Welcome our newest hires!

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Macy BeGole – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
    • Jonathan King, supplemental employee – Law Enforcement (Firearms)

HR fast facts: Working hours under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), hourly non-exempt employees may need to consider what hours should be included when recording hours worked, and what are not considered working hours. Below is a nice summary to help folks distinguish between the two.

Hourly workers and their supervisors should evaluate the time that they spend working to determine if hours are being reported properly. All time worked must be reported and paid, and workers may not “volunteer” their time if the activities fall within the scope of their assigned/regular job duties.

If a worker is engaged in genuine volunteer activities outside the scope of their job duties, that time would not be paid. An example may be volunteering with the Mobile Food Pantry.

More information is available in the Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division’s Fact Sheet #22.

NMC also has a policy regarding non-exempt (hourly) employees’ work hours.

Working Hours under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Category

Working hours (paid) include:

Non-working hours (unpaid) include:

Breaks and Meals

  • Short breaks (5–20 mins)
  • Working through lunch; “on-call” lunches (e.g., eating while answering phones)
  • Bona fide meal periods (30+ mins) where the employee is completely relieved of all duties

Travel

  • Travel between job sites/campuses
  • Travel that is a principle activity in an employee’s job
  • Travel that occurs during your normal workday
  • Normal commute from home to work
  • Any travel as a passenger outside of regular work hours

Waiting Time

  • “Engaged to wait” Time: Waiting for a machine to be fixed, waiting for a customer, or waiting for instructions at the worksite
  • Time “waiting to be engaged”: Completely relieved of duty with enough time to use the time for your own purposes

Training & Meetings

  • Required meetings
  • Training during work hours
  • Training directly related to your current job
  • Voluntary attendance
  • Outside normal hours
  • Not job-related
  • No productive work performed

Prep & Cleanup

  • Setting up equipment
  • Safety checks
  • Putting on/taking off specialized safety gear
  • Changing clothes at home
  • Normal hygiene

On-Call

  • Restricted on-call (must stay on-premises or so close you can’t use time for yourself)
  • Unrestricted on-call (just leaving a phone number and being free to go about your day)

Incidental Work

  • Correcting mistakes (“rework”)
  • Checking work emails/texts after hours
  • Staying late to “catch up”
  • Volunteering for a charity event (truly voluntary and outside work hours)
  • Social office parties

Note: The information in this table was organized with generative AI assistance (Gemini).

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Human Resources at hr@nmc.edu.

Kudos!

Kudos to Josh Wagner! Josh organized and ran a Jazz Invitational to invite local high school jazz bands to come play and engage with the NMC Jazz Bands. I have spent my life working in events, and this was one of the most well organized events I have been a part of. His communication and passion made this all possible. We all talk about experiential learning but Josh put in so much extra time, effort and I’m sure money into make this happen. He is a shining example of what education can be and a great person to work with. He is championing NMC and the arts to future generations and investing in the future of both.

Kudos to Krista McCarty! Krista McCarty has led a digital advertising campaign for leadership training through Extended Education & Training. She is generating leads and filling classes! Thank you, Krista!

Kudos to Fred Cook & Gary Schettek! Fred and Gary really helped out the Hawk Owl Cafe by cleaning up a large fryer oil spill. Not only did they respond quickly but they went above and beyond to make sure it was cleaned up properly. Thank you both for helping us in our time of need!


Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!

Crucial Conversations for Accountability

Crucial Conversations for Accountability is a two-day course that is strongly recommended for all supervisors, academic chairs and program coordinators, but all regular employees are welcome with supervisor approval. While Crucial Conversations for Accountability may sound like a “gotcha” approach, it is exactly the opposite. The training provides practical tools grounded in mutual respect, active listening and collaborative problem-solving. During this two-day training, learn how to have difficult conversations in a way that solves problems while improving relationships. Attendance is required both days for course completion. 

Dates/times

Friday, May 15 AND Friday, May 22, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (on campus)

Register through NeoEd Training using these instructions. For questions, contact professionaldevelopmentinstitute@nmc.edu.

Celebrating new chapters

These colleagues have moved on to a new chapter in their lives. We wish them the very best as they navigate a new adventure, and we thank them for their time and dedication to NMC!

    • Magnus Mannor, supplemental employee – Food Service, Back of House
    • Jenifer Taylor – Facilities Project Manager
    • Jonah Villanueva, supplemental employee – Banquet Server, Hagerty Center
    • Zelda Wagner, student employee – Writing Center Teaching Assistant

Welcome our newest hires!

