Dec 6, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
December 6, 2017
Commuters hurrying home along Eighth Street these dark evenings will find a bright spot, thanks to a collaboration between NMC and Roost.
NMC’s solar power trailer is lighting up the Roost prefabricated tiny home located at 444 E. Eighth, opposite Family Video. The home is illuminated from 5–8 p.m. nightly.
The collaboration is designed to show what’s possible with solar energy, said NMC construction technology adjunct instructor Mike Schmerl.
“It does work, in northern Michigan, in the winter,” said Schmerl.
And it’s ideal for Roost, said Geoff Nelson, a co-founder of the company that created the 370-square-foot, finish-ready home that’s occupied the former vacant lot since June.
“There’s a great many people who want to live smaller, greener,” Nelson said. Roost’s other green features include renewable materials, a sustainable building process and tight building envelope to maximize energy efficiency.
Parked on the home’s west side with its solar panels tilted south, the trailer is only illuminating the home, not heating it or powering appliances. Still, it kick-starts consideration of solar, said Schmerl, whose own Traverse City home is 50 percent solar-powered.
“All things are possible,” Schmerl said. “What we demonstrate is expandability.”
NMC first developed the solar trailer in 2006. Schmerl updated it for the Roost project using equipment sold to the college at a discount.
“The technology has become more user-friendly, easier to understand, and more adaptable to people’s power requirements,” said Schmerl. “Using that trailer and our classroom skill set, we can adapt to almost any inquiries.”
As electric cars become more prevalent, Schmerl sees more opportunity for solar growth. The website Charge Hub lists 26 public charging stations in Traverse City, including at the Cambria Suites hotel, the original Meijer parking lot, and the Old Towne parking deck just down the street from Roost.
“Why wouldn’t they package the sale of an electric vehicle with the sale of the charging equipment, which would lead to the sale of the solar,” he said.
Nelson agreed that he’s seeing interest increase among all kinds of clients, from millennials to boomers.
“It’s been super encouraging to see the people responding to living smaller, greener, low-maintenance,” he said.
Dec 5, 2017 | Student News
Health Services will be closed from December 16 and reopen January 8 at 9 a.m. If you need refills, please call (231) 995-1255 to schedule an appointment before December 12.
For emergencies call 911, or proceed to the following medical centers:
- MCHC, 550 Munson Ave – 935-8686
- Bayside Docs, 501 Munson Ave – 933-9150
- The Walk-In Clinic, US 31 South – 929-1234
- Munson Medical Center, 1105 6th St – 935-5000
Nov 27, 2017 | Student News
Books rented from the NMC Bookstore are due on Friday, December 15, 2017. Can’t remember which books you rented? Email the bookstore at bookstore@nmc.edu and include your student ID, and we’ll get you a list.
Nov 22, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
November 22, 2017
In this season of gratitude, quality child care is near the top of the list for the young families fortunate enough to have found it.
This fall, one NMC alumna took a step toward filling that crucial community need by doubling her home child care capacity, including more desperately-needed infant care. Alison Burns’ Healthy Start Child Care in Traverse City also now employs two NMC child development students, (including Emily Spica, above) providing them valuable work experience.
A licensed provider in Michigan since 1996, Burns (right) originally chose child care as a way to stay home with her own three children. Until this year, her license limited her to six children in care simultaneously, only two of whom could be under a year old. However, Burns self-limited infant enrollment to one. She frequently had a waiting list, and felt badly for the families she had to turn away.
“There’s such a demand for infant care,” she said.
Then this fall, timing and preparation coincided, allowing Burns to help meet that demand.
Back in 2011, inspired to learn more about children with special needs after one came into her care, Burns enrolled in an Exceptional Child psychology class at NMC. Child development program coordinator and instructor Cheryl Bloomquist then persuaded her to complete the entire Child Development certificate course sequence — 32 credit hours. Even after practicing child care for 15 years, Burns found herself invigorated in the classroom.
“It reinforced what I already knew, (and) I learned so much,” she said. An Infant and Toddler Development class was especially beneficial, she said, bolstering her knowledge of best practices for that age group and confidence working with them.
She completed her certificate in 2013 and returned to running her six-child daycare home. She also made time to serve on Bloomquist’s Early Childhood Advisory Committee.
“Her input is so valuable, because I don’t always have a family home provider there,” Bloomquist said.
Fast-forward to this fall, when Burns’ youngest daughter left for college, creating more physical space for child care in their home. Simultaneously Burns was up for relicensing, and the lack of child care regionally had become an acknowledged obstacle to continued economic growth.
“Babies need care, and they need good care,” said Bloomquist. “They take up a lot of space and they take up a lot of employees.”
Burns decided to expand her license to allow her to care for 12 children, up to four of whom can be younger than 18 months. All those slots are filled, and in fact she cares for 19 different children over the course of a week, since some attend part-time.
