Valentine’s exchange
Share the love by exchanging valentines! All are welcome to participate though a valentine must be provided for everyone else who is participating.
Sign up by Feb. 1. Valentines must be ready to drop off by 5 p.m. on Feb 12.
On the menu: Daily specials at the Hawk Owl Café
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Monday, Jan. 29
Entrée: fettuccine with chicken and pesto cream sauce or fettuccine with roasted vegetable and pesto cream sauce
Sides: broccoli and crostini
Tuesday, Jan. 30
Entrée: chicken enchilada with peppers and onions or roasted vegetable enchilada with peppers and onions
Sides: spanish rice and beans
Wednesday, Jan. 31
Entrée: sweet & sour pork stir fry w/ jasmine rice
Sides: egg roll
Thursday, Feb. 1
Entrée: potato gnocchi with Italian sausage and alfredo sauce or potato gnocchi with alfredo sauce
Sides: roasted vegetables and garlic bread
Friday, Feb. 2
Entrée: BBQ pulled pork on brioche or BBQ pulled jackfruit on brioche
Sides: baked beans and cole slaw
Winter Festival
Join Student Life and Student Government Association for the annual Winterfest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 6–7 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center.
Grab some delicious hot chocolate while gaining some information about different student groups, their activities, and how you can get involved in making a difference on campus. Don’t miss out on giveaways and door prizes!
ALL STUDENTS WELCOME!
Applications for trustee vacancy due
TRAVERSE CITY — The Board of Trustees of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is beginning the process of replacing Vice-Chair Rachel Johnson after she resigned from her position this week.
Johnson announced Monday she is stepping down from the board, citing personal reasons, but added she remains dedicated to the college.
In a letter to Board Chair Laura Oblinger, Johnson said, “I am hopeful that one day I will serve the college community again in some capacity. But in the meantime, I will forever remain in awe of NMC, its inspiring students, devoted faculty, committed staff and administration, fellow board members and donors alike- each of whom dedicate so much time, treasure and talent to the betterment of our community.”
Johnson had been a trustee since November 2016. During her tenure she served as Chair and Vice Chair, as well as a member of the Presidential Search Committee, Presidential Performance & Compensation Committee, Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Steering Committee and Foundation Board.
Trustee Oblinger said, “NMC benefited greatly from Rachel’s leadership during her time as a trustee. Her strategic thinking and collaborative approach helped guide the college to continued success during an important period of transition. Our college and community are stronger thanks to her. We wish her all the best.”
Michigan law gives the college 30 days to fill this position. Registered voters of Grand Traverse County are eligible to apply for the vacancy. Commitments for the non-compensated trustee position include but are not limited to the following:
- Regular board meeting, typically the fourth Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
- Board study sessions and committee meetings scheduled as required
- Annual Board retreat—sometimes overnight
- Participation in other college functions including commencement, receptions, ceremonies, events
- Travel periodically for purposes of professional development and representing the college at various state and national association meetings. Trustee travel is paid by NMC
Applicants should submit a letter of interest and materials explaining their qualifications for the position. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. February 6, 2024. They may be submitted online, emailed to lmoritz@nmc.edu or sent or delivered to:
Trustee Search
Office of the President
Northwestern Michigan College
1701 East Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Application materials are subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Interviews will be conducted in special public meetings according to the Michigan Open Meetings Act.
Trustees will hold a special meeting on Monday, February 19, 2024, at 3 p.m. to fill the vacancy until the next NMC Board of Trustees election, set for November 2024. At that time, voters will choose a candidate to serve the remainder of the term held by Johnson, which expires December 31, 2026.
Additional materials are available upon request and questions may be directed to the President’s Office at Northwestern Michigan College at (231) 995-1010.
Release date: January 23, 2024
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
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-discriminationOn the menu: Daily specials at the Hawk Owl Café
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Monday, Jan. 22
Entrée: lasagna or vegetable lasagna
Sides: broccoli and garlic crostini
Tuesday, Jan. 23
Entrée: beef or tofu tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese and chipotle ranch
Sides: Spanish rice and refried beans
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Entrée: Chicken or tofu coconut curry
Sides: Jasmine rice and naan bread
Thursday, Jan. 25
Entrée: Spaghetti and meatballs with parmesan and marinara
Sides: green beans and garlic bread
Friday, Jan. 26
Entrée: GLCI smashburger with cheese, bacon and onion straws on a brioche bun
Sides: sweet potato fries and asparagus
Employers invited to register for March 7 Career Fair
Free and open to students, alumni, community
TRAVERSE CITY — Employers are invited to register for Northwestern Michigan College’s 18th annual Career Fair, to be held Thursday, March 7 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 and active military families are invited to arrive at 2 p.m.) Employers will have the opportunity to recruit job-seekers for career-track, seasonal and entry-level positions as well as internships and service learning.
