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!
Apr 30, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Starting Monday, May 3, construction will begin at the main entrance of NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, extending south toward E. Front St and impeding access to the circle drive and main walkway into the building. To avoid the construction, park immediately west or east of the building and use the walkway alongside Grand Traverse Bay that leads to the waterfront courtyard.
The Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) is alerting those coming to the Hagerty Center for a COVID-19 vaccination that the construction is expected to last for the duration of the clinic, and that the west parking lot offers handicap parking for those who are mobility restricted. If you have a previously scheduled appointment or are planning on attending a walk-in clinic at the Hagerty Center and have mobility restrictions, please email gtcovidvaccine@gtcountymi.gov for accommodations.
Construction is also ongoing on and around NMC’s Main Campus as part of the City of Traverse City’s Safe Routes to School project. New sidewalks are being built on the following street segments:
- North side of Eastern Ave. between Milliken Dr. and Eastwood Ave.
- North side of College Drive between E. Front St. and the west side of NMC’s Cherry parking lot.
- East side of Fair St. between E. Eighth St. and E. Front St. including sidewalk ramp construction/replacement at the Fair St. and Titus Ave. intersection.
That work is expected to be substantially complete by June 4. Street segments will remain open to traffic with shoulder closures and/or traffic regulators, and College Drive will be reduced to one lane during the day, so expect some delays.
Release date: APRIL 30, 2021
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
Apr 30, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Starting Monday, May 3, construction will begin at the main entrance of NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, extending south toward E. Front St and impeding access to the circle drive and main walkway into the building. To avoid the construction, park immediately west or east of the building and use the walkway alongside Grand Traverse Bay that leads to the waterfront courtyard.
The Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) is alerting those coming to the Hagerty Center for a COVID-19 vaccination that the construction is expected to last for the duration of the clinic, and that the west parking lot offers handicap parking for those who are mobility restricted. If you have a previously scheduled appointment or are planning on attending a walk-in clinic at the Hagerty Center and have mobility restrictions, please email gtcovidvaccine@gtcountymi.gov for accommodations.
Construction is also ongoing on and around NMC’s Main Campus as part of the City of Traverse City’s Safe Routes to School project. New sidewalks are being built on the following street segments:
- North side of Eastern Ave. between Milliken Dr. and Eastwood Ave.
- North side of College Drive between E. Front St. and the west side of NMC’s Cherry parking lot.
- East side of Fair St. between E. Eighth St. and E. Front St. including sidewalk ramp construction/replacement at the Fair St. and Titus Ave. intersection.
That work is expected to be substantially complete by June 4. Street segments will remain open to traffic with shoulder closures and/or traffic regulators, and College Drive will be reduced to one lane during the day, so expect some delays.
Release date: APRIL 30, 2021
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
Apr 28, 2021 | Student News
Strategic Planning Focus Groups for Students:
You may be aware that NMC is crafting a new strategic plan and the consulting firm they have hired to lead this work is interested in hearing from students. Students who are able to attend will be sent a $20 Amazon Gift Card for their participation.
Please join one of the following focus groups that best fits your demographic:
Commuter Student Focus Group: Tuesday, April 27 from noon-1:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting https://campusworksinc.zoom.us/j/98888354700?pwd=cXhGZU10T1orNlNOQmRHT24yRFZndz09
Meeting ID: 988 8835 4700 Passcode: 651116
***************************************************************************
Resident Hall Focus Group (for East & North Hall residents only) Tuesday, April 27 from 5:00-6:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://campusworksinc.zoom.us/j/91741953874?pwd=RDV2WERiTW1lcGJBQktJOFFlMHlOQT09
Meeting ID: 917 4195 3874
Passcode: 287356
**********************************************************************************
NMC Adult Learner Focus Group (for students age 24 and older) Thursday, April 29 from 5:00-6:15pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://campusworksinc.zoom.us/j/92601081847?pwd=WldxbENtSytmeWxLVmFTaHQyQ29CZz09
Meeting ID: 926 0108 1847
Passcode: 586158
Apr 28, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Good afternoon NMC community,
If you have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine, please visit tomorrow’s clinic for NMC students and employees. This clinic is also being expanded to allow family members and roommates of NMC students and employees who are age 16+. Walk-ins vaccinations are also allowed.
NMC is partnering with the Grand Traverse County Health Department to offer the clinic Thursday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at NMC’s Hagerty Conference Center at the Great Lakes campus. This includes current students as well as incoming summer and fall students. Based on demand, more clinics can be added in the future. The health department will schedule your second dose of the vaccine when you receive your first dose.
** Please note, if you are interested in receiving a vaccine, but will be out of the area for your second dose, you should still make an appointment for your first dose now. When you receive your first dose, the health department will help you schedule your second dose close to your future location. **
The entire process should only take 15-20 minutes. With the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Michigan, especially amongst young people, we hope many of you will take advantage of this opportunity. Vaccination is the fastest way to return to fewer restrictions. Our NMC community has done a great job keeping each other safe during this time. Let’s keep it up and finish strong!
To schedule your appointment please click on the link below.
Thursday April 29th: app.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22130662&appointmentType=22296712
Apr 28, 2021 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC family,
During this busy time of year, I hope you can take a moment to reflect on the incredible work you’ve accomplished this semester in the face of historic challenges. When I think about this past year, I think about how I feel when running a race. At the start, the adrenaline gives us a boost, we know it will be difficult, but we are determined. As the miles, or in this case months, click by, our energy starts to fade, the doubt creeps in and the finish line feels too far. We may even think about quitting. But with each race I’ve done, I find that there is a point, maybe ¾ of the way through, that I realize how far I’ve come and it’s really not too much further to go. My body and brain start to shift perspective, and even though I am tired, I want to finish more than I want to quit. It’s often about that point that I turn off that voice in my head and start to hear the cheers from the spectators and see the nods from my fellow runners. Their support gives me even more of a boost. I may be running my own race, but I am not doing it alone.
This is where we are now as a college community. We are each overcoming our own challenges running this race, but we’re also doing it together. We are here to cheer each other on, help each other succeed and acknowledge the incredible hard work it takes to complete this race. We are almost at the end and I know we will get there! Thank you for all of the work you have done this semester, at our college and in your personal lives. I know it has been a lot and I am so incredibly proud of you. Let me remind everyone, that vaccination is the fastest way to return to fewer restrictions. I know, we’re all looking forward to a fall semester with fewer restrictions. So, please get vaccinated, if you haven’t already.
To our graduates, I offer you heartfelt congratulations and look forward to our commencement ceremony together this weekend. I am confident that you will continue to achieve your goals no matter where life takes you, because that’s the spirit you’ve already shown while you were here at NMC. Remember, you are part of our NMC family for life.
Stay safe and I hope you can take some time to enjoy our beautiful northern Michigan summer.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College
Apr 27, 2021 | Student News, Tech Tips
Here at NMC, we use a remote support chat that allows you to contact our Help Desk without having to call.
To access the Technology Help Desk Chat, visit nmc.edu/help and select the link under Technology Help Desk Chat when available or look for the “Start a Chat Support Session” link on the student homepage.
When you visit the page, it will ask for your NMC ID and the issue you are currently having. Within a few minutes your request will be picked up by our support team, and a text chat will open. This can be used to chat with our technicians to get faster yet personalized support.
