May 6, 2022

SVSU Board approves investments to nursing simulation and advanced automation lab

The Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control approved spending up to $2 million to fund enhancements to the university’s nursing simulation center and its advanced automation and technology laboratory during the Board’s regular meeting Friday, May 6.

Much of the funding – $1.75 million – comes from a Michigan Enhancement Grant to support workforce and talent development projects in critical areas. SVSU will contribute $250,000 toward the project from existing reserves for capital projects.

The Board also approved spending $460,000 to make needed improvements to network infrastructure in Pioneer Hall, Gilbertson Hall and the Health & Human Services building.

The Board also approved adding new bachelor’s degree programs in computer engineering, and in environmental studies and sustainability. Both programs will begin with the 2022 fall semester.

In other action, the Board:

• Approved granting undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Approved granting an honorary degree to Weiju Chen, director of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University in China; SVSU and Jinan have longstanding partnerships in the nursing field.
• Extended SVSU’s existing strategic plan through 2022.
• Approved a revised Code of Student Conduct for the 2022-23 academic year.
• Approved a revised alcohol and other drugs policy for the 2022-23 academic year.
• Approved the reauthorization of four public school academies: Branch Line School, Charlevoix Montessori Academy for the Arts; Faxon Academy and Saginaw Preparatory Academy.
• Approved the sale of property at 7371 Glen Eagle Drive.
• Elected Board officers for 2022-23, as follows: Vicki Rupp, chair; Raj Wiener, vice chair; Bhushan Kulkarni, secretary; Lindsay Eggers, treasurer.
• Passed a resolution thanking Thomas Metiva, president, and members of the SVSU Student Association for their service during the 2021-22 academic year.