She also turned to NMC to find staff. Both Kalee Lown, lead infant and toddler teacher, and Spica, lead preschool teacher, are NMC students. On a recent brisk morning, Spica played with preschoolers in Burns’ backyard while Lown and Burns each held an infant, and another napped.
“I get to apply the things we’re learning in class,” said Spica, who will graduate next spring. “A lot of (the work) coincides with the assignments we’re given.”
Burns empowers them to use their education on the job.
“These teachers are teachers. They’re not just waiting for me to tell them what to do,” she said.
“Now she is the mentor,” Bloomquist said. “It’s just been a really good fit.”
For information on Healthy Start Child Care, call (231) 933-7002.
Nov 21, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
The Invisible War is a documentary that discusses sexual assault in the United States Military. The documentary interviews veterans from different branches of the United States Armed Forces who have experienced sexual assault while in their branch.
Wednesday December 6
6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Milliken Auditorium
Nov 21, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
Phi Theta Kappa and NMC Voices are partnering up to bring you an event centered around Sexual Assault & the Bystander Effect. We will be showing NMC’s International Club & NMC Voices sexual assault video, followed by a panel discussion on the topic.
Wednesday, November 29
5:15–6:45 p.m.
Scholars Hall 217
Nov 20, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
Spring Arbor University will have a display table in the lobby of NMC’s Health and Science Building on December 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spring Arbor University allows students the opportunity to complete their bachelors degrees and masters degrees in Traverse City and across Northern Michigan in a format that is geared for working adults. We offer Bachelor’s degrees in Organizational Management, Nursing, BSW, & Human Services. We also offer MBA, MSW, and MSN (along with the RN-MSN program). Classes are 1 night a week for less than 2 years. We have programs available online, as well. SAU is very VA friendly; it meets 6 out of 7 of the MVAA’s Gold Standards. Ask if you are eligible for a VA discount!
Nov 20, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
Want to help distribute food to NMC students and their families? Just sign up using the link below and then meet up in the Advising Center in the library to serve your shift.
We’re using SignUp.com (the leading online signup and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming activity.
Please sign up for Food Pantry Volunteer!
Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click here to go to our invitation page on SignUp.com.
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on SignUp.com)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots – SignUp.com will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Paul Kolak at pkolak@nmc.edu to sign up manually.
Thanks for supporting this cause and helping students get their needs met!
Nov 16, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
The Student Success Center will be hosting one math bootcamp session over winter break this year. It will run 9 a.m.-12 p.m., January 2-5. The cost will remain $25.
Students who completed math bootcamp over the summer increased their math placement 1.5 levels on average!
Interested students can call 231-995-2134 or e-mail studentsuccesscenter@nmc.edu to register.
Nov 16, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s performance ensembles will present the following holiday concerts:
Sunday, November 19: NMC Children’s Choirs holiday concert. 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. Reserved seating. MyNorthTickets.com and at the door. (800) 836-0717.
Saturday, December 2: The NMC Jazz Bands and Vocal Jazz Ensemble present Winter Jazz Ensemble Showcase. 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $12 for adults, $7 for students and seniors at MyNorthTickets.com and at the door. (800) 836-0717.
Saturday, December 9: The NMC Choirs join the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for “Home for the Holidays.” 7:30 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. MyNorthTickets.com. (231) 947-7120.
Sunday, December 10 The NMC Choirs join the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for “Home for the Holidays.” 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. MyNorthTickets.com. (231) 947-7120.
Monday, December 11: Hip hop dance performance of “Hip Hop Nature” by NMC dance students. 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium, free.
Sunday, December 17: The NMC Grand Traverse Chorale and Chamber Singers join area choirs for a concert featuring the music of Dan Forrest. 2 p.m., First Congregational Church. Tickets (231) 947-6698.
Tuesday, December 19: The NMC Concert Band presents an evenng of holiday music. 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $12 for adults, $7 for students and seniors at MyNorthTickets.com and at the door. (800) 836-0717
Release date: November 16, 2017
For more information:
Jeff Cobb
Director of Music Programs
(231) 995-1338
jecobb@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Nov 15, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
Come watch a free dance concert December 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Dennos Museum Auditorium. Watch NMC hip hop dance students strut their stuff alongside special guests.
Nov 14, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is offering a fun and unique way to give back to the community while getting an up-close look at some of the most exciting new technology available on campus.
Students will host STEM Exploration Day from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Parsons-Stulen building on NMC’s Aero Park campus. The event benefits the Food for Thought “Fill the Pantries: Food Drive Challenge.”
Community members of all ages are invited to explore and play with some of the latest equipment from NMC programs including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, aviation flight simulators, welding, hybrid vehicles, 3D printer and interactive robots. LEGO robotics and the Grand Traverse County Police Technology Department will also be available.
