the biggest center-hung scoreboards in college sports and one of the largest in the country. According to AL.com, that project cost $13.9 million.
mlive.comUniversity of Michigan facing historically ‘tumultuous’ time, expert says. How does it move forward?
ANN ARBOR, MI - In 1863, the University of Michigan dealt with a crisis in leadership when the Board of Regents made an unpopular move to fire President Henry Phillip Tappan. Only two of the 10 regents had college degrees, thus the majority of the group perceived Tappan was elitist and removed him for the personality clash. Students and faculty largely hated the decision, according to the UM Heritage Project.
mlive.comInterim University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman outlines ‘priorities for the coming months’
University of Michigan interim President Mary Sue Coleman, who has taken over the position in the wake of Mark Schlissel’s removal, issues a message to the community last week to address her “priorities for the coming months.”
Mark Schlissel’s firing reveals hypocrisy at University of Michigan, sexual abuse survivors say
ANN ARBOR, MI - Robert Stone has not had many reasons to smile when thinking about the University of Michigan, his alma mater, the last few decades. A survivor of sexual abuse by the late Dr. Robert Anderson, Stone prompted the university investigation into Anderson in a letter written in July 2018. Ultimately, though, Stone and fellow gay Anderson survivor Keith Moree said they each find Schlissel’s actions demonstrate their alma mater’s hypocrisy regarding sexual misconduct. Read more: New University of Michigan president addresses community after Mark Schlissel’s firingHundreds of survivors, many identified as John Doe, filed a federal lawsuit in June 2020 over UM’s alleged role in Anderson’s abuse. “Over time if this continues, a degree from UM will just be an embarrassment.”Read more from MLive:Why did University of Michigan fire Mark Schlissel?
mlive.comUM sells downtown Flint property for $8.5M, official says tower no longer needed
FLINT, MI -- The University of Michigan has agreed to sell its University Tower building in downtown Flint for $8.5 million, saying the property is no longer needed “due to changing priorities.”UM’s Board of Regents agreed on Thursday, Dec. 9, to sell the 10-story tower to Genesee County, which plans to consolidate workers from multiple county office buildings in the downtown area into the structure at 324 S. Saginaw St.
mlive.comUniversity of Michigan president stepping down in 2023
ANN ARBOR, MI - University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel will step down from his role in June 2023. The future resignation, announced Tuesday, Oct. 5, is one year earlier than the end of his current contract, which runs through 2024. The leadup to his stepping down will “support a smooth and thoughtful leadership transition for the university,” Schlissel said in a statement. “I appreciate the leadership of President Schlissel throughout his term and know that he is going to continue to work hard to advance our great institution,” said Regent Chair Jordan Acker. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:University of Michigan president is getting a 3% raise despite delayed performance reviewUniversity of Michigan faculty blast COVID-19 remote learning rulesNew policies wouldn’t have stopped former provost’s sexual harassment, argues University of Michigan faculty
mlive.comUniversity of Michigan president is getting a 3% raise despite delayed performance review
ANN ARBOR, MI - University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel was given a 3% pay raise at Thursday’s Board of Regents meeting. Schlissel’s performance evaluation was delayed, and no explanation for the raise was given at the meeting other than Schlissel’s “leadership.”Acker later released a statement explaining the raise. There was no additional comment from the regents about the pay raise, and Schlissel offered his thanks. The performance review was delayed due to the head of the personnel committee being out of town, Acker wrote on Twitter after the meeting. This is the second time Schlissel’s performance review has been delayed, including last year’s delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
mlive.comAttorneys drop Open Meetings Act lawsuit against University of Michigan
ANN ARBOR, MI - A lawsuit that took aim at the University of Michigan’s public comment policy at Board of Regents meetings is dead, according to Michigan Court of Claims records. Attorneys representing survivors of the late Dr. Robert Anderson’s sex abuse during his time with the university accused UM of limiting public comment on the case. The current speaker limit is five people per topic, according to UM policy. The survivors’ attorneys submitted a stipulation to dismiss the case after discussions between attorneys on both sides, said Okemos-based attorney Mick Grewal on behalf of some of the survivors. Read more: Regents ‘censoring’ University of Michigan sexual abuse survivors, according to new lawsuit“We hope that they’re going to allow all our clients to speak,” Grewal said.