The event is open to students, NMC alumni and community members. Employer registration is $25 (waived for non-profits) and available online. Two levels of sponsorship are also available.
Green level — $300
- Registration fee
- Logo on printed and digital event materials
- First choice table location
- Open positions email to current students
White level — $150
- Registration fee
- Logo on printed and digital event materials
- Priority table location choice
To sponsor or register or for more information, visit nmc.edu/career-fair.
Release date: January 22, 2024
For more information:
Katie Sommer-Ford
NMC Advising Center
ksommer@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1040
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-discriminationMoodle replacement vendor demonstrations
Educational Technology is hosting demonstrations from vendors to explore replacing Moodle as the Learning Management System. There will be an in-person demonstration and a virtual demonstration via Zoom for each vendor.
Instructure Canvas In-Person Demonstration
Wednesday, January 31, 10–11:30 a.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
D2L Brightspace In-Person Demonstration
Wednesday, January 31, 1:30–3 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
D2L Brightspace Virtual Demonstration
Friday, February 2, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Instructure Canvas Virtual Demonstration
Thursday, February 8, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting
Student input and attendance is encouraged. All attendees will have a chance to fill out an evaluation rubric.
NMC names NISOD teaching excellence winners
Brandon Everest
(download high-resolution photo)
Nicole Fewins
(download high-resolution photo)
Justin Guillard
(download high-resolution photo)
Scott Powell
(download high-resolution photo)
Becca Richardson
(download high-resolution photo)
Nicole Speelman
(download high-resolution photo)TRAVERSE CITY — Six faculty and staff members have been named NMC’s recipients of the annual NISOD award for teaching excellence.
Affiliated with the University of Texas at Austin, the National Institute for Staff and Organization Development is committed to promoting and celebrating excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership at community and technical colleges.
The awards have been made since 1991. Criteria include professionalism, relationships with students and colleagues, and commitment to learning. Below are NMC’s recipients, with highlights from their nomination or recipient statement.
2024 Recipients:
Brandon Everest, social sciences faculty member for 24 years and co-chair of NMC’s Experiential Learning Institute. His leadership roles reflect a commitment to promoting academic vitality, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
Nicole Fewins, business faculty member for 23 years. In response to a waiting list for her online classes, Fewins gave face-to-face students the option to attend online. She anticipates students’ needs before any issues even arise. She not only inspires her students but inspires her colleagues.
Justin Guillard, Educational Technologies staff member for eight years. Guillard endeavors to understand and troubleshoot specialty software and is responsive and easy to work with.
Scott Powell, Great Lakes Maritime Academy instructor for 22 years and 1998 GLMA alumnus. Recognized nationally for his expertise with respect to maritime education, Powell is presently pursuing a doctor of education (EdD) degree.
2023 recipients:
Becca Richardson, math faculty member for 10 years and NMC alumna. “By showing (students) the value of hard work and persistence, I can make a difference in their academic success, as well as their future success,” Richardson said.
Nicole Speelman, chemistry faculty member for six years. “I hope to inspire my students to be amazed by the chemical world around them,” Speelman said.
“Teaching is at the heart of the NMC mission,” said President Nick Nissley. “We’re proud to recognize these outstanding educators alongside their peers from around the country.”
Release date: January 19, 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-discriminationNew books at the NMC library
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
On the menu: Daily specials at the Hawk Owl Café
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Monday, Jan. 15
Entrée: Lamb gyro or falafel
Side: lemon rice
Tuesday, Jan. 16
Entrée: Chicken & cheese quesadilla
Sides: Spanish rice & Mexican street corn
Wednesday, Jan. 17
Entrée: Sesame or tofu stir fry
Sides: basmati rice & egg roll
Thursday, Jan. 18
Entrée: Sausage, broccolini and sun-dried tomato rigatoni
Sides: broccoli and garlic bread
Friday, Jan. 19
Entrée: Crispy chicken w/ mac & cheese with buffalo sauce
Sides: asparagus
Advising Center drop-in sessions
Do you still need to register for the spring semester? If so, NMC’s advising team is here to help!
