Are you ready to finish your program of study? After you register for your last semester of classes, apply to graduate! Our graduation application is now available in NMC Self-Service. Simply select “Apply to Graduate” under the “Student Records” tab.
If you have any questions about this process, email us at records@nmc.edu or call (231) 995-1049. Please note that it may take up to two weeks to receive your degree audit after applying.
Welcome Hawk Owls! We look forward to the start of the fall semester with you and remain committed to your safety and limiting the disruption to learning. Faculty and staff at Northwestern Michigan College have developed comprehensive safety plans to maintain the health of the campus community. The modified schedule released in June provided course options to help maintain the safety of the campus community while allowing access to the courses students need to continue their programs of study.
These are unprecedented times and it will take all faculty, staff and students working together to keep each other safe, and allow us to return to campus with fewer restrictions, sooner. It is important that we all do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This commitment to each other’s safety extends to our actions on campus, in campus housing, student activities (on and off campus) and our interactions with others off campus as well. Please review the Exposure Control Awareness flyer for further guidance.
Requirements:
Self-Screening
Complete self-screening each day before coming to campus. View the self-screening steps within the COVID-19 Exposure Control Awareness pamphlet attached to this email or at nmc.edu/keepsafe.
Follow Public Health Guidance and Cooperate with Public Health Authorities
Follow all applicable state and public health guidance, and cooperate with public health authorities, including, but not limited to, contact tracing. You will also need to follow the guidance from the college. Please heed the guidance of signs on campus and check your email frequently for updated information.
Stay Informed
NMC has developed a comprehensive safety plan and flexible learning options that are designed to help you stay safe and continue working to achieve your goals. We know the situation will likely continue to evolve as the pandemic continues. We promise to keep communicating with you about any potential changes. You can also stay up to date and share your thoughts anytime at nmc.edu/covid19.
Thank you for your commitment and good luck on your semester!
TRAVERSE CITY — Supporters of Northwestern Michigan College raised more than $100,000 for student scholarships on Thursday, August 6 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa during the 39th annual Scholarship Open. This year’s event was in memory of long-time college volunteer and community leader Jim Beckett.
More than 234 golfers and volunteers participated, and more than 120 sponsors made donations ranging from $250 to $10,000.
“The funds raised at this event are critical for NMC students,” said Rebecca Teahen, Executive Director, NMC Foundation. “Especially now, scholarships make it possible for students to stay in school.”
The NMC Scholarship Open, one of northern Michigan’s premier golf outings, provides access to higher education through Honors, Presidential, Academic Area, and other scholarships. This tournament has raised more than $2 million since its inception in 1982.
This year’s event was modified to meet the health and safety guidelines established by the College and the Resort to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Individuals and organizations can support students any time of year, with gifts of any size, at nmc.edu/give. Gifts to the Scholarship Open are part of the NMC Foundation’s Be What’s Possible campaign, which aims to raise $35 million to support NMC students.
Paris Morse
NMC Foundation
pmorse@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2822
TRAVERSE CITY — Supporters of Northwestern Michigan College raised more than $100,000 for student scholarships on Thursday, August 6 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa during the 39th annual Scholarship Open. This year’s event was in memory of long-time college volunteer and community leader Jim Beckett.
More than 234 golfers and volunteers participated, and more than 120 sponsors made donations ranging from $250 to $10,000.
“The funds raised at this event are critical for NMC students,” said Rebecca Teahen, Executive Director, NMC Foundation. “Especially now, scholarships make it possible for students to stay in school.”
The NMC Scholarship Open, one of northern Michigan’s premier golf outings, provides access to higher education through Honors, Presidential, Academic Area, and other scholarships. This tournament has raised more than $2 million since its inception in 1982.
This year’s event was modified to meet the health and safety guidelines established by the College and the Resort to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Individuals and organizations can support students any time of year, with gifts of any size, at nmc.edu/give. Gifts to the Scholarship Open are part of the NMC Foundation’s Be What’s Possible campaign, which aims to raise $35 million to support NMC students.