NMC’s Computer Information Technology department will also host an Explore Your Major event during the STEM Exploration day. By completing activities on a Exploration Passport, such as building and programming games, exploring cloud computing and experiencing virtual reality, participants in sixth grade and above can enter a drawing for an XBox One.
Other activities include face painting, a bake sale, crafts and a silent raffle. Suggested admission is 10 non-perishable food/hygiene items or $5 per person. Products and funds collected will help fill shelves at 51 area food pantries.
The NMC Food for Thought “Fill the Pantries: Food Drive Challenge” is a semester-long experiential learning project that pairs NMC students and the Northwest Michigan Food Coalition.
Release date: november 14, 2017
For more information:
Kristy McDonald
NMC Professor
(231) 995-1059
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
Hunter Krecow
Director of Marketing NMC’s Food for Thought
krecowh@mail.nmc.edu
(231) 620-3716
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Nov 13, 2017 | Student News
Are you close to completing your Program of Study? Have you applied to graduate?
If you are planning to complete a degree or certificate this year, you should submit a Graduation Application to the Records Office. Forms are available here, or in the Records & Registration Office on the main floor of the Tanis Building. You will receive an official audit of your coursework and assurance that you are on track to complete your program as planned.
The Graduation Application should be submitted at least one semester before the semester you anticipate completing your degree or certificate program requirements. Students planning to graduate this Fall 2017 or Spring 2018 should submit this form now!
Submitting the Graduation Application also helps the Records Office when ordering diplomas and planning for Spring Commencement. If you have any questions about graduating, please contact the Records & Registration Office at 995-1049 or records@nmc.edu
Nov 13, 2017 | Student News
Want to sell back your textbooks that you don’t want to keep?
Bring them by the bookstore December 11-15 for book buyback.
Nov 13, 2017 | Student News
This Friday, November 17 is the LAST DAY TO DROP/WITHDRAW from a regular 15-week class with record. This results in a ‘W’ on your transcript in place of a grade. Please check with your instructor, your advisor, and Student Financial Services prior to dropping. Check your NMC Self Service for drop/withdrawal deadlines for all your classes.
Nov 10, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
Help someone in need this winter! Bring a new or gently used hoodie/sweatshirt/coat to the bookstore between November 6-17, and receive a coupon for 30% off a new NMC apparel item. All donated items will go to the Goodwill Street Outreach program, assisting people who are struggling with homelessness.
Nov 8, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
November 8, 2017
Since 2012, NMC has prioritized the success of student veterans on campus with a host of initiatives led by the office of Military and Veterans Services — from customized orientation to a veterans lounge to efforts to convert service into credits.
Tonight, some NMC veterans will take a step toward connecting the broader community with the experience of contemporary military service by taking part in a panel discussion following the 7 p.m. free screening of Almost Sunrise at Milliken Auditorium. The documentary tells the story of two veterans who embark on a cross-country hike in an effort to heal the psychological wounds left by their military service.
Construction technology student Fernando Cruz is familiar with that restless urge. An Army reservist between 1997 and 2010 who was deployed to Iraq for a year, he too crisscrossed the U.S. for work after his discharge.
“It’s not coincidental,” said Cruz, now of Kingsley, of his nomadic work transporting vehicles, and later for a drill rig company. “I was getting away. I had to get away.”
The father of twin 18-month-old sons, Cruz, 37, thinks there’s a “big disconnect” between civilians and military members. Tonight, he’ll try to help make that connection.
Veterans Day commemoration
Presented by NMC’s chapter of Student Veterans of America and 22 to None, an organization dedicated to stopping veteran suicide, the film comes as NMC prepares to commemorate Veterans Day on campus. The following events are scheduled for Monday, Nov. 13:
- 8:30 a.m. – Free breakfast for all veterans and active duty military in the Hawk Owl Cafe in West Hall.
- 9:20 a.m. – Walk of Honor. The campus community is invited to line up along the sidewalks from West Hall to the flagpoles west of the Tanis Building. Led by the Traverse City Central High School drum line, veterans will walk from West Hall to the flagpoles.
- 9:30 a.m. – Flag-raising ceremony conducted by the VFW with the Traverse City Central High School band.
- 10 a.m.–noon – Coffee and cake served in West Hall for the entire campus community in honor of veterans.
About five percent of NMC students are veterans. For the third consecutive year NMC has been certified as a Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. NMC was also named the fifth-best “Best for Vets” community college nationwide by Military Times in 2016.
NMC will also focus on the student veteran transition in the January 2018 issue of Nexus, which will be published as the nation marks the ten-year anniversary of the post-9/11 GI Bill®, which granted educational benefits to veterans serving after Sept. 11, 2001.
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.
Nov 7, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education and celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. It was first held in 2000 and is now celebrated in more than 100 countries around the world. Read more »
NMC’s commemoration of the 17th annual International Education Week included food from India and Greece; a student speaker from Taiwan and a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia.