Drop-in sessions are available on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through January 23. To connect with an advisor, stop by the NMC Advising Center in the Osterlin Building or join virtually via Zoom. If you plan to join virtually, please join the meeting using a computer to ensure the best experience. Classes are filling up fast! For more info, visit nmc.edu/advising
Spring 2024 Tech Talks
Can technology make you a better student? Join Alison Thornton from Technology Support Services to receive training on the Google products that available to you at NMC as well as Canva.
TECHNOLOGY AT NMC AND ZOOM AND MORE…
Monday, January 15, Noon–1 p.m. or 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Learn about all the awesome technology resources you have available to you at NMC. Plus learn Zoom at the same time, including polls, breakout rooms, reactions, and more!
FILE MANAGEMENT – GOOGLE DRIVE & NETWORK DRIVES
Wednesday, January 17, Noon–1 p.m. or 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Come join a demonstration of how to save your files (word processing, presentations, and more) to various locations at NMC, so that you make sure they are backed up and easily accessible to Moodle.
GOOGLE DOCS
Monday, January 22, Noon–1 p.m. or 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Google Docs is a word processing software that is easy to use and allows convenient access. It is a great resource for your academic and vocational coursework.
GOOGLE EMAIL AND CALENDAR
Wednesday, January 24, Noon–1 p.m. or 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Using Google Email and Calendar is a daily requirement at NMC. Come to this overview to make sure you know how to use the daily tools you will be required to use!
GOOGLE SLIDES
Monday, January 29, Noon–1 p.m. or 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Google Slides is free and easy-to-use presentation software. Come watch an overview of how to use this software.
CANVA PRESENTATION BASICS – NEW!
Wednesday, January 31, Noon–1 p.m. or 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Canva is a free (go to canva.com to sign up for a free version) and easy to use for graphic design, documents, presentations and more! Come watch an overview of how to use fonts, colors, elements, photos, audio and video in this software. Great for graphically robust documents and presentations!
If you have any questions, please contact the Technology Help Desk at (231) 995-3020 or start a chat session at nmc.edu/help.
NMC celebrates MLK, Black History Month with Embrace the Dream programming
TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College kicks off its 2024 Embrace the Dream programming, a series of events marking Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month, on January 15.
Planned events include the following. A complete calendar of events, including events at other community locations, is available and will be updated at nmc.edu/embrace-the-dream.
January 15 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day:)
- Free admission to the Dennos Museum Center, 11 a.m.–4 p.m..
- Building Bridges with Music presents a Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance Day show, livestreamed at both the Dennos Museum Center and the Alluvion at 7 p.m.. NMC Cantus Children’s Choir and NMC Chamber Singers will perform along with other artists and musicians. Free ticketed event. Go to mynorthtickets.com for tickets.
January 18 Free screening of Razing Liberty Square 4 p.m.., Dutmers Theater inside Dennos Museum Center. Free ticketed event.
January 31 Third annual ‘Embrace the Dream’ read-aloud and craft event, 5-6:30 p.m.., NMC Library
Kids in preschool through sixth grade are invited to the library, located on the second level of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, to read, craft, and receive a free book. Accompanying adults are invited to join in or find a space in the building to relax while kids read and craft. Free and open to the public.
Sunday, February 11, 1–3 p.m.. Second Sunday Art Project – Embrace the Dream Get inspired by the watercolor work of Caldecott honor recipient E.B. Lewis who thoughtfully illustrates narratives of the African American experience for children’s books and create your own watercolor work. Join the fun for free with the price of Dennos Museum Center admission!
Thursday, February 22, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.. A Food for the Soul buffet will be served in the Hawk Owl Café. Open to the public. $14.
Friday, February 23, 7 p.m.. Straight Ahead concert in Milliken Auditorium inside the Dennos Museum Center. The Detroit-based all-female jazz ensemble has received multiple Grammy nominations and toured the world. Tickets $25-$35.
For more information visit nmc.edu/embrace-the-dream.
Release Date: January 10, 2024
For More Information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (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-discriminationNMC opens Neurodiversity Support Center
TRAVERSE CITY — Beginning this month, support services designed specifically for neurodiverse NMC students will be offered for the first time at an on-campus center.
The pilot cohort of NMC’s Neurodiversity Support Center (NSC) consists of four students with a range of learning differences, including but not limited to anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder. Students may still apply for NSC services, which are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and expand upon what is already provided by the college’s office of Disability Support Services.
NSC Coordinator Nancy Gray said the transition from high school to college is often more difficult for neurodiverse students. In high school, disability law grants them additional support services. In college, they must self-advocate. However, challenges with communication and initiation are a hallmark of neurodiversity.
“Neurodiverse students need more than the accommodations, which address academics. They need help and support, and the supports must also meet their social and sensory needs,” Gray said.
