Good Morning NMC Family,
There is again some breaking news relating to the coronavirus issue here in Michigan. Late last night we learned of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Traverse City. This is a trigger event we identified that would necessitate the closing of the College, to be consistent with public health protocols and to ensure campus and community health and safety. Following the Governor’s executive orders we have made the decision to close the College, effective at noon, today for a two-week period. This includes Main Campus, as well as all campuses and University Center. Additionally, while we will continue to deliver classes via virtual learning, we are cancelling all face-to-face labs. Faculty will communicate directly with their students on how they will deal with such classes. However, they cannot meet face-to-face. All staff, except ‘essential employees’ will be sent home at noon today. While campus is closed and doors will be locked, limited access will be available with your employee ID card if you need equipment or supplies.
We have now divided all staff into one of two categories: ‘Essential’ and ‘Non-Reporting/ On-Call’. If you are an ‘Essential’ employee, you will be told by noon today. Vice Presidents will communicate with supervisors on identifying essential and non-reporting/on-call employees. Supervisors will communicate the way forward reporting schedule and safety protocols for essential employees. A team will then work to develop further details and will communicate with all other employees (‘Non-Reporting/On-call’) on how you will be considered moving forward. The College reserves the right to change or modify your classification at any time based on changing circumstances and need. Be sure to monitor your NMC email for further information.
No matter how you are categorized, you will be compensated. This includes all part-time and student workers. We will be monitoring the situation and will reassess at the end of March. We are trying our best to not impact those who may be least able to endure that financial burden. Should the period of closing go beyond the end of the semester, the College reserves the right to modify this plan. We will be assessing our supplemental staffing levels and will communicate with those employees directly later this week.
For those who are Essential and Non-reporting/On-Call, further information will be shared as to how your work will continue during the days the College is closed. Look for those details over the next 48 hours and respond accordingly.
Faculty are essential employees and will continue teaching their classes virtually, with no course/lab work permitted on campus. In order to continue serving faculty in their transitioning from face-to-face instruction to virtual teaching and learning, essential employees (e.g., Educational Media Technologies) will still be available. However, we ask that you severely limit your need to be on campus and follow social distancing and other CDC health protocols, if you must visit campus, in order to plan for and deliver your teaching online.
I would like to thank our staff, faculty, and students for the cooperation that has been displayed during the unprecedented situation we are facing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The presence of the first case here in Traverse City has changed our plans yet again. However, we are resilient and will continue to plan for the days ahead with our employees and students in mind.
Stay safe. Together we will overcome.
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
TRAVERSE CITY — Due to the confirmation of two COVID-19 cases in the region, Northwestern Michigan College today closed all five of its campuses in Traverse City to all but essential employees for two weeks, through at least March 31.
“Local cases are a trigger event we identified that would necessitate the closing of the college, to be consistent with public health protocols and to ensure campus and community health and safety,” President Nick Nissley said. “All staff, except ‘essential employees’ will be sent home at noon today.”
Faculty are essential employees and will continue teaching their classes virtually, with no course/lab work permitted on campus. On March 13 NMC announced it would shift face-to-face classes to distance learning beginning March 16. That transition is expected to be complete by Friday, March 20. Virtual learning will continue through April 27.
Non-essential employees are considered non-reporting /on call. Nissley assured college employees the closure will not affect compensation.
“No matter how you are categorized, you will be compensated. This includes all part-time and student workers. We will be monitoring the situation and will reassess at the end of March,” he said.
Today’s decision expands steps already taken. The Dennos Museum Center closed March 14 through April 6. Major NMC events for the next two months are canceled, including the NMC Barbecue originally scheduled for May 17. See a complete list of canceled events here.
“This is an extraordinary step, but working with our partners in health care and public safety, we are convinced it is necessary,” Nissley said.
Stay informed of the latest updates at nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 (o)
(231) 392-6082 (mobile)
TRAVERSE CITY — As our state continues efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe order through June 12. To support this effort, and comply with the order, Northwestern Michigan College extended the closure of all five of its campuses in Traverse City through June 12.
NMC began a limited reopening of its campuses June 15 in accordance with the college’s 4-stage Reopening Plan and Exposure Control Plan. Learn more here »
NMC’s five campuses include:
In an ongoing effort to ensure public safety, please see the following list of event cancellations and closures:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 (direct)
231) 995-1020 (office)
(231) 392-6082 (mobile)
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Foundation will seek to raise $1 million to meet the emergency needs of both students and the college in response to challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These funds will come from donor support and enable student success by meeting immediate needs in three categories:
Since mid-March, when COVID-19 closed campuses and shifted spring semester classes from face-to-face to online, NMC has received more than 350 requests for emergency support from students. NMC has increased critical academic support and programs that benefit students — from lending computers and Wi-Fi hotspots to stocking the NMC Food Pantry.
“I have seen the incredible fortitude of our NMC community. The faculty and staff have stepped up to provide support to our students in new and unprecedented ways. Yet the need is still great,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “Emergency funding will ensure the continuity of education for students facing tremendous adversity during these challenging times.”
Northwestern Michigan College has received some emergency funding that will be distributed to students through the federal CARES Act. However, this funding is significantly restricted. For example, CARES Act funding cannot cover tuition expenses.
“NMC has a longstanding history of being supported by the community. This college exists because the community decided that education is important to the well-being of the region,” said Rebecca Teahen, Executive Director of the NMC Foundation. “I am hopeful that our community will once again step up to ensure that an NMC education will remain accessible for all.”
All gifts to this effort will be included as part of the $35 million Be What’s Possible campaign launched publicly by the NMC Foundation in October 2019. To date, over $29 million has been raised.
The NMC Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Northwestern Michigan College. To help meet the immediate, emergency needs of NMC students and the college, make a gift at nmc.edu/give.
Rebecca Teahen
Executive Director, NMC Foundation
rteahen@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1855
Good morning NMC community,
As you know, we have been monitoring the rapidly changing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and are committed to keeping you safe, while working to limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. After careful consideration, with input from our partners in the Grand Traverse County Health Department, Munson Healthcare and state and federal health and emergency response agencies, NMC will suspend face-to-face classes starting Monday, March 16, 2020.
Late last night Governor Whitmer announced the closure of all Michigan K-12 schools to students starting March 16 in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Governor identified that this is not only to protect the students and their families, but overall public health. We at NMC support these efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus in our community.
All NMC classes will be delivered via distance education if possible. Some courses may not be able to be delivered via distance education, including some occupational and lab classes (e.g. culinary and welding.) Detailed information and instructions pertaining to each individual class will be communicated to students directly from the instructor. Please regularly monitor your email for updates.
I am proud to see our faculty and staff work diligently together toward the goal of transitioning learning to distance education delivery where possible. There is still work to do and we will continue to keep you informed of changes. Given the highly fluid nature of the situation, the best place to find updates is nmc.edu/coronavirus.
While classes are transitioning to distance education delivery, please note that campus is still open at this time. This includes all services and offices. We have many services available via phone, email and video conference, and are actively working to expand those options. We also have counseling services available, if you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious at this time. NMC’s two residence halls, East Hall and North Hall, as well as the NMC apartments, will remain open and food service will be available for those students who want to remain on campus.
Our plan is to resume face-to-face classes on campus the week of April 27. Given the highly volatile nature of the pandemic, we recognize this situation may change and we will continue to communicate with you.
While one of our goals is to limit the disruption to learning, I recognize this is an historic event. Our college community has always proven itself to be resourceful with a history of overcoming challenges, and I am confident that together we will continue that proud tradition now and into the future.
Nick Nissley, President
For the latest information on NMC’s response to the coronavirus crisis as well as updated lists of frequently asked questions for NMC students, employees and the community, visit nmc.edu/coronavirus.
More than a year’s worth of efforts to ramp up student employment readiness and meet area employer needs will debut at a retooled Career Fair Thursday.
It’s the first fair since Employment Readiness Specialist Lisa Baldyga (right) joined NMC’s Academic and Career Advising Center last fall. Her addition to the advising staff — and her shared employment status with Michigan Works — was an intentional step to enable NMC to offer more comprehensive career preparation services.
“We are here to serve our community, not just community members but employers,” said director of advising Lindsey Dickinson. “Part of that is helping students become employed after they’re finished with us.”
Baldyga, who had five years of connections and contact with regional employers through Michigan Works, was the ideal person to take employment readiness to the next level, Dickinson said. Her work is on top of college-wide efforts to ensure students have the skills and credentials they need to become employed.
In her first semester Baldyga conducted more than 150 mock interviews with students, helping to prepare them for the real thing, which is expected to occur on-site Thursday, when more than 80 employers gather. For students with limited work experience, she also helps them translate skills learned in the classroom, such as time management or communication, onto a resume.
“It’s the soft skills the employer is looking for. They’re looking for that you’re going to work well in their work culture, that you’re going to be polite, prompt and on time,” Baldyga said.
Other changes to the 14th annual fair, to be held at the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lakes campus from 3-6 p.m., are aimed at benefiting employers:
Also new at the fair: Students can get professional photos taken to use on a LinkedIn account. Baldyga, NMC advisers and student success coaches will staff an on-site resource room where students can get pep talks, print resumes or practice pitches before approaching an employer.
The fair is open to community members as well as students.
“Everybody we’re putting together is hiring right now,” Baldyga said.
The Health & Science Building atrium on NMC’s main campus will be used as a city polling place for Precinct 9 voters again this year, including on Tuesday, March 10. Some parking in the Cedar lot will be set aside for voters at those times.
(The NMC Bookstore will be closed that day as well, and will reopen with normal hours Wednesday, March 11.)
The Office of Residence Life is looking for student leaders to be Resident Assistants during the 2020-21 school year. If interested, please apply online at nmc.edu/jobs and attend one of the RA information Nights listed below.
Students! Do you have accommodations?
Good news! Starting with the fall semester, you will need to renew these only once a year instead of once a semester.
Contact Leanne Baumeler in Disability Support (LBaumeler@NMC.EDU) for more details.
TRAVERSE CITY — Grab your capes, put on your masks, and join local running legend Tony Anderson for the sixth annual Big Little Hero Race Saturday, April 18 on the main campus of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC).
NMC Professional Communications students host the event as an experiential learning project to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan (BBBS), which provides professionally supported mentoring services to at-risk children. This year’s race will honor Traverse City resident Tony Anderson, who will join the field and run his final race before his 51st marathon.
As 2020 marks the end of Anderson’s journey to run a marathon in each state, it represents the start of many children’s own journey alongside a Big Brother or Big Sister. Anderson’s endeavor has raised $500,000 for BBBS.
“Would I run 51 marathons to change the cycle of poverty for one kid? Absolutely, yes. There’s nothing more important than changing the cycle of poverty for one kid,” Anderson said.
With the 2020 event, the Big Little Hero Race is expected to surpass $100,000 in funds raised for BBBS.
All races will begin and finish near the Health & Science Building on NMC’s campus. Options include:
● One mile fun run/walk: Free. All participants will receive a gold cape
● 5K run/walk: $20 for students, $30 for adults
● 10K run: $20 for students, $30 for adults
The costume-encouraged Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. and is followed by the 5K and 10K which simultaneously start at 9:30 a.m. Register by March 8 to receive a $5 discount and free race T-shirt. To register and for more information, please visit biglittleherorace.com.
Food, a children’s carnival and an awards ceremony will follow the races.
Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
Molly Thomas
Student Marketing Leader
thoma593@mail.nmc.edu
(810) 335-7481
TRAVERSE CITY — Grab your capes, put on your masks, and join local running legend Tony Anderson for the sixth annual Big Little Hero Race Saturday, April 18 on the main campus of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC).
NMC Professional Communications students host the event as an experiential learning project to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan (BBBS), which provides professionally supported mentoring services to at-risk children. This year’s race will honor Traverse City resident Tony Anderson, who will join the field and run his final race before his 51st marathon.
As 2020 marks the end of Anderson’s journey to run a marathon in each state, it represents the start of many children’s own journey alongside a Big Brother or Big Sister. Anderson’s endeavor has raised $500,000 for BBBS.
“Would I run 51 marathons to change the cycle of poverty for one kid? Absolutely, yes. There’s nothing more important than changing the cycle of poverty for one kid,” Anderson said.
With the 2020 event, the Big Little Hero Race is expected to surpass $100,000 in funds raised for BBBS.
All races will begin and finish near the Health & Science Building on NMC’s campus. Options include:
● One mile fun run/walk: Free. All participants will receive a gold cape
● 5K run/walk: $20 for students, $30 for adults
● 10K run: $20 for students, $30 for adults
The costume-encouraged Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. and is followed by the 5K and 10K which simultaneously start at 9:30 a.m. Register by March 8 to receive a $5 discount and free race T-shirt. To register and for more information, please visit biglittleherorace.com.
Food, a children’s carnival and an awards ceremony will follow the races.
Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
Molly Thomas
Student Marketing Leader
thoma593@mail.nmc.edu
(810) 335-7481
NMC library and TADL collaborative programming, with support from the League of Women Voters – Grand Traverse Area, present a discussion featuring our own Nicco Pandolfi and TADL Director Michele Howard about news and (mis)information online.
The presentation and conversation will focus on how the news ecosystem has evolved, different types of misinformation campaigns, and tools and tips for evaluating information, with time dedicated for discussion.
Next week, March 2-6, the Student Success Center will have fur friends to help you stay calm through midterms!
The dogs will be here as follows:
GVSU and JCPenney team up to offer up to 60% off select career dress apparel, shoes & accessories with coupon available at the event , which is open to all GVSU, NMC and University Center students and alumni.
Student ID required.
FREE mini makeover & sample from Sephora.
The NMC Bookstore will be closed Tuesday, March 10 as the Health & Science Building atrium is being used as a polling place for the Presidential Primary Election. The bookstore will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 11.
This returning student group is a sexual assault awareness and advocacy group for survivors and allies, a safe space for students of all genders. This student group was around previously but sadly went inactive for a couple of years. I am excited to have the student interest and support to get this started again. Attached is a short survey that I hope will help us find a good time to meet as well as get an idea of what you would like this student group to look like.
Interested or have any questions? Contact Brittany Hanbury, staff advisor, at bhanbury@nmc.edu.
The NMC Jazz Bands will be performing free concerts at West Bay Beach resort in Traverse City. On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Jazz Big Band will play a set at 7 p.m. and on Thursday, March 5, the Jazz Lab Band will play their set at 7 p.m. Hosted by the Jeff Haas Quartet with Laurie Sears, music begins at 6 p.m. with the quartet and continues after the big band set until 8:30 p.m. A dinner buffet will be offered, and all ages are welcome.
Join us for some great swing and Latin style big band music by Basie, Ellington, Miles Davis, Jerome Kern, Freddie Hubbard, Monk and Jimmy Heath!