Bronco Legislative Network September Newsletter

September 2013

Greetings!

Fall semester is in full swing and our students have returned bringing excitement and enthusiasm to campus.

We are proud of the caliber of our students, we have the best and brightest! We need your help to continute our work on their behalf.

To help us in our efforts, if you have not already done so, please join the Bronco Legislative Network. If you are a member, please login and update your information.

Thanks again for your support,

Go Broncos!

WMU on the Rise

WMU on the rise

The highly anticipated release of U.S. News & World Report's annual list of "best national universities" again identifies WMU among the best. For the 23rd consecutive year WMU appeared on the list, which ranks over 1,500 four - year colleges and universities.

WMU is listed as one of the top-tier universities among 281 institutions (173 public, 101 private and seven for-profit) that the magazine singles out as having national standing and being among the nation's best. Perhaps most exciting, however, is that WMU had the biggest move of any Michigan university, climbing eight spots over last year's 189th ranking. For more information on how other Michigan schools rank, visit The Freep article.

Transferability of Core Courses

A new initiative, undertaken to improve the clarity of transferring college credits from community colleges to the 15 public universities, has revised the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (MACRO) agreement.

The Michigan Community College Association and Presidents Council, State University of Michigan (MCCA/PCSUM) committee has submitted its final report to the legislature recommending the new Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA). The guiding principles, course distributions, and rationale for the MTA are articulated more fully in the linked document. It was the intent of the committee to create an agreement that is simple and easy to understand, student focused, and treats transfer students the same as native students at the receiving institution. The new agreement also draws an important distinction between the MTA (which covers the first 30 credits) and degree requirements, and promotes transparency among institutions to ensure accurate transfer information for students.

Western Michigan University & Thomas M. Cooley Law School

WMU President John M. Dunn and Cooley President and Dean Don LeDuc

An affiliation that will provide abundant opportunities, including cross-disciplinary advances and an integration of law into existing programs, has gained formal approval with the signing of an affiliation agreement between Western Michigan University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School. The agreement builds on an existing and successful relationship between the two institutions that includes dual degree programs, which will likely increase in number.

Under the agreement, both schools will retain their independent governance structures and financial responsibilities. However Cooley will begin the move to officially be named the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

WMed Topping Out

Founding WMed Dean Hal Jenson and the Board of Directors will host a Topping Out Ceremony for the new medical school building renovation which is nearing completion. The placement of the last piece of steel will be celebrated this Wednesday, October 2, 2013 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

This commemorative event is open to the community and no RSVP is required. Attendees can sign the steel beam between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. at 300 Portage Street in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. The formal ceremony and brief remarks will begin at 1:30 p.m. For more information, please visit the WMed site .

New Roads...Not so Fast

Michigan roads For months, road funding advocates have been encouraged by discussions held on the topic and the belief that the majority of lawmakers had finally come to the conclusion that Michigan's roads need additional funding along the lines laid out by Governor Snyder when he called for the infusion of $1.2 billion into the surface transportation system. The advocates were even more encouraged when the summer discussions between legislative leaders and Governor Snyder included the road funding issue and a possible tax increase to achieve that goal.

However, even as the rosy outlook was hailed, participants at all levels said the overall framework was fragile and timing was a key component to success with lengthy discussions likely to derail the whole process. That appears to now be the case as the two House leaders said this week that moving such a proposal, which has yet to be formally developed, through the Michigan Legislature is unlikely to happen.

In This Issue:

WMU on the Rise

Transferability of Core Courses

Western Michigan University & Thomas M. Cooley Law School

WMed Topping Out

New Roads...Not so Fast

Weekly Updates:

Interested in weekly updates on what's happening around the State Capitol?

The Bronco Legislative Network has a weekly legislative update with detailed articles of the top stories in the legislature.

The Bronco Legislative Network

Upcoming Events

October 2: WMed Topping Out Ceremony, 300 Portage St., 1 p.m.

October 12: Bronco football vs. Buffalo, Waldo Stadium, 2 p.m.

October 19: Bronco Football vs. Ball State, Waldo Stadium, 2 p.m.

Football Tickets: www.wmubroncos.com or (888) 4-WMU-TIX.

Bronco Spotlight

Carmen Siciliano

Bachelor of Arts

American Public Policy

What do you do at the state Capitol?

I serve as legislative assistant to State Senator Mike Nofs who represents Calhoun and Jackson Counties. Currently I'm responsible for legislative research and committee preparation as well as fielding constituent contacts.

How did you become involved in this business?

I have always been fascinated by the policy process and began volunteering on campaigns as a teenager. Thanks to the WMU Capitol Internship Program, I was offered my first full time position in the legislature shortly after graduation in the office of the State Representative I'd served as an intern the previous year.

What do you like best about your work?

The unpredictability that comes with each day in the Capitol. The work environment never gets stale because of the constant influx of diverse ideas, and it's always fun to have a front row seat for the drama of the state legislature.

What challenges do you face working in the Capitol in 2013?

One of the most frustrating aspects of working in the legislature is the growing divergence between ideologies. There is definitely a "if you're not with me, you're against me" attitude that seems to be a badge of honor for some groups. This has made the job of consensus building incredibly difficult.

What is your advice for citizens who want to advocate for an issue in the state Capitol?

Come to the table with solutions. Legislators receive a daily barrage of terse responses to policy proposals. To stand out, it is imperative to have a well-researched and succinct opinion that exhibits a depth of knowledge that makes your input valuable.

Favorite campus activity or Bronco memory?

I probably enjoyed my entire WMU experience more than I should have, but my favorite memory would have to be the entirety of the 2003-04 school year living on Bellevue Place next to the football practice field. The atmosphere of that neighborhood and the daily mischief we got into made every day memorable. Of course, meeting my wife while living in Zimmerman Hall is also one of my favorite memories despite the fact we didn't exactly hit it off at first.

Any inspirational faculty or administrators at WMU that influenced your college career?

Dr. Susan Hoffmann had a significant influence on my WMU experience as both a professor and advisor. I always appreciated her matter-of-fact demeanor and insistence on fact-based decision making.

Friends of WMU

The Friends of WMU is an all volunteer bi-partisan state political action committee, registered with the Michigan Secretary of State, and established to promote the interests of Western Michigan University. The Friends of WMU understands that the state of Michigan needs to be a stronger financial partner with the university and provides support to legislators that place a priority on WMU. If you are interested in learning more, please visit their website at Friends of WMU.

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