Feb 17, 2025 | Student News
Pre-nursing students are invited to attend one of the upcoming program informational sessions. Representatives from Admissions will discuss the steps to getting accepted into NMC’s Nursing program. Topics include how to apply to the program, how to register for the HESI exam as well as what courses are included in the program.
Wednesday, March 10
12:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107, Front Street Campus.
Thursday, March 11
4 p.m.
Virtual
Join meeting
For more information, please contact Melanie Griffith at mgriffith@nmc.edu.
Feb 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC Children’s Choirs Winter Concert
February 23, 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium, 301 Seventh St., Traverse City
NMC Children’s Choirs, Ashley Larimer-Kelly, Stephanie Schall-Brazee, Joanna Aldridge, and Jamie Moreland – Directors
Join us for a wonderful afternoon of choral music featuring the NMC Children’s Choirs.
Purchase tickets
JAZZ 4 ALL! The Jeff Haas Trio featuring Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive
February 27, 6 p.m., The Alluvion, 414 E Eighth St., Traverse City
NMC Jazz Big Band with the Jeff Haas Trio, Josh Wagner – Director
Honor cover at the door.
Read more
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Feb 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News

If you witness a safety or security concern, NMC wants to hear from you. Call Campus Safety and Security at (231) 995-1111 or reach out to our anonymous tip line at (231)995-1116. nmc.edu/safety
Feb 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Menu
Monday, FEB. 17
Italian Pasta Bake with meatballs served with garlic crostini & roasted Brussels sprouts
Italian Pasta Bake (V) with roasted vegetables served with garlic crostini & roasted Brussels sprouts
Tuesday, FEB. 18
Beef Tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco & refried beans
Tofu Tacos (V) with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco & refried beans
Wednesday, FEB. 19
Chicken Coconut Curry with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread
Tofu Coconut Curry (V) with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread
Thursday, FEB. 20 – FOOD FOR THE SOUL BUFFET
Fried Chicken
Rib Tips
Blackened Tofu (V)
Fried Okra
Collard Greens with Ham
Collard Greens (V)
Cornbread
Banana Pudding
Peach Cobbler
Sweet Tea
Lemonade
Friday, FEB. 21
HOC Smashburger with bacon, cheese, and onion straws served with asparagus & sweet potato fries
Impossible Burger on Brioche (V) with cheese and onion straws with asparagus & sweet potato fries
Feb 15, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Feb 14, 2025 | Student News
To prepare for the Career & Majors Fair on March 6, NMC students are encouraged to attend the upcoming prep workshops and put your best foot forward for the event! Each workshop will include lunch or dinner, so please RSVP where applicable.
What’s Your Type?: A Skills Workshop For Undecided Students
Thursday, Feb. 27
12 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 123
Identify your personality type to help explore soft skills & career paths that may be a good fit for you. Students are expected to complete a Myers Briggs assessment before the event. Lunch provided. RSVP required.
Resume & Branding Workshop
Monday, March 3
1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 123
NMC’s Employment Readiness Specialist, Lisa Baldyga, will help students update resumes and gain unique ideas for being a memorable candidate with employers. Lunch provided. RSVP & current resume submission recommended.
Speed Prepping Workshop
Tuesday, March 4
5:30 p.m.
Osterlin Building
This fast-paced workshop will help students gain tips for success from experts, covering everything from how to dress, to being confident at the fair, to how to follow up with employers after the fair. Food & prizes!
Feb 12, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Mark your calendar!
- Wednesday, March 12, Noon–1:30 p.m., Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 106/107
The next pitch date is just around the corner and the OOPs team is looking for pitches from faculty, staff, and students that are focused on educational initiatives, including new programs, increasing enrollment in existing programs, accelerating college strategies, and implementing the campus master plan.
Pitches are open to NMC students, faculty and staff, so if you have a great idea or project that needs resources to reach its full potential, the Office of Possibilities wants to hear from you! Fill out this application to connect with an OOPs team member who will assist in planning your pitch. If you have any questions about the application or the process, please email oops@nmc.edu and someone will get back to you promptly. Meeting with an OOPs team member is required before entering a pitch so please plan accordingly.
The Office of Possibilities is grateful for the generous support from the NMC Foundation that provides funding for innovative projects across campus!
The OOPs team looks forward to seeing you there!
Feb 11, 2025 | Student News
NMC’s Ski & Snowboard Club will hold two meetings from 4–7 p.m. on February 13 and February 27 in room 104/105 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Attendees can bring their skis and snowboards to get waxed while learning how to properly maintain their equipment.
