May 1, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Supporters of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute’s Taste of Success raised more than $100,000 for student scholarships, despite the event’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is the premier annual fundraiser for culinary students at Northwestern Michigan College and was scheduled for April 17, 2020.
Thanks to the community’s support, the Great Lakes Culinary Institute awarded 17 scholarships to students in April. Scholarship award amounts ranged from $1,500 to $5,000.
“These scholarships are more important than ever for students,” says Chef Les Eckert, Director of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute. “In these challenging times, scholarships will enable students to stay in school and complete their degrees positioning them well for the future.”
The 2019 event raised more than $117,000 for student scholarships. The event was first held at the Park Place Hotel in 1994.
The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated areas of study for students planning careers in the hospitality and food-service industry. The Institute offers both degrees and certificate programs, including its newest baking certificate. Many of the Institute’s programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation.
Community members are still able to support Great Lakes Culinary Institute students by making gifts to the Taste of Success scholarship fund at nmc.edu/give.
RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Paris Morse
NMC Foundation
pmorse@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2822
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 1, 2020 | Student News
Dear students,
We know this has been a challenging time for many of you as we all respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this time NMC has remained committed to your safety and to limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible. This includes working to help ease the financial hurdles to your education.
NMC has applied for funding through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.
In addition, the NMC Foundation has emergency funds for scholarships.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
- All students can fill out the application.
- Only students who have completed a FAFSA and qualify for federal financial aid are eligible for CARES Act funds.
- All students may be eligible for other types of aid from NMC.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you are eligible for Federal Financial Aid, make sure to complete the FAFSA. Others, just complete the Emergency Aid Application.
Aid will be awarded in the order of application.The amount will be based on:
- type of emergency financial need
- prior known financial need
- number of credits enrolled
- availability of funds
OTHER ASSISTANCE:
- Refund requests for dropped courses: The refund date for the semester has already passed, but you can make a refund exception request here.
- We have streamlined the process and will not require additional documentation for COVID-19 related issues.Refund Exception Form
- Apply for scholarships here.
- If you are not sure whether you fit the criteria for emergency funds, but have a financial need, question, or concern, please contact Student Financial Services at sfs@nmc.edu. As always we are here to assist you to make sure you are able to benefit from all aid that you are eligible for.
May 1, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Supporters of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute’s Taste of Success raised more than $100,000 for student scholarships, despite the event’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is the premier annual fundraiser for culinary students at Northwestern Michigan College and was scheduled for April 17, 2020.
Thanks to the community’s support, the Great Lakes Culinary Institute awarded 17 scholarships to students in April. Scholarship award amounts ranged from $1,500 to $5,000.
“These scholarships are more important than ever for students,” says Chef Les Eckert, Director of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute. “In these challenging times, scholarships will enable students to stay in school and complete their degrees positioning them well for the future.”
The 2019 event raised more than $117,000 for student scholarships. The event was first held at the Park Place Hotel in 1994.
The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated areas of study for students planning careers in the hospitality and food-service industry. The Institute offers both degrees and certificate programs, including its newest baking certificate. Many of the Institute’s programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation.
Community members are still able to support Great Lakes Culinary Institute students by making gifts to the Taste of Success scholarship fund at nmc.edu/give.
RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Paris Morse
NMC Foundation
pmorse@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2822
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 29, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
April 29, 2020
Kelly Lepley, NMC Aviation 1989, has flown cargo flights for UPS since 2001 and is currently a captain flying supply lines to southeast Asia, India, Europe and the United States. She has a unique, birds-eye view of how coronavirus has literally transformed the world from where it started in Wuhan, China, last December. The Traverse City native who started flight training as a high school junior shared her appreciation for NMC and answered a few questions during an April layover in China:
“I would not be doing what I love if it wasn’t for NMC. The foundations of what I learned as a student has carried me through my career today,” she said. “It’s rewarding yet, humbling to know we are carrying lifesaving equipment for those on the front line.”
Does anything in your pilot experience compare to the COVID-19 pandemic? Nothing. It is indescribable! To see hundreds of large jets lined up on taxiways, chocked with their engine covers on; parked in cities like Bangkok, Delhi, Cologne, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Shenzhen is eerie. It would be one thing if it was at one airport, but I’m seeing it everywhere we go. You just cannot describe the magnitude of this moment in history in air travel. This pandemic has literally crippled the world when it comes to freely moving about in what was once a global society.
How has COVID-19 impacted your work? We’re each given an N95 mask for our whole trip along with alcohol wipes. When we arrive stateside in some key international cities, the aircraft are cleaned and desensitized. Layovers are much more challenging. In some of the places we travel, we will undergo multiple temperature checks, a health screening and mouth swab. After a 12-hour flight, it takes an additional 2-3 hours to be processed through these screenings before we are allowed into the country.
What have you seen elsewhere that might foreshadow how the U.S. recovers? In February and March, there were little to no passenger flights. If any, they were repatriation flights. On occasion you would hear another cargo flight, but the majority of the time, we were the only one talking on the radio. When on the ground, the streets were empty, factories and businesses were closed, and hotels were vacant. In late March and early April, factories and businesses began to open back up, and limitations on travel were slowly lifted. The one area that is still lagging though, are passenger flights.
NMC Aviation Director Alex Bloye said passenger traffic is down 95 percent. However, there are bright spots beyond the delivery sector that Lepley represents.
“With the airlines facing temporary route cancellations during COVID-19, there have been sectors of aviation seeing a surge in activity and talent. Private charter services, as well as the military are two examples,” he said.
Bloye also foresees the commercial industry rebounding, perhaps strongly. The pandemic may have hastened some senior captains’ retirement plans.
“The pilot shortage is going to be even greater when the world returns to air travel,” Bloye said. “The recovery is going to be excellent for aviation, the trick is determining when that will happen.”
Apr 29, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Despite an unprecedented worldwide health crisis that disrupted nearly all aspects of daily life, about 600 students will graduate in Northwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2020.
They have earned degrees and certificates including the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Science and Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies and Certificate of Practical Nursing, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in Maritime Technology and Marine Technology.
Commencement was scheduled for Saturday, May 2, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, a ceremony has been postponed either until August or a double ceremony in May 2021.
Face-to-face classes were cancelled March 13 and students finished the semester by learning remotely.
NMC President Nick Nissley praised both students and college faculty and staff for their rapid pivot. Face-to-face classes and all student services, including advising, financial aid and personal counseling were transitioned to remote operation over the course of about a week.
“I’ve seen our NMC community overcome challenges we couldn’t have imagined three months ago,” Nissley said. “While we have to postpone the traditional pomp and circumstance of a commencement ceremony this spring, the accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff are even more worthy of recognition.”
From students who chose to remain safe in North Hall to Maritime cadets aboard the training ship State of Michigan to students working on the front lines in the region’s health care facilities, perseverance and commitment to long-term goals was abundant this semester.
Students who complete degree requirements in the fall 2019, spring 2020 and summer 2020 semesters are considered members of the Class of 2020. A list of graduates is available online here.
Summer sessions begin May 9 and June 12. All summer classes will also be held online. NMC is still considering options for fall class delivery, prioritizing student and employee safety while limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible.
Release date: APRIL 29, 2020
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
Apr 29, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Despite an unprecedented worldwide health crisis that disrupted nearly all aspects of daily life, about 600 students will graduate in Northwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2020.
They have earned degrees and certificates including the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Science and Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies and Certificate of Practical Nursing, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in Maritime Technology and Marine Technology.
Commencement was scheduled for Saturday, May 2, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, a ceremony has been postponed either until August or a double ceremony in May 2021.
Face-to-face classes were cancelled March 13 and students finished the semester by learning remotely.
NMC President Nick Nissley praised both students and college faculty and staff for their rapid pivot. Face-to-face classes and all student services, including advising, financial aid and personal counseling were transitioned to remote operation over the course of about a week.
“I’ve seen our NMC community overcome challenges we couldn’t have imagined three months ago,” Nissley said. “While we have to postpone the traditional pomp and circumstance of a commencement ceremony this spring, the accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff are even more worthy of recognition.”
From students who chose to remain safe in North Hall to Maritime cadets aboard the training ship State of Michigan to students working on the front lines in the region’s health care facilities, perseverance and commitment to long-term goals was abundant this semester.
Students who complete degree requirements in the fall 2019, spring 2020 and summer 2020 semesters are considered members of the Class of 2020. A list of graduates is available online here.
Summer sessions begin May 9 and June 12. All summer classes will also be held online. NMC is still considering options for fall class delivery, prioritizing student and employee safety while limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible.
Release date: APRIL 29, 2020
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
Apr 29, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
April 29, 2020
Kelly Lepley, NMC Aviation 1989, has flown cargo flights for UPS since 2001 and is currently a captain flying supply lines to southeast Asia, India, Europe and the United States. She has a unique, birds-eye view of how coronavirus has literally transformed the world from where it started in Wuhan, China, last December. The Traverse City native who started flight training as a high school junior shared her appreciation for NMC and answered a few questions during an April layover in China:
“I would not be doing what I love if it wasn’t for NMC. The foundations of what I learned as a student has carried me through my career today,” she said. “It’s rewarding yet, humbling to know we are carrying lifesaving equipment for those on the front line.”
Does anything in your pilot experience compare to the COVID-19 pandemic? Nothing. It is indescribable! To see hundreds of large jets lined up on taxiways, chocked with their engine covers on; parked in cities like Bangkok, Delhi, Cologne, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Shenzhen is eerie. It would be one thing if it was at one airport, but I’m seeing it everywhere we go. You just cannot describe the magnitude of this moment in history in air travel. This pandemic has literally crippled the world when it comes to freely moving about in what was once a global society.
How has COVID-19 impacted your work? We’re each given an N95 mask for our whole trip along with alcohol wipes. When we arrive stateside in some key international cities, the aircraft are cleaned and desensitized. Layovers are much more challenging. In some of the places we travel, we will undergo multiple temperature checks, a health screening and mouth swab. After a 12-hour flight, it takes an additional 2-3 hours to be processed through these screenings before we are allowed into the country.
What have you seen elsewhere that might foreshadow how the U.S. recovers? In February and March, there were little to no passenger flights. If any, they were repatriation flights. On occasion you would hear another cargo flight, but the majority of the time, we were the only one talking on the radio. When on the ground, the streets were empty, factories and businesses were closed, and hotels were vacant. In late March and early April, factories and businesses began to open back up, and limitations on travel were slowly lifted. The one area that is still lagging though, are passenger flights.
NMC Aviation Director Alex Bloye said passenger traffic is down 95 percent. However, there are bright spots beyond the delivery sector that Lepley represents.
“With the airlines facing temporary route cancellations during COVID-19, there have been sectors of aviation seeing a surge in activity and talent. Private charter services, as well as the military are two examples,” he said.
Bloye also foresees the commercial industry rebounding, perhaps strongly. The pandemic may have hastened some senior captains’ retirement plans.
“The pilot shortage is going to be even greater when the world returns to air travel,” Bloye said. “The recovery is going to be excellent for aviation, the trick is determining when that will happen.”
Apr 27, 2020 | Student News
NMC is currently accepting applications for Student Resident Assistants for the summer semester. Applicants must be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours during the summer semester to qualify for this position.
Apr 27, 2020 | President Updates, Student News
Dear students,
As we enter the last week of the spring semester, I wanted to take a moment to reach out to you and let you know how proud I am of each and every one of you. When we started this semester in January, none of us could have known how dramatically all of our lives would change in such a short period of time. But throughout it all, you are persevering and demonstrating a dedication that truly inspires me. (more…)
Apr 27, 2020 | Student News
Summer financial aid can now be used online at the NMC Bookstore! Available for all products online; simply select WebFinancial Aid at checkout.
Questions? Email us at bookstore@nmc.edu.
Apr 22, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Book buyback is now available online! Visit bookstore.nmc.edu and select “Sell Your Books Here”. Get a quote, a free prepaid label to ship back your books, and you’ll get a check in about 3 weeks.
Apr 22, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
April 22, 2020
Planning ahead more than a decade ago led to a timely discovery this month, a pattern of foresight NMC aims to continue through COVID-19 uncertainty.
A cache of stored personal protective equipment, including 400 N95 masks originally ordered in 2009 for the H1N1 flu pandemic, was discovered earlier this month by an employee filling food pantry orders. The supplies, which also included gowns and face shields, had been stored in the Osterlin building due to lack of space in the NMC Health clinic.
“I walked out of the food pantry door, and saw ‘N95’ on a sticky note,” said Katie Sommer (right), manager of NMC’s Office of Learning Services. “It was like a lightbulb going off. That word stands out these days.”
Sommer opened the cabinet with the note, alerted others of her discovery, and the supplies were promptly donated to Munson Medical Center.
At first glance a fortuitous coincidence, the discovery illustrates NMC’s strategic value of exhibiting foresight. The existence of the food pantry is another. Started in 2017, Sommer said last week was the pantry’s busiest ever — despite the fact that campuses are closed. Orders are called in or placed online, and picked up outdoors.
Food Pantry curbside pickup items“It’s a great resource and asset,” said Sommer. “I would venture to say the 15 families we’re supporting now are very grateful to whoever had that idea.”
Foresight is more important now than ever, with COVID-19 creating so much uncertainty. The college has already decided all summer classes will be offered online only. All student services including orientation and student success coaching, usually held on campus, are also being offered remotely.
“We’ve really challenged ourselves to see what different modalities we can offer our services in,” said Sommer, noting that Advising calendars have stayed as full as if face-to-face services were being offered.
Apr 20, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
We know there are many of you helping students, helping each other and helping the community during this unprecedented time. Share these uplifting stories by emailing them to publicrelations@nmc.edu to help raise our spirits and bring us closer together as we work toward our common goals.
What and who are you grateful for right now? Who has helped you? Who do you see stepping up and pitching in to help others?
Please share your story, or tell us a story of a classmate, instructor, staff member or co-worker who is demonstrating how NMC is made up of heroes and helpers. Send your stories to publicrelations@nmc.edu.
Apr 15, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Summer books are now available online through the NMC Bookstore! Visit bookstore.nmc.edu for information on all required materials for summer classes.
Students wanting to use financial aid for their purchases will be able to do so starting April 27.
In-store pickup is not available at this time.
Apr 9, 2020 | Student News
Dear students:
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 April 30. To support this effort, and comply with the order, Northwestern Michigan College will extend the closure of all five of its campuses in Traverse City through April 30.
Virtual instruction of classes will continue through the end of the semester May 2. You can also see a complete list of canceled events here.
The following NMC services remain closed:
- The Hawk Owl Café in the Oleson Center
- Northwest Grind–Starbucks in Osterlin Library
- The NMC Fitness Center
- The NMC Bookstore
- Osterlin Library
- Lobdell’s: A Teaching Restaurant
- The Hagerty Center
- The Dennos Museum Center
This is an unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation. We will continue to communicate with you to keep you safe and limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your instructor or use this feedback form and one of our student support team members will get back to you within 24 hours.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please check there for the latest information.
Available resources:
NMC has also compiled a list of resources to help you succeed in your studies during this challenging time, which include the following:
NMC Public Relations
Apr 8, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Dear students,
We know this has been a time of uncertainty and change as we all respond to the COVID-19 pandemic together. During the last few weeks, you have shown incredible perseverance and agility and we recognize your hard work. We at NMC remain committed to our work to keep you safe and limit the disruption to learning as much as possible.
The impact of the pandemic is still evolving so we cannot predict when current restrictions on our campuses will be lifted. In order to help keep you on track toward your goals, and to keep you safe, NMC will offer online classes only this summer. Registration is now open.
For students currently enrolled in Summer 2020 face to face classes, most classes will be migrated to the new online status automatically; you do not need to do anything to remain enrolled in your current summer courses. Your instructor will contact you before the class starts.
We will also expand our summer course offerings beyond the face to face classes that are now becoming online classes. This means additional opportunities for you to earn credits over the summer and make progress toward your goal. If demand for those online classes increases, we may be able to add even more sections.
The Advising Center can help you with class options or changes to your schedule. Call them at (231) 995-1040, email advising@nmc.edu, or schedule directly online through MySuccess (NMC student login required). Learn more about MySuccess here.
If NMC is able to re-open campus, it is possible that we could offer some classes face to face, like certain labs. First priority would go to spring lab classes that were unable to finish. We are also working on our plans for the fall semester. While we are discussing various possibilities, it is too soon to make a decision. We will continue to communicate with you as we know more.
Many of you have also asked about testing since the testing center is currently closed. NMC will be offering a remote online proctor tool called Proctorio. NMC is covering the cost of this service so it will be free for students. Your instructor will share the details with you.
If you have any questions on any topic related to NMC, please use this feedback form and one of our student support team members will respond to you within 24 hours.
For COVID-19 related updates, online resources and more please visit nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Personal health counseling services are also available virtually. Please contact student life for more information.
Thank you again for all of your patience and perseverance as we work through this together.
Apr 8, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
April 8, 2020
Over the last few months, in between her nursing shifts in a Kalamazoo hospital’s medical intensive care unit, Karissa Havens (right) followed the worsening COVID-19 epidemic as it swept from China to Europe to the United States.
The Traverse City West High School graduate, who attended NMC from 2013-2014 before transferring to Western Michigan University for her nursing degree, knew she had the skills to help both patients and overwhelmed hospitals in COVID-19 hot spots. She felt called to go where they were desperately needed.
Next week, she is. Havens, 24, has accepted a six-week traveling nurse position in a COVID-19 ICU unit at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. She was able to find a job within two days of deciding to leave Kalamazoo.
“I am completely humbled by this opportunity and ready to give everything I can to help fight this terrible virus,” Havens posted on Facebook announcing her move.
She will arrive in New York on the heels of 2015 nursing graduate and adjunct instructor Callie Leaman (left). Leaman, an ER nurse at Munson Medical Center, arrived in the epidemic’s epicenter Tuesday. She is working in midtown Manhattan at New York University Langone Health in a COVID-19 ICU unit.
Havens has not yet cared for any COVID-19 patients at her current hospital, Bronson Methodist, but she and her colleagues have researched how the disease has progressed in countries ahead of the U.S., studying patient presentation and care protocols.
“I don’t know if anything will really prepare me,” Havens said. For instance, Mount Sinai is establishing a tent annex in Central Park, directly opposite its building, to care for patients.
At NMC Havens took nursing prerequisite courses, including cell plant and ecosystem biology and chemistry. She remembers instructor Greg LaCross’s classes as among her favorites. She was also on the Dean’s List.
“I have no doubt she has made a difference in people’s lives, especially now, when our healthcare workers are so needed,” LaCross said.
She first considered going to Detroit, another hot spot, to help out her home state. But Detroit hospitals weren’t taking first-time traveling nurses. A licensing issue cropped up when she considered Chicago. But her qualifications were welcome in New York.
Havens begins work at Mount Sinai April 14. Her contract runs through May 31, though she expects it will likely be extended. It’s been most difficult to find affordable housing, though she thinks she’s found a temporary place. It’s a half-hour commute from the hospital, so she hopes the city keeps public transit running. She feels as ready for the challenge as she can be.
“I don’t have any kids, I’m not married. It’s just me and a dog. I’m the perfect candidate to go,” Havens said.
Her dog, Zaas, will stay with her parents in Interlochen. As for the general public, “Keep quarantining, and if possible, try and donate blood,” Havens said.
Do you know a helper or hero with NMC connections? Please share stories of students, instructors, alumni and community members stepping up during the COVID-19 epidemic by emailing publicrelations@nmc.edu.
Apr 7, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
While the Dennos Museum Center remains closed, our staff has been working hard to make programming available online for you and your family. Upcoming concerts will take place Wednesday, April 8 at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 at noon.
The Live & Local Concert Series is presented by the Dennos and Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology to bring some much needed musical entertainment to your living room. We believe strongly in supporting our local musicians, and invite you to join us on Facebook Live to do the same. Featuring four local singer-songwriters, this could be the beginning of an ongoing series, so stay tuned. You can also visit crosshatch.org/emergency to support their local artist relief fund.
