Jun 23, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Cafe Lobdell’s will open on Tuesday, June 30 and be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 to 11 a.m. for the month of July (with social distancing and state safety guidelines in place *).
Enjoy fresh pastries, breakfast baked goods and delicious coffee, tea, espresso beverages and specialty coffee drinks prepared by our very own Great Lakes Culinary Institute (GLCI) students as part of this summer’s Café Operations course. No reservations are needed. Counter service is available along with plenty of seating including tables on our deck.
* Seating capacity will be limited to 50 percent of normal capacity to maintain social distancing, and face coverings are required when guests are not at their tables.
Jun 22, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Jim Bensley, NMC’s Director of International Services and Service Learning, reports that NMC student Conner Rieck was part of a winning international social media campaign. Bensley has been offering the Soliya Connect international virtual exchange opportunity in his World Cultures course every semester for the past four years. This semester, he had two course sections, one with and one without Soliya.
Due to the upheaval caused by the coronavirus, four students in the non-Soliya section had the chance to take part in a unique project-based opportunity to develop a social media campaign. Throughout the five-week program, students met online to speak — face-to-face and live — and collaborate with their global peers on an awareness campaign concerning health or migration. They were exposed to a diversity of views and identities and encouraged to speak openly and honestly, allowing them to practice critical thinking, curiosity, cross-cultural communication, empathy, and teamwork. In completing an infographic on a migration, they also built self-efficacy and a sense of global citizenship and belonging.
Final projects were voted on by Soliya members and the general public in seven countries. NMC student Conner Rieck was a member of the winning team made up of students from Italy, France, Palestine, Turkey, Tunisia, Syria and the U.S.!
Congratulations, Connor!
Jun 17, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Every Wednesday at 1 p.m., the Student Success Center is offering a Student Success Workshop Series. Workshops are free to any future, current or prospective students.
Schedule of Workshops:
Life shouldn’t feel like a juggling act when taking college classes. Learn simple tips and tools to help you balance your life and school.
June 10, 1 p.m.
Online classes can feel isolating but they don’t have to. Find out how to get the most out of your online class experience.
June 17, 1 p.m.
Unemployment can be tough to navigate, but we’ll give you the inside scoop! Join our Employment Readiness Specialist to talk about moving from unemployment to employment, where the jobs are and how to find them, and how to make your resume stand out.
June 24, 1 p.m.
July 1, 1 p.m.
Feeling stressed? It’s not your fault. It’s what’s going on in your brain! Learn 4 easy-to-use techniques to switch on your brain’s focusing power and turn off the hormones of stress.
July 8, 1 