Meetings concerning the College of Human Medicine's possible move or expansion to Grand Rapids have progressed to discussions between university consultants and the local consulting firm hired by community leaders, university spokesman Terry Denbow said.

In January, officials from both MSU and Grand Rapids said they were having discussions about the school's possible expansion or relocation into that area.

MSU President M. Peter McPherson has said he will make a final decision regarding the college in May, leaving both committees a little over a month to create their final recommendations.

Both community members and university officials remain positive that a "win-win" situation would be created and all parties would be satisfied with the university's final decision.

"We have said that we would not do anything that couldn't be presented as such. That is part of the vision we've talked about," Denbow said.

Despite criticism expressed Monday in a letter from Sen. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing, that the process of negotiations was being inhibited by the closed-door meetings, Delta Township Supervisor Joe Drolett, a member of the committee of community leaders, felt that many important outside opinions had been utilized by the committee.

"We are not operating in a vacuum on this issue; we have tried to contact everybody who would be helpful," Drolett said. "I think public opinion has already had a great effect on it."