Oct 26, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
October 26, 2022

A new, $30 million state scholarship fund to train more police officers is coinciding with major changes to NMC’s Police Academy, setting up an enrollment to employment pipeline that will ultimately benefit community safety.
Announced last week, the Public Safety Academy Assistance Program was established to help address the critical need for additional police officers statewide by reducing or eliminating the cost associated with basic police training. Law enforcement agencies are eligible for up to $20,000 per recruit for academy tuition and other training costs.
Grand Traverse County Undersheriff Mike Shea (left) said that will be a boost to his department, which earlier this year had 10 vacancies in the patrol division. He just attended the Michigan Sheriffs Association conference and of the 70 counties represented, all but one or two were struggling with vacancies.
“We are bleeding police officers. They are leaving the profession at an alarming rate,” said Shea, a 2005 NMC Police Academy alumnus himself.
“It serves both the agency and the student,” NMC Police Academy director Gail Kurowski said of the scholarship. “There are a lot of people that might be considering a career in law enforcement that don’t have the financial wherewithal to put themselves through a program.”
Applications are now open for agencies who intend to enroll recruits in an academy session beginning on or after January 1. Next fall is also when NMC debuts a new, four-month structure for its academy. That cuts in half the current time needed to complete the program and will allow NMC to better compete for students it might have previously lost to condensed academies.
“The 16-week program is going to be huge,” said Shea, who already has a candidate in mind as Grand Traverse County’s first employed recruit to start next fall.
“We’re not only not going to lose the people we have in the past to other academies that are condensed, but hopefully we’re going to attract others because of what we have to offer,” Shea said.
NMC is the only academy to offer drone certification to its recruits, for instance. NMC also far exceeds the minimum requirement for scenario training, which simulates real-world situations, set by MCOLES, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.
“We are going to have over 60 hours of scenario training,” she said.“That is huge. There is no academy in Michigan that’s going to have that.”
The $20,000 per recruit would more than cover NMC’s tuition. NMC is also the northernmost academy in the state, making it an attractive option for agencies from the UP and northern lower peninsula. Shea said another plus is that NMC’s instructors are all either law enforcement officers or attorneys.
“There is no one better to teach than those who are living it,” he said.
The combined impact of NMC’s condensed program and the new scholarship should increase the ranks of those seeking to enter what Shea called “a noble profession.”
“I’m very hopeful that that pendulum will change,” he said.
Oct 24, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
Stop by the Holiday Artist Market at the Dennos Museum on November 4–5, 2022 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and enjoy the Observing With NASA Kiosk during open hours. Admission is free.
Oct 20, 2022 | Student News
Faculty Excellence Award nominations are due by Friday, December 16.
Award criteria includes teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication.
Nominate your favorite instructor now!
Oct 18, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College Professional Communications students are assisting local families by putting on the ninth annual Food for Thought Thanks-for-Giving project.
By helping to feed 150 households this holiday season, the students’ objective is to enhance their communication skills through experiential learning. With the help of local organizations, the students are raising funds and food donations in order to provide dinner boxes containing a turkey and all the sides to serve a family of six. The box includes a pan to cook the turkey in and an activity for the family to help make Thanksgiving even more memorable.
Meal boxes will be distributed on Monday, November 21, to 100 households identified by the NMC Food Pantry and to 50 Big Brothers Big Sisters families.
Community members can help by donating $10 or more to win a variety of prizes; including Red Wings tickets, a one-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge with water park passes, a one-night stay at the Delamar Resort, passes to Bay Meadows family golf course (including cart fees), and other local prizes.
Donations can be made online at nmc.edu/give (Choose the amount, select “designate my gift to others,” and type in “Food For Thought.”) In addition, a private donor has pledged to match monetary contributions up to $5,000. Any additional local companies interested in becoming sponsors of this project are encouraged to contact the students.
Release date: October 18, 2022
For more information:
Michael Wittman
Marketing Team Leader
(231) 866-1386
wittmam@mail.nmc.edu
Kristy McDonald
Business Area Instructor
(231) 995-1059
kmcdonald@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
Oct 13, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
NMC’s Advising team wants to help you build your spring schedule! Registration Week is October 17–21; you can begin registering for classes on October 19 and 20. Check your email for more information about scheduling an appointment with your assigned advisor as well as what day and time registration opens for you.
Pitch Day Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center room 106, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 12:30 p.m.
Faculty members will have 3 minutes to tell you why you should take their class this spring. Learn what makes their class awesome and why no spring schedule is complete without it. Pizza and pop provided by Experiential Learning Institute. Faculty will have posters about their courses in the Innovation Center throughout the week.
Building your spring schedule Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center room 123, Wednesday, Oct. 19 & Thursday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. –1 p.m.
Team members from Advising as well as Success Coaches will be available to answer questions and hammer out your schedule.
Oct 13, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
Curiosities is a ‘book club’ for those of us who are wary of a cover-to-cover commitment but still want to meet up and talk about interesting stuff with fellow lifelong learners. Each session meets once a week for four consecutive weeks, discussing material ranging from podcast episodes to articles to mini-documentaries. Our next installment focuses on short films, and will run October 20 – November 10, meeting on Thursdays from noon–1 p.m. via Zoom.
Curiosities Shorts Fest
Oct, 20–Nov. 10 | Thursdays, 12–1 p.m. via Zoom
Join us as we explore short films from across the globe, spanning a range of genres. In true Curiosities style, each week’s selections will be paired with additional materials (podcasts and short readings) to enhance our experience and understanding of the films. All films come from the library’s Kanopy collection and can be watched on your own at home; we’ll meet weekly via Zoom to discuss.
The four-week series will culminate with a public viewing party in November, which participants will have a chance to help curate. Register here for Curiosities Shorts Fest
Curiosities sessions are open to students, faculty, staff and community members alike. Students may be eligible to earn co-curricular credit for participating – ask your instructor or email library@nmc.edu to find out more!
Oct 12, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
October 12, 2022