An English faculty member, Gray proposed the NSC after spending her 2022-23 sabbatical year researching neurodiversity support services that many other colleges and universities provide A key component of the NSC, located in Scholars Hall on NMC’s Front Street campus, will be training staff to meet the specific needs of these learners. For instance, self-stimulating behaviors, also known as “stimming,” help some neurodiverse students manage emotional and environmental conditions. Yet “stimming” is often frowned upon as disruptive.
“We want to normalize it, so that it is seen as both acceptable and necessary,” Gray said. “We need to increase awareness of neurodiversity, celebrate the strengths, and design educational practices that address the specific needs of neurodiverse students.”
Services will then include:
- Weekly one-on-one mentoring meetings to work on individual short- and long-term goals
- Structured study times in the Center with on-site tutors and success coaches
- Workshops and seminars that address needs and build skills
- Supported communication between students, faculty and NMC staff
- Regularly-scheduled virtual parent or support system meetings, as desired.
- Sensory-friendly social events, connecting students with similar interests
The prevalence of neurodiversity has increased significantly worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates autism spectrum disorder occurs in 1 of every 36 U.S. children, or 2.8 percent. In 2000 the prevalence was 1 in 150. About 11 percent of children have received an ADHD diagnosis, also per the CDC. Both conditions are significantly more prevalent among boys. Anxiety prevalence is estimated at just under 10 percent. Co-occurrence of multiple conditions is also common in neurodiverse individuals.
An advisory body including neurodiverse students, NMC employees and community partners have assisted Gray in planning the NSC. For more information, visit nmc.edu/neurodiversity
Release date: JANUARY 8, 2024
For more information:
Nancy Gray
Neurodiversity Support Center Coordinator
ngray@nmc.edu
(505) 501-3258 (mobile)
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-discriminationParking enforcement starts Jan. 15
The Traverse City Parking Patrol will begin issuing warnings at NMC on Monday, Jan. 15 and start issuing citations for parking violations on Monday, Jan. 22. All NMC students and employees must have their 2023-2024 permits displayed then. If you haven’t received your permit, they’re available at the Campus Safety & Security office in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (#9 on the Front Street Campus map) and the Enrollment Services office on the main level of the Tanis Building (#5 on the Front Street Campus map).
The Traverse City Police Department has provided the following information on how to avoid parking tickets on campus by properly displaying your parking permit:
- Place your permit in the bottom left-hand corner of your windshield.
- Place your permit right side up. An upside-down permit will be considered invalid.
- Hang tags must be on the rear view mirror.
- Be sure that the expiration date on your permit can be seen from the outside of your vehicle. (Some vehicles have a tint on the edges of their windshield, so be sure your permit is not behind a tint, as it will make it difficult to see from the outside.) When it doubt, get out of your vehicle and be sure you can see the entire permit from the outside.
If you do get a ticket, payment can be made at the red drop-off payment box at the east end of the Cedar lot in front of the Health & Science Building on main campus. You can also mail the fine in to the city, or pay at the parking services office in the public parking garage at 303 E. State St. Payment information is also on each ticket.
If you have any questions about parking enforcement on campus, please call Campus Safety & Security at (231) 995-1111.
Trustee Building & Site committee meets Jan. 9; Fellows Nominating committee Jan. 12
TRAVERSE CITY — The Building & Site committee of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9 in the President’s Conference Room of the Tanis Building on NMC’s main campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City. The official meeting notice is available here.
The Fellows Nominating committee will meet at 12 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12 in the President’s Conference Room of the Tanis Building on NMC’s main campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City. The official meeting notice is available here.
For more information on either meeting, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
RELEASE DATE: January 5, 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-discriminationDesign thinking workshop
Do you have a project or an idea and need help bringing it to fruition? Join the upcoming design thinking workshop that is being offered in February. This hands-on series will introduce the design thinking process to NMC faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders. Together, we’ll:
-
- connect and empathize
- define challenges
- ideate and prototype solutions
- test and assess solutions
- review
This hands-on workshop will frame “how might we” questions to help participants learn how to innovate and meet their goals. The sessions will be facilitated by Brittany VanderBeek and will be held on February 5, 19 and 26 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in room 104/105 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center.
Dennos Museum store annual winter sale
The Dennos Museum store’s annual winter clearance sale begins Wednesday, Dec, 27. Enjoy deep discounts on art-inspired products, 2024 calendars, and all remaining holiday ornaments, cards and décor! Items move quickly so make sure to pop in to snag a great deal on something unique!