“A Century of Gender Justice Activism” virtual discussion

Sep 3, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

NOTE: The Oct. 16 event featuring Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has been canceled.

TRAVERSE CITY — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and several academic speakers will appear at four virtual events this fall commemorating the centennial anniversary of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote.

An in-person voter registration drive Sept. 22 on NMC’s main campus will also be part of “100 Years of the 19th Amendment: Observing the Past and Looking Toward the Future.” Volunteers from the League of Women Voters – Grand Traverse Area will be available to register new voters from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center.

The virtual events are as follows:

• Thursday, September 17: The Constitution’s Suffrage Amendments: Giving Voice to Those Who Were Not Silent.
  7 p.m.— Panel discussion in conjunction with Constitution Day. Presenters and NMC instructors Mindy Morton and John Zachman will discuss the 15th, 19th, and 24th amendments and the individuals and groups whose political actions saw those amendments become political reality, and evaluate how these amendments impact our current political climate and elections. Morton is an adjunct instructor of history and Zachman is an instructor of political science and philosophy. Zoom Link: nmc.zoom.us/j/98632067245

• CANCELED: Friday, October 16: A Discussion on Elections and Voting with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
  7 p.m.— Hosted by Rachel Wilczewski, NMC sociology instructor, Secretary Benson will share information and her expertise on issues surrounding voter access in Michigan as well as information regarding the upcoming election and the recent actions in the state to reduce partisan gerrymandering. Live Q and A to follow a 30-minute presentation. Elected in 2018, Benson is the author of State Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process, the first major book on the role of the secretary of state in enforcing election and campaign finance laws.

• Thursday, November 12: “A Century of Gender Justice Activism” with Caroline Heldman, Ph.d. Chair of Critical Theory and Social Justice Department, Chair of Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies at Occidental College.
  7 p.m.—Hosted by Shilo Smith, NMC psychology instructor, Heldman will present a timeline of the last century of gender justice activism with a focus on progress and pitfalls. She will analyze the current status of women in the U.S. after a century of pushing for gender justice. Zoom Link: nmc.zoom.us/j/94968308718

• Friday, December 4: “The Lesson of the Lark” Virtual Choral Concert
  7 p.m. — Hosted by Jeffrey Cobb, Director of Music Programs
  The NMC Music Department, Audio Tech and Visual Communications programs are premiering a new concert work celebrating the centennial anniversary of women’s suffrage. This piece, which is meant to uplift and unify us, is a multi-movement work composed for narrator, soloists, chorus, and jazz orchestra. It is based on local author Laura Knight Cobb’s recently published book of the same name, a dramatic interpretation of the struggle for women’s voting rights.
  • Sign up for free tickets to the virtual event at MyNorthTickets. Those who register for the performance will receive a link to view the premiere and pre-premiere talk shortly before the event.

Release date: September 3, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
NMC Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@nmc.edu

Success Story: ‘Not a normal experience, but so far, it’s been good.’

Sep 2, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

September 2, 2020

Kyle Korson gets food at the Hawk Owl CaféMasked students, faculty and staff members returned to a campus transformed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, as completely overhauled fall classes began last week in new instruction formats, with safety and learner success top-of-mind.

“We know some parts of the college experience will be different,” NMC President Nick Nissley said in a welcome video message to students. “Our faculty and staff are still here for you, in more new ways than ever before, to help you reach your goals.”

NMC’s fall learning plan is safety first, offering most classes remotely. It’s the reverse of 2019, when 83 percent of courses were offered in traditional face-to-face lecture format. This fall, only 13 percent are. Livestream debuts as a brand-new format. More than a third of classes are offered livestream, with an instructor teaching online at established days and times.

“Our instructors spent the summer learning how to make virtual learning even better,” Nissley said.

Classes are also offered in on-demand online format, hybrid, and in person where required for accreditation, such as nursing.

Nursing student Kendall McNitt had planned to transfer to NMC from Saginaw Valley State University pre-pandemic, but the safety and flexibility NMC is offering students in this unique semester has affirmed she made a good decision. She’s closer to her East Jordan home, in smaller classes and paying more affordable tuition. Her classes are a mix of all the formats.

“So far, everyone’s been very on top of the guidelines,” McNitt said of safety requirements like mandatory masks and social distancing in classrooms. “All of the nursing professors, they’re super willing to help.”

First-year student Kyle Korson, an East Hall resident, is taking all his classes online, but is grateful to be living on campus for the reliable wireless Internet connection. He lives in Leelanau County near Northport and said connectivity from his home is poor, and wouldn’t allow for livestreamed classes.

“It’s good to get away,” added the engineering student.

On-campus housing occupancy is at about 50 percent of capacity, to allow for social distancing. Fellow East Hall resident Lukus Herblet is glad to be living on campus and that some of his audio technology classes are in hybrid format, combining online and face-to-face instruction.

“I feel it’s part of the college experience,” he said.

New to this year’s college experience: Hand sanitizer stations in all building entrances, with complimentary face masks available to help visitors comply.

Also, the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center is now open after almost two years of construction. The first-floor Hawk Owl Cafe and the new second-floor library are open to students, faculty and staff, with occupancy limited to about 50 percent of capacity. Public seating areas have also been marked so that visitors maintain a minimum six feet of separation.

“It’s pretty nice to have everything in one place,” Herblet said.

McNitt, settled into one of the booths by the cafeteria, agreed.

“It’s definitely not a normal experience, but so far, it’s been good,” she said.

Campus Safety services at West Hall

Aug 31, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Director honored with Marine Technology Society award

Aug 27, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Hans Van Sumeren, the Director of the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), has been honored with the 2020 Outstanding Service Award by the Marine Technology Society (MTS).

The award recognizes Van Sumeren’s outstanding accomplishments in fulfilling the objectives and missions of the Society. Highlights include:

• Serving as chair of the MTS Great Lakes Section
• Creating the Marine Technology student section within the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College
• Partnering with MTS to create the first Marine Technology Camp in 2016 and continuing to host the camp every year since
• Hosting the first TechSurge – Lakebed 2030 – to establish the parallels from the Seabed 2030 effort and promote the mapping of the Great Lakes as equal importance to the global mapping initiative
• Serving as the guest editor for the most recent issue of the Marine Technology Society Journal devoted to LakeBed 2030

MTS will formally present the award to Van Sumeren on October 8 at its Global OCEANS 2020: Singapore – U.S. Gulf Coast conference.

“Marine technology has an impact upon virtually every aspect of our global society,” said MTS President Zdenka Willis. “This year’s awardees represent the ‘best of the best’ in our field and their efforts are helping to advance the goals of the marine technology community while inspiring all of us to meet some of the greatest scientific, educational, and political challenges of our time.”

“Hans has been a true visionary in his work through the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute since its inception, including the creation of the first and only Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marine Technology in the country,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of NMC. “We are fortunate to have his leadership at our College, in our region and increasingly throughout the world.”

Van Sumeren will also help lead Great Lakes TechSurge LakeBed 2030’s virtual conference September 30 – October 2, 2020. The event will bring together science and research, policy, government, and industry professionals to focus on Great Lakes marine mapping and observation data, develop a strategy to catalog new and existing lakebed information for shared use and share the latest technology advancements with the Great Lakes community and advance business development in the region.

The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is strategically positioned to engage individuals and organizations, both locally and globally, in advancing skills, knowledge and understanding of the world’s dynamic water resources. Areas of expertise include marine technology and freshwater studies.

The Marine Technology Society promotes awareness, understanding, and the advancement and application of marine technology. Incorporated in 1963, the international society brings together businesses, institutions, professionals, academics, and students who are ocean engineers, technologists, policy makers, and educators.

Release date: August 27, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Director honored with Marine Technology Society award

Aug 27, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Hans Van Sumeren, the Director of the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), has been honored with the 2020 Outstanding Service Award by the Marine Technology Society (MTS).

The award recognizes Van Sumeren’s outstanding accomplishments in fulfilling the objectives and missions of the Society. Highlights include:

• Serving as chair of the MTS Great Lakes Section
• Creating the Marine Technology student section within the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College
• Partnering with MTS to create the first Marine Technology Camp in 2016 and continuing to host the camp every year since
• Hosting the first TechSurge – Lakebed 2030 – to establish the parallels from the Seabed 2030 effort and promote the mapping of the Great Lakes as equal importance to the global mapping initiative
• Serving as the guest editor for the most recent issue of the Marine Technology Society Journal devoted to LakeBed 2030

MTS will formally present the award to Van Sumeren on October 8 at its Global OCEANS 2020: Singapore – U.S. Gulf Coast conference.

“Marine technology has an impact upon virtually every aspect of our global society,” said MTS President Zdenka Willis. “This year’s awardees represent the ‘best of the best’ in our field and their efforts are helping to advance the goals of the marine technology community while inspiring all of us to meet some of the greatest scientific, educational, and political challenges of our time.”

“Hans has been a true visionary in his work through the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute since its inception, including the creation of the first and only Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marine Technology in the country,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of NMC. “We are fortunate to have his leadership at our College, in our region and increasingly throughout the world.”

Van Sumeren will also help lead Great Lakes TechSurge LakeBed 2030’s virtual conference September 30 – October 2, 2020. The event will bring together science and research, policy, government, and industry professionals to focus on Great Lakes marine mapping and observation data, develop a strategy to catalog new and existing lakebed information for shared use and share the latest technology advancements with the Great Lakes community and advance business development in the region.

The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is strategically positioned to engage individuals and organizations, both locally and globally, in advancing skills, knowledge and understanding of the world’s dynamic water resources. Areas of expertise include marine technology and freshwater studies.

The Marine Technology Society promotes awareness, understanding, and the advancement and application of marine technology. Incorporated in 1963, the international society brings together businesses, institutions, professionals, academics, and students who are ocean engineers, technologists, policy makers, and educators.

Release date: August 27, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Lobdell’s opening

Aug 26, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

Lobdell’s will open for the fall semester Wednesday, Sept. 16 and will be open through Thursday, Nov. 19. Reservations will be accepted starting Monday, Aug. 31 at (231) 995-3120 and are highly recommended.

Note that social distancing and state safety guidelines are in place at the restaurant. Groups must be limited to 6 or fewer people, face masks must be worn at all times except when at tables, and guests are asked not to arrive more than 5 minutes prior to their reservation to limit crowding in the vestibule. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the dining room, tables are spaced at least 6 feet apart, bar seating is limited and staff have been trained in safety procedures and will wear face masks as well.

NMC selected for new FAA UAS training program

Aug 26, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Northwestern Michigan College’s UAS (drone) training program for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Program, or the UAS-CTI.

To be selected, a college/school had to meet criteria including; having an accredited Associate degree focusing on UAS, FAA certification of UAS pilots, operation of both multi-rotor and airplane style systems, training in functional areas including agriculture, environmental services, infrastructure and utility inspections, petroleum, oil and gas inspections, and public safety.

According to the FAA, the purpose of the UAS-CTI program is to create long-term relationships with institutions of higher education that focus on preparing candidates for careers in all aspects of UAS. The UAS-CTI program’s goal is to collaborate with schools to deliver up-to-date UAS training that matches the requirements of the National Airspace System (NAS) and helps prepare qualified applicants for careers involving UAS. In addition, these new UAS-CTI institutions will support the FAA’s efforts to expand the aviation workforce of the future while providing additional opportunities for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students.

“NMC has been on the forefront of UAS education since we launched the program ten years ago,” said NMC UAS Director Tony Sauerbrey. “This is another great example of how the program continues to innovate and lead for the benefit of our students.”

The FAA UAS-CTI designation allows NMC to participate with the FAA in shaping the future UAS training environment including training methods and standards through workshops, seminars and other programs. The FAA will also be a resource to help students with job placement, internships and other opportunities.

In addition to the CTI program, the FAA is asking two-year institutions like NMC to participate in the Consortium for Small UAS Technology Training. Sauerbrey says the UAS industry and FAA have seen programs like NMC’s offer responsive, agile, hands-on technical training that prepares students to enter the workforce faster and better prepared.

NMC’s UAS program celebrates its 10-year anniversary in September 2020. Since it began, the program has produced graduates who are currently working in all aspects of the industry including launching startup companies and assisting private businesses and public institutions. NMC operates a fleet of unmanned aerial systems that rivals much larger universities. NMC’s small class size allows the program to innovate and remain responsive to the ever changing industry of Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Release date: August 26, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Tony Sauerbrey
Director, Unmanned Aerial Systems
tsauerbrey@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2925

200 named to summer Dean’s List

Aug 26, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Dean’s List recognizes students who have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits in a semester. A list of students who have achieved Dean’s List honors for the summer 2022 semester is available here.

RELEASE DATE: August 26, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@nmc.edu

NMC selected for new FAA UAS training program

Aug 26, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Northwestern Michigan College’s UAS (drone) training program for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Program, or the UAS-CTI.

To be selected, a college/school had to meet criteria including; having an accredited Associate degree focusing on UAS, FAA certification of UAS pilots, operation of both multi-rotor and airplane style systems, training in functional areas including agriculture, environmental services, infrastructure and utility inspections, petroleum, oil and gas inspections, and public safety.

According to the FAA, the purpose of the UAS-CTI program is to create long-term relationships with institutions of higher education that focus on preparing candidates for careers in all aspects of UAS. The UAS-CTI program’s goal is to collaborate with schools to deliver up-to-date UAS training that matches the requirements of the National Airspace System (NAS) and helps prepare qualified applicants for careers involving UAS. In addition, these new UAS-CTI institutions will support the FAA’s efforts to expand the aviation workforce of the future while providing additional opportunities for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students.

“NMC has been on the forefront of UAS education since we launched the program ten years ago,” said NMC UAS Director Tony Sauerbrey. “This is another great example of how the program continues to innovate and lead for the benefit of our students.”

The FAA UAS-CTI designation allows NMC to participate with the FAA in shaping the future UAS training environment including training methods and standards through workshops, seminars and other programs. The FAA will also be a resource to help students with job placement, internships and other opportunities.

In addition to the CTI program, the FAA is asking two-year institutions like NMC to participate in the Consortium for Small UAS Technology Training. Sauerbrey says the UAS industry and FAA have seen programs like NMC’s offer responsive, agile, hands-on technical training that prepares students to enter the workforce faster and better prepared.

NMC’s UAS program celebrates its 10-year anniversary in September 2020. Since it began, the program has produced graduates who are currently working in all aspects of the industry including launching startup companies and assisting private businesses and public institutions. NMC operates a fleet of unmanned aerial systems that rivals much larger universities. NMC’s small class size allows the program to innovate and remain responsive to the ever changing industry of Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Release date: August 26, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Tony Sauerbrey
Director, Unmanned Aerial Systems
tsauerbrey@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2925

Fall 2020 Tutoring Services

Aug 25, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

Any NMC student who is experiencing academic difficulties in an NMC class can request tutoring, and it’s available in many courses. Please call (231) 995-1138 or email us at tutoring@nmc.edu to schedule an appointment or with any questions.

TUTORING CENTER (WE’VE MOVED!)

The Tutoring Office is located in the Osterlin Building (#3 on the Main Campus Map), in room O134. It is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. Call or email our office (contact information below) to schedule an appointment.

MATH AND SCIENCE CENTERS:

The Math and Science Center is located in the basement of the Tanis Building (#5 on the Main Campus Map), in room T53.

Hours: August 25–December 9:

• Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2–4 p.m.
• Friday: CLOSED

DROP-IN MATH AND SCIENCE ZOOM (ONLINE) TUTORING

• Link to join: nmc.zoom.us/j/2558122576

Zoom Drop in Hours: August 25–December 9:

• Monday: 9–11 a.m., 1–3 p.m., and 4–6 p.m.
• Tuesday: 9–11 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.
• Wednesday: 9–11 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.
• Thursday: 9–11 a.m., 1–3 p.m., and 4–6 p.m.

NMC Faculty, Staff and Team Excellence award winners announced

Aug 25, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has announced the winners of its Faculty, Staff and Team Excellence awards, which are given to NMC employees who have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in the lives of the college’s learners.

The awards were announced during the college’s virtual Opening Conference August 17. They are typically handed out during NMC’s Commencement and Retirement & Recognition ceremonies, which were canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Faculty Excellence Awards

Scott Powell (high-resolution version)Great Lakes Maritime Academy instructor Scott Powell was named the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award winner. Adjunct Aviation/Assistant Chief Flight instructor Frank Jabour is the winner of the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award.

The winners are chosen by a student selection committee, and the criteria for both awards include teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication.

Capt. Scott Powell has been an instructor for over 18 years. Students had this to say about him:

• The instructor cares very much about what students think in the classroom, always asking us if the material is understandable, and creates new ways to better the learning experience.
• The instructor’s thorough explanations and hands-on activities are easy to follow, but still challenge us and I always walk away with an understanding of how this truly applies.
• This instructor embodies all the traits of an excellent teacher. He earns our respect without needing to ask for it, is extremely patient, flexible in ability to approach a topic in many different ways to establish complete understanding, and is always up to date with current practice, not only of the industry, but in teaching as well.

Read more about Scott Powell here.

Frank Jabour (high-resolution version)Of Jabour, who has been an instructor for over 21 years, students said:

• The instructor treats every student fairly and will always stay after class to help with any questions you have. Kindest teacher I’ve had, and probably one of the most genuine people I know.
• This instructor is very passionate about what is taught and spreads that passion throughout the program. The instructor will take as many different approaches as necessary to make sure that every student in the classroom has the necessary understanding of the material.
• This instructor brings the material to life and is able to relate the material to past and present experiences that allows his students to grow and understand its significance. He not only stays current but actively motivates students to stay engaged with the industry.

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.

Staff and team Excellence Awards

Bobbi Garner (high-resolution version)NMC’s Staff and Team Excellence award winners are nominated by their supervisors and colleagues for doing work which inspires others and exhibiting commitment “above and beyond” to the NMC mission, vision, and values.

Bobbi Garner, Office Manager of the Science & Math Academic Area, won this year’s Staff Excellence Award. During the spring semester, she worked late into the night and over a weekend to get 70 students rescheduled in classes after an instructor had to cancel classes due to an emergency. Her work helped 23 of those students graduate on time in the spring.

Educational Technologies team (high-resolution version)NMC’s Educational Technologies team, who were integral in the transition to virtual learning this past spring, won this year’s Team Excellence Award.

The team —Director Terri Gustafson, Ryan Bernstein, Mark DeLonge, Justin Guillard, Chris Hanna, Kyle Morrison, Ben Post, Dennis Schultz and Sherry Trier — held daily Zoom office hours and fielded five times as many help desk tickets this past March as the previous March due to the transition. This summer, they provided a virtual boot camp program for teaching online and hybrid courses to over 90 NMC instructors.

Release date: August 25, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

NMC Faculty, Staff and Team Excellence award winners announced

Aug 21, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has announced the winners of its Faculty, Staff and Team Excellence awards, which are given to NMC employees who have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in the lives of the college’s learners.

The awards were announced during the college’s virtual Opening Conference August 17. They are typically handed out during NMC’s Commencement and Retirement & Recognition ceremonies, which were canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Faculty Excellence Awards

Scott Powell (high-resolution version)Great Lakes Maritime Academy instructor Scott Powell was named the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award winner. Adjunct Aviation/Assistant Chief Flight instructor Frank Jabour is the winner of the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award.

The winners are chosen by a student selection committee, and the criteria for both awards include teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication.

Capt. Scott Powell has been an instructor for over 18 years. Students had this to say about him:

• The instructor cares very much about what students think in the classroom, always asking us if the material is understandable, and creates new ways to better the learning experience.
• The instructor’s thorough explanations and hands-on activities are easy to follow, but still challenge us and I always walk away with an understanding of how this truly applies.
• This instructor embodies all the traits of an excellent teacher. He earns our respect without needing to ask for it, is extremely patient, flexible in ability to approach a topic in many different ways to establish complete understanding, and is always up to date with current practice, not only of the industry, but in teaching as well.

Read more about Scott Powell here.

Frank Jabour (high-resolution version)Of Jabour, who has been an instructor for over 21 years, students said:

• The instructor treats every student fairly and will always stay after class to help with any questions you have. Kindest teacher I’ve had, and probably one of the most genuine people I know.
• This instructor is very passionate about what is taught and spreads that passion throughout the program. The instructor will take as many different approaches as necessary to make sure that every student in the classroom has the necessary understanding of the material.
• This instructor brings the material to life and is able to relate the material to past and present experiences that allows his students to grow and understand its significance. He not only stays current but actively motivates students to stay engaged with the industry.

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.

Staff and team Excellence Awards

Bobbi Garner (high-resolution version)NMC’s Staff and Team Excellence award winners are nominated by their supervisors and colleagues for doing work which inspires others and exhibiting commitment “above and beyond” to the NMC mission, vision, and values.

Bobbi Garner, Office Manager of the Science & Math Academic Area, won this year’s Staff Excellence Award. During the spring semester, she worked late into the night and over a weekend to get 70 students rescheduled in classes after an instructor had to cancel classes due to an emergency. Her work helped 23 of those students graduate on time in the spring.

Educational Technologies team (high-resolution version)NMC’s Educational Technologies team, who were integral in the transition to virtual learning this past spring, won this year’s Team Excellence Award.

The team —Director Terri Gustafson, Ryan Bernstein, Mark DeLonge, Justin Guillard, Chris Hanna, Kyle Morrison, Ben Post, Dennis Schultz and Sherry Trier — held daily Zoom office hours and fielded five times as many help desk tickets this past March as the previous March due to the transition. This summer, they provided a virtual boot camp program for teaching online and hybrid courses to over 90 NMC instructors.

Release date: August 25, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

Monitoring COVID-19 at NMC

Aug 20, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

Good morning NMC community,

As we begin the fall semester it is important for you to know we are committed to your safety. In addition to the safety measures highlighted at nmc.edu/keepsafe, we will be monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic closely and its potential impact at NMC. Despite our safety efforts, we may see cases on campus this semester. If we do, we will report them to you via email and on the COVID-19 cases webpage to keep you aware of possible campus exposures. We are also developing a dashboard for that same webpage to monitor the impact of the virus on our campuses. In addition to that, we want you to know what information we are monitoring that may influence the College’s reopening stage. You can read that information below.

For the latest updates and additional resources, please visit nmc.edu/coronavirus. It will take all of us working together to limit the spread of the virus on our campuses and have fewer restrictions sooner. If you have questions or feedback, we want to hear from you. Please use the Coronavirus Information Feedback Form.

Thank you

Decision Triggers for Discussion of Closure, Partial Closure and/or On-Campus Reduction

To support the goal of student, employee and community safety, the NMC Reopening Committee has developed guidelines for monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and its potential impact. These guidelines cover most situations and will be revised as our understanding of COVID-19 changes. This is an evolving situation and NMC has many unique programs and departments. This document is designed to set out a broad, campus-wide view and may require adjustments to meet the needs of specific areas, in collaboration with the Reopening Committee. These guidelines are intended to decrease the risk of disease spread, but cannot eliminate all risk. We encourage NMC partners and affiliated organizations to consider these as well.

Learn more here »

Updates to stage 2 reopening: food service, library, building access

Aug 20, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

Good morning NMC community,

As we begin the fall semester, the college remains in stage 2 of its reopening plan. However we are making some updates based on our growing understanding of the situation and your input. Our goals continue to be your safety and limiting the disruption to learning. In the coming days we will share several additional safety resources. You can also find these and many other resources at nmc.edu/coronavirus.

Updates to stage 2 of NMC’s Reopening Plan

• Campus will now be open Monday-Friday for classes and office work that cannot be done from home.  Any work that can be done remotely, should be.
• Food service will be available in the new West Hall Innovation Center starting Thursday, August 20, 2020.
  • The Hawk Owl Cafe will be open daily 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (hours updated Sept. 9)
  • Northwest Grind (Starbucks) will be open Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–7 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (hours updated Sept. 9)
• The library, now located in the West Hall Innovation Center, will be open for limited hours Monday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. and Tuesday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• NMC buildings will now be unlocked one hour before the first class of the day and remain unlocked for one hour following the last class of the day.

Please continue to follow all of the safety guidelines highlighted at nmc.edu/keep-safe  including:

• Answering the self-screening questions before coming to campus
• Call NMC Health Services at (231) 995-1255 before coming in if you feel ill
• Wear a mask and practice social distancing in all public areas on campus

Thank you for your continued support in limiting the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses.

Dining Service Hours for Fall 2020

Aug 20, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

NMC Dining Services include the Hawk Owl Café and Northwest Grind / Starbucks in the West Hall Innovation Center (#9 on the Main Campus Map). Hours may vary around holidays, and dining services are closed during semester breaks and over the summer.

For more information, visit the NMC Dining Services website.

HAWK OWL CAFÉ

Deli, Grill, Grab and Go hot and cold items, Pizza, and Red Hot Chef items available.

• Daily: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (hours updated Sept. 9)

NORTHWEST GRIND – STARBUCKS

Full line of Starbucks, Grab and Go items (sandwiches, salads, parfaits, fruits, breakfast items, etc), and hot held entree items available.

• Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (hours updated Sept. 9)
• Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (hours updated Sept. 9)