State dental award presented for NMC-tribal college partnership

Beckie WootersBeckie Wooters (download high-resolution photo)TRAVERSE CITY —NMC Dental Assistant program director Beckie Wooters has been named the 2024 Allied Dental Professional Educator by the Michigan Dental Association.

Wooters was selected for NMC’s articulation agreement with Bay Mills Community College, which seeks to enroll students from the tribal college in the U.P. at NMC in order to increase access to dental care.

Dr. Jessica RickertDr. Jessica Rickert (download high-resolution photo)Retired Traverse City area dentist Dr. Jessica Rickert, who connected NMC and Bay Mills, accepted the award on Wooters’ behalf at the MDA’s annual session in Lansing in April. Rickert is the first female Native American dentist in the United States. She now consults with insurer Delta Dental of Michigan and leads Anishinaabe Dental Outreach, whose goal is to improve dental health in Native communities. Rickert saw an opportunity to connect NMC and Bay Mills to better serve the Upper Peninsula, where the shortage of dental professionals is especially acute.

Ability to earn RDA licensure is a key advantage of NMC’s program, the furthest north among six accredited dental assistant programs in Michigan. Wooters also designed a second-year program schedule that will allow BMCC students to return home for frequent visits.

Find out more at nmc.edu/dental.

Release date: MAY 17, 2024

For more information:

Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Mobile – call or text)

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE

Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination

933 students earn spring Dean’s List distinction

TRAVERSE CITY — Congratulations to the 933 students who earned Dean’s List distinction for the spring 2024 semester, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits.

Attached is a list of students who achieved Dean’s List honors for the spring 2024 semester at NMC.

Release date: MAY 13, 2024

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE

Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination

Additional funding available from the Office of Possibilities

Do you have an idea or project that needs resources to reach its full potential? If so, the Office of Possibilities wants to hear from you! OOPS seeks to provide resources for education-related projects as well as projects related to community partnerships with NMC.

The Office of Possibilities is hosting it’s final pitch event for the academic year on Tuesday, May 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in room 104/105 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Take advantage of this opportunity to kick-off the next innovative project! The timeline will be very tight and the turnaround quick!

Those interested should submit an application by May 7 to determine their eligibility and to be connected with an OOPs team member to assist in planning the pitch.

 

Apply for fall 2024 ADN nursing program

Pre-nursing students —the ADN application for fall 2024 is open! The deadline to apply is June 1. Applications can be submitted in self-service through students.nmc.edu.

To apply in self-service, select:

    • Admissions
    • Apply for Admissions
    • Submit a Competitive ADN Application

For questions, contact Melanie Griffith at mgriffith@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1238.

Have you taken the brand assessment survey?

NMC employees and students were sent a survey on Thursday to gather their perspective for a comprehensive brand assessment and strategy development project. This important work builds upon the strategic plan and facilities master plan.

Please complete this survey if you have not done so already. Your unique perspective is important as we work to shape the future of the NMC brand with students, counselors, high schools, and the Grand Traverse community. Your responses will remain confidential—none of your responses will be associated with your email, name, or other identifying information. Please check your email for more information and to access the survey.

2024 Commencement is set for May 4

TRAVERSE CITY — Commencement ceremonies for Northwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2024 will be held Saturday, May 4 in Milliken Auditorium on main campus. Three ceremonies will be held, with graduates grouped by degree or credential earned.

  • 11 a.m.: Associate of Science and Arts (ASA) and Associate of General Studies degrees
  • 12:30 p.m.: Non-health Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees, Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE) degrees, and certificates
  • 2 p.m.: Health Occupations (nursing and dental assistant degrees), Aviation, Marine Technology and Maritime

Each ceremony will feature faculty and student speakers. Ceremonies will be streamed live at nmc.edu/video and NMC’s YouTube channel.

About 210 graduates are expected to participate in the three ceremonies. More than 640 degrees and certificates will be awarded this spring, including the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Science and Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies and Certificate of Practical Nursing. Bachelor of Science degrees in Maritime Technology and Marine Technology will also be awarded. In addition to the main ceremonies, specific events are also held for Maritime, Nursing and Police Academy graduates.

