Success story: Hawk Owl heads to Harvard

Aug 28, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

August 28, 2019

Add up an NMC associate degree, a thin credit history, a stint in the Navy and a love of travel and you get Harvard University sophomore Alex Walsh (NMC 2012), who will start classes in Cambridge, Mass. next week.

He’s one of just a dozen transfer students admitted among 1,600 applicants to the most venerable of the Ivy League institutions. But long odds didn’t daunt Walsh, preternaturally disposed to optimism.

“Shoot for the stars, see what happens. The worst they could say is no,” said Walsh, 27, who was also admitted to the University of Michigan and Michigan State. “Being able to find ways to push myself at NMC, challenge myself, helped put me on this path.”

“This path” started with participating in a wide range of activities and clubs at NMC, including NMC magazine, the White Pine Press, Anime Club, International Club and the NMC Policy Council. (NMC yesterday hosted Pine Palooza, an annual fair that introduces students to dozens of campus groups and organizations.) Walsh was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international community college honor society. He credits PTK adviser Kari Kahler and instructors Jim Bensley, Amjad Khan and John Zachman as among his NMC mentors.

Yet when he graduated, Walsh didn’t have enough credit history to get the student loans he needed to continue his education. So he joined the military, both for the GI benefits down the road and the opportunity to travel in the short term, a love kindled in the NMC International Club. He chose the Navy specifically because it offered more opportunity to travel than other branches, and lived in Spain for more than three years and visited 25 different countries.

In 2017 he took the SAT and scored higher than he expected. Though Ivy League schools are notoriously picky about transfer students, he decided to add Harvard, Princeton and Yale to his list when his Navy contract was up. A veteran transition program, Service to School, also matched him with a mentor whom Walsh said was vital in the decision process.

He’ll enter Harvard as a sophomore and plans to major in economics and minor in government, likely international relations. An MBA or law school could follow. Walsh hopes to work in a capacity that grows the global economy, staying in touch with his love of international relations.

“I would like to be on some kind of a career path where I can provide opportunities to those who would not otherwise have opportunities,” he said. Options he wants to explore through internships include working with infrastructure and business development in central America or Asia, working with refugees of war or conflict, and serving in the Foreign Service as an economic or political adviser.

Between the GI Bill^®, Harvard scholarships and grants, Walsh said his entire tuition bill will be covered.

“That’s pretty exciting too,” he said.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Mike McIntosh Memorial Car & Truck Show

Aug 27, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — See cool cars and trucks and support students at NMC’s 14th annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Car and Truck Show Saturday, September 7.

Car enthusiasts will display their classic cars, 4X4s, dragsters, sports cars, modified late models, motorcycles and more from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at NMC’s Automotive Services Building, 2510 Aero Park Drive.

Admission is free for spectators. There is a $10 entry fee per vehicle for contestants. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Trophies are awarded for best of show in each class. Enjoy food, music, prizes and a silent auction. Student projects and vehicles will also be on display. Proceeds benefit NMC’s Automotive Program and scholarships.

The show is named for the late NMC Automotive instructor Mike McIntosh, who retired in 2004 after 34 years of service. McIntosh organized the first car show for the Automotive Program in 2004. Learn more here »

Release date: Aug. 27, 2019

For more information:

Wayne Moody
NMC Automotive Chair
(231) 995-1316
wmoody@nmc.edu

NMC Reviewing Fact Finder’s Report Recommendations In Faculty Contract Negotiations

Aug 26, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is reviewing the recommendations of the Fact Finder’s Report from the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) in the ongoing contract negotiations between the college and the Faculty Association affiliates of the Michigan Education Association.

The report was released late Thursday, August 22. The college filed a petition for Fact Finding January 17, 2019 in an effort to advance negotiations following several bargaining sessions including a State of Michigan mediator. The contracts expired December 31, 2018.

Fact Finding allows a neutral, state-appointed representative to create a non-binding report on the remaining disputes.

Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication, Diana Fairbanks said, “The college is now reviewing and evaluating the recommendations as a whole. The next step in this process is that both sides have an additional 60 days to negotiate a contract that serves the college and our communities well today and into the future.”

Release date: August 23, 2019

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Special NMC Board Meetings and a New Start Time for the August 26 Regular Board Meeting

Aug 20, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a series of special meetings related to the NMC presidential search process, and the board’s August 26 regular meeting start time will be delayed one hour to accommodate the presidential candidate interview schedule.

On Friday, Aug. 23 at 8 a.m., the board will meet in Room 112 at the Great Lakes Campus for orientation and a review of the process for in-person interviews of the five finalists for the position. The complete meeting agenda is available here.

On Friday, Aug. 23, Monday, Aug. 26, Tuesday Aug. 27, Wednesday, Aug. 28 and Thursday, Aug. 29, the board will hold 8 a.m. interviews and 5:30 p.m. follow-up meetings with each of the finalists at the Great Lakes Campus. The complete agenda for those meetings is available here.

Finally, the board’s regular August 26 meeting at the Great Lakes Campus will begin at 6:30 p.m. rather than at its normal 5:30 p.m. start time to accommodate the presidential candidate interview schedule. The notice of the time change for that meeting is available here.