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Levi Cumming, supplemental employee – UAS Flight Staff
    • Maggi Prigge, supplemental employee – Banquet Hall Server, Hagerty Center
    • Marc Maskart – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
    • Ava Plamondon – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor

2026 Service Award recipients

We are looking forward to celebrating all of our wonderful colleagues at our You Made it Possible on May 13. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the following employees who have reached milestone anniversaries:

5 Years

  • Christa Abdul-Karim – EES Program Coordinator
  • Kevin Avery – Adjunct English Instructor
  • Skylar Berry – Financial Aid Specialist
  • Justin Casey – Lead Flight Instructor
  • Timothy Hudson – Adjunct Sociology Instructor
  • Tyler King – Adjunct Flight Instructor
  • Kenneth Klumpp – Technical Instructor
  • Michael Kudirka – Adjunct Applied Music Instructor
  • Christine Mac – Math & Science Instructor
  • Randy Melick – Humanities Instructor
  • Jim Patterson – Director of Financial Aid
  • Uriah Petersen – Adjunct Construction Technology Instructor
  • Lindsay Reed – Financial Aid Specialist
  • Maria Ulrich – Adjunct – Audio Technology
  • Shannah Vergote – Marketing & Promotion Coordinator
  • Tracy Welch – ELI Office Manager
  • Nicole Wenstrup – Testing Center Specialist
  • Katheryn West – Adjunct Nursing Instructor
  • Tiffani Wilke – Science & Math Instructor
  • Ryan Ziegler – Adjunct Law Enforcement Instructor

10 Years

  • Lisa Balbach – Business Instructor
  • Betsy Boris – Director of Nursing & Allied Health
  • Diane Clark – Adjunct Applied Music Instructor
  • Scott Dennis – Adjunct Flight Instructor
  • Jennifer Ewing – Adjunct – Business
  • Scott Fairbank – Director of Maritime Admissions
  • Brenda Garvon – Custodian
  • Rorie Kawula – Admissions Recruiter
  • Lindsey Kimball – Warehouse Clerk
  • Robin Maloney – Custodian
  • Katharine Marvin – Vice President of College Advancement
  • Lynne Moritz – Executive Director of President’s Office & Board Operations

15 Years

  • Marcus Bennett – Associate Dean of Campus & Residence Life
  • Jeffrey Cobb – Director of Music Programs
  • Pat Coy – Custodian
  • Mark DeLonge – Assistant Director, Instructional Technology
  • Lindsey Dickinson – Director of Student Success & Retention
  • Paul Martin – Senior IT Network Engineer
  • Mary McKeon-Jacob – Communications Instructor
  • Scott Powell – GLMA Instructor
  • Carl Rocheleau – Chief Unmanned Aircraft Systems Instructor
  • Lisa Thomas – Dean of Students
  • Eileen Vaughn – Programmer Analyst
  • Dave Weaver – Client Systems Administrator
  • Brad Wortman – Adjunct Engineering Technology Instructor
  • Melissa Sprenkle – Communications Instructor

20 Years

  • Sharon Angel – Custodian
  • Steve Fewins – Custodian
  • Mark Holley – Adjunct Anthropology Instructor
  • David Husser – Adjunct Music Instructor
  • Amjad Khan – Social Sciences Instructor
  • Kristy McDonald – Business Instructor
  • Cari Noga – Communications Director
  • Erin Robinson – Adjunct Nursing Instructor
  • Heather Robinson – Aviation Recruiter/Advisor

25 Years

  • Judy Arnold – Financial Aid Specialist
  • Mike Franklin – Science & Math Instructor
  • Robb Houston – Science & Math Instructor
  • Deirdre Mahoney – Communications Instructor
  • Hollianne McHugh – Technical Instructor
  • Gary Schettek – Painter
  • John Zachman – Social Sciences Instructor
  • Jane Zlojutro – Business Instructor

30 Years

  • Bobbi Garner – Science & Math Academic Area Office Manager
  • Tamella Livengood – Health Occupations Instructor
  • Beth Norconk – Client Systems Administrator
  • Brian VanSipe – Boiler Maintenance Mechanic

35 Years

  • Kim Hanninen – Museum Registrar/Exhibit Preparator

Kudos!

Kudos to Nick Gates and Sharon Angel! Thank you so much to Nick Gates and Sharon Angel for their above-and-beyond efforts cleaning the vent hood in the Parsons-Stulen Makerspace! It was a large, messy job; their efforts made all the difference, making a presentable environment in this public space. Amazing!


Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!

Welcome our newest hires!

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Trey Smith, supplemental employee – Esports Assistant and Head Coach
    • Luke Bobrowski, student employee – Engineering Technology Lab Assistant

Kudos!

Kudos to Michael Anderson! Huge kudos to Michael Anderson for his exceptional leadership of the English Faculty recruitment committee. Michael managed to lead us through one of the most efficient and successful faculty searches yet. His organization and clear communication turned a typically complex process into a seamless experience. Thank you, Michael, for setting a new gold standard for hiring! Your leadership is simply outstanding!


Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!

Celebrating new chapters

These colleagues have moved on to a new chapter in their lives. We wish them the very best as they navigate a new adventure, and we thank them for their time and dedication to NMC!

    • Kirk Rose, student employee – Engineering Tech Lab Assistant
    • Alexander Lane, supplemental employee – Test Proctor
    • Luis Qian – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
    • Steven Schmitt – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor

Kudos!

Kudos to Amy Burns Bailey and Maggie West! In partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), Amy Burns-Bailey (Workforce Programs Director) and Maggie West (Tutoring Coordinator) helped arrange for two NMC students, Maggie Vansickle (Culinary Arts – Baking & Pastry) and Harley Waldron (Welding Technology) to participate in filming a video to promote Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Michigan. Amy and Maggie were recognized by Virginia Zimmerman, from LEO’s workforce development office, for their efforts to help inspire other students to participate in CTE programs. NMC is one of two spotlight colleges that will be featured in the CTE video. Kudos to Amy and Maggie for shining a light on the perseverance and success of our students and for efforts with NMC’s Perkins programs to expand CTE opportunities for students in our region.

Kudos to Avery Verschaeve, Niusha Rahjoo, and McKenna Davids! Immense gratitude and appreciation to the Advising office student employees McKenna Davids, Niusha Rahjoo, and Avery Verschaeve. Not only are they the first voice callers hear and the first point of contact when calling the switchboard line, they have also project managed as a group to create resources for students who visit advising and have stepped up to take on additional responsibilities that are traditionally handled by the office assistant.Each of them has shown admirable dedication towards learning how better to support their fellow students. From the thoughtful questions they ask, to how they problem solve – they don’t just answer phones – they are providing genuine customer service and compassionate support.

In addition to answering phones and responding to emails, McKenna has stepped up to support with inventory management and is supporting the streamlining process; Niusha is our office’s steadfast anchor of calming support when assisting students who need help with scheduling or registering; and Avery has grown into an adept problem solver and is learning to think outside the box and create solutions quickly.

These three incredible people make my job easier and I look forward to every day I get to work with them. I’m so incredibly proud of their growth and the way they conduct themselves with integrity and respect for themselves, their fellow staff and students. They have taken on multiple projects and challenges over the past four months and leveled up their skills. I’m thrilled to see what they accomplish next!

If you see them around, please take a moment to thank them for being amazing NMC ambassadors.

Kudos to Lil Anderson! Lil was able to diagnose and rectify a technical issue during concurrent events serving our stakeholders.

Welcome our newest hires!

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Micah Daniel, student employee – Maritime Assistant
    • Keiara Pettengill, supplemental employee – Banquet Server Hagerty Center
    • Matthew Raymond, supplemental employee – Hagerty Center Banquet Server

Nominations open for Staff and Team Excellence Awards

Every day, we see colleagues who go above and beyondnot for recognition, but because they care deeply about our students, our colleagues, our community, and our mission. Now is our chance to say “thank you.”

Who to nominate?

A staff member or a team who:

    • Consistently embodies NMC’s values?
    • Has made a clear, positive impact on NMC this year?
    • Inspires you with their dedication?

Who is eligible?

  • Staff: Full-time, part-time, or supplemental.
  • Teams: Departments, committees, or project groups (2+ employees).

How to nominate 

Complete and submit the Staff Excellence Nomination Form or the Team Excellence Nomination Form by Thursday, April 2, 2026

Help us highlight the incredible work happening across our campus! Recipients will receive a monetary award and an engraved plaque to be presented at the You Made It Possible Celebration on May 13, 2026.

NMC Employee Recognition Committee: Lori Hodek, Chair, Marcus Bennett, Hollie DeWalt, Les Eckert, Kim Gourlay, Craig Hadley, Taylor Nash, Denny Nguyen, Nancy Parshall and Lisa vonReichbauer.