Oct 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The Dennos Museum Center warmly invites visitors to wander a festive marketplace on Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.. Come discover a unique variety of artful gifts and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
This vibrant juried marketplace is a cherished annual tradition that brings together 30 Michigan artists and a community that celebrates creativity and art. Visit the museum’s Sculpture Court and Milliken Auditorium lobby to discover one-of-a-kind treasures. Admission is free and guests are encouraged to linger, explore, and shop. Merlyn’s Pâtisserie will be on site for a second year, offering their Asian-French inspired artful treats.
Our Museum Store will unveil its festive Holiday Corner featuring beautiful greeting cards, handcrafted ornaments, and unique gifts from around the world. Art-inspired objects, puzzles, jewelry and toys are always right inside!
Our beloved raffle returns with proceeds benefiting children’s educational programming. And remember, DMC memberships are 10% when purchased at the market!
Learn more at shop.dennosmuseum.org
Oct 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Oct 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Show us your perfect society. Show us your ideals. Show us utopia. Show us your nightmares. Show us fear and despair. Show us dystopia. NMC students, faculty, staff, and community-affiliated members can submit their utopian/dystopian polarities thru Friday, October 17.
Visit nmc.edu/nmcmagazine for more information. Please complete a submission form for each entry.
Oct 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Flu season is on the horizon and Student Health Services will be hosting two more flu clinics this fall.
Wednesday, Oct 8
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 20
12–1 p.m.
Flu shots cost $15 for students and $20 for employees without NMC insurance.
For those who are unable to stop by during one of the times listed above call (231) 995-1255 to schedule an appointment.
Student Health Services is located in room 106 of the Les Biederman Building on NMC’s Front Street campus.
Oct 1, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
October 1, 2025
More area students are getting a head start on degrees and careers through record high school enrollment at NMC this fall.
Combined, 544 high school students were dual enrolled or in Early College at NMC this fall, a 13 percent jump from fall 2024. High school students now make up nearly 16% of the 3,460 students on campus.
“For the student and the family, it gives them an opportunity to get a head start and save money,” said NMC Admissions director Lisa vonReichbauer.
Beyond the head start, research shows that students who dual-enroll in a college class or Early College students, who earn an associate degree in just one year, are more likely to get to the finish line — graduation.
“It increases college going skills, college success and college completion,” vonReichbauer said.
Hitting that record took an all-out NMC effort on financial, communication and programming fronts, including a new, lower tuition rate. Tuition for both programs is paid by local school districts, but until last year, the tuition rate for students outside Grand Traverse County left a difference that families had to pay out of pocket. In January 2024, NMC trustees approved a new rate for out of district dual enrolled students that eliminates that out of pocket expense.
Equipped with that new rate, vonReichbauer said NMC has improved outreach to both high schools and families, including home school families.
“We’ve communicated better about the opportunities, so we’re seeing more people taking advantage of that,” she said.
Suttons Bay High School students are among the out-of-district students who are. Counselor Meredith Schmidt said dual enrollment expands course choices.
“We are a very small school, which means we are not always able to offer Honors or AP sections of classes. Many of our students enroll in NMC classes, and the experience is invaluable,” Schmidt said. “NMC is an excellent partner institution, and provides really high quality coursework.”
VonReichbauer said NMC is working to tailor programming to the needs of individual schools and students, such as:
- In-person classes on the high school campus – like EDU 100, offered at schools including TCAPS, Northwest Ed and Greenspire High School this fall,
- New academic tracks for Early College, like law enforcement and business tracks offered through the Wexford-Missaukee ISD, and
- For all students, an emphasis on instilling independence, from orientation and registering for classes to communicating with instructors.
Suttons Bay’s Schmidt said this is the most important benefit. “The most impactful benefit of dual enrollment is the confidence students gain when they realize they can absolutely be successful in college level coursework.”
Schmidt has both personal and professional perspectives, since her own daughter dual-enrolled and transferred all her NMC credits to Grand Valley State University. “(They) truly have an advantage when they enter post-secondary institutions as full-time students,” she said.
The record high school enrollment is part of a strong overall fall enrollment at NMC. Headcount stands at 3,460, up 6.2% from fall 2024, and the seventh straight semester of growth. Students are also taking more classes, with contact hours up 8.2%.
Sep 25, 2025 | Student News
Working to continue the semester strong but need a quick check-In? We are here to help! Join the Student Success Coaching team at a drop-in coaching session next week so we can touch base on how your semester is going so far and address any quick questions or high-priority needs:
Monday Sep. 29, Tuesday Sep. 30, Wednesday Oct. 1
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In-Person in Osterlin (check-in at the Academic & Career Advising Center)
Virtual on Zoom (Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting)
We can provide expert support with things like time management, organization, study strategies for mid-terms and finals, connecting with campus resources, and more!
If you are unable to join us at Drop-In Coaching or you think your question or challenge might need a longer discussion, schedule an appointment with us in My Success!
Already meeting with a coach? Great! You are one step closer on the path to success! You are still welcome to attend a drop-in session to troubleshoot any quick questions or issues as you continue your semester.
Sep 24, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC will host Applying to College 101 and College Night, two events for high school students beginning their college search, in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on the Front Street campus in early October.
Applying to College 101 – Mon., Oct. 6, 6-7:30 p.m. TJNIC room 106-107
Admissions representatives from NMC and co-sponsor Northern Michigan University will guide participants through the college application process, focusing on what to expect and time frames to be aware of. Food is provided. Students should RSVP online for food count at nmc.edu/applying-101
Event takeaways:
- Understanding application basics: Types of applications, fees, and other requirements like essays and letters of recommendation
- Understanding application decisions: Early, regular and rolling
- How transfer agreements and the Michigan Transfer Association can help you
- What questions to ask a college representative
- Student panel: Hear students’ personal experiences
College Night – Wed. Oct. 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
After preparing at Applying to College, students can visit more than 35 colleges and universities from across the Midwest as well as military branches at College Night. The event offers northern Michigan high school students a one-stop shop to evaluate their post graduation options. Registration is required. Go to strivescan.com
If students are unable to attend College Night, they can visit the same schools at the Transfer Fair held earlier in the day, from noon-2 in the TJNIC.
Release date: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Sep 23, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
September 17, 2025
When the elbow room gets tight inside a 33,000-square-foot building, it’s definitely a monumental moment.
That was the scene at Monday’s ribbon cutting for NMC’s newly-expanded aviation hangar. The crowd of community leaders, legislators, students and alumni was there to celebrate a milestone that illustrates NMC’s commitment to meeting the growing needs of the Grand Traverse region and the aviation industry.
The hangar was expanded by 16,500 square feet, which enabled NMC to add eight new planes to its fleet of 19 total aircraft, including a sea plane and an aerobatics plane. It is now 33,530 square feet and includes areas for maintenance, storage and offices.
I was just in awe the entire time I was standing there. It was so exciting,” said aviation student Meigan Lanning (at right, between Aviation Director Alex Bloye, left, and chief flight instructor Frank Jabour, right), who cut the ribbon. She’s the president of NMC’s Aviation Society.
“It’s very impressive. It’ll look very good to new, prospective students,” said alumna Susan Waters. A 1992 aviation graduate who is now a captain with Southwest Airlines, Waters flew in from Houston for the event.
By expanding the college’s aviation facilities, the hangar increases NMC’s capacity to train pilots significantly. This fall, 50 new students started, a 66% increase over typical fall enrollment.
Aviation students take to the skies in their first semester and can earn private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and flight instructor ratings, preparing them for successful careers. In her 30-year career, Waters has been a commercial, charter, corporate and cargo pilot.
“I walked out with a wonderful experience,” she said of NMC, where she also served as a flight instructor from 1994–95.
That’s one thing that hasn’t changed.
“There’s a lot of passion for this program,” said Lanning, 19, who will graduate next year. She hopes to become a flight instructor at NMC while she finishes her bachelor’s in business administration-aviation from Ferris State University and then become a commercial airline pilot.
NMC is the only Michigan two-year college to offer a flight training program. Until this year, it typically enrolled 30 new students each fall, and had up to a two-year waitlist.
“There’s never been a better time to launch your aviation career — with rising salaries, signing and retention bonuses, travel perks, and a pilot shortage projected to last another 10 to 15 years,” said Aviation Director Alex Bloye.
Total project cost for the hangar was $7 million. NMC matched a $3.75 million state grant. The project also received $550,000 in federal funding. The hangar is also the first project in NMC’s 10-year campus master plan, NMC Thrive.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our state and federal legislators, donors, and community partners who have made this project possible,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “This expansion demonstrates NMC’s responsiveness to the needs of our region and our ability to deliver results.”
NMC Aviation has a proven track record of success, with exceptional job placement rates for graduates. The college is also a leader in the growing field of uncrewed aerial systems.
Sep 22, 2025 | Student News
Looking for an internship but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! The Virtual Internship Fair is your chance to connect with Michigan employers who are looking for students just like you. And the best part? You can do it all from your phone, laptop, or tablet—no dress shoes required.
Pre-event Prep Webinar
Meet professionals who will offer tips on how to participate and prepare for the internship fair.
-
- Wednesday, October 1, 1 p.m.
- Online (via Teams)
- Sign up
Virtual Internship Fair
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- Wednesday, October 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Online (attend using a computer, tablet or smartphone)
- Register
(After registering, it is recommended that you log into the platform prior to the event upload your resume, complete your profile, view employer booths and their opportunities.)
This program is sponsored by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Workforce Development’s Industry Engagement Division, Sector Strategies Section. For more information, contact Tracy Welch at twelch@nmc.edu.
Sep 8, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Sep 5, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s surveying program has been named the top two-year program in the nation by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
For the distinction, NMC earned a $25,000 grand prize. The NCEES award jury praised NMC’s program for being industry-driven and providing a variety of professional pathways to students. Jurors considered criteria such as student outcomes and involvement, outreach and recruitment, and the promotion of licensure. The four-year university winner was Penn State University.
NMC began offering an associate degree in surveying in 2019. By collaborating with other college programs, students gain experience in both aerial and underwater surveying as well as traditional land surveying.
“It is a pretty significant award in the industry. We are one of the few schools that actually incorporate the aspects of land, sea and air,” said Ryan Deering, NMC surveying recruiter.
Deering thanked surveying program sponsors including Leica Geosystems, Inc., which has donated state of the art equipment, Atwell, and an anonymous donor who made his position possible.
NCEES is a nonprofit organization made up of engineering and surveying licensing boards from all 50 U.S. states. Founded in 1920, NCEES has been committed to advancing licensure for engineers and surveyors in order to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the U.S. public.
Release date: September 4, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
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
Sep 4, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
September 4, 2025
Construction begins next week on the highly anticipated Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, a landmark project establishing northern Michigan as the epicenter of water innovation and a globally relevant hub for the blue economy.
Located on West Bay in Greilickville, on the campus of Discovery Pier, the $28.9 million project breaking ground Sept. 12 is a collaborative effort of Discovery Pier, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University, and 20Fathoms. By co-locating working pier space, advanced laboratories, and business incubation under one roof, the center will serve as the home for water technology and marine mobility, where ideas become solutions, technologies become ventures, and opportunities become careers.
“The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center is not only a Michigan asset, it’s a global platform for blue tech innovation,” said Greg Luyt, chair of the Center’s board. “We invite companies, researchers, and funders from around the world to join us as we move ideas from lab to market, build the workforce of tomorrow, and protect our freshwater resources for future generations through innovation.”
NMC, already the only community college with a Great Lakes harbor, will gain another across West Bay. The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, which offers a one-of-a-kind bachelor’s degree in marine technology, will occupy the Center, as well as anchor its research vessel, the Northwestern, there. The 38,000-square-foot building will feature advanced laboratories, business incubation space, and working pier access for research vessels. Areas of focus include autonomous and remote systems, AI, acoustic and observation platforms, water quality technologies, and sustainable marine mobility.
On the AI front, just last week NMC was notified it has been named a co-principal investigator on a $873,634 National Science Foundation grant led by Grand Valley State University. The grant will create a six-week training program focused on artificial-intelligence-enabled deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles. Developed in collaboration with GVSU, training will be provided to 72 individuals in four different cohorts. “The experience and credentials provided by our program will propel these students and professionals to the forefront of their field,” according to the grant proposal.
This is the second National Science Foundation grant awarded to the region for water-related work this year. Earlier this summer, Traverse City startup Wave Lumina won a $305,000 grant supporting the research and development into the science underlying their pioneering product — a portable device that field tests for PFAS, or forever chemicals. Now operating out of NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building, Wave Lumina founder Vernon LaLone thinks the Center could be a natural next location when it outgrows its current space.
The building is set to open in spring 2027.
The center has already secured more than $26 million, including $3 million from NMC, in commitments from federal, state, and private funders, with fundraising ongoing. Once complete, the Center is expected to draw national and international tenants, create high-wage jobs, and generate research with global applications. Visit freshwatercenter.org to find out more.
Sep 3, 2025 | Student News
Pre-nursing students are invited to attend one of the upcoming program informational sessions. Representatives from Admissions will discuss the steps to getting accepted into NMC’s Nursing program. Topics include how to apply to the program, how to register for the HESI exam as well as what courses are included in the program.
Monday, September 8
11:30 a.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105, Front Street Campus.
Tuesday, September 9
6 p.m.
Virtual
Email Rorie Kawula at rkawula@nmc.edu for more information
Sep 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The safety and security of students, faculty and staff is NMC’s highest priority. We typically test our emergency alert systems the first Monday of each month. Since Sept. 1 was a holiday, this month’s notifications will occur Sept. 8.
With the start of the new semester, we wanted to explain what you will see. Depending on the options you choose when you sign up for emergency alerts, you will receive emails, texts and/or phone messages. In addition, NMC uses a system that displays a full-screen alert message on logged-in NMC computers and campus monitors, and displays the alert until the computer user acknowledges the message or two minutes have passed. This includes classroom computer screens..
Please be sure you have signed up for emergency alerts. Opt in through Self-Service, accessible on your MyNMC page. In addition, store the number to Campus Safety & Security in your phone so it is accessible if you need it: (231) 995-1111.
Aug 28, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
August 20, 2025
Northwestern Michigan College this week revealed a refreshed brand designed to reflect the college of today and position it to serve the community for years to come, even as higher education grows more competitive.
The research-based, grant-funded brand strategy includes a new logo that builds on the decades of history of NMC’s iconic green pine tree logo, and an updated and expanded color palette. New, multiple shades of blue illustrate NMC’s leadership in freshwater research and careers, including two unique community college bachelor’s degrees, in marine technology and maritime technology.
“A strong NMC brand – what makes us unique and valuable in a challenging higher ed landscape – is an asset, just like our faculty and staff and our campus buildings,” said President Nick Nissley. “Unifying around the NMC brand will enable us to better serve students and attract new ones. We have always been proud of our work; we now have new ways to show and tell our story.”
NMC was awarded a $100,000 grant from Indianapolis-based Lumina Foundation in June 2023 to fund the brand assessment and strategy work. More than 600 college stakeholders contributed input via a survey, including current and prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community/business partners.
In addition, more than 60 interviews were conducted with the same groups, plus local high school counselors and staff. Since COVID, a significant new enrollment challenge has been fewer high school graduates choosing to attend college at all, especially men. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted this challenge to Michigan’s talent pool and economy in her 2025 State of the State address.
The first phase of the refreshed brand is timed to the start of the fall semester and includes new signage on all five campuses, completely redesigned admissions materials, and Welcome Week materials for new and current students. New NMC apparel and other logo gear is also available for sale in the NMC Bookstore.
Future phases of the work will extend the brand to academic division and department levels, with priorities shaped by NMC’s new strategic plan, now in development for 2026-29. The new brand also comes in time for NMC to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026.
“Higher education is evolving rapidly, with more choices, shifting student expectations, and growing competition,” said Diana Fairbanks, associate vice president of strategic communications and change initiatives. “We took a wide-angle view, listening to our community and studying how other colleges position themselves. This brand reflects what makes NMC truly distinctive and equips us to compete more effectively, connect with the next generation of learners, and grow with purpose in the years ahead.”
To find out more, visit nmc.edu/brandnew.
Aug 27, 2025 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
At NMC’s August 19 Opening Conference, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Jason Slade highlighted and celebrated many successes of NMC Next, the strategic plan that came to a close on June 30. It touched all areas of the college; it was focused, results-driven, and values-grounded. It moved the needle and we all did it together!
On August 21, the Strategic Plan Steering Committee (SPSC) met and dug a little deeper into the emerging goals and enabling strategies for the next plan. Future-Focused Education; Enrollment, Student Engagement, and Success; and Vibrancy and Belonging will all be carried over. They are all related to student success and are non-negotiable. Over the course of the next month, the committee will start to refine the language around goals and strategies.
On August 27, Jason and Diana Fairbanks, Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications and Change Initiatives, presented the emerging strategic plan to the NMC Foundation Board. On September 3, they will present to the Board of Trustees the thought process behind the emerging goals and enabling strategies of the next plan, the feedback from Leadership Council and SPSC, and the planning timeline between now and January 2026.
In September and early October, Jason and Diana will host focus group sessions within the college as well as with the local community. Everyone at NMC is welcome to provide feedback during the development process using this feedback form. For your reference, the planning timeline is as follows:
Aug 27, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC’s Fitness Center is located in North Hall and is open to dorm residents as well as NMC employees and enrolled students with a paid membership.
The fall 2025 operating hours are:
Monday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Hours subject to change based on Fitness Center staff availability. There may be times when the Fitness Center is unstaffed; please make sure to sign in and sign out correctly and wipe down any equipment used. NMC’s Fitness Center and its amenities are not available for use when the facility is closed.
For more information contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
Aug 26, 2025 | Student News
We hope you had a good first two days of classes. Welcome to your first issue of NMC’s Student News. It will be delivered to your NMC email inbox every other Tuesday. It rounds up announcements, events and other information important to you as a student. You can also find these items as soon as they’re posted on the Student News blog and on your MyNMC login page, on the left side under News.
Remember that everyone at NMC is here to help you succeed. Reach out to a faculty member, advisor or coach if you need help. Wishing you a fantastic fall semester.
