Aug 21, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has announced the winners of its Faculty, Staff and Team Excellence awards, which are given to NMC employees who have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in the lives of the college’s learners.
The awards were announced during the college’s virtual Opening Conference August 17. They are typically handed out during NMC’s Commencement and Retirement & Recognition ceremonies, which were canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Faculty Excellence Awards
Scott Powell (high-resolution version)Great Lakes Maritime Academy instructor Scott Powell was named the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award winner. Adjunct Aviation/Assistant Chief Flight instructor Frank Jabour is the winner of the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award.
The winners are chosen by a student selection committee, and the criteria for both awards include teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication.
Capt. Scott Powell has been an instructor for over 18 years. Students had this to say about him:
- The instructor cares very much about what students think in the classroom, always asking us if the material is understandable, and creates new ways to better the learning experience.
- The instructor’s thorough explanations and hands-on activities are easy to follow, but still challenge us and I always walk away with an understanding of how this truly applies.
- This instructor embodies all the traits of an excellent teacher. He earns our respect without needing to ask for it, is extremely patient, flexible in ability to approach a topic in many different ways to establish complete understanding, and is always up to date with current practice, not only of the industry, but in teaching as well.
Read more about Scott Powell here.
Frank Jabour (high-resolution version)Of Jabour, who has been an instructor for over 21 years, students said:
- The instructor treats every student fairly and will always stay after class to help with any questions you have. Kindest teacher I’ve had, and probably one of the most genuine people I know.
- This instructor is very passionate about what is taught and spreads that passion throughout the program. The instructor will take as many different approaches as necessary to make sure that every student in the classroom has the necessary understanding of the material.
- This instructor brings the material to life and is able to relate the material to past and present experiences that allows his students to grow and understand its significance. He not only stays current but actively motivates students to stay engaged with the industry.
The Faculty Excellence award was initiated by a contribution from longtime NMC benefactors Harold and Imogene Wise in 1970 and first awarded to a full-time faculty member in 1971. The Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award was created in 1999 as a companion.
Staff and team Excellence Awards
Bobbi Garner (high-resolution version)NMC’s Staff and Team Excellence award winners are nominated by their supervisors and colleagues for doing work which inspires others and exhibiting commitment “above and beyond” to the NMC mission, vision, and values.
Bobbi Garner, Office Manager of the Science & Math Academic Area, won this year’s Staff Excellence Award. During the spring semester, she worked late into the night and over a weekend to get 70 students rescheduled in classes after an instructor had to cancel classes due to an emergency. Her work helped 23 of those students graduate on time in the spring.
Educational Technologies team (high-resolution version)NMC’s Educational Technologies team, who were integral in the transition to virtual learning this past spring, won this year’s Team Excellence Award.
The team —Director Terri Gustafson, Ryan Bernstein, Mark DeLonge, Justin Guillard, Chris Hanna, Kyle Morrison, Ben Post, Dennis Schultz and Sherry Trier — held daily Zoom office hours and fielded five times as many help desk tickets this past March as the previous March due to the transition. This summer, they provided a virtual boot camp program for teaching online and hybrid courses to over 90 NMC instructors.
Release date: August 25, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
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
Aug 20, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Good morning NMC community,
As we begin the fall semester it is important for you to know we are committed to your safety. In addition to the safety measures highlighted at nmc.edu/keepsafe, we will be monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic closely and its potential impact at NMC. Despite our safety efforts, we may see cases on campus this semester. If we do, we will report them to you via email and on the COVID-19 cases webpage to keep you aware of possible campus exposures. We are also developing a dashboard for that same webpage to monitor the impact of the virus on our campuses. In addition to that, we want you to know what information we are monitoring that may influence the College’s reopening stage. You can read that information below.
For the latest updates and additional resources, please visit nmc.edu/coronavirus. It will take all of us working together to limit the spread of the virus on our campuses and have fewer restrictions sooner. If you have questions or feedback, we want to hear from you. Please use the Coronavirus Information Feedback Form.
Thank you
Decision Triggers for Discussion of Closure, Partial Closure and/or On-Campus Reduction
To support the goal of student, employee and community safety, the NMC Reopening Committee has developed guidelines for monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and its potential impact. These guidelines cover most situations and will be revised as our understanding of COVID-19 changes. This is an evolving situation and NMC has many unique programs and departments. This document is designed to set out a broad, campus-wide view and may require adjustments to meet the needs of specific areas, in collaboration with the Reopening Committee. These guidelines are intended to decrease the risk of disease spread, but cannot eliminate all risk. We encourage NMC partners and affiliated organizations to consider these as well.
