Central Michigan University will request $24 million from the state for the Center of Integrated Health Studies. CMU has requested a capital outlay for the 2015-16 fiscal year from the state budget office.

“This is a request that is at the lower end of the spectrum," said SGA President Chuck Mahone, who switched roles with President George Ross for the day. "It will fit CMU’s and the legislators focus on STEM programs. Requesting the states financial support on building project must follow the Capital Outlay process."

Mahone gave the president's announcements at the Tuesday's Academic Senate meeting. After announcing the university’s request, Mahone addressed a question regarding a recent resolution demanding the expulsion of all student found guilty of rape by the Office of Student Conduct.

“I think we can all agree we want an environment that is welcoming and safe for our students, while at the same time ensuring that due process is given to all of those who are alleged,” Mahone said. “I think this is something that is a very sticky issue, but we want to make sure we respect the survivors who are impacted by this, because that should be our first and foremost concern.”

Douglass briefs A-Senators in Gealt's absence

Provost Michael Gealt was unable to make the meeting, but in his place was Claudia Douglas, interim vice provost for Academic Affairs. Douglass announced that Ian Davison is now interim vice provost for research and the dean of the College of Science and Technology until the search for the next vice provost is over.

Douglas also updated A-Senators on topics discussed at the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan.

“One thing that was discussed was the matter of public health, being proposed by Ferris State University -- we supported that.” Douglas said.

In regards to enrollment, one of the biggest issues impacting the university is the projected reduced enrollment of high school students. According to Douglas, the discussion revolved around the reduced population of high school students, the high schools desire to keep those students and our desire to "snag" them early.

“The multitude of post secondary actions for high school students was a focus," Douglass said. "This includes the international baccalaureate degree, these are aligned in our bulletin, advanced placement, state approved career and technical education programs. Sometimes students will spend multiple years at a technical program, then we award them with introductory credit."

This is all done through dual enrollment, enhanced dual enrollment and early middle college programs. Early middle college programs, unbeknownst to some according to Douglas, allows students stay in high school for fifth year.

Douglas also announced a reminder about the Michigan Professor of the Year Award. Nominations are typically done by submitting a name and the credentials of the nominees. The university will now like to open this up for nominations.

The provosts’ last mention was the change dealing with Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (MACRAO). Then MACRAO agreement has been changed into the MACRAO Transfer Agreement (MTA). This facilitates the transfer of credits from two year institutions to four year institution. This change went into effect this fall.