mlive.com‘Give us our humanity, dignity back,’ man abused by University of Michigan athletic doctor tells regents
ANN ARBOR, MI – A survivor of late University of Michigan athletic doctor Robert Anderson came forward Thursday at the Board of Regents meeting. Clubb, an Eastern Kentucky University graduate, did not attend UM, but offers support to those who did and also were abused by Anderson. Clubb then addressed the board about the accountability he said regents and university officials should take regarding sexual misconduct on campus. READ MORE:Bo Schembechler’s son goes public with claims of sexual abuse by ex-Michigan doctorWho knew? A deeper look into report on University of Michigan doctor’s sexual abuseUniversity of Michigan officials could have stopped abuse by late athletic doctor, report finds
mlive.comDozens of ex-Michigan football players, Dr. Anderson victims to demand ‘immediate action’ from school
What, exactly, the group wants to see from Michigan’s Board of Regents remains unclear — “I am hoping to have (finalized) info I can share later this morning,” a public relations official told MLive on Tuesday — ahead of a regularly scheduled regents meeting on Thursday afternoon. An early version of the regents’ agenda has no item pertaining to Anderson, the dead doctor accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of former University of Michigan students, some of them former athletes. Schembechler’s adopted son, Matt Schembechler, also said he, too, was abused by Anderson in 1969 and told his father about it. “We condemn and apologize for the tragic misconduct of the late Dr. Robert Anderson, who left the University 17 years ago and died 13 years ago. We are committed to resolving their claims and to continuing the court-guided confidential mediation process.”
mlive.comBlock tuition rates, 2021-22 budget approved by Eastern Michigan University regents
YPSILANTI, MI – Eastern Michigan University has approved a $297-million general fund budget for the 2021-22 school year and block tuition rates for students starting this fall. The board also unanimously approved EMU’s general fund budget for next year, which includes an additional $3.5 million in financial aid to students. In total, the university will support students with $54.8 million in financial aid for the 2021-22 school year, officials said. “Over the last 14 years, the university has increased financial aid by 156% from the $21.4 million in aid provided in 2007-08. The Board of Regents also approved an auxiliary activities budget of $39.9 million – an increase of $1.4 million over last year.
mlive.comUM-Flint, Kettering University intend to freeze tuition for 2021-22 academic year
GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Two Flint universities are planning to freeze tuition for undergraduate programs for the upcoming academic year. Kettering University made its intention to freeze tuition clear earlier this month. This is the second consecutive year that Kettering University is freezing tuition. Last year, Kettering joined many public universities in a decision to freeze tuition despite looming COVID-19-related budgeting concerns. Kettering University, a private institution, costs $22,190 for full-time students.
mlive.comNightside Report March 27, 2021: Michigan GOP apologizes for ‘witches’ remark, parents charged with child abuse in shootings, more rain on the way
Multiple officials called for Weiser to resign from his position with the GOP and his position on the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents. Michigan GOP chair apologizes for calling top state officials ‘witches’The leader of Michigan’s Republican Party apologized Saturday for the controversial comments he made at a meeting of the North Oakland Republican Club. At the meeting, GOP Chair Ron Weiser referred to Gov. WATCH Local 4 News at 11Metro Detroit weather: Milder with sunshine Saturday afternoon, rain showers arrive at nightSaturday night becomes cloudy with rain showers redeveloping by midnight and afterward. Across the region, lows will be in the low and middle 40s.
Student advocacy ‘driving force’ behind University of Michigan discontinuing fossil fuel investments
ANN ARBOR, MI – After years of student advocacy, protests and calls for action, the University of Michigan will discontinue fossil fuel investments. The Board of Regents unanimously voted to approve the changes to its $12.5 billion endowment at its Thursday, March 25 meeting. But Regent Mark Bernstein, a leader on the board for climate change action, said it was students who were the driving force behind these changes. Acker called on students to keep advocating, whether it’s for climate change or any other topic they’re passionate about. “A net-zero endowment strategy considers the greenhouse gas emissions from all of the university’s investments,” Schlissel said.
