Nov 15, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Former Peace Corps director Carrie Hessler-Radelet will speak at a special International Affairs Forum lecture at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lakes campus.
Her topic is “Engaging for Good: Can one individual volunteer change the world?” She’ll tackle the question of whether, in the face of significant political, humanitarian and developmental challenges around the world, a single volunteer or humanitarian can hope to make a difference.
Hessler-Radelet, 62, was the director of the Peace Corps from 2014 to 2017. She has deep roots with the organization, starting her career as a Peace Corps volunteer secondary school teacher in Apia, Western Samoa, from 1981-1984. Born in Frankfort, she is an environmental advocate and global health care expert who is now president and CEO of Project Concern International. She returns to her native northern Michigan to tell stories from her four decades of humanitarian service.
Tickets are $15; students and educators admitted free. The Hagerty Center is located on NMC’s Great Lakes campus, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Release date: NOVEMBER 15, 2019
For more information:
Leila Hilal
Director, International Affairs Forum
lhilal@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1847
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
Nov 14, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Three Northwestern Michigan College employees will be honored next week with a statewide award for their work with Michigan Technological University to develop a new 2+2 degree program designed to increase student completion and reduce cost for engineering students.
Faculty members Jerry Dobek and Jay Smith and advisor Deb Maison will receive the MACRAO 2019 Innovation in Transfer Award at the organization’s annual conference, to be held at Shanty Creek Resort Nov. 20-21. MACRAO, the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, works to contribute to the advancement of higher education in the state of Michigan by collaborating on issues of common interest to Michigan’s colleges and universities.
NMC President Timothy J. Nelson and Michigan Tech President Richard J. Koubek signed the seven new articulation agreements in August, and all went into effect this fall. Engineering students are now able to take their first two years at NMC then transfer to Michigan Tech as a junior.
The engineering programs include:
- Biomedical
- Chemical
- Civil
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering Technology
Dobek, Smith and Maison worked on the agreements for 18 months, building on a strong shared history of collaboration. The first 2+2 program between the schools was created in 1990. This new set of agreements reflects how engineering programs have changed over the years and how graduation requirements have become more specialized.
Dobek said, “This agreement creates a new pipeline for engineering students more likely to complete their 4-year degree at Michigan Tech and provides cost savings for students by allowing them to take their first two years at NMC. These agreements will really give our students a much stronger pathway to success.”
Release date: November 14, 2019
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
Nov 11, 2019 | Student News

This Friday, November 15 is the LAST DAY TO DROP a regular 15-week class with record. This results in a ‘W’ on your transcript in place of a grade. Please check with your instructor, your advisor, and Student Financial Services prior to dropping. Check your NMC Self Service for drop/withdrawal deadlines for all your classes.
Nov 11, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
Let all your senses join in on the fun of International Education Week. International Club members and Sodexo have developed special lunch menus, that will be paired with music from that culture. Monday, Nov. 18th through Wednesday, Nov. 20th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Hawk Owl Cafe, located on campus in the Oleson Center. The featured countries each day are;
Monday: Morocco
Tuesday: Italy
Wednesday: India
Nov 7, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open to all area high school students in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Kalkaska counties for the annual Academic WorldQuest competition. Teams consist of four students and an advisor — and the desire to learn about the world. Participation is free and the deadline to register teams is November 29.
This is the seventh year the International Affairs Forum and Northwestern Michigan College have organized Academic WorldQuest. All participating students will have the chance to win door prizes plus enjoy a free lunch the day of the competition, February 6, 2020 at NMC’s Hagerty Center, noon-4 p.m. The winning team will travel to Washington, DC to compete at the national level in late April, 2020.
Schools can field more than one team. To register, email juliedoyal@yahoo.com to indicate your school’s interest by Nov. 29. Teams will answer ten rounds of ten multiple-choice questions. Study materials are provided. This year’s topics are:
- US-Russia Relations
- Country in Focus: South Korea
- Preventing Extremism in Fragile States
- Oceans: The World’s Garbage Dump
- Great Decisions
- Brexit and the EU
- China’s Belt & Road Initiative
- Germany: 30 Years After the Fall of the Berlin Wall
- Qatar and the Future of the Gulf Cooperation Council
- Current Events
Underwriters, sponsors and prize donors are also sought. Contact Julie Doyal, Coordinator of Academic WorldQuest (juliedoyal@yahoo.com).
Academic WorldQuest is the flagship high school education program of the World Affairs Councils of America of which the International Affairs Forum is an affiliated partner. More than 4,000 students participate in AWQ competitions across the U.S. with the national competition held in Washington D.C. in late April.
Release Date: November 7, 2019
For more information:
Julie Doyal
juliedoyal@yahoo.com
(231) 649-1781
tciaf.com
worldaffairscouncils.org
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
Nov 7, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — A retirement open house in honor of NMC President Timothy J. Nelson’s 18-plus years of service to students, faculty and staff and community will be held Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Dennos Museum Center, on the main campus of NMC.
Nelson is the longest-serving president of the college and will retire Dec. 31, 2019.
“I have committed myself to our ultimate purpose, which is to provide our learners and communities with the skills, experiences and values that will help them to create social and economic wealth during their lifetimes,” said Nelson. “I am humbled to think that as I look to the future, the people, programs and systems that we have developed together, position this institution for continued success in meeting that purpose well into the future.”
Under Nelson’s leadership, NMC has transitioned from the traditional time-based, place-based and knowledge transfer system to become a community college that is focused on competency-based, content-based knowledge application in pursuit of social, economic and talent development. This includes the implementation of a strategic plan and focusing on five strategic directions: ensuring learners are prepared for success in a global society and economy; establishing national and international competencies; delivering learning through a networked workforce; establishing lifelong relationships with learners; and transcribing learning to establish credentials of value.
Before becoming president in 2001, Nelson served as NMC’s Executive Director of Administrative Services. He was the college’s Residence Hall and Apartment Supervisor from 1975 to 1977.
More information about Nelson’s NMC tenure as well as information about the transition to the president designate is available at nmc.edu/president.
Release Date: October 29, 2019
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
Nov 6, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
November 6, 2019
With two new endowed veterans scholarships and a ranking as the No. 2 community college in the nation for veteran’s services for the second year in a row, NMC is better equipped than ever to serve those who have served us.
The Staff Sergeant Drew Kostic Veterans’ Scholarship was established in memory of the former Marine and NMC student who died in 2016, by the board of 22-2-NONE, which exists to raise awareness and provide support to end veteran suicide. Initial funds were raised through registration in the DK5K Tough Run (photo right) now in its third year. Additional donations increased it to the $25,000 endowed level — the threshold for the scholarship to be awarded in perpetuity.
“Most of our veterans coming back are looking for better jobs. They’ve got families they’ve got to take care of at the same time,” said board vice president Ray McDaniel. “There’s no one answer to solving the suicide epidemic, but if we can take one more burden, one more stressor off their plate, we’re achieving our goal.”
“It means a great deal,” said Kostic’s father, Jim Kostic, of the scholarship. “It’s a good way to honor his name.”
The scholarship is also available to active duty military students, as is the Class of 1953 Veterans Memorial Scholarship, created by George Comden (left, seated) a member of NMC’s first graduating class (pictured in 2011). Years ago Comden, an Army veteran himself, established his first scholarship. Reading about current veterans in a college publication inspired him to create the new one.
“I got to thinking, that story kind of triggered my time is on the GI Bill® at CMU,” said Comden. “The more I read about it, the more I thought, why not have a scholarship for veterans?”
The Class of 1953 included two other veterans, Ray Cilva (wearing the letter jacket) and Gene Bisson, he added.
“They went the extra mile to take care of us, and it’s now time for us to help take care of them.”
To donate to either scholarship or to find out more about scholarships, contact the NMC Foundation at (231) 995-1021 or foundation@nmc.edu.
About 200 veterans are currently enrolled at NMC, comprising 5 percent of enrollment.
The Best for Vets 2020 ranking comes from Military Times magazine. The publication cites NMC’s “wide array of support services for its student veterans, many of them specially created for vets. This includes academic support, such as tutoring and mentorship, career support, such as resume assistance and job placement, and mental health support.” NMC ranked No. 2 in 2018, and No. 3 in 2018.
NMC will start a new, community-wide veterans project in December. Coffee with Veterans will be held from 8 to 9: 30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13 in Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant on NMC’s Great Lakes campus, and monthly thereafter. Any veteran in the community is welcome to stop in for complimentary coffee and conversation.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Nov 5, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
Make a back-up of your files using Google Takeout! For more information on what that is and how to use this feature, read more here.
Nov 4, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education and celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. It was first held in 2000 and is now celebrated in more than 100 countries around the world. Read more »
NMC’s 2019 commemoration of International Education Week is Nov. 18-21 and includes three days of global food and music, a guided museum tour, talks from former Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet, and more! (more…)
Nov 4, 2019 | Student News
Calling all high school students interested in global issues!
Registration is now open to all area high school students in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Kalkaska counties for the annual Academic WorldQuest competition. Teams consist of four students and an advisor—and the desire to learn about the world. Participation is free and the deadline to register teams is November 29.
This is the seventh year the International Affairs Forum and Northwestern Michigan College have organized Academic World Quest. All participating students will have a chance to win door prizes plus enjoy a free lunch provided by Jimmy John’s the day of the competition, February 6, 2020 at NMC’s Hagerty Center, noon-4 p.m. The winning team will travel to Washington, DC to compete at the national level in late April, 2020.
Schools can field more than one team. To register, email juliedoyal@yahoo.com to indicate your school’s interest by Nov. 29. Teams will answer ten rounds of ten multiple-choice questions. Study materials are provided. This year’s topics are:
- US-Russia Relations
- Country in Focus: South Korea
- Preventing Extremism in Fragile States
- Oceans: The World’s Garbage Dump
- Great Decisions
- Brexit and the EU
- China’s Belt & Road Initiative
- Germany: 30 Years After the Fall of the Berlin Wall
- Qatar and the Future of the Gulf Cooperation Council
- Current Events
Nov 4, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — All campuses of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) are open after a Traverse City Police Department (TCPD) investigation determined there was no threat to public safety.
Late Monday morning, TCPD received a report of a person with a gun at the Parsons-Stulen Building. NMC security immediately locked down all of the buildings on the Aero Park campus. TCPD conducted a room-by-room search of the Parsons-Stulen Building, but did not find a threat to public safety. NMC security lifted the lockdown shortly before 2 p.m. TCPD then did a final search of other Aero Park campus buildings as a precaution.
“We appreciate the quick actions from our students and employees and the quick response from TCPD. Safety is our top priority and everyone’s responsibility,” said NMC president Timothy J. Nelson. “We have increased our safety measures, drills and trainings during my tenure. I am grateful those processes worked today and we will continue to find ways to improve.”
NMC practices safety drills several times a year, most recently on November 1, 2019. NMC also tests its emergency communication system monthly. Possession of weapons, including firearms, is prohibited on NMC’s campuses. The full policy is available here.
Release Date: November 4, 2019
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
Oct 30, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
In the face of significant political, humanitarian and developmental challenges around the world, how can a single volunteer or humanitarian hope to make a difference? Carrie Hessler-Radelet, former Peace Corps director, environmental advocate, and global health care expert, returns to her native northern Michigan to tell stories from her four decades of humanitarian service. Tickets are $15, students admitted free, visit tciaf.com or call 231-995-1844.
November 21 – 6 p.m. at the Hagerty Center, Great Lakes Campus; pre-event reception starts at 5:15 pm.
Oct 29, 2019 | Student News

Go online to your NMC Self Service today to register for Spring and Summer classes! Registration for all students is open and class availability will be best before November 8. Register now! Need help selecting classes? Check in with the Advising Center in the Osterlin Building and use MAP (nmc.edu/MyMap).
Oct 28, 2019 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
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, Nov. 5. Some parking in the Cedar lot will be set aside for voters at those times.
(The NMC Bookstore will be closed Nov. 5–6 for system upgrades and will reopen with normal hours Thursday, Nov. 7.)
Oct 28, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
In an effort to keep our college community safe in the event of an emergency, NMC will be conducting an important safety drill Friday, Nov. 1 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. in Scholar’s Hall.
The goal of the event is to review our roles in an emergency, learn what first responders expect from us and how we can improve our responsiveness.
Scholar’s Hall will be closed during that time except for those participating in the exercise. Participants will include the College’s Leadership Group, Emergency Management Teams and The Traverse City Police Department.
NMC will also be testing its emergency communication system during this exercise, but will indicate that it is only a drill.
Please note this drill will include a reenactment scenario designed to simulate an active shooter situation. During the drill, officers will fire four blank shots. While they are not live ammunition, they will sound real.
NMC follows guidelines set out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA.) To review emergency training, please use this coursework through FEMA’s National Incident Management System. This information is also available on the NMC employee website under Emergency Management Training Resources.
Thank you for your support in keeping our college safe. If you have any questions please contact NMC Public Relations, Marketing and Communications at (231) 995-1020 or publicrelations@nmc.edu
Oct 28, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to attend the 44th annual Mariners Memorial Service at noon Friday, November 8 in the courtyard of NMC’s Great Lakes Campus.
The memorial service is held to remember and honor mariners who have perished on the Great Lakes and oceans and is sponsored by the Student Propeller Club, Port 150, of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.
The Great Lakes Campus is located at 715 E. Front Street, at Barlow Avenue (next to the Holiday Inn) in Traverse City. Guests are invited to enter through the glass exhibition hall and proceed into the outdoor courtyard on the north side (harbor side) of the building.
Refreshments will be served following the service. For more information, call the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at (231) 995-1200.
Release date: October 28, 2019
For more information:
Scott Fairbank
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
sfairbank@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1200
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
Oct 25, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC invites the public to attend Veterans Day ceremonies on campus Monday, Nov. 11, to offer special recognition to student, faculty and staff veterans. The schedule includes:
- 8:30–9 a.m. – Breakfast for veterans in NMC’s Dennos Museum
- 9 a.m. – Campus community gathers along the sidewalk from the Dennos Museum to the flagpoles west of the Tanis Building for the Walk of Honor
- 9:05 a.m. – Walk of Honor
- 9:10 a.m. – Flag ceremony by VFW, Taps and the three-volley salute
- 10 a.m. – Cake and coffee, Tanis Atrium
Serving those who have served the nation is a year-round priority at NMC. Last year NMC was ranked as the No. 2 community college in the country for veterans by Military Times magazine in its 2019 Best for Vets list, rising from third place. Most recently, NMC’s services to veterans have been augmented by:
- Two new endowed (minimum $25,000) scholarships
- Class of 1953 Veterans Memorial Scholarship
- Staff Sergeant Drew Kostic Veterans’ Scholarship
Release Date: October 25, 2019
For more information:
Scott Herzberg
POC, Military and Veterans Affairs
sherzberg@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2526
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
Oct 24, 2019 | Intercom, Student News, Tech Tips
Using passphrases for your password is a great way to make your password stronger and easier for you to remember, yet more complicated for someone trying to fraudulently access your account. View more information on this here.