DECEMBER 2018
The Western Michigan University Office of Government Affairs
manages the network and works on behalf of WMU
to strengthen relationships with state, federal, and local policy makers.
UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Thursday, Dec. 13--Connected City info session, 5:30 p.m. N. Rose St. Information.


  • Tuesday, Jan. 1--Gubernatorial inauguration, begins at 10:30 a.m. on Capitol Lawn. Swearing in ceremony at noon.

  • Wednesday, Jan. 9--Michigan Legislature convenes for 2019 sessions--schedule available soon.
Campus holiday hours

Most Western Michigan University offices will observe holiday recess from Monday, Dec. 24, through Tuesday, Jan. 1. Holiday recess begins with the end of fall semester, and some campus services will cease or have reduced hours starting Friday, Dec. 14, through the start of spring semester. Read more at WMU News.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!
As we say goodbye to departing legislators

With well wishes for their future endeavors, the University extends its heartfelt gratitude to the following members of the southwest Michigan legislative delegation who will not be returning to the legislature in January. These legislators were dedicated servants of the state and recognized WMU as an important stakeholder. We thank them for the essential support and advocacy they provided to help ensure the University received an equitable portion of state resources, including several special allocations. We welcome all to stay actively engaged as Bronco supporters!
Rep. David Maturen --District 63
Rep. Mike McCready --District 40
Sen. Mike Nofs --District 19
Sen. Margaret O'Brien --District 20
Sen. John Proos --District 21
Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker --District 26
BTR 2 will be located on the NW corner of Parkview Ave. and S. Drake Rd.
Major expansion planned for Business Technology and Research Park

The region's newest job and business development initiative is slated to help kick off 2019. WMU will begin development of the Business Technology and Research Park 2—BTR 2— in the next few months thanks to a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The grant will help pay for site development in the form of roads and utilities.

The new complex is expected to attract and incubate new businesses as well as establish University, regional business and community partnerships, says Bob Miller, associate vice president for community outreach. It also will support research, economic development and new student opportunities.

"The Western Michigan University Business Technology and Research Park has been, and will continue to be, a partnership among the municipalities," Miller says. "The city of Kalamazoo, and now Oshtemo Township, Southwest Michigan First, and the University are working together to add to the tax base, increase jobs, and offer opportunities for students and faculty."

The new venture continues the success of WMU's Business Technology and Research Park 1, a 256-acre complex with similar goals. BTR 1 is home to approximately 40 companies that provide more than 850 jobs. The park and its businesses have added close to $10 million in tax revenue for the city of Kalamazoo. Since its inception, BTR 1 also has provided hundreds of internships for WMU students and counts 100 alumni among its employees. Read more .
State funding increased for sexual assault prevention

WMU will receive $132,557 in state funds toward efforts to help prevent sexual assault, the largest amount awarded to the University in four years of this state grant program and the second-highest given to Michigan institutions this year.

WMU qualified for the highest award in the programming category of Michigan's Campus Sexual Assault Program, with money to be used for such programs as Western HEROES bystander intervention, Gentlemen United men's violence prevention, Theatre for Community Health peer education and two social marketing campaigns.

Read more at WMU News .
Marijuana still illegal on campus

The fact that Michigan voters passed a proposal to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana in the November 2018 General Election did not change the drug’s status on University property—it remains an illegal drug under federal law and is prohibited in all its form on WMU’s campus. The University also has obligations under the Federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, which was established to "foster a safe and drug-free learning environment that supports student academic achievement."

More information about marijuana can be found in the Office of Health Promotion and Education at the Sindecuse Health Center, (269) 387-3263, and at the Centers for Disease Control .

Related policies for students can be found in the Student Code of Conduct , Section B.6.

Related policies for faculty and staff can be found in the Employee Handbook , Section 8.
Gubernatorial appointments

Congratulations to these Broncos recently appointed to a Michigan board or commission.
Appointments

  • Marcus Abood, of Lansing, Michigan Tax Tribunal.

  • Thye Fischman, of Jackson, Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers.

  • Cathleen Knauf, of St. Joseph (also the founder of Southwest Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force), Michigan Women’s Commission.

Reappointment

  • George Heartwell, of Newaygo, (former mayor of Grand Rapids), Michigan State Transportation Commission.
Fast fact

Without congressional action, the trust funds for Social Security's retirement and disability programs would be depleted by 2034. That would result in a nearly one-quarter cut in benefits for retirees and future retirees. 

Source: 2018 Annual Reports from the Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees.
Bronco football bowl bound

For the second time in the University's history, the Bronco football team has been invited to play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

Representing the Mid-American Conference, the Broncos will face Football Bowl Subdivision independent opponent Brigham Young University at  4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21 , EST, at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. The game will be televised on ESPN.

Can't make it to the game? Join a WATCH Party .
Raise Capitol awareness of WMU

Many new legislators will be sworn in to office in early January 2019.The University’s success in securing its fair share of public dollars in the state capitol is the result of strong relationships with legislators—particularly in Southwest Michigan—who make a difference in Lansing.

Friends of WMU is a grassroots, bipartisan state political action committee of Broncos helping Broncos, which was established to promote the interests of WMU. A donation to Friends of WMU at this critical time will help establish positive relationships in a number of these seats and in promoting WMU to a broad array of stakeholders. Learn how you can become more engaged as a WMU on the Friends of WMU website .