The meetings are open to the public.

For more meeting information, please call the NMC President’s office at (231) 995-1010.

Release date: August 20, 2019

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Interview Times and Dates Set for NMC Presidential Candidates

Aug 15, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The five finalists for the position of NMC president will take part in a series of on-campus interviews and campus and community forums between August 23 and August 29. NMC’s Board of Trustees expects to name a new president in September, with a start date of Jan. 1, 2020.

On-campus Interview Schedule

• Friday, Aug. 23 – Nick Nissley
• Monday, Aug. 26 – Tom Watkins
• Tuesday, Aug. 27 – Marsha Danielson
• Wednesday, Aug. 28 – Tim Meyer
• Thursday, Aug. 29 – Allen Goben

Daily Schedule For Each Candidate

• 8:30–10:30 a.m. – Interview with Board of Trustees
  Hagerty Center, Great Lakes Campus
• 2:30–3:30 p.m. – Campus Forum
  Milliken Auditorium
• 4–5 p.m. – COMMUNITY FORUM
  Milliken Auditorium
• 5:30–6:30 p.m. – Follow-up Meeting of Candidate with Board of Trustees
  Hagerty Center, Great Lakes Campus

A total of 67 people applied for the position of NMC president. Presidential search firm The Pauly Group reviewed the applicants to ensure all met the minimum criteria for the job. The Pauly group recommended 20 candidates to the presidential search committee. That committee narrowed the list to eight candidates for video interviews. After the video interviews, the committee recommended five finalists for in-person interviews.

This is the culmination of work since Nov. 1, 2018, when current president Timothy J. Nelson announced his intention to retire on Dec. 31, 2019.

Release date: August 15, 2019

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

NMC and Michigan Tech create new articulation agreement for engineering students

Aug 7, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and Michigan Technological University have developed a new 2+2 degree program designed to  increase student completion and reduce the cost for engineering students by formalizing agreements between the two institutions to accept and award credit for classes taken.

NMC President Timothy J. Nelson and Michigan Tech President Richard J. Koubek signed the seven new articulation agreements Wednesday, August 7 at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus in Traverse City.

These articulations will begin in fall of 2019. Engineering students will be able to take their first two years at NMC then transfer to Michigan Tech as a junior.

NMC Sciences Department Head Jerry Dobek helped design the articulations and said, “This agreement creates a new pipeline for engineering students more likely to complete their 4-year degree at Michigan Tech and provides cost savings for students by allowing them to take their first two years at NMC. These agreements will really give our students a much stronger pathway to success.”

The engineering programs include:

• Biomedical
• Chemical
• Civil
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Electrical Engineering Technology

Students who complete this 2+2 program will be able to earn both an associate degree in science and arts at NMC and their bachelor of science in engineering in one of seven programs at Michigan Tech.

“Northwestern Michigan College is dedicated to creating pathways to success for our learners, while also working to find new ways to meet the needs of the industries in our community,” said President Nelson. “This new agreement with Michigan Technological University achieves both of those goals while solidifying NMC as a key connector and choice partner in the changing landscape of higher education.”

“Michigan Tech believes that education is the most powerful engine for social mobility,” said Koubek. ”With this latest set of articulation agreements, Michigan Tech and NMC, working together, can now provide students even greater opportunities to earn a four-year degree that will position them for successful, high-paying careers right here in Michigan.”

Work on these agreements between NMC and Michigan Tech started 18 months ago, but built on a strong shared history of collaboration. The first 2+2 program between the schools was created in 1990. This new set of agreements reflects how engineering programs have changed over the years and how graduation requirements have become more ‘specialized’.

NMC has articulation agreements in place with 35 educational institutions for more than 100 programs.

Release date: August 7, 2019

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

NMC Board of Trustees to Interview Five Finalists for President

Aug 6, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Five people will visit Northwestern Michigan College to interview to become the college’s new president. The in-person interviews will be scheduled to take place within the next month. Those visits will include campus and community forums open to the public.

The finalists are:

• Marsha Danielson
• Allen Goben
• Tim Meyer
• Nick Nissley
• Thomas Watkins

NMC Board Chair Chris Bott said, “The Board appreciates the dedication of the search committee as we work to identify the right person to build upon our college’s successes and lead NMC into the future. The next phase will be critical as we learn how these candidates fit with our communities and culture.”

A total of 67 people applied for the position. Presidential search firm The Pauly Group reviewed the applicants to ensure all met the minimum criteria for the job. The Pauly group recommended 20 candidates to the presidential search committee. That committee narrowed the list to eight candidates for video interviews. After the video interviews, the committee recommended five finalists for in-person interviews.

This is the culmination of work since Nov. 1, 2018, when current president Timothy J. Nelson announced his intention to retire on Dec. 31, 2019.

NMC’s Board of Trustees expects to name a new president in September, with a start date of Jan. 1, 2020.