The ranks of adult learners attending NMC on the Michigan Reconnect scholarship more than doubled this fall, as the program that seeks to improve the state’s talent pipeline surpassed the $500,000 mark in funds awarded locally.
Meanwhile, a new state aid program, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship will make college more affordable for high school graduates attending NMC full-time next fall. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the legislation Tuesday.
“There’s never been a better time to improve your earning potential through higher education,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “Together, Michigan Reconnect and Michigan Achievement mean NMC has dedicated state scholarships available for our two largest student pools: high school graduates and adult learners without a credential.”
NMC economic impact data shows that people with an associate degree earn $8,500 more per year than someone with only a high school diploma.
Launched last year, Michigan Reconnect is available to adults 25 and over who don’t already have a degree or certificate. This semester, 234 students took advantage of the free in-district tuition. Total NMC Reconnect participation stands at 400 students who have received $562,804. Reconnect followed a similar scholarship, Futures for Frontliners, for adult essential workers who stayed on the job through the shutdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 530 NMC students took advantage of Futures for Frontliners, receiving $1.3 million.
Now the Michigan Achievement Scholarship aims to provide similar financial incentive for high school students to attend college. Starting with the high school class of 2023, students will be eligible for up to $2,750/year in aid if they attend a community college full time (12 credits) and demonstrate financial need.
NMC Director of Financial Aid Linda Berlin estimates that up to 200 2023 high school graduates could qualify for Michigan Achievement, and NMC could award between $300,000–$400,000.
“This student financial aid program is a historic investment in the future of Michigan’s young people. The more we invest in our colleges and our students, the more prosperous our state will be,” said Brandy Johnson, president of the Michigan Community College Association.
In addition to those state funds, NMC also awards more than $1 million in institutional, donor-directed scholarships through the NMC Foundation.
Oct 10, 2022 | Student News
Experiential learning provides students with real world and hands-on opportunities to prepare them for an ever-changing and diverse world. The purpose of experiential learning is to actively engage the learner through relevant and ongoing experience, critical problem solving and reflective practices. NMC students are now able to specifically search for experiential learning courses in Self-Service.
If you are interested in taking an Experiential Learning Designated Course, you can search for these courses by clicking on the “Expand/Contract Search Options” in Self-Service.

Then, locate the “Special Search Criteria” in the middle of the page.

Scroll down to “Experiential Learning” and hit enter.