Paris Morse
NMC Foundation
pmorse@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2822
Entrance (download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — The Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on Northwestern Michigan College’s main campus is substantially complete and ready for the Fall 2020 semester. The building is now open to NMC employees and students after receiving its letter of occupancy from the state fire marshal.
The building’s Hawk Owl Café food court is expected to open by Thursday, August 20 for the college’s Welcome Weekend for new and returning students, following a July 29 county health department inspection.
The building will be limited to about 50 percent of its maximum capacity for now, along with other NMC facilities, as the college reopens. NMC is in Stage 2 of its 4-Stage Reopening Plan, which allows employees and students on campus Monday through Thursday and others on campus by appointment.
Due to stay-at-home orders caused by the coronavirus pandemic, work on the building was paused for a month beginning March 24. As restrictions eased, outdoor landscaping work began April 24. Construction on the building itself resumed May 7. The NMC Library was the first department to occupy the 54,000-square-foot facility, moving into its second-floor space June 9. Radio station WNMC will follow later this summer.
Atrium (download a high-resolution version here)Work on the $14.4 million project began in the late summer of 2018. The project combines state investments of more than $7 million for important renovations and modernizations of the 50-year-old West Hall building with NMC-funded investments of more than $7 million to create a multi-story facility with innovative and transformative learning environments and multiple academic and simulation spaces. An additional $6 million was involved in moving the library from its location in the Osterlin Building to the building and constructing that part of the building, where it will offer expanded services and hours.
The project has received extensive campus, community and legislative support. NMC is planning a virtual ribbon cutting ceremony and tour during the fall semester.
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
Entrance (download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — The Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on Northwestern Michigan College’s main campus is substantially complete and ready for the Fall 2020 semester. The building is now open to NMC employees and students after receiving its letter of occupancy from the state fire marshal.
The building’s Hawk Owl Café food court is expected to open by Thursday, August 20 for the college’s Welcome Weekend for new and returning students, following a July 29 county health department inspection.
The building will be limited to about 50 percent of its maximum capacity for now, along with other NMC facilities, as the college reopens. NMC is in Stage 2 of its 4-Stage Reopening Plan, which allows employees and students on campus Monday through Thursday and others on campus by appointment.
Due to stay-at-home orders caused by the coronavirus pandemic, work on the building was paused for a month beginning March 24. As restrictions eased, outdoor landscaping work began April 24. Construction on the building itself resumed May 7. The NMC Library was the first department to occupy the 54,000-square-foot facility, moving into its second-floor space June 9. Radio station WNMC will follow later this summer.
Atrium (download a high-resolution version here)Work on the $14.4 million project began in the late summer of 2018. The project combines state investments of more than $7 million for important renovations and modernizations of the 50-year-old West Hall building with NMC-funded investments of more than $7 million to create a multi-story facility with innovative and transformative learning environments and multiple academic and simulation spaces. An additional $6 million was involved in moving the library from its location in the Osterlin Building to the building and constructing that part of the building, where it will offer expanded services and hours.
The project has received extensive campus, community and legislative support. NMC is planning a virtual ribbon cutting ceremony and tour during the fall semester.
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
Thank you to all who joined us in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of our 2020 graduates at last week’s Drive-Thru Celebration!
And a big thank you to our Student Success Center, Student Life Office, NMC Bookstore, Records and Registration Office, and NMC Foundation for organizing the festivities.
The NMC Advising Center is offering virtual “drop-in” advising to help with Fall registration.
Drop in to our open Zoom advising sessions:
TRAVERSE CITY — Good morning NMC students,
We have some important news to share with you about one of our college’s oldest traditions. After 65 years and nearly $2 million of projects funded, Northwestern Michigan College and the Oleson Foundation have made the decision that 2020 will be the final year of the NMC BBQ event. Despite the change, the Oleson Foundation remains dedicated to supporting our students and the College will continue the strong community connection established through the event’s proud history.
