May 19, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
May 19, 2021
After completing a site engineering internship in the Charleston, S.C. harbor last December, NMC marine technology student Rachel Colby’s employer was eager to hire her.
But even at the accelerated pace at which Colby (left) is pursuing her bachelor’s degree, she still had a year and a half to go before graduation. Meanwhile, this summer the U.S. Navy veteran from Manistee has another internship lined up, where she’ll get hands-on experience with the GIS part of the marine technology program.
As of this year, NMC is aiming to better track and monitor experiential learning like Colby’s by establishing the Experiential Learning Institute as the college hub for internships in January. Experiential Learning Program coordinator Amy Burns Bailey took on the college-wide role in an expansion of her business and technical division responsibilities in order to offer employers a more efficient point of contact.
“Probably at least every other day we receive a request from an employer,” Burns Bailey said.
Despite the pandemic, NMC students completed 102 internships in 2020. Many, like Colby’s South Carolina opportunity, were required and offered credit. Significantly, almost all were also paid. NMC President Nick Nissley calls these “l/earning” opportunities and says it’s a key differentiator for NMC as other colleges seek to position themselves as embracing experiential learning.
Burns Bailey notes that paid internships are also a matter of equity, since unpaid work would severely limit who could fill the opportunities. Unsurprisingly, students are more motivated and perform better when paid as well.
“I didn’t feel like an intern, I felt like I was part of the team,” Colby, 26, said of her South Carolina internship with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock, an employer that’s hired multiple Marine Tech interns.
Internships are distinguished by the mentorship that accompanies job duties, Burns Bailey said.
“The student should be doing real life work where they can practice what they’re learning in school, (and) there has to be an aspect of mentorship,” she said.
That’s what NMC business student Trevor Knapp (right, with mentor Howard Canfield) found at his internship at Fox Motors in Cadillac. At first he questioned why he had to complete the required internship, since he’d already worked in sales plus run his own car detailing business. But his advisor, business instructor Nicole Fewins, had never steered him wrong, Knapp said, and after working with dealership staff with decades of sales experience, plus rotating to the management and service sectors of the business, he saw the value.
“I gained a lot of knowledge about the sales process,” said Knapp, a 2021 graduate. “I thought I knew this, I thought I knew that. You literally have no idea what you’re going to learn.”
Beyond their program-required internships, both Colby and Knapp praised their overall NMC experience. Knapp had considered a four-year university, but then decided he preferred to work after his high school graduation. His mother urged him not to abandon education entirely and suggested NMC.
“NMC was literally the perfect in between,” said Knapp, who commuted from Cadillac. “I really feel like the teachers go above and beyond. They’re not just there to teach, they’re there to help people.”
Visit nmc.edu/internships to find out more.
May 18, 2021 | Student News
NMC Advising, Student Success Coaches, Financial Aid/Student Financial Services, and our Technology Help Desk are offering face-to-face support during weekly “Welcome Wednesday Open Houses” throughout the summer.
Space is available by appointment only: Sign up here.
We’ll have staff on hand to help with:
- Registering for classes
- Talking about possible careers or majors
- How to make sure you’re ready for classes
- Password or technology assistance
- Scholarship and financial aid applications
Success coaches, advisors, technology help desk, and financial aid staff will be there (in person!) to help students in the NMC Student Success Center. We’ll have 1-hour time slots at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. each week.
May 14, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Starting Saturday, May 15 at 9 a.m., NMC will lift the mask requirement and social distancing requirement indoors and outdoors on all NMC campuses for those individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This follows the changes to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services order and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance.
State and federal health leaders credit increased vaccination rates that have led to a decline in cases of COVID-19 for the ease in restrictions. As we told you earlier this week, NMC will official move to stage 3 of our reopening plan May 24. We will continue to communicate with you as this process evolves.
Vaccines are widely available for those 12 and older. To schedule an appointment near you please visit vaccines.gov.
Thank you to everyone who helped keep our NMC community safe during the pandemic, and your continued support.
Release Date: May 14, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director 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
May 14, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College welcomes community input on the future of the college at a virtual all-call strategic planning meeting Wednesday, May 26.
Guided by consultants CampusWorks, the strategic planning process, called NMC Next, began in April and will engage all college stakeholders — faculty, staff, students, alumni, board and community members — in refocusing energies and resources for the next three calendar years and leverage NMC’s past successes to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The all-call meeting, set for 3:30-5 p.m., is an opportunity for anyone who is not part of those defined stakeholder groups to offer their input.
Participation is free. Interested individuals can register using this form at nmc.edu/strategic-planning. Zoom links will be sent after registration is complete.
NMC Next is NMC’s most comprehensive strategic planning effort in more than a decade. The final strategic plan document will be presented to the Board of Trustees at its December meeting and then launched to the campus community in January 2022.
“The voices and critical insights of not only the college but the entire community are central to the success of our efforts, and we value everyone’s participation as we engage in this important process,” said NMC President Nick Nissley.
Release date: MAY 14, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director 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
May 14, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College welcomes community input on the future of the college at a virtual all-call strategic planning meeting Wednesday, May 26.
Guided by consultants CampusWorks, the strategic planning process, called NMC Next, began in April and will engage all college stakeholders — faculty, staff, students, alumni, board and community members — in refocusing energies and resources for the next three calendar years and leverage NMC’s past successes to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The all-call meeting, set for 3:30-5 p.m., is an opportunity for anyone who is not part of those defined stakeholder groups to offer their input.
Participation is free. Interested individuals can register using this form at nmc.edu/strategic-planning. Zoom links will be sent after registration is complete.
NMC Next is NMC’s most comprehensive strategic planning effort in more than a decade. The final strategic plan document will be presented to the Board of Trustees at its December meeting and then launched to the campus community in January 2022.
“The voices and critical insights of not only the college but the entire community are central to the success of our efforts, and we value everyone’s participation as we engage in this important process,” said NMC President Nick Nissley.
Release date: MAY 14, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director 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
May 13, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
NMC is pleased to announce its Dean’s List for the spring 2021 semester. An alphabetical listing is available online.
Published at the end of each semester, the Dean’s List recognizes outstanding academic achievement based upon a student’s semester grade point average. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits in a semester.
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NMC Public Relations
May 12, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — About 50 cadets at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) will depart on the first of four training cruises Tuesday, May 18, observing coronavirus pandemic safety protocols.
The cruises will keep GLMA’s training ship, the T/S State of Michigan, at sea for five months, from May 18 to Oct. 25, providing an opportunity for 140–160 cadets to earn sea time.
“This plan will allow all cadets to accrue some sea time in 2021, and allow cadets who could not sail in 2020 due to COVID to make up for what they missed and graduate per their model schedules,” said Academy Superintendent Jerry Achenbach.
Prior to 2020, GLMA usually operated two cruises that ran between 10–12 weeks. The pandemic shortened last year’s sailing season, and it has been more difficult to find berths aboard commercial vessels. Both contributed to this year’s longer cruise season. Cadets must earn 360 days of required sea time during their four-year program.
Cadets and crew must either be vaccinated or quarantine and test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. The first four-week cruise will visit Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, the Detroit River and the St. Mary’s River.
Phase 2 departs Traverse City June 15 bound for Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, the St. Mary’s River, Lake Huron, Detroit and Lake St. Clair.
Phase 3 departs Traverse City July 21 for Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, the Detroit River, the St. Mary’s River and Lake Superior.
Phase 4 departs Traverse City Aug. 27 and will visit Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, the St. Mary’s River and Lake Superior, and returns Oct. 25.
As the state maritime academy of Michigan, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College educates and trains deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree, and an unlimited tonnage/horsepower merchant marine license. Read more about the Academy and see the cruise itinerary and map at nmc.edu/maritime.
Release Date: May 12, 2021
For more information:
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@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
May 12, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — About 50 cadets at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) will depart on the first of four training cruises Tuesday, May 18, observing coronavirus pandemic safety protocols.
The cruises will keep GLMA’s training ship, the T/S State of Michigan, at sea for five months, from May 18 to Oct. 25, providing an opportunity for 140–160 cadets to earn sea time.
“This plan will allow all cadets to accrue some sea time in 2021, and allow cadets who could not sail in 2020 due to COVID to make up for what they missed and graduate per their model schedules,” said Academy Superintendent Jerry Achenbach.
Prior to 2020, GLMA usually operated two cruises that ran between 10–12 weeks. The pandemic shortened last year’s sailing season, and it has been more difficult to find berths aboard commercial vessels. Both contributed to this year’s longer cruise season. Cadets must earn 360 days of required sea time during their four-year program.
Cadets and crew must either be vaccinated or quarantine and test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. The first four-week cruise will visit Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, the Detroit River and the St. Mary’s River.
Phase 2 departs Traverse City June 15 bound for Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, the St. Mary’s River, Lake Huron, Detroit and Lake St. Clair.
Phase 3 departs Traverse City July 21 for Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, the Detroit River, the St. Mary’s River and Lake Superior.
Phase 4 departs Traverse City Aug. 27 and will visit Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, the St. Mary’s River and Lake Superior, and returns Oct. 25.
As the state maritime academy of Michigan, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College educates and trains deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree, and an unlimited tonnage/horsepower merchant marine license. Read more about the Academy and see the cruise itinerary and map at nmc.edu/maritime.
Release Date: May 12, 2021
For more information:
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@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
May 11, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — As expected, the state is beginning to ease COVID-19 restrictions thanks to increasing numbers of residents receiving the vaccine. NMC is also re-evaluating and updating our COVID-19 protocols as outlined in the staged reopening plan. Following the new state timeline, the college will move to Stage 3 of our reopening plan May 24, 2021. We will continue to communicate updates with you as they are finalized.
Summer scheduled classes will continue as planned and work that can be done remotely, may continue to be done remotely. In Stage 3, employees who have been working from home, who prefer to work on-campus will be able to do so and small, in-person meetings will also be allowed. Protocols for masks and social distancing still remain.
Thank you for your commitment to safety throughout this past year, and into the future. Thank you also for your continued support and patience during this time as we have successfully faced many unknowns together. You can find more information about NMC’s response to the coronavirus and resources at nmc.edu/covid-19.
Release Date: May 11, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director 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
May 11, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — As expected, the state is beginning to ease COVID-19 restrictions thanks to increasing numbers of residents receiving the vaccine. NMC is also re-evaluating and updating our COVID-19 protocols as outlined in the staged reopening plan. Following the new state timeline, the college will move to Stage 3 of our reopening plan May 24, 2021. We will continue to communicate updates with you as they are finalized.
Summer scheduled classes will continue as planned and work that can be done remotely, may continue to be done remotely. In Stage 3, employees who have been working from home, who prefer to work on-campus will be able to do so and small, in-person meetings will also be allowed. Protocols for masks and social distancing still remain.
Thank you for your commitment to safety throughout this past year, and into the future. Thank you also for your continued support and patience during this time as we have successfully faced many unknowns together. You can find more information about NMC’s response to the coronavirus and resources at nmc.edu/covid-19.
Release Date: May 11, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director 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
May 11, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — As expected, the state is beginning to ease COVID-19 restrictions thanks to increasing numbers of residents receiving the vaccine. NMC is also re-evaluating and updating our COVID-19 protocols as outlined in the staged reopening plan. Following the new state timeline, the college will move to Stage 3 of our reopening plan May 24, 2021. We will continue to communicate updates with you as they are finalized.
Summer scheduled classes will continue as planned and work that can be done remotely, may continue to be done remotely. In Stage 3, employees who have been working from home, who prefer to work on-campus will be able to do so and small, in-person meetings will also be allowed. Protocols for masks and social distancing still remain.
Thank you for your commitment to safety throughout this past year, and into the future. Thank you also for your continued support and patience during this time as we have successfully faced many unknowns together. You can find more information about NMC’s response to the coronavirus and resources at nmc.edu/covid-19.
Release Date: May 11, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director 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
May 11, 2021 | Student News, Tech Tips
Welcome to NMC!
Your next step in the right direction is to call the Technology Help Desk and get your password set up so you can access all things NMC.
Take a moment now to call (231) 995-3020 to get your temporary password.
May 10, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine? Ask an Expert.
COVID-19 has presented numerous and far-reaching challenges across our northern Michigan communities over the past year. The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine brought excitement and hope for some, but worry and concern for others. The decision to vaccinate is a personal choice and Munson Healthcare aims to ensure everyone has access to the scientific information they need to confidently make it for themselves and their family.
Please join us for a virtual town hall event, led by Munson Healthcare experts.
Thursday, May 13, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Joseph D. Santangelo, MD
This session led by Pediatrician, Dr. Joe Santangelo will review commonly asked questions and myths about the vaccine, and also address questions related to vaccinations for children 16+. Time for participants to ask questions will be provided.
Friday, May 21, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Christine Nefcy, MD, FAAP
This session, led by Dr. Christine Nefcy, Chief Medical Officer for Munson Healthcare, will review commonly asked questions and myths about the vaccine and provide time for participants to ask questions.
May 7, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has announced the winners of its annual Faculty Excellence awards, chosen by a student selection committee.
Lisa Balbach (download a high-resolution photo)Computer Information Technology instructor Lisa Balbach was named the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award winner. Adjunct English instructor Diane Bolton is the winner of the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award. Criteria for both awards include teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication. Of Balbach, who started teaching at NMC in 2016, students said:
“Professor Balbach provides timely, detailed feedback on assignments and always provides an opportunity to redo/update weekly assignments for resubmission, allowing us to learn from our mistakes.”
“She is incredibly thorough in explaining concepts and provides examples of real-world practical application. Projects are designed to give students practice with concepts, but also allow a great deal of latitude to connect with students’ interests.”
“I feel like she will go to the ends of the earth for her students. She’ll spend endless time with her students to make sure that each and every one succeeds.”
About Bolton, who first worked at NMC in 2009, students said:
Diane Bolton (download a high-resolution photo)“Instructor Bolton helps the students understand the material by teaching us in a way that we can relate and build from. Ms. Bolton applies what we learn in class to realistic and helpful ways that make our learning and understanding of the material significantly easier.”
“Professor Bolton also maintains an outstanding rapport with students through her communication skills. She encourages everyone to speak and express their thoughts within the class.”
“Diane Bolton schedules an individual conference with each of her students and dedicates 30 minutes purely to their own learning and progress within the class. If that isn’t dedication to student learning, then I don’t know what is.”
The Faculty Excellence award was initiated by a contribution from longtime NMC benefactors Harold and Imogene Wise in 1970 and first awarded to a full-time faculty member in 1971. The Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award was created in 1999 as a companion.
Release Date: May 7, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director 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
May 7, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has announced the winners of its annual Faculty Excellence awards, chosen by a student selection committee.
Lisa Balbach (download a high-resolution photo)Computer Information Technology instructor Lisa Balbach was named the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award winner. Adjunct English instructor Diane Bolton is the winner of the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award. Criteria for both awards include teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication. Of Balbach, who started teaching at NMC in 2016, students said:
“Professor Balbach provides timely, detailed feedback on assignments and always provides an opportunity to redo/update weekly assignments for resubmission, allowing us to learn from our mistakes.”
“She is incredibly thorough in explaining concepts and provides examples of real-world practical application. Projects are designed to give students practice with concepts, but also allow a great deal of latitude to connect with students’ interests.”
“I feel like she will go to the ends of the earth for her students. She’ll spend endless time with her students to make sure that each and every one succeeds.”
About Bolton, who first worked at NMC in 2009, students said:
Diane Bolton (download a high-resolution photo)“Instructor Bolton helps the students understand the material by teaching us in a way that we can relate and build from. Ms. Bolton applies what we learn in class to realistic and helpful ways that make our learning and understanding of the material significantly easier.”
“Professor Bolton also maintains an outstanding rapport with students through her communication skills. She encourages everyone to speak and express their thoughts within the class.”
“Diane Bolton schedules an individual conference with each of her students and dedicates 30 minutes purely to their own learning and progress within the class. If that isn’t dedication to student learning, then I don’t know what is.”
The Faculty Excellence award was initiated by a contribution from longtime NMC benefactors Harold and Imogene Wise in 1970 and first awarded to a full-time faculty member in 1971. The Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award was created in 1999 as a companion.
Release Date: May 7, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director 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
May 6, 2021 | Student News
Your unofficial transcript contains a lot of important information, and is all free for you to view. Remember that it is a work in progress, as opposed to an official transcript, so it cannot be used as part of transferring to another university.
Visit your Self-Service Menu at my.nmc.edu and select Student Records and then View Your Academic Transcript.
May 6, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
NMC Health Services will close for the summer break on Friday, May 14, and will reopen Monday, August 16 at 9 a.m.
Emergency medical services may be obtained at:
- Munson Community Health Center, 550 Munson Ave. – (231) 935-8686
- Bayside Docs, 401 Munson Ave. – (231) 933-9150
- The Walk-In Clinic, US 31 South – (231) 929-1234
- Munson Medical Center, 1105 6th St. – (231) 935-5000
If you need records, please contact NMC Student Life at (231) 995-1118 and they will contact the provider at Health Services.
May 3, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom, Student News
To all the students, faculty, staff and board members who are volunteering their time to NMC’s strategic planning effort, thank you. Find out more and how to get involved at nmc.edu/strategic-planning.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