NMC will also hold its annual Honors Convocation at 4:30 p.m. May 3 at the Dennos Museum Center. The event honors student groups and student leaders, and winners of the annual academic area awards, honors scholarships, and Adult Student of the Year.

Release date: APRIL 24, 2024

For more information:

Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)

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

Benzie voters to see NMC annexation proposition Nov. 5

TRAVERSE CITY —  At the invitation of a group of Benzie County residents, Northwestern Michigan College trustees voted unanimously at their April 22 meeting to place an annexation proposition before Benzie County voters on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot.

If voters approve, Benzie County would join Grand Traverse County as part of NMC’s taxing district, paying a millage (property tax) to support college operations. In turn, residents would receive NMC’s lowest tuition rates. Benzie County is not currently part of a community college district.

NMC’s taxing district has been limited to Grand Traverse County since it was founded in 1951. The possibility of Benzie County joining the district was raised by a group of Benzie County residents in 2019. Since then NMC has held 25 listening sessions throughout the county to determine whether to move forward.

Benzie voters will see two separate ballot questions. The first will ask them to vote yes or no on the annexation. The second will ask them to vote yes or no on the millage in perpetuity. Both must pass for the annexation to take effect and the millage to be collected starting in 2025.

If approved:

  • Benzie County residents could attend NMC as in-district students and pay a lower rate ($122/contact hour) than the current out-of-district rate ($261/contact hour.)
  • NMC would establish a physical presence in Benzie County, envisioned to include teaching/classroom space, a computer lab and technology resources for students, meeting spaces and office space for permanent and visiting staff.
  • NMC would net an additional $2.6 million/year due to the millage.

NMC’s current in-district millage rate is 2.0574. For the owner of a $200,000 home, annexation would cost $206 per year. For the owner of a $300,000 home, it would cost $309 per year. For the owner of a $400,000 home, it would cost $411 per year. 

Release date: APRIL 23, 2024

For more information:

Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800  (Call or text)

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE

Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination

Summer community education classes open for registration

NMC Extended Education summer 2024 classesRegistration is now open for all NMC Extended Education & Training summer adult classes. Community members are invited to enroll in classes ranging in topics from culinary and creative arts to Northern Naturalist, gardening, wellness, and more. New this summer are “Learn Together” classes, perfect for couples, friends, and even parents and children. 

For teachers looking to earn SCECHs, and other professionals looking to upskill over the summer, hundreds of classes are available online. For organizations interested in training for their staff, customized solutions range from leadership, management, and soft skills to teamwork and technical training. To see all options visit nmc.edu/pd, or contact Elizabeth Sonnabend at esonnabend@nmc.edu for more information.

Life enrichment options include over 100 in-person classes from Culinary Date Nights and Masterclasses to the Northern Naturalist Certificate offerings, like Create Your Own Meadow. Additional classes are in fitness, wellness, art, home and hobby, music, and recreation. Field trips and day adventures that explore the local community, culture, and natural aspects of this area are available, such as Glen Lake Discovery Boat Tour.

Visit nmc.edu/ees to see all categories and class options.

Pow wow honoring graduates April 27

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Native American Student Organization will hold a traditional pow wow honoring 2024 graduates from 1–4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, on NMC’s Front Street campus.

Seven Native American students are graduating this spring. Grand entry is set for 2:30 p.m. Vendors and food will be available 1–4 p.m. The pow wow will take place under the pines on the south side of the Osterlin Building. Attendees can park in the Aspen or Cedar lots. Campus maps are available at nmc.edu/maps.

 

RELEASE DATE: APRIL 17, 2024

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Nathan Bootz
Native American Student Success coach
(989) 436-2411 (cell)
(231) 995-2135 (office)
nbootz@nmc.edu

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE

Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination

Third annual Experiential Learning Institute Learning Symposium April 29–May 2

NMC Experiential Learning Symposium

The 3rd annual Experiential Learning Institute Learning Symposium will celebrate learning from April 29–May 2. Throughout the event, attendees can browse poster displays and artifacts that showcase the diverse ways students engage in high-impact learning at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (TJNIC) on NMC’s Front Street Campus. The schedule also includes:

Monday, April 29:

  • 12:15 p.m.: Study abroad panel with Jim Bensley and Marina Call. Pizza Included. (TJNIC, room103)
  • 6:00 p.m.: EGY 105 Sustainable Building Design presentations with Charles Macphee’s students (Aero Park Laboratories, room 110A, Aero Park Campus)

Tuesday, April 30:

  • 10:30 a.m.: MFG 203 Manufacturing/Engineering Processes presentations with Hollianne McHugh’s students (TJNIC, room 106/107)
  • 12 p.m.: Student groups and student projects reflective table talks (TJNIC Hallways)

Wednesday, May 1:

  • 1 p.m.: SOC 201 Modern Social Problems final presentations with Brandon Everest’s students (TJNIC, room 104/105)
  • 3 p.m.: BUS 231 Big Little Hero Race Reflection with Kristy McDonald’s students (TJNIC, room 106/107)

Artwork created by Marcus Johnson, Morgan Reames, and Kane Williams.

Spring textbook return and buyback

Spring textbook rentals are due back by Tuesday, May 7.

Books that have been purchased can be sold back during April 29 – May 3.

The NMC Bookstore is open Mondays–Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m and buyback is available until 30 minutes before the store closes.

Student group spotlight: Critt Happens

Critt Happens, a new, diverse and engaging student group, emerged this past fall at NMC. Spearheaded by student Eragon Byers, and overseen by Advisor Corbin Thompson, the group made a quiet entrance into the student group arena with just a handful of students. However, the Dungeons and Dragons based ensemble has quickly grown and presently holds an impressive membership number of forty-two. With its unique blend of storytelling, strategy and camaraderie, the group provides an experience that fosters belongingness and community on campus.

Northwestern Michigan College DnD student group

Critt Happens handed out dice to prospective members at the annual student group expo, Winterfest, in February.

Currently, the group is collaborating with the Maker Space to develop a dice creation event for DnD enthusiasts and has recently received a generous supply donation from local business, TC War Room. Their last event, Adventure Palooza Two, achieved a 300% increase in attendees from Adventure Palooza One earlier this year. Byers surmises their focus on inclusivity has contributed to the rapid increase in numbers. “This group strives to include as many as possible into each session, not just based on DnD level, but also ability, gender identity and more.” Byers believes the consistent meeting times and structure have also contributed to its popularity. 

Northwestern Michigan College DnD student group

Fall Fest 2023 pictured left to right: Critt Happens group member, Brady Barry; group advisor Corbin Thompson; and group leader Eragon Byers.

Looking ahead, the Dungeons and Dragons group is poised to continue its pivotal role in student engagement at NMC. Their hope is that as students enjoy roleplaying in this fantasy and adventure game, that they also sharpen their critical thinking skills and solidify lasting friendships and memories from their time at NMC. Critt Happens meets twice per week both Saturday and Sunday from 6:30-11:30 p.m. in the basement of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Interested students are welcome to stop by or contact Eragon Byers at byers@mail.nmc.edu.


Do you want to see a specific student group featured? Email cknight@nmc.edu

GLMA hosts ‘open ship’ aboard State of Michigan

TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s “open ship” showcasing the training ship State of Michigan from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20. The day will include:

  • Self guided tours of the T/S State of Michigan
  • Interaction with current maritime cadets
  • An opportunity to learn more about the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, maritime careers, how to become a chef on a ship and U.S. Navy commissioning options
  • Merchandise will be for sale. Cash only.

Tours will begin at the pier security gate entrance on the north side of NMC’s Great Lakes campus, 715 E. Front St. Low-heel, closed-toe, soft-soled shoes are highly recommended. The event will occur rain or shine.

Release date: April 5, 2024

For more information:

Great Lakes Maritime Academy
maritime@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1200

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

University Center partner campus visits

Do you want to finish a bachelor’s after NMC but stay in the area? NMC’s University Center partners will be at the Front Street Campus throughout the spring semester on these dates:

    • Tuesday, April 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Scholar’s Hall
    • Tuesday, April 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Health & Science Building

Stop by to meet representatives from Davenport University, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University and Central Michigan University and gets answers to your questions about transferring after NMC.