Release date: August 6, 2019

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

iDance Bake Sale Aug. 5 and 6

Aug 5, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

NMC iDance, a student group centered around partner dance, is putting on a bake sale to raise funds for the next bi-annual Opera House Dance. The sale will be on the 5th and 6th of August from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on NMC’s campus in the Health & Science Building’s lobby.

NMC Presidential Search Committee to Interview Eight Candidates

Jul 31, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Eight people will take part in video interviews to become the new president of Northwestern Michigan College. The interviews with the presidential search committee are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 5 and 6 in rooms 215/217 of NMC’s University Center. The meetings are open to the public.

The candidates are:

• Marcia Conston
• James Conwell
• Marsha Danielson
• Allen Goben
• Tim Meyer
• Nick Nissley
• Thomas Watkins
• Christy Weber

NMC Board Chair Chris Bott said, “The Board is excited to move forward with the important process of choosing the next leader of Northwestern Michigan College. Our institution is strong and is in a good position to attract a competitive pool of candidates. The Board remains committed to identifying the next leader dedicated to preparing our learners and our region for success.”

After the video interviews, the committee will recommend three to five candidates to the Board of Trustees for in-person interviews later in August.

A total of 67 people applied for the position. Presidential search firm The Pauly Group reviewed the applicants to ensure all met the minimum criteria for the job. The Pauly group recommended 20 candidates to the presidential search committee. That committee narrowed the list to eight candidates for video interviews.

This is the culmination of work since Nov. 1, 2018, when current president Timothy J. Nelson announced his intention to retire on Dec. 31, 2019.

• Nov. 27, 2018 – Request for proposals (RFP) put out for search consultant
• Jan. 15, 2019 – Pauly Group selected as the search consultant among four finalists
• Mar. 18 – Community member seats made available on presidential search committee. Holding eight seats, community members are the largest group within the 20-member committee that also includes trustees, faculty and staff.
• April – Consultant holds forums with stakeholder groups on campus and in the community
• May 20 – Presidential profile approved, position advertised with July 7 as the deadline for priority consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, however.
• July 7 – Date for priority applications to be received by Pauly Group
• July 8-9 – Pauly Group conducts initial screenings to select about 20 potential candidates for further Search Committee screening
• July 25 – Search Committee reviews pool and rates each candidate
• August 5-6 – Search Committee interviews semi-finalist candidates via video and recommends 3-5 finalists for further consideration by Board of Trustees through Board interviews and campus forums

NMC’s Board of Trustees expects to name a new president in September, with a start date of Jan. 1, 2020.

Release date: July 31, 2019

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Payment Due Date for Fall 2019 is July 30

Jul 29, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

ONLINE: NMC.EDU/SELF-SERVICE, UNDER STUDENT BILLING

• Electronic Check from checking or savings account at no cost to you
• Debit card payment at no cost to you
• Credit card payment: American Express, MasterCard, VISA, or Discover (including JCB, Diners Pay and China Union Network).  A 2.75% convenience fee applies to all credit card payments for charges related to academic credit courses
• Authorize someone else to make a payment
• Enroll in direct deposit for refunds
• Enroll in a deferred payment plan
• Make a housing or aviation deposit under Deposits
• Go to Financial Aid menu to check your financial aid

IN PERSON:

Payments by cash, check, or money order can be made in person at Student Financial Services (Tanis Building, main level)

BY MAIL:

Please note your NMC ID on your check.

Northwestern Michigan College

Student Financial Services

1701 E. Front Street

Traverse City, MI 49686

Explore payment options: nmc.edu/cashier

Questions? (231) 995-1035 or email: sfs@nmc.edu

Helpful tips:

• Check your NMC email and Self-Service often
• Respond to any requests for information
• Drop before 100% Refund Date (on your schedule) if you don’t plan to attend
• Financial Aid information: nmc.edu/financial-aid

New Books at the Library – July 2019

Jul 9, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

The library has purchased many new books so far this year. You can view a handful here along with descriptions or go here to see the full listing. These books are on display in the library’s lobby.

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NMC Board of Trustees approves balanced budget, sets tuition and fees for 2019-20

Jun 25, 2019 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — During its regular monthly meeting, the Board of Trustees for Northwestern Michigan College voted 6-1 to approve a balanced budget and set tuition rates and fees for the fall 2019 and spring/summer 2020 semesters.

General tuition rates for residents will increase by $3.05 per contact hour for in-district students, from $105.95 to $109.

“We are dedicated to preparing our learners for success in a rapidly changing global society and economy,” said Timothy J. Nelson, president of Northwestern Michigan College. “In order to do that we must continue to explore, innovate and create. We at NMC have been exploring new programs and building unique market advantages. This includes professional training in key program areas like marine technology, drones, aviation and more. Not only do these programs build on existing expertise, but they will give financial support to the critical work to educate learners in more traditional areas.”

New in this budget, college leaders have worked with industry to develop new programs like surveying and the Marine Center to create new revenue streams to support the overall college budget.

For 2019-20 NMC’s revenue will be 21 percent from state aid, 24 percent from local property tax, 51 percent from tuition and fees and four percent from other sources.

Release date: June 25, 2019

For more information:

Vicki Cook
Vice President for Finance and Administration
vcook@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1144