Throughout the decades, many of you have grown up with the tradition and volunteered your time, in all kinds of weather (including snow, occasionally) to make the BBQ a success. For years, it served as an “open house” where we could invite our neighbors, friends and family to come to our college and see the amazing people, programs and places that make us so proud. Thank you for being part of that! It is because of you that the connection to our community, and the support of our College and students remains strong today.
“We’ve come a long way in 65 years since the Oleson family and the community first joined together to help build our community’s college. We have accomplished much and our college and region have grown and changed considerably over the years,” said Brad Oleson, NMC BBQ committee member. “As we reflect on that success, we feel now is a great opportunity to look toward the future for new ways to support the college as our students’ needs, and our community, continue to grow and change. We celebrate what we have done together and are excited to extend that path into the future to benefit our students, our college and our community for years to come.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the Oleson family’s commitment to Northwestern Michigan College. Our college might not be here today if it wasn’t for their vision and dedication,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of NMC. “The Olesons and the BBQ not only rallied support and resources over the years, but allowed us to open our campus to the community to celebrate all that we’ve done together for our students. I am confident we will continue the spirit of the BBQ and Oleson family for many years to come and I look forward to it.”
While the traditional BBQ event will not be returning, the College would like to host a celebration for volunteers, supporters and community members when it is safe to do so in the future.
Since the BBQ first began, there are now a wide variety of ways for the community to learn about, engage with and support the college including through the NMC Foundation, advisory boards, volunteer positions and more.
The Oleson Foundation has pledged to continue their support for the college and its students, just as they have for nearly thirty years. Most recently the Oleson Foundation made a gift of $100,000 to NMC’s new West Hall Innovation Center. Marty Oleson will also continue to serve on the NMC Foundation Board.
The NMC BBQ Committee established an endowed scholarship in 2015 that will provide scholarship support in perpetuity for local students with financial need.
We look forward to developing new ways to strengthen the ties between our community and college to support our students, and look forward to celebrating with you along the way.
Thank you,
Diana Fairbanks
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 392-6082 (m)
The Health & Science Building atrium on NMC’s main campus will be used as a city polling place for Precinct 9 voters again this year, including on Tuesday, August 4. Some parking in the Cedar lot will be set aside for voters at those times.
Masks will be provided for people who don’t have them but would like one, sneeze guards will be in place within the polling place where voters and election workers most interact, items will be sanitized and social distancing signs will be in place.
The NMC Bookstore will be closed that day as well, and will reopen with normal hours Wednesday, August 5.
New and returning NMC students will be welcomed back to campus Wednesday, Aug. 19 through Wednesday, Aug. 26 with a series of free socially distanced and virtual events. Students will be moving into East and North Halls Thursday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 23. Learn more and see the schedule events here.
The July 28 payment due date for fall is fast approaching.Do you need to make payment in person? You can access a drop box by entering the Health & Science Building by the NMC Bookstore (#7 on the Main Campus Map).
Student Financial Services is also available to assist with questions by calling (231) 995-1035.
It’s time to secure your fall classes!Payment for fall classes is due Tuesday, July 28.
Online: nmc.edu/selfservice, under Student Billing
In person: If you need to pay in person, please call (231) 995-1035 before July 28 to make an appointment.
By mail: Please note your NMC ID on your check.
NMC Student Financial Services
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Explore payment options: nmc.edu/cashier
Questions? (231) 995-1035 or sfs@nmc.edu
Helpful tips:
Congratulations to members of the Class of 2020 on on achieving your goal as an NMC graduate! We want to help you celebrate with our 2020 Drive-thru Celebration. (Check your NMC email for a version of this announcement with additional details.)
We invite you to make an appointment to come to campus on July 30 or July 31 between 2 and 7 p.m. for the celebration. You can sign up for a time slot here.
During this time, you will be able to purchase a cap & tassel, pick up a little NMC swag (welcome NMC Alumni!), and take pictures to celebrate your accomplishment. Wear your honors cords, decorate your cap, and wear whatever you’d like to celebrate your graduation.
We will have our Hawk Owl wings on site to create a memorable shot! NMC will have a professional photographer and will provide you one picture for download free of charge.
We ask that all graduates (and those joining you in your celebration) wear a face covering to campus. Social distancing & safety protocols will be practiced (we will be unable to take pictures with personal devices).
The college is still planning an official commencement ceremony and will release official plans in the near future. Please stay tuned for additional information.
Congratulations on your success!
The 2020 Drive-thru Celebration Team
Wednesday, July 8 featuring Reni Gower10:30–11 a.m.
Join us on Zoom and Facebook Live in the galleries as we have conversations featuring some of the artists from Pulped Under Pressure. Education Curator Jason Dake will be sharing each artist’s work, currently on view, and chat with our artists. Ask your questions in the chat on Zoom or in the comments on Facebook to learn more about the artists.
Learn more about the artists and find Zoom meeting links on the Dennos community programs page.
Fall financial aid will be available to use at the NMC Bookstore August 10-September 8. Financial aid will be available to use online during the same time – visit us at bookstore.nmc.edu. Gas cards will be available in store only August 17-September 8.
The NMC bookstore is now open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read more on the bookstore homepage.
TRAVERSE CITY — Cadets at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) will soon depart on training cruises with increased safety protocols in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Thursday, July 2, 12 GLMA cadets, and one faculty member will sail onboard the T/S Kennedy on its voyage from a shipyard in Mobile, AL to its homeport at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. These cadets will be joined by cadets and midshipmen from Maine Maritime Academy, California Maritime Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The ability of the cadets to sail onboard the T/S Kennedy during this evolution was facilitated by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD.) The vessel’s transit is expected to last 14 to 21 days.
“It will be a great experience, it will go a long way toward meeting our goal of ensuring cadets have the ability to graduate as per their model schedule, and it will be almost no cost to cadets,” said Jerry Achenbach, GLMA superintendent.
Monday, July 6, GLMA’s flagship training vessel, the T/S State of Michigan, is scheduled to depart, from NMC’s Great Lakes Campus harbor, for the first of three training cruises. In phase one of the training cruise, 17 cadets, and one intern from Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute will be underway for seven to nine days. The ship will not make any non-emergency port calls, and no one will depart or enter the ship to limit the risk of possible exposure to the virus.
All cadets and crew for both ships were required to be quarantined and test negative for COVID-19 before they were allowed to sail.
GLMA and NMC have adopted increased safety protocols to help protect cadets against COVID-19. These measures are based on stringent industry protocols developed by MARAD, and follow the most stringent procedures being employed by the U.S. maritime industry. Safety procedures for cadet training include single occupancy berths, inspections, continuous sanitization, safe distancing and wearing face coverings in accordance with CDC guidelines. Additionally, the Academy worked with the Grand Traverse County Health Department on the quarantine procedures.
These training cruises will help cadets meet program requirements. Earning the required 360 days of sea time during the four-year program was already a challenge due to high Maritime enrollment, few available berths aboard commercial vessels, and academic schedule constraints. Shutdowns due to the coronavirus worsened the situation. GLMA’s training vessel, the T/S State of Michigan, would normally have departed in early May on its annual two-month training cruise. Due to the pandemic, the vessel will not get underway until early July.
In addition to the new cruise options, GLMA added the tugboat Mississippi to its fleet in June. The NMC Board of Trustees approved leasing the vessel in March as an additional way to help cadets meet required sea time.
As the state maritime academy of Michigan, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College educates and trains deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree, and an unlimited tonnage/ horsepower merchant marine license. Read more about the Academy at nmc.edu/maritime.
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@nmc.edu