Waxing fees are $5 for students and employees; $10 for the general public.
Both meetings will be held the day before the group’s trips to Boyne Mountain on February 14 and February 28.
For more information, contact Dylan Raser at raserd@mail.nmc.edu.
Feb 11, 2025 | Student News
NMC’s Ski & Snowboard Club is planning two trips to Boyne Mountain on February 14 and February 28.
The group will meet at the east entrance of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center at 3:45 p.m. Attendees will depart from NMC’s campus at 4 p.m. and will return to Traverse City at midnight. Everyone who joins is responsible for purchasing their lift ticket, which costs around $45-$60 (cheaper if purchased in advance). Drivers will get $25 for fuel if they would like to carpool others.
This event is valid for all season pass holders as well as those who purchase open-to-close and night lift tickets.
For more information, contact Dylan Raser at raserd@mail.nmc.edu.
Feb 7, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Are you interested in finding out more about GVSU’s Physician Assistant program? Come to the PA program preview event in Traverse City on Friday, February 21, from 11a.m.-1 p.m.. During the preview day, you can meet with the PA program director, the chair of admissions for the PA program, the College of Health Professions Student Service office representative, and current GVSU PA students. GVSU will answer any of your admission and/or program-related questions and provide a tour of the facilities used by the PA program. This event is open to anyone interested in the PA program.
Please RSVP for this event at: gvsu.edu/traverse/pa
Feb 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
In collaboration with the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, NMC is offering free tax preparation to students and employees with incomes less than $100,000 on Saturday, March 15 and Saturday, April 12.
Participants must sign up in advance for appointments that will be held in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 123. NMCAA will follow up with what the tax filer about what to bring to their appointment.
For more details, contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu, 231-995-1401 or Justin Marcum on NMCAA, jmarcum@nmcaa.net, (231) 346-2169.
Feb 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Music Appreciation and Creation (MAC) student group will hold a spring benefit concert from 6-10 p.m. Friday, February 28 at the Dennos Museum. Admission will be by donation, with a suggested amount of $10.
Previously known as the Audio Tech student group, MAC will use all earnings from the show to fund their annual studio tour field trip this spring. The concert will also provide Audio Tech students with practical experience setting up, staging, and running sound during a live music event.
The concert will feature two student acts: One Cent Mafia, a newl- formed rap collective, and Closed for the Season, a budding rock and metal band.
With this event, MAC hopes to bring attention to alternative music scenes that are often overlooked in the Traverse City area, such as punk rock, hip hop, and rap, as well as create new experiential learning opportunities for Audio Tech students.
Feb 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Wandering the world on a walkabout or exploring the unreal, let us journey through your memories, reveries, and aspirations. Traverse outside Traverse City this spring, sharing snapshots, journaling memories, painting picturesque vistas, and scrapbooking souvenirs. Or is the outside not your thing? Has it been awhile since you touched grass? Leeroy Jenkins requests to join your party in your fictional, fantastical worlds. NMC students, faculty, staff, and NMC community-affiliated members may send creative submissions in all forms by March 15.
Email digital works to nmcmag@mail.nmc.edu. Hard copies can be delivered to Fine Arts (attn: Caroline Schaefer-Hills) or Scholars Hall 214 (attn: Tricia Lincoln).
Fiction/Nonfiction: 1500 word limit
Poetry/Lyrics: 30 line limit
Comics: 30 panels/4 pages limit
Visit nmc.edu/nmcmagazine for more information and to complete a submission form for each entry.
Feb 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The Dennos will be offering two design workshops in connection to our exhibition, “The Art of Regeneration” from Central Michigan University. Both workshops are set for Feb. 22 and intended for high school juniors and seniors up to NMC students. Students get a discounted rate of $10 to cover workshop materials.
Fashion Creations: Designing Your Own Modular Cushions!
Saturday, February 22nd | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
In this dynamic workshop where STEAM principles come to life, participants will explore the artistic modular designs from “The Art of Regeneration” exhibition on view at the museum. Get inspired by science, and blend creativity with functionality to create your own unique cushion designs. You’ll learn how to regenerate ideas into stylish, customizable pieces using sustainable materials and innovative techniques. Led by Professors Dr. Su Kyoung An and Dr. Pimpawan Kumphai from the Fashion, Interior Design, & Merchandising Department at Central Michigan University.