If you have any questions about the Experiential Learning Designated Courses, please contact the Experiential Learning Institute.
Oct 10, 2022 | Student News, Tech Bytes
Have you ever forgotten some homework due in class, how about when Spectrum is showing up to work on the internet, or even when you agreed to help your friend move? With Google Tasks setting tasks for yourself has never been easier — they sync with any google app. You’ll never forget when something is happening again!
Oct 7, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
Notice the Libby
tag next to a title? This means the book is available as an eBook and can be found on the Libby app. All audiobooks can be accessed through Libby. Haven’t set up your Libby account yet? Follow these easy instructions!
books available to request from MeLCat!
(more…)
Oct 7, 2022 | Student News
You are the voice of the future! The City of Traverse City is updating the community master plan and encourages all NMC students to take this short survey covering important issues such as transportation and housing to let us know what YOU think the future of Traverse City should look like. Take the survey here.
Oct 7, 2022 | Student News
Freedom. What makes you feel free? How do you use your freedom? What does it mean to be free? NMC Magazine invites you to capture freedom through your form of expression: fine art, design, illustration, photography, video, comics, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essay, recipes, and more!
- Fiction/Nonfiction: 1500 word limit
- Poetry/Lyrics: 30 line limit
- Comics: 30 panels/4 pages limit
- Video/Audio: 4 minutes
Submission Deadline: Friday, November 4
Entries can be submitted to nmcmag@mail.nmc.edu along with the submission form (be sure to read the guidelines below the form). Hard copies can be delivered to Fine Arts (attn: Caroline Schaefer-Hills) or Scholars Hall 214 (attn: Alissia Lingaur).
Oct 5, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Area students can explore options at more than 40 colleges and universities at two free events set for Wednesday, Oct. 12 in Northwestern Michigan College’s Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on main campus.
2022 Fall Transfer Fair: Held from 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m., this event is aimed primarily at current NMC students who plan to transfer to a four-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree. See participating schools.
2022 College Night: 6–8 p.m. This event is aimed at current high school students making post-graduation educational plans. Information on NMC dual enrollment and Early College, which allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit at no cost while still attending high school, will be available, plus scholarship and financial aid information. See participating schools.
Release Date: October 5, 2022
For More Information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
Oct 5, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Area students can explore options at more than 40 colleges and universities at two free events set for Wednesday, Oct. 12 in Northwestern Michigan College’s Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on main campus.
2022 Fall Transfer Fair: Held from 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m., this event is aimed primarily at current NMC students who plan to transfer to a four-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree. See participating schools.
2022 College Night: 6–8 p.m. This event is aimed at current high school students making post-graduation educational plans. Information on NMC dual enrollment and Early College, which allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit at no cost while still attending high school, will be available, plus scholarship and financial aid information. See participating schools.
Release Date: October 5, 2022
For More Information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
Oct 4, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY – Northwestern Michigan College will be celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, Oct. 10 with a series of events on main campus.
- 11 a.m. The Dennos Museum is celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day with the Traverse Area District Library with stories, poems, and dancing inside the museum. Attendees will receive a free picture book (choice of Fry Bread or We Are Still Here) and a craft for the family. Both books and crafts will be available as supplies last. The museum is open from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and admission is free.
- 2–4 p.m. The Native American Student Organization will meet under the pines south of the Osterlin Building with members of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The event will include drumming and dancing demonstrations. All are welcome and encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
- Oct. 10–Oct. 21 The NMC Library will be celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day with two StoryWalks that can be listened to while strolling through campus. Nihá’ádaahwiinít’íįgo/When We Are Kind can be found along the sidewalk north of the campus apartments and Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh/This is How I know can be found along the path between the Dennos Museum and the Osterlin building.
Many state and local municipalities, including the city of Traverse City and the state of Michigan, recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. It was first proclaimed as a federal holiday in 2021. It is an opportunity to celebrate and honor Native American peoples and commemorate their histories and cultures, which predate Western colonization by centuries.
Release Date: October 4, 2022
For More Information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
Oct 4, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY – Northwestern Michigan College will be celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, Oct. 10 with a series of events on main campus.
- 11 a.m. The Dennos Museum is celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day with the Traverse Area District Library with stories, poems, and dancing inside the museum. Attendees will receive a free picture book (choice of Fry Bread or We Are Still Here) and a craft for the family. Both books and crafts will be available as supplies last. The museum is open from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and admission is free.
- 2–4 p.m. The Native American Student Organization will meet under the pines south of the Osterlin Building with members of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The event will include drumming and dancing demonstrations. All are welcome and encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
- Oct. 10–Oct. 21 The NMC Library will be celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day with two StoryWalks that can be listened to while strolling through campus. Nihá’ádaahwiinít’íįgo/When We Are Kind can be found along the sidewalk north of the campus apartments and Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh/This is How I know can be found along the path between the Dennos Museum and the Osterlin building.
Many state and local municipalities, including the city of Traverse City and the state of Michigan, recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. It was first proclaimed as a federal holiday in 2021. It is an opportunity to celebrate and honor Native American peoples and commemorate their histories and cultures, which predate Western colonization by centuries.
Release Date: October 4, 2022
For More Information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
Oct 3, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Sep 30, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Solar Observation at the Dennos Museum: 2–4 p.m.
Lunar Observation at the NMC Observatory: 8 p.m.
Join the Astronomical Society and NMC’s Jerry Dobek, head of the Astronomy and Science Departments, for Solar Observation outside the Dennos Museum. Admission to the museum will be free. While at the museum, visit the Observing With NASA Kiosk in the Discovery Gallery to take, create, and share your own amazing space images, and learn about astro imaging technologies.
In the evening, observe the moon at the NMC Observatory. Public viewing at the Observatory is weather dependent. Visit gtastro.org for updates.