“Traverse City is one of the growing communities in Michigan,” MSU Trustee Colleen McNamara said. “It’s a very logical place for us to have students to go. It’s great for Traverse City to have an MSU presence.”

The campus in northern Michigan is set to accept students in July of 2009, starting with 10 third-year medical students. Since MSU doesn’t have an on-campus hospital, third- and fourth-year medical students are sent around the state to the seven community colleges.

The details of the program concerning costs for the university and students have not yet been determined, said Geri Kelley, communications manager for the college.

Daniel Webster, the MSU clinical campus development facilitator, said he hopes to continue the learning experience expected at those facilities.

“We hope to deliver the curriculum in the same manner that’s delivered at other campuses,” Webster said. “We want to give the same high level of medical school education to students in Traverse City just as they would receive at any of the other campuses.”

Marsha Rappley, dean of the College of Human Medicine, said students will train with physicians from a variety of Munson community hospitals in northern Michigan.

“(The location of Traverse City) is important because Munson is a hospital that’s nationally recognized,” Rappley said.

Jody Bergman, a Traverse City city commissioner, said residents are excited for the campus to help the city’s growth and image.

“It’s positive for the city to attract younger people to the area,” Bergman said. “Expanding Munson to a learning facility is good for Munson and it’s good for the area.”