Interior Innovation: Create an Infinity Light Fixture and Explore Material Choices for a Virtual Home
Saturday, February 22nd | 2:00 – 4:00 PM
This hands-on interior design workshop is inspired by the axolotl salamander’s incredible regenerative abilities! You’ll create an infinity mirror light fixture that symbolizes renewal, and explore how light, depth, and innovative materials can transform a space. Then, experiment with patterns and textures to design a virtual home, learning how material choices shape the atmosphere and create harmony in interior design. Led by Professor Julie Qun Zuo from the Fashion, Interior Design, & Merchandising Department at Central Michigan University and her student instructors Tyler Cook, Mia Pringle, and Coleton Taylor.
Feb 5, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
FEBRUARY 5, 2025

From left to right, Jason Slade, Eric Roberts (20Fathoms), Matt McDonough (Discovery Pier), NMC President Nick Nissley, Jay Meldrum (Michigan Technological University) and Warren Call (Traverse Connect) at a FRIC signing ceremony in the summer of 2024.
As Silicon Valley is synonymous with information technology, so will Traverse City be to freshwater technology, fueling a new blue economy for the region.
That’s the ultimate ambition behind the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, which today holds its first board meeting as a formally-constituted nonprofit. With 75 percent of the funding for FRIC secured, the 40,000 square foot facility and dockside learning lab will be home to NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute. It is set to break ground later this year on 17 acres of West Grand Traverse Bay frontage owned by Discovery Pier.
“Today represents a significant milestone for the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center,” said NMC Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Jason Slade, who has led the college’s involvement in the project since 2023. “The blue economy is the future of our region’s economy, destined to be as important as lumber, agriculture and tourism.”
Other board members include representatives from Michigan Technological University, Traverse Connect, 20Fathoms and two at-large positions held by Michigan State University and the Marine Technology Society.
The FRIC will create high-value, year-round jobs in sensor development, engineering, autonomous underwater vehicles, forever chemical detection and remediation and data analysis. It has attracted $25.2 million in funding, including $15 million from the state of Michigan, and is scheduled to be complete in 2027.
NMC has committed $3 million to the new facilities, which in addition to the GLWSI will house research initiatives, start-ups like Traverse City’s Wave Lumina, currently renting space at NMC’s Aero Park campus, small businesses and water-related organizations.
NMC is also fostering those start-ups and small businesses through events like the Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge, launched last week as a successor to last year’s Great Lakes Aquahacking Challenge. Wave Lumina took second place in that technology-based innovation challenge and pitch competition focused on the issues facing the Great Lakes like water quality, forever chemicals and microplastics. Teams are now forming for the Blue Tech Challenge, which will culminate in October at the Oceans 25 conference in Chicago.
“From FRIC’s goals to the facility design to its users, NMC is being intentional and collaborative, ensuring that this enhances our community years into the future,” Slade said.
Feb 4, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good afternoon NMC community,
As we navigate recent federal policy changes, I want to take a moment to address another issue that may be on the minds of many in our community. Following new executive orders related to immigration enforcement, we recognize that students and employees may have questions about how these policies could impact NMC and what to do if federal law enforcement officers visit campus.
Just as I shared in my message earlier today about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), NMC remains committed to student success, open access, and fostering a welcoming environment for all members of our community. Changes in federal policy can create uncertainty, but our guiding principles remain the same: we will continue supporting students and employees, ensuring compliance with the law, and upholding our values of open access to education.
NMC’s Approach to Federal Law Enforcement Requests
NMC follows established procedures to balance three key responsibilities:
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Compliance with Federal & State Laws: NMC follows all legally required procedures while ensuring due process is observed.
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Protection of Student & Employee Privacy: Student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and NMC does not track or disclose immigration status unless legally required to do so.
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Access to Education Without Discrimination: NMC is an open-access institution, meaning that all students, regardless of their citizenship status, can enroll and attend classes in a supportive environment.
What to Do If Approached by Federal Law Enforcement
If a federal law enforcement officer (ICE, FBI, DHS, etc.) comes to campus requesting access to student or employee records or whereabouts, or access to nonpublic areas such as residence halls or classrooms, please follow these steps to ensure a safe and consistent response:
- Refer all inquiries to NMC Security.
- Inform the officer that all such requests must go through NMC Security.
- Direct officers to the Security desk at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center at (231-995-1111).
- For phone or email inquiries, contact Garrett Croon, Campus Safety Coordinator at (231-715-0003) (cell) or (231-995-1747) (desk), or via email at gcroon@nmc.edu.
- Do not take possession of or sign any legal documents.