mlive.comGov. Whitmer appoints Wayne County Airport Authority CEO to EMU Board of Regents
Gretchen Whitmer announced Friday that Chad Newton, CEO of the Wayne County Airport Authority, has been appointed to the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents. Whitmer to serve on the Eastern Michigan Board of Regents,” Newton said in a statement. He has more than 21 years of airport experience and almost 30 years as a law enforcement professional, the release states. Newton brings a distinct perspective and exceptional skill set to the board, Board Chairwoman Eunice Jeffries said. READ MORE:Eastern Michigan University one of nation’s most military friendly universities, report showsEMU renames engineering, technology college for alumni group that’s donated $20MTesting, telehealth, teamwork: How Eastern Michigan University kept COVID-19 cases low
mlive.comEastern Michigan University to rename College of Engineering and Technology after philanthropic alumni group
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan University announced it will be renaming its engineering and technology college in recognition of alumni group GameAbove, which has donated a total of $20 million toward student- and faculty-based initiatives over the past 15 months. The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology name will go into effect on March 1. “The College of Engineering and Technology has a strong reputation. We greatly value GameAbove’s exceptional support of Eastern Michigan University students and faculty.”AdDean of the College of Engineering and Technology, Mohamad Qatu, said the group’s support has helped to “dramatically accelerate” the school’s ability to serve its students. To see the undergraduate and graduate level programs EMU’s College of Engineering and Technology currently offers, click here.
EMU renames engineering, technology college for alumni group that’s donated $20M
YPSILANTI, MI — Eastern Michigan University is naming its engineering and technology college after an alumni group that has given $20 million to student and faculty-based initiatives in the last 15 months. At it’s Thursday, Feb. 18 meeting the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents unanimously approved renaming the college GameAbove. Eastern Michigan University alumni group donating $2M to 2020 graduates, incoming freshmenGameAbove has interest in autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity and programs that relate to new engineering programs at the College of Engineering and Technology, Smith said. READ MORE:‘Big sigh of relief’: Hundreds vaccinated at Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation CenterGov. Whitmer appoints two new members to Eastern Michigan University Board of RegentsEastern Michigan University renames Quirk Building in honor of late faculty member
mlive.comRich Baird resigns from EMU board following charges in Flint water crisis
Rick Snyder, announced Friday he was resigning from the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents. Baird was among nine individuals charged Thursday in the criminal investigation of the Flint water crisis. Baird was appointed to the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents in November 2018. 41 charges filed in Flint water crisis investigation, officials sayForty-one charges have been filed in a Flint water investigation, according to officials. Rick Snyder.
Gov. Whitmer appoints two new members to Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents
Gretchen Whitmer appointed two new members to the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents Dec. 28, the university announced. Detroit native Nathan K. Ford and Jessie Kimbrough Marshall of Grosse Pointe Farms will begin their term on the board Jan. 1, according to a university news release. They succeed Mary Treder Lang and Jim Webb, whose terms expire Dec. 31, the release states. She earned her bachelor’s degree from EMU, doctorate degree from the Wayne State University School of Medicine and Master of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health. READ MORE:Virtual events planned by University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University for MLK celebrationYamiche Alcindor to give keynote address at Eastern Michigan University Martin Luther King Jr. celebrationEastern Michigan University renames Quirk Building in honor of late faculty member
mlive.comEastern Michigan University renames Quirk Building in honor of late faculty member
YPSILANTI, MI — Eastern Michigan University’s Quirk Building and Theatre is being renamed the Judy Sturgis Hill Building. The building now honors Sturgis Hill, an emeritus professor of communication, media and theater arts, who died in January 2019. Eastern Michigan University to change theater’s name amid blackface controversaryThe university asked for naming suggestions in October and received 124 submissions, according to a university news release. There were also 138 suggested names for the Quirk Theatre, one of two theaters in the building, the release states. READ MORE:Eastern Michigan University to begin winter 2021 semester online, president saysAs some schools went remote, Northern Michigan University pushed ahead with in-person classesEastern Michigan University student’s slaying remains unsolved 8 years later
mlive.comUniversity of Michigan Law School alumnus gives $5M gift for deanship
ANN ARBOR, MI — A University of Michigan Law School alumnus has committed $5 million to the law school for an endowed deanship, the university announced Thursday. David Breach, chief operating officer and chief legal officer of Vista Equity Partners, made the $5 million gift to endow the David A. Breach Deanship. Pending approval by the Board of Regents, Law School Dean Mark West will serve as the inaugural David A. Breach Law School Scholarship Fund with a $1 million gift to support students with a socioeconomically disadvantaged background or who enter law school already having loans, according to the release.
mlive.comUniversity of Michigan hires firm to help implement sexual misconduct recommendations
ANN ARBOR, MI — The University of Michigan has hired a nationally recognized firm to help them implement recommendations made in a report on the investigation into sexual misconduct by former provost Martin Philbert. Guidepost Solutions, a firm that specializes in regulatory compliance, monitoring, investigations and security, will collaborate with the university to implement those recommendations, which address areas of policy, culture and process. The planning and helping to implement the recommendations must be the result of collaboration to be successful.”Some recommendations have already been implemented, according to a university release. Others are being developed and some will now be the focus of Guidepost Solutions, the release states. The firm will offer additional recommendations for how the university can create an environment where sexual misconduct and workplace retaliation are not tolerated, the release states.
mlive.comUniversity of Michigan close to implementing recommendations from former provost investigation
ANN ARBOR, MI — The University of Michigan is close to hiring an outside law firm to help it implement recommendations made in a report detailing sexual misconduct allegations against former Provost Martin Philbert. WilmerHale is also conducting a similar investigation regarding allegations of sexual abuse against late UM athletic doctor Robert Anderson. Schlissel said the health department is not seeing a spread of COVID-19 from students to unrelated members of the Ann Arbor community. Schlissel previously said the university is working out details to provide prorated room and board refunds and credits. READ MORE:Road closures for University of Michigan home football games approved by Ann Arbor‘Not this again:’ University of Michigan students react to stay-in-place orderHow to report a violation of 2-week stay-in-place order for University of Michigan students
mlive.comUniversity of Michigan eliminates spring break in modified calendar
ANN ARBOR, MI - Revised calendars designed to reduce the amount of back-and-forth travel for students during the COVID-19 pandemic will eliminate spring break for University of Michigan students. The university previously announced plans for no fall break on its Ann Arbor campus, making the last day of in-person classes for the fall semester Nov. 20. The spring semester resumes on Tuesday, Jan. 19, after the Rev. Eliminating spring break will allow students to close out the semester with final exams on April 22 through 29. READ MORE:University of Michigan confirms ‘cluster’ of 19 coronavirus cases in South Quad residence hallConfusion over vote of no confidence in University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel leads to reviewGraduate employees reach deal with University of Michigan to end strike
mlive.comUniversity of Michigan Regents approve budget that includes 1.9% tuition increase
ANN ARBOR, Mich. The University of Michigans Board of Regents approved a budget on Monday that includes a 1.9 percent tuition increase and $12.8 million in additional need-based financial aid for undergraduates on campus. The Ann Arbor general fund budget, including its 5.6 percent increase in undergraduate financial aid, will cover the entire cost of the tuition increase for in-state students receiving need-based aid, according to president Mark Schlissel. A 5.6% increase in undergraduate financial aid will cover the entire cost of the tuition increase for in-state students receiving need-based aid. Most graduate programs will also see a 1.9% tuition increase. Students also will see a 1.9 percent increase in the University Health Service Fee to $202.39 per student per semester.
University of Michigan: Provost Placed On Administrative Leave Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) University of Michigans Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs has been placed on administrative leave following allegations of sexual misconduct. Martin A. Philberts administrative leave went into effect Jan. 21 pending the results of an investigation the university began Jan. 17. On Thursday and Friday, Jan. 16-17, 2020, the university received several allegations of sexual misconduct by Dr. Philbert. Today, I have moved OIEs reporting line for all matters related to this investigation to Associate Vice President for Human Resources Richard S. Holcomb. The university has offered support services and will work diligently to assist those who report in every way possible.
detroit.cbslocal.comEastern Michigan University receives $8 million donation for state-of-the-art golf facility
YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved the construction of an $8 million golf facility. The indoor training facility, named the GameAbove Golf Performance Center, will be dedicated to university’s current men’s golf coach Bruce Cunningham, according to the school. The $8 million donation will allot $6-6.5 million in construction with the remaining going toward 12 years of operational costs. “The group of dedicated Eastern Michigan University alumni who are behind GameAbove is excited and proud to further enhance the total academic and scholastic environment at EMU." “We are extremely grateful for this outstanding group of alumni and their desire to positively impact Eastern Michigan University," said Provost Rhonda Longworth.