Aug 20, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Good morning NMC community,
As we begin the fall semester, the college remains in stage 2 of its reopening plan. However we are making some updates based on our growing understanding of the situation and your input. Our goals continue to be your safety and limiting the disruption to learning. In the coming days we will share several additional safety resources. You can also find these and many other resources at nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Updates to stage 2 of NMC’s Reopening Plan
- Campus will now be open Monday-Friday for classes and office work that cannot be done from home. Any work that can be done remotely, should be.
- Food service will be available in the new West Hall Innovation Center starting Thursday, August 20, 2020.
- The Hawk Owl Cafe will be open daily 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (hours updated Sept. 9)
- Northwest Grind (Starbucks) will be open Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–7 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (hours updated Sept. 9)
- The library, now located in the West Hall Innovation Center, will be open for limited hours Monday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. and Tuesday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- NMC buildings will now be unlocked one hour before the first class of the day and remain unlocked for one hour following the last class of the day.
Please continue to follow all of the safety guidelines highlighted at nmc.edu/keep-safe including:
- Answering the self-screening questions before coming to campus
- Call NMC Health Services at (231) 995-1255 before coming in if you feel ill
- Wear a mask and practice social distancing in all public areas on campus
Thank you for your continued support in limiting the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses.
Aug 20, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
NMC Dining Services include the Hawk Owl Café and Northwest Grind / Starbucks in the West Hall Innovation Center (#9 on the Main Campus Map). Hours may vary around holidays, and dining services are closed during semester breaks and over the summer.
For more information, visit the NMC Dining Services website.
HAWK OWL CAFÉ
Deli, Grill, Grab and Go hot and cold items, Pizza, and Red Hot Chef items available.
- Daily: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (hours updated Sept. 9)
NORTHWEST GRIND – STARBUCKS
Full line of Starbucks, Grab and Go items (sandwiches, salads, parfaits, fruits, breakfast items, etc), and hot held entree items available.
- Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (hours updated Sept. 9)
- Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (hours updated Sept. 9)
Aug 11, 2020 | Student News
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.
Aug 7, 2020 | Student News
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:
- Masks – Everyone on campus is required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while inside NMC buildings and outside when six foot distancing cannot be maintained. If you are medically unable to wear a mask please contact Disability Services for assistance.
- Physical Distancing – You should maintain six feet of distance between yourself and others with whom you do not live, to the maximum extent possible.
- Disinfect your workspaces – Maintain proper hygiene and health practices, including:
- Routinely cleaning and sanitizing your living space and/or workspace
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or, if soap is unavailable, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your face
- No eating in public spaces – Eating on campus will only be allowed in designated areas.
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!
Aug 7, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
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.
Release date: August 7, 2020
For more information:
Paris Morse
NMC Foundation
pmorse@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2822
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
Aug 7, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
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.
Release date: August 7, 2020
For more information:
Paris Morse
NMC Foundation
pmorse@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2822
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
Aug 5, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
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.
Release date: August 5, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
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
Aug 5, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
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.
Release date: August 5, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
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
Aug 3, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
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.
Check out a photo gallery of the 2020 graduates and their friends and family members who came out for the celebration here.
Aug 3, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Advising Center is offering virtual “drop-in” advising to help with Fall registration.
Drop in to our open Zoom advising sessions:
Jul 30, 2020 | Student News
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
Release date: July 30, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 392-6082 (m)
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
Jul 29, 2020 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
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.
Jul 27, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
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.
Jul 24, 2020 | Student News
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.
Jul 17, 2020 | Student News
It’s time to secure your fall classes!
Payment for fall classes is due Tuesday, July 28.
Online: nmc.edu/selfservice, under Student Billing
- Electronic Check from checking or savings account at no cost
- 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: 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:
- 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
Fall session begins August 22. Register today!
Jul 17, 2020 | Student News
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
Scott Powell (high-resolution version)Great Lakes Maritime Academy instructor Scott Powell was named the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award winner. Adjunct Aviation/Assistant Chief Flight instructor Frank Jabour is the winner of the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award.
Frank Jabour (high-resolution version)Of Jabour, who has been an instructor for over 21 years, students said: