Jan 12, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
January 12, 2022
Longtime college staff member Marcus Bennett, Ed.D., will serve as Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) beginning July 1. This is the college’s first position dedicated to DEI.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to help our college grow in this area. I’ve seen first hand some of the challenges our students face and am inspired by the commitment of our NMC community to create positive change,” said Bennett, 45, a first-generation college student who has earned a doctorate in community college leadership from Ferris State University and a certificate on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace from the University of South Florida.
Currently associate dean of campus and residence life, Bennett’s own educational journey was similar to what many new or prospective community college students face.
“A lot of times we talk about access, and not everybody has access to education,” said Bennett, who has worked at NMC for more than a decade. “It can be very challenging and very overwhelming.”
As he considered the opportunity, the fact that NMC has made DEI a part of its just-completed strategic plan was significant.
“A lot of people put out statements,” Bennett said of the increased attention to racial injustice that began in summer 2020, after the murder of George Floyd. “NMC put out plans of action to continue with that work.”
Establishment of the new position fulfills a key objective within the DEI strategic area of NMC’s strategic plan, NMC Next. Expected to receive final approval from NMC’s Board of Trustees later this month, the plan is the product of nearly a year of input from more than 1,000 participants including community members, alumni, faculty, staff, students and donors.
Bennett has been a member of NMC’s DEI advisory committee, chartered by President Nick Nissley in summer 2020. That committee issued a DEI benchmarking report in fall 2021. Its research and conclusions helped inform objectives and action steps in the strategic planning process, particularly around areas of student success. Bennett also credited his colleagues in NMC’s Student Services and Enrollment Management departments for motivating him to do his best on behalf of students.
“Everybody in some shape, form or fashion has mentored me, made me feel valued and want to be here,” he said. “I’m just really excited about being here, the first in this role at NMC. I’m hopeful I can set a trail or path that others can follow.”
“Marcus’ appointment takes NMC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion to the next level,” Nissley said. “Our research shows we have work to do in this area to help our students succeed. I believe this is a critical step to help us get there. ”
Bennett is on track to complete two other certifications this year, one in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, and another in Ethical and Inclusive Leadership from USF.
DEI duties will comprise half Bennett’s job beginning in July. He will continue as associate dean of campus life. In that role, he and his family live on NMC’s main campus and he is well-known and respected by students, staff and faculty alike.
Prior to joining NMC in 2011, Bennett was a member of the Office of Residence Life staff at Saginaw Valley State University from 2003-2011.
Jan 11, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
NMC is pleased to announce its Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester. The list is also available here in a new format that’s searchable and shareable on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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.
Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this academic achievement!
—
NMC Public Relations
Jan 11, 2022 | Embrace the Dream, Intercom, Student News
J
oin us in supporting those in our community who are experiencing homelessness! Sign up for an evening shift and volunteer your time at Safe Harbor!
See the Student Activities Calendar for more information on shifts and how to sign up.
This event is part of NMC’s Embrace the Dream celebration of MLK Day and Black History Month.
Jan 11, 2022 | Student News, Tech Tips
There’s a lot to getting started at NMC. Check out this Getting Started guide to make academic life easier!
Jan 11, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Board of Trustees voted at its December 20 meeting to update the college’s board video recording policy and broadcast its regular monthly meetings live on the college’s YouTube channel. The live broadcasts will begin with the board’s January 24 meeting, which starts at 5:30 p.m. and will be held in Room 106/107 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s main campus.
The broadcasts do not include two-way communication with virtual viewers, and official video recordings will continue to be published on the board’s public website within eight days after the meeting.
Jan 10, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has tapped longtime college staff member Marcus Bennett, Ed.D., to serve as Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) beginning July 1. This is the college’s first position dedicated to DEI.
Marcus Bennett (download a high-resolution version here)Bennett, who holds a doctorate in community college leadership from Ferris State University and a certificate on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace from the University of South Florida, has worked at NMC for more than a decade. He is currently associate dean of campus and residence life.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to help our college grow in this area. I’ve seen first hand some of the challenges our students face and am inspired by the commitment of our NMC community to create positive change,” Bennett said.
DEI duties will comprise half Bennett’s job beginning in July. He will continue as associate dean of campus life. In that role, he and his family lived on NMC’s main campus and he is well-known and respected by students, staff and faculty alike.
Establishment of the new position fulfills a key objective within the DEI strategic area of NMC’s just-completed strategic plan, NMC Next. Expected to receive final approval from NMC’s Board of Trustees later this month, the plan is the product of nearly a year of input from more than 1,000 participants including community members, alumni, faculty, staff, students and donors.
Bennett has been a member of NMC’s DEI advisory committee, chartered by President Nick Nissley in summer 2020. That committee issued a DEI benchmarking report in fall 2021. Its research and conclusions helped inform objectives and action steps in the strategic planning process, particularly around areas of student success.
“Marcus’ appointment takes NMC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion to the next level,” Nissley said. “Our research shows we have work to do in this area to help our students succeed. I believe this is a critical step to help us get there.”
Bennett is on track to complete two other certifications this year, one in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, and another in Ethical and Inclusive Leadership from USF.
Prior to joining NMC in 2011, Bennett was a member of the Office of Residence Life staff at Saginaw Valley State University from 2003–2011.
Release date: January 10, 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
Jan 10, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has tapped longtime college staff member Marcus Bennett, Ed.D., to serve as Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) beginning July 1. This is the college’s first position dedicated to DEI.
Marcus Bennett (download a high-resolution version here)Bennett, who holds a doctorate in community college leadership from Ferris State University and a certificate on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace from the University of South Florida, has worked at NMC for more than a decade. He is currently associate dean of campus and residence life.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to help our college grow in this area. I’ve seen first hand some of the challenges our students face and am inspired by the commitment of our NMC community to create positive change,” Bennett said.
DEI duties will comprise half Bennett’s job beginning in July. He will continue as associate dean of campus life. In that role, he and his family lived on NMC’s main campus and he is well-known and respected by students, staff and faculty alike.
Establishment of the new position fulfills a key objective within the DEI strategic area of NMC’s just-completed strategic plan, NMC Next. Expected to receive final approval from NMC’s Board of Trustees later this month, the plan is the product of nearly a year of input from more than 1,000 participants including community members, alumni, faculty, staff, students and donors.
Bennett has been a member of NMC’s DEI advisory committee, chartered by President Nick Nissley in summer 2020. That committee issued a DEI benchmarking report in fall 2021. Its research and conclusions helped inform objectives and action steps in the strategic planning process, particularly around areas of student success.
“Marcus’ appointment takes NMC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion to the next level,” Nissley said. “Our research shows we have work to do in this area to help our students succeed. I believe this is a critical step to help us get there.”
Bennett is on track to complete two other certifications this year, one in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, and another in Ethical and Inclusive Leadership from USF.
Prior to joining NMC in 2011, Bennett was a member of the Office of Residence Life staff at Saginaw Valley State University from 2003–2011.
Release date: January 10, 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
Jan 7, 2022 | Student News
The NMC Varsity Esports Program is holding tryouts for a second Rocket League team on Thursday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. in the gaming/esports lab (Room 35) in the West Hall Innovation Center. All eligible students who are selected for the team will receive a $500 scholarship for the Spring semester. (Eligibility = Full-time student and a minimum 2.0 GPA) Interested students should fill out this signup form: forms.gle/xkJoWWp8R8n2VTm87.
In addition, the NMC Esports program is seeking two Overwatch players for the spring semester. Competition begins Monday, Feb. 7, practices begin the week of January 17. Scholarship funding is also available. Eligible students, please fill out this form: forms.gle/q1jVC4cipXfMQq2u8.
Jan 5, 2022 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
The Traverse City Parking Patrol will begin issuing warnings at NMC Friday, Jan. 14 and start issuing citations for parking violations on Friday, Jan. 21. All NMC students and employees must have their 2021-2022 permits displayed then. If you haven’t received your permit, they’re available at the Campus Safety & Security office in the West Hall Innovation Center (#9 on the Main Campus Map) and the Enrollment Services office on the main level of the Tanis Building (#5 on the Main 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.
Jan 4, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Two new culinary certificates offering targeted skills to both entry-level students and professionals already in the workforce will be offered by NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute beginning with the Fall 2022 semester.
NMC trustees unanimously approved the two new certificates in December:
- Culinary Arts Certificate Level 1 is a one-year certificate that meets the needs of students who want just enough skills to get out into the industry while incurring a minimal amount of tuition cost. It may be stacked with either a more advanced culinary certificate or associate degree, allowing students to tailor both their skill and their educational investment to their individual goals.
- Baking & Pastry Certificate Level 2 replaces an existing baking certificate. It offers basic and advanced skills training for students new to the industry and current workforce professionals who want to enhance specific skills.
The new certificates are a result of GLCI’s larger reimagining process that began in 2021. That process seeks to redesign the program to demonstrate responsible environmental stewardship, offer more plant-forward culinary training and meet the culinary educational needs of a broader group of potential learners, thus increasing enrollment.
In addition to the certificates, GLCI has diversified its content delivery. Courses will be taught in two sessions over the single semester. Students will take fewer courses at the same time, allowing more concentrated learning and quicker goal achievement. All changes are designed to improve and increase student outcomes as well as reposition GLCI as a culinary educational hub, drawing not only traditional students but those already in the workforce who seek to update or advance their skills, as well as culinary enthusiasts. More changes are expected in 2023. Find out more at nmc.edu/culinary.
Release date: January 4, 2022
For more information:
Les Eckert, MBA, CEPC, CCE, AAC
Director, Great Lakes Culinary Institute
(231) 995-1197
leckert@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
Jan 4, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
Dear NMC community – We hope you had an enjoyable and restful holiday break. With spring semester classes beginning Jan. 14, we’d like to share some reminders and updates regarding COVID-19.
- While some colleges and universities have recently moved to online-only instruction, NMC’s class formats will remain the same as when students registered. If you signed up for a face-to-face class, it will meet face-to-face. If you signed up for an online class, it will remain online.
- NMC’s requirement to wear face masks while indoors on campus continues into the spring semester. Masks are provided at the entrances to all buildings and signage also informs students, faculty and staff and visitors. This video shows how to properly wear a face mask and other simple COVID precautions.
- As announced in December, cases on campus will be reported via the dashboard only. Campuswide emails have been discontinued.
- Visit nmc.edu/covid19 for more information. Use the feedback form if you have questions.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and safety of everyone on campus. We hope you have a happy and healthy 2022!
Sincerely, NMC Public Relations
Jan 4, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Two new culinary certificates offering targeted skills to both entry-level students and professionals already in the workforce will be offered by NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute beginning with the Fall 2022 semester.
NMC trustees unanimously approved the two new certificates in December:
- Culinary Arts Certificate Level 1 is a one-year certificate that meets the needs of students who want just enough skills to get out into the industry while incurring a minimal amount of tuition cost. It may be stacked with either a more advanced culinary certificate or associate degree, allowing students to tailor both their skill and their educational investment to their individual goals.
- Baking & Pastry Certificate Level 2 replaces an existing baking certificate. It offers basic and advanced skills training for students new to the industry and current workforce professionals who want to enhance specific skills.
The new certificates are a result of GLCI’s larger reimagining process that began in 2021. That process seeks to redesign the program to demonstrate responsible environmental stewardship, offer more plant-forward culinary training and meet the culinary educational needs of a broader group of potential learners, thus increasing enrollment.
In addition to the certificates, GLCI has diversified its content delivery. Courses will be taught in two sessions over the single semester. Students will take fewer courses at the same time, allowing more concentrated learning and quicker goal achievement. All changes are designed to improve and increase student outcomes as well as reposition GLCI as a culinary educational hub, drawing not only traditional students but those already in the workforce who seek to update or advance their skills, as well as culinary enthusiasts. More changes are expected in 2023. Find out more at nmc.edu/culinary.
Release date: January 4, 2022
For more information:
Les Eckert, MBA, CEPC, CCE, AAC
Director, Great Lakes Culinary Institute
(231) 995-1197
leckert@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
Dec 22, 2021 | Student News, Tech Tips
Can technology make you a better student? Join Alison Thornton from Technology Support Services as she covers all of the FREE time-saving and life-hacking technology that NMC offers to its students! Download a new set of skills by learning about the technology and features available to you through NMC, how to level up your tech skills, and where you can get support for all things tech-related.
Dec 21, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC trustees unanimously approved job training agreements with five companies Monday, carrying the region over the 1,000 mark for new jobs created under a state program begun in 2008.
Including Monday’s agreements, 1,013 new jobs in northwest Michigan are now attributed to partnerships created through the New Jobs Training Program (NJTP).The newest, 25 new jobs by 2031, was approved with Iron Fish Distillery Monday, while existing agreements with Britten, Inc., Century, Inc, Elmer’s Crane and Dozer, Inc., and Strata Design were amended with extensions.
The statewide program, which grew out of a 2008 bipartisan effort to stimulate job creation, allows companies to divert payroll taxes into a fund to train new hires. NMC receives 15 percent of the funds to administer the program and is also a training provider.
“NJTP continues to be one of our important tools in supporting regional economic development,” said Marguerite Cotto, NMC’s vice president for Lifelong and Professional Learning. “We’re proud to be the only community college in the state to bring agreements for Board approval in every cycle since the program’s inception.”
NMC inked its first agreement with Electro Optics Technology in 2010. All jobs must pay 175 percent of prevailing minimum wage. As of January 1, 2022, that amounts to $17.27 per hour.
Legislation is now under consideration to expand the program by raising the statewide cap on deferred payroll taxes under contract from $50 million to $100 million.
Release date: DECEMBER 21, 2021
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
Dec 21, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC trustees unanimously approved job training agreements with five companies Monday, carrying the region over the 1,000 mark for new jobs created under a state program begun in 2008.
Including Monday’s agreements, 1,013 new jobs in northwest Michigan are now attributed to partnerships created through the New Jobs Training Program (NJTP).The newest, 25 new jobs by 2031, was approved with Iron Fish Distillery Monday, while existing agreements with Britten, Inc., Century, Inc, Elmer’s Crane and Dozer, Inc., and Strata Design were amended with extensions.
The statewide program, which grew out of a 2008 bipartisan effort to stimulate job creation, allows companies to divert payroll taxes into a fund to train new hires. NMC receives 15 percent of the funds to administer the program and is also a training provider.
“NJTP continues to be one of our important tools in supporting regional economic development,” said Marguerite Cotto, NMC’s vice president for Lifelong and Professional Learning. “We’re proud to be the only community college in the state to bring agreements for Board approval in every cycle since the program’s inception.”
NMC inked its first agreement with Electro Optics Technology in 2010. All jobs must pay 175 percent of prevailing minimum wage. As of January 1, 2022, that amounts to $17.27 per hour.
Legislation is now under consideration to expand the program by raising the statewide cap on deferred payroll taxes under contract from $50 million to $100 million.
Release date: DECEMBER 21, 2021
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
Dec 20, 2021 | Embrace the Dream, Intercom, Student News
An NMC Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Black History Month
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., most famous for his leadership during the civil rights movement and his “I have a dream” speech,” once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ ” In honor of King’s legacy, NMC will observe its first campus-wide commemorative event, Embrace the Dream, from January 17 through February 14, 2022. NMC faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in these learning activities and volunteer opportunities.
Check out the Embrace the Dream page and Google Calendar and add these activities to your own calendar, including new volunteer activities each week! Please use these opportunities to connect, discuss, reflect, and engage with our community to make a difference in the lives of our underrepresented populations as part of our diversity, equity, and inclusion commitment and our NMC strategic direction. We hope these activities will provide opportunities to learn and share new perspectives with our students, faculty, staff and community members.
We look forward to this important event and to sharing the stories of what we learn and accomplish together along the way. How will you “Embrace the Dream”?
Dec 16, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Visual Communications department invites area non-profit groups to submit graphic design, art direction and new media projects for consideration as pro bono class projects during the spring semester. Submissions are due by January 3, 2022.
Part of the Visual Communications curriculum, the class project is free to the non-profits selected. The goal is a real-world assignment that allows students to interact with clients and exposes them to the commercial printing and production worlds, including film and new media production, creative advertising, graphic design and packaging. Projects will be completed by the end of the spring semester in April.
Potential projects could include logos, brochures, ad campaigns, packaging, graphic design, branding, posters, infographics, announcements, invitations, film, web animations, Flash animations, exhibition design, TV commercials or anything relating to visual communications, commercial art, illustration and film or web design. The department is especially interested in conceptually-driven projects that will offer the students substantial opportunity for interaction with the client and process. 2019 projects included logos for the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network, and Wagbo Farm & Education Center.
Interested non-profits with valid 501(c)(3) status in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, Kalkaska and Wexford counties should direct questions to Visual Communications instructor Caroline Schaefer-Hills at (231) 995-1334. A brief description of the project and the organization’s needs are required and should be sent via email to cschaefer@nmc.edu by Jan. 3.
Release Date: December 16, 2021
For more information:
Caroline Schaefer-Hills
Visual Communications Department Chair
(231) 995-1334
cschaefer@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
Dec 16, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Visual Communications department invites area non-profit groups to submit graphic design, art direction and new media projects for consideration as pro bono class projects during the spring semester. Submissions are due by January 3, 2022.
Part of the Visual Communications curriculum, the class project is free to the non-profits selected. The goal is a real-world assignment that allows students to interact with clients and exposes them to the commercial printing and production worlds, including film and new media production, creative advertising, graphic design and packaging. Projects will be completed by the end of the spring semester in April.
Potential projects could include logos, brochures, ad campaigns, packaging, graphic design, branding, posters, infographics, announcements, invitations, film, web animations, Flash animations, exhibition design, TV commercials or anything relating to visual communications, commercial art, illustration and film or web design. The department is especially interested in conceptually-driven projects that will offer the students substantial opportunity for interaction with the client and process. 2019 projects included logos for the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network, and Wagbo Farm & Education Center.
Interested non-profits with valid 501(c)(3) status in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, Kalkaska and Wexford counties should direct questions to Visual Communications instructor Caroline Schaefer-Hills at (231) 995-1334. A brief description of the project and the organization’s needs are required and should be sent via email to cschaefer@nmc.edu by Jan. 3.
Release Date: December 16, 2021
For more information:
Caroline Schaefer-Hills
Visual Communications Department Chair
(231) 995-1334
cschaefer@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