- Do not accept service of a subpoena, warrant, or other legal document.
- Instead, refer the officer to Security, who will review the request and coordinate the appropriate response.
- Prioritize safety and cooperation.
- Do not physically interfere with law enforcement actions.
- NMC is considered a Sensitive Location under ICE policy, meaning enforcement actions on campus are generally discouraged unless exceptional circumstances exist.
- Let Security handle the next steps.
- Security is trained to manage these situations in compliance with federal and state laws while ensuring student and employee privacy.
Staying Informed & Moving Forward Together
We know that federal policies may continue to change, and we will remain vigilant in monitoring developments. NMC will continue to work closely with our state and national partners, including the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA), the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), to stay informed and advocate for policies that support student success and open access to education.
As we navigate these evolving issues together, I encourage open, respectful conversations and remind you that NMC remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning and working environment. If you have any questions about these policies, please reach out to NMC Security, Student Services (students) or Human Resources (employees).
Thank you for being part of our mission-driven and values-grounded NMC community.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010


Feb 4, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good morning NMC community,
I want to take a moment to address the recent Trump administration executive orders related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) programs. I know that many of you have questions about how these changes impact Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and our ongoing commitment to student success and belonging.
The direct impact of these orders on NMC is minimal. The only adjustments required are within the Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) to align one course with U.S. Navy curriculum updates. No other programs, policies, or funding at NMC are affected, given the federal-focus of the orders. Our mission remains unchanged: We are committed to open access, student success, and ensuring that everyone at NMC feels a sense of belonging. These commitments reflect the history and purpose of community colleges in general, as well as NMC’s specific mission, values, and strategic plan. Our strategic plan reflects our college’s and community’s priorities (that we shaped together), and we’ll continue to deliver on those priorities.
As we continue finalizing our current strategic plan and looking ahead, we are focusing on engagement and belonging—because research shows that when students feel connected, they persist and succeed. This commitment extends to our employees as well, making NMC a welcoming and supportive place to learn and work.
We recognize that shifts in federal policy can create uncertainty. That’s why we remain engaged with state and national partners, including the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA), the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). We will continue monitoring developments, advocating for policies that support student success, and making decisions that align with NMC’s mission and values.
To be clear: NMC is not phasing out DEIB initiatives or preemptively making changes beyond what is required for compliance. We will continue investing in student success, scholarships, and accessibility services to ensure all learners have the resources they need to thrive.
I know these topics can spark strong feelings, and I encourage open, respectful conversations as we navigate changes together. Above all, I want to reaffirm that NMC remains committed to being a place where all students and employees feel valued and supported.
Thank you for being part of our NMC community.
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010


Feb 3, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The International Affairs Forum continues its 31st season of global issues education hosting renowned topic-area experts at public events running from February through June 2025. Upcoming events include:
- Haiti: Crisis In Context
February 20, 6:30 p.m.
IAF will host Monique Clesca & Jake Johnston for a discussion on Haiti, the Haitian diaspora, and aid policy.
- The Blue Economy: Michigan’s Global Role
March 20, 6:30 p.m.
John Austin, Director of the Michigan Economic Center at the University of Michigan, Senior Fellow at the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College, and Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, will discuss the role of the Great Lakes’ region as a global leader in sustainable water-related economic growth.
- Echoes of Change: The Legacy of Student Activism
April 17, 6:30 p.m.
Presented by current NMC students. This first-of-its-kind student event will explore the enduring impact of pivotal, historical student movements and their relevance in today’s culture.
- On Journalism and Media & Information Literacy
May (date TBD)
IAF will host a discussion on journalism, media and information literacy, and disinformation, exploring how local journalism fortifi es freedom and connects local issues to global challenges.
- North America 2.0
June 12, 6:30 p.m.
IAF will partner with the Economic Club of Traverse City to host a discussion on the state of trade relations between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Programs are presented in hybrid format; in-person events are available to livestream online. Most programs start at 6:30 p.m. Eastern at the Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City with a welcome reception at 5:30 p.m.
IAF’s educational programming at NMC is free for students and educators, and open to the public thanks to its supporting members, regional partners, business sponsors and Northwestern Michigan College. Find more information at TCIAF.com.
IAF’s 31st season is sponsored by Mercantile Bank. Learn more about event sponsorship and opportunities to support here: tciaf.com/support
Release date: February 3, 2025
For more information:
Alex Tank
Director, International Affairs Forum
atank@nmc.edu
(231)995-1844
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination