Agreement with Bay Mills aims to increase ranks of dental assistants in northern Michigan

Mar 9, 2023 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has formally partnered with Bay Mills Community College in an effort to increase the number of dental assistants serving northern Michigan, and Native American patients in particular.

In February, NMC and Bay Mills, a tribally-controlled Upper Peninsula community college in Brimley, Mich., signed an articulation agreement that will allow Bay Mills’ students to transfer to NMC’s dental assistant program after their first year. NMC’s yearlong dental assistant curriculum allows them to sit for the state exam to become a registered dental assistant (RDA). NMC Dental Assistant Director Beckie Wooters will make a recruiting visit to Bay Mills on April 17.

Ability to earn RDA licensure is a key advantage of NMC’s program, the furthest north among six accredited dental assistant programs in Michigan. NMC has an outstanding pass rate history, exceeding the state of Michigan’s average in both the clinical and written portion of the exams. Since 2019, at least 96 percent of NMC graduates have passed the clinical portion.

“With a registered dental assistant, a dentist can see about 60 percent more patients. They can do more clinical procedures under the dentist’s supervision,” said Dr. Jessica Rickert, a now-retired Traverse City area dentist who hired NMC graduates in her practice.

Rickert is also the first female Native American dentist in the United States, and remains the only one in Michigan. She now consults with insurer Delta Dental of Michigan and leads Anishinaabe Dental Outreach,whose goal is to improve dental health in Native communities. She saw an opportunity to connect NMC and Bay Mills to better serve the Upper Peninsula, where the shortage of dental professionals is especially acute.

“The scarcity of timely dental care is causing serious hardship,” Rickert said of the U.P. “They have a wonderful program at NMC. Dental assisting is such a great career, and it’s really fulfilling and it’s necessary. Let’s make this happen.”

“Our communities need more dental professionals of any kind. This seems like a really good fit,” agreed Diana McKenzie, dean of science and allied health at Bay Mills, which enrolls about 600 students. About 62 percent are Native American. Among more than 315,000 dental assistants nationwide, Rickert said only 0.7% are American Indian or Alaska Native.

Natalia Chugunov, chair of the Bay Mills science department, said she hopes the partnership can benefit tribal health centers, too.

“We try to help both the community, our college and our students,” she said.

Wooters said the agreement is another way to boost enrollment. NMC’s dental assistant program currently has 13 students, and can accommodate 24. Need is great in the lower peninsula as well, she said.

“We’re not filling the needs for all of the jobs,” said Wooters.

NMC recently invested $52,000 in new equipment for the dental assistant program. It has six fully-functioning patient rooms and some of the latest technology, including an intraoral scanner.

“After earning their associate degree and passing the RDA exam, a dental assistant can expect to begin their career making between $18 and $25 per hour,” Wooters said. A typical work week is only four days, offering flexibility. Job settings include general practice dental offices, pediatric offices, oral surgery and other specialty offices, dental labs and more.

The program has been designed with student convenience in mind. Bay Mills’ students can take their first year of general education requirements entirely online. The second year of in-person dental assistant classes is scheduled in a Tuesday-Thursday block, allowing students to spend most of their week back home in the U.P., if necessary. On-campus housing is also available at NMC.

Rickert said the Michigan Dental Association, the American Dental Association and other sources offer scholarships to students of color.

Release date: MARCH 9, 2023

For more information:

Northwestern Michigan College
Beckie Wooters
(231) 995-1240
bwooters@nmc.edu

Bay Mills Community College
Natalia Chugunov, M.D.
Science Department Chair and Faculty
(906) 248- 8425
nchugunov@bmcc.edu

Success story: Confidence for fall

Mar 8, 2023 | Intercom, Student News

March 8, 2023

With significant state scholarships and even free tuition for more students than ever before, college has never been a better deal, and Michigan just sweetened it even more for students planning to start this fall.

Debuting this summer, College Edge hosted by NMC is the latest investment the state is making in its student-age population. It’s a free, five-week program to help prepare students starting college at any school this fall in the core subjects of math and English. They’ll also learn tips and tools like time management and studying smarter that will help right away. For completing the program, they’ll earn a $1,000 scholarship toward fall semester tuition.

Edge joins the scholarship programs Michigan Reconnect for adults 25 and older, and Michigan Achievement for the class of 2023, in accelerating the state toward its goal of 60 percent of adults having a skills certificate or degree by 2030. Edge, however, aims to give students a head start even before they officially enroll. It’s partially a response to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered schools three years ago this month, and continues to ripple through student lives.

“It’s intended to address learning loss related to Covid disruptions,” said Jenny Shanker of the Michigan Center for Student Success. “This is a recruitment tool for colleges to #1 help students build their skills to be more successful in their first semester of college.”

The high school class of 2023 will graduate with the pandemic affecting all four years of their secondary education. Studies have shown learning loss and student achievement declines since the pandemic began in March 2020. More broadly, college attendance statewide has dropped 10 percent in just five years, from 62.5 percent in 2017–18 to 52.8 percent last year. While the Grand Traverse region’s picture is better, from 64 percent attending in 2017–18 to 57 percent in 2021–22, it still reflects the downward trend.

Math and English courses were chosen for College Edge because success in those gateway classes is associated with better college completion rates, Shanker said. Now the key is to reach prospective students.

“(This is for) those 50 percent of students who might not be planning to go anywhere to let them know that college is a possibility for them,” she said. “They can build their skills and enter further ahead than they might have thought.”

College Edge offers students a choice of two five-week, Monday–Thursday sessions June 5–July 7 or July 10–Aug. 11. Breakfast, gas cards for transportation and access to a laptop are all included at no cost to the student. College Edge is open to any student starting any college this fall. Those who complete a session hosted by NMC, however, will be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship.

Find out more at nmc.edu/edge

Register now for Big Little Hero Race April 22

Mar 8, 2023 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College professional communications students are organizing and hosting the eighth annual Big Little Hero Race and the Future Generation Celebration Music Festival on NMC’s main campus on Saturday, April 22.

Both events are an experiential learning project to raise funds towards NMC College for Kids scholarships for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan. Last year’s event raised $5,000 for scholarships. Participants are encouraged to come in their favorite superhero costumes. Following the races there will be children’s games, a silent auction, food, and new this year, the Future Generation Celebration music festival.

The Big Little Hero Race includes three races which all start on NMC’s main campus:

• 1 mile fun run/walk: Free entry, includes a free superhero cape for kids
• 5K run/walk: $20 for students, $25 for adults
• 10K run: $25 for students, $30 for adults
• Virtual race: $20

Every year, the Big Little Hero Race selects a local hero to honor during the race. This year’s race will honor Kari Kahler, NMC’s associate dean of Learning Services. Kahler has championed student success via mentorship throughout her lengthy NMC career. Kahler has created a program in which NMC students mentor Blair Elementary School students in an effort to support positive change in the students’ lives.

This year, the Big Little Hero Race is collaborating with NMC Audio Technology students to create the Future Generation Celebration, a free music festival organized and run by NMC students. Acts include Brotha James, Breathe Owl Breathe, and Dixon’s Violin.

Register for the Big Little Hero Race before March 20 to receive a $5 early bird discount, and before April 10 to guarantee a free event T-shirt. For more information, or to register for the race, visit biglittleherorace.com.

Release date: MARCH 7, 2023

For more information:

Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059

Alex Grassa
BLHR Marketing Team
grassaa@mail.nmc.edu
(231) 883-8055

NMC Magazine seeking submissions

Mar 8, 2023 | Intercom, Student News

Flying cars, Beyond Burgers and clean energy. The universe contains all possibilities. How does the past lead into the present? What will happen to old polyester clothing and to-go containers? How far will our interstellar journeys carry us? Boldly take your imagination where no one has gone before. The NMC Magazine is seeking your ideas on what the future holds!

Visit nmc.edu/nmcmagazine to complete a submission form for each entry and email the entry to nmcmag@mail.nmc.edu. Hard copies can be delivered to the Fine Arts department (attn: Caroline Schaefer-Hills) or Scholars Hall 214 (attn: Alissia Lingaur). The deadline to enter is Friday, March 17, 2023.

Accepted mediums include:

• • Photography, fine art, design, and video
  • Flash fiction/nonfiction (500 word limit)
  • Poetry/lyrics (20 line limit)
  • Comics (15 panels/2 page limit)
  • Essay (800 word limit)

AI submissions are also welcome. Please see the submission form for additional guidelines.

Mid-Semester Reset

Mar 6, 2023 | Intercom, Student News

Need to unwind and de-stress after midterms? Join the Student Success Team for activities that will help you reset and recharge to finish the semester strong!

Study Bunnies

March 12, 1-4 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107

Join us to get a jumpstart on studying for the second half of the spring semester! Student volunteers will be facilitating children’s activities. Backyard Bunch 4-H club will have live bunnies to hold, pet, and cuddle. Light refreshments will be available.

Zen Garden

March 13, 12-2 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center hallway

Create your very own Zen Garden! A Zen Garden is a way of life and is associated with stress reduction. It can produce feelings of calmness and peace and has mental as well as psychological health benefits.

Succulents

March 14, 12-2 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center hallway

Plant a Succulent as part of our Mid Semester Reset! Succulents are known to have many health benefits including improving air quality and boosting mental focus. 

Sound Bath

March 15, 12-1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107

Relax while immersing yourself in a sound bath. Sound baths incorporate musical instruments to create a meditation experience. Benefits of sound baths include relaxation, stress reduction and improved sleep. Feel free to come and go during this experience or stay for as long as you wish.

Self-Care Workshop

March 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107

Sip and Paint

March 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107

No artistic talent necessary, just a desire to create and celebrate your accomplishments this semester. All art supplies are provided and beverages are non-alcoholic. Stop by anytime between 6:30 and 8:30.

Mid Semester Guided Meditation

March 17, 12-1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104

NMC Aviation slated for $3.75 M in state funds for new hangar and planes

Mar 2, 2023 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is in line to receive $3.75 million in state funds to expand its Aviation facilities and help address the nation’s pilot shortage. The critical investment was approved in the state’s supplemental budget Wednesday. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign it in the coming days.

The funding from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will be used to renovate and expand NMC’s 47-year-old Aviation hangar and purchase additional aircraft. This will allow NMC Aviation to increase its capacity to train more pilots, as identified in the college’s strategic plan.

“This effort has been more than a year in the making. We are grateful for the support and advocacy from our state lawmakers, like Sen. John Damoose, who was a key champion of this project, as well as support from members of the house including Rep. Betsy Coffia and Rep. Curt VanderWall. They see the value in investing in NMC to meet the region’s workforce needs,” said NMC President Dr. Nick Nissley. “This is a powerful example of what we can achieve together for northern Michigan through collaboration.”

NMC must provide a 50 percent match to the state investment. The total project cost is $5 million for the hangar renovation and $2 million for the acquisition of four new, technically advanced aircraft for flight training.

“Northwestern Michigan College has a very well-respected and in-demand aviation program from both the industry and student perspectives. Our biggest challenge has been not being able to expand,” said NMC Aviation Director Alex Bloye. “Now, thanks to this investment, we can train even more exceptional pilots.”

NMC Aviation enrolls 50 students per year, but has a two-year waitlist. Graduates experience 100 percent job placement. According to Bloye, airlines are poised for their busiest year of pilot hiring in more than three decades. Airlines are reducing flights and services due to the current labor shortage. During the pandemic, 5,000 U.S. pilots took early retirement. Nearly a third of pilots are expected to retire by 2035.

The current NMC hangar, built in 1976, does not functionally support the program’s demand. This renovation project will transform the hangar into a thriving Student Aviation Center. The renovated hangar will be an innovative, functional, and secure facility to store and maintain NMC’s growing fleet of technically-advanced aircraft. It also provides for expanded simulation lab space and other student spaces for testing, studying and collaboration.

Release date: MARCH 2, 2023

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020

Career Fair – Students and community welcome

Feb 23, 2023 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Current students, alumni, and the community are invited to attend Northwestern Michigan College’s 17th annual Career Fair on Thursday, March 2 at the Hagerty Center on the Great Lakes Campus.

Held in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest, the Career Fair runs from 3–6 p.m. (Veterans are invited to arrive at 2:30 p.m.) Nearly 70 participating employers will be recruiting for career-track, seasonal and entry-level positions as well as internships and service learning. See the list at nmc.edu/career-fair.

In preparation for the event, NMC has planned two free “Navigating the Career Fair” workshops. These will be held Feb. 27 and 28 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center lobby on main campus. These sessions will offer assistance with resume preparation, an elevator pitch and projecting confidence at the fair.

Following the Career Fair, NMC will also host two sessions on using the LinkedIn social network in a job search. These will be held March 16.

• LinkedIn 101: 10–11 a.m. For beginning users.
• Maximized LinkedIn: 1–2 p.m. For advanced users.

Both sessions will be held on main campus in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, rooms 106/107. Shapiro is the director of the Office for Student Success at Touro College in New York, a freelance writer, public speaker, LinkedIn consultant and a board-certified coach specializing in career coaching. Call (231) 995-1170 or email twelch@nmc.edu or aburns@nmc.edu.

Release date: FEBRUARY 23, 2023

For more information:

Katie Sommer-Ford
NMC Advising Center
ksommer@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1040

A Taste of Success to go – tickets on sale now

Feb 22, 2023 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Tickets are now on sale for A Taste of Success to go on April 28, the premier annual fundraiser for students at NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute.

Patrons will take home a delicious around-the-world cuisine tour from charcuterie through dessert. Each to-go package, prepared by Great Lakes Culinary Institute students, generously serves two and includes:

• Charcuterie box
• Soup
• Global tour box with samplings of cuisines from around the world
• Dessert box

Packages are $250 and available for pick up between 4 and 6 p.m. Friday, April 28 at NMC’s Great Lakes campus, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City. The 2022 event raised more than $130,000 for student scholarships. The event was first held at the Park Place Hotel in 1994.

The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College offers both degree and certificates. Its newest Culinary-Maritime certificate will debut this fall. It is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation.

Boxes are $250 each. Call (231) 995-1021 or buy online. More information is available at nmc.edu/taste-of-success.

Release date: February 22, 2023

For more information:

Chef Les Eckert
Director, Great Lakes Culinary Institute

Success story: Traditional and returning students find opportunity at NMC

Feb 22, 2023 | Intercom, Student News

February 22, 2023

Students Gabe Parrish and Jim Schiffer are both growing their careers in NMC’s Surveying Technology program, even with four decades in between them.

Gabe ParrishParrish, 19, will graduate with his associate degree next year. Schiffer, 59, a professional engineer for the Grand Traverse County Road Commission, will complete the credentials to become a licensed surveyor this summer.

The surveying industry could use a lot more like them. An aging workforce, lack of awareness of the career opportunities, and demand for surveying skills have created the shortage. Launching a Surveying Technology associate degree in 2019 was NMC’s first response. Now, Ryan Deering, hired this month as a dedicated recruiter for the Surveying Technology program, is tackling the awareness problem head on.

Jim Schiffer“It’s limitless, what you can do with a surveying degree,” said Deering. He said NMC’s program is unique in that it offers instruction for land, marine, and air applications.

“Everything is combined. It’s woven together nicely,” he said.

In fact, the workforce need is so dire that an industry donor gave NMC the funds to hire Deering.

“There is a real need and a shortage of survey technicians. Industry has recognized that need,” said Ed Bailey, director of NMC’s Marine Center.

Surveying instructor Carl Shangraw said most of his students are sponsored by their employers. He’s looking forward to Deering filling his classroom.

“I’m very optimistic. It’s a world-class program by any measure,” said Shangraw, who taught for 23 years at the university level before joining NMC’s faculty three years ago.

Land surveying classes, underwater ROV classes and drone classes are all taught at the Parsons-Stulen Building on NMC’s Aero Park campus. For marine applications, NMC has a campus harbor and vessel on West Grand Traverse Bay for real-world practice. For air, the college has access to an airfield in Yuba.

“It’s the integration part that really sets us apart. Nobody can touch our facilities,” said Shangraw.

Industry leader Leica also supplies NMC with $1 million in donated surveying equipment each year.

“I like the change of environment every day, (and) the great equipment they give us,” Parrish said.

NMC’s small classes mean that students get plenty of time with that top-notch equipment, which is important to employers, Deering said.

“You really get a lot of hands-on with the equipment,” he said. “Employers are really looking at that.”

As an engineer already, returning students like Schiffer can earn the surveyor credential with 30 credit hours, or about two semesters. In addition to the Road Commission, Schiffer will use the skills in his own business. 

“If you love anything technical, and you love solving problems, and you love being outside, it’s all there,” he said.

Besides the staff and facilities, NMC’s student support is “second to none,” Shangraw said.

“Every school says they’re student-centered. (NMC) means it.”

Find out more: nmc.edu/surveying

LinkedIn workshops with Chaim Shapiro

Feb 21, 2023 | Intercom, Student News

Chaim Shapiro will host two workshops on Thursday, March 16* that will cover how to use LinkedIn to enhance your job search. Shapiro is the director of the Office for Student Success at Touro College in New York, a freelance writer, public speaker, LinkedIn consultant and a board-certified coach specializing in career coaching. 

• LinkedIn 101, 10 – 11 a.m., Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, rooms 106/107 (Beginner)
  Create a winning profile, find the right people for your search, and create your personal brand.

• Maximized LinkedIn, 1 -2 p.m, Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, rooms 106/107 (Advanced)
  Explore new features in LinkedIn, professional postings for your audience, and optimized settings

For questions, email twelch@nmc.edu or call (231) 995-1170.

*The workshops were originally scheduled for February 23 but were postponed due to weather.

Curiosities: Touring the Senses

Feb 17, 2023 | Intercom, Student News

March 2–March 23, Thursdays, 4–5 p.m. @ Various NMC locations

Curiosities, the library’s ongoing “un-book club” takes on the wondrous world of the senses! Special guest hosts will help us explore our tools of perception through the lenses of visual arts, culinary arts, audio tech, adaptation and neurodiversity. Each discussion session will feature an interactive sensory experience at different locations across NMC.

• Explore how our eyes and brain work together to make meaning of art at the Dennos Museum Center with featured co-host Craig Hadley, Museum Director
• Experience taste, smell and flavor at Lobdell’s with Jim Morse, Culinary Instructor
• Learn about neurodiverse sensory experience and tools for adaption with Leanne Baumeler, Director of Disability Services
• See, hear and play with sound waves with Maria Ulrich, Audio Tech Instructor

Registrants will receive the full syllabus of materials, which includes an hour or less of reading, watching or listening time for each week. Register now to participate in this free series! 

Surveying industry invests in NMC to meet workforce needs

Feb 16, 2023 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — As the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors convenes for its annual conference at the Grand Traverse Resort next week, industry investment in NMC has led to a dedicated surveying technology program recruiter joining the college’s staff.

Download a high-resolution photo of Ryan Deering hereRyan Deering (right) stepped into the recruiter role Feb. 6. The new position is funded by a surveying industry donor.

“There is a real need and a shortage of survey technicians. Industry has recognized that need,” said Ed Bailey, director of NMC’s Marine Center.

An aging workforce, lack of awareness of the career opportunities, and demand for surveying skills have created the shortage. Launching a Surveying Technology associate degree in 2019 was NMC’s first response. Now, tackling that lack of awareness will be Deering’s job. He’s confident that he can attract students. NMC’s program is unique in that it offers instruction for land, marine, and air applications.

“Everything is combined. It’s woven together nicely,” said Deering, who also teaches welding at NMC. “It’s limitless, what you can do with a surveying degree.”

“It’s the integration part that really sets us apart. Nobody can touch our facilities,” agreed surveying instructor Carl Shangraw.

Land surveying classes, underwater ROV classes and drone classes are all taught at the Parsons-Stulen Building on NMC’s Aero Park campus. NMC also has a campus harbor and vessel on West Grand Traverse Bay, and access to an airfield in Yuba where students can gain real-world experience in the marine and air applications.

Industry leader Leica also supplies NMC close to $1 million in surveying equipment each year for use in the program.

“I like the change of environment every day, (and) the great equipment they give us,” said student Gabe Parrish, 19, of Mesick. He plans to graduate next year.

Deering added that NMC’s small classes mean that students get plenty of time with that top-notch equipment, which is important to employers.

“You really get a lot of hands-on with the equipment,” he said. “Employers are really looking at that.”

In addition to students like Parrish just beginning professional careers, NMC and Deering hope to enroll more students like Jim Schiffer, a professional engineer with the Grand Traverse County Road Commission. Engineers can earn a surveyor credential with 30 credit hours, or about two semesters. Schiffer jumped at the opportunity. He will complete his coursework this summer.

“If you love anything technical, and you love solving problems, and you love being outside, it’s all there,” he said.

The Commission currently has no surveyor on staff, said Schiffer. The credential will also complement his consulting business in general civil and structural engineering.

Shangraw said he’s “optimistic” about Deering bringing in more students to the surveying program.

“I’ve seen him work with college kids. He’s phenomenal,” said Shangraw, who started at NMC three years ago after more than two decades of teaching at the university level. Besides the staff and facilities, NMC’s student support is “second to none,” he said.

“Every school says they’re student-centered. (NMC) means it.”

Release date: February 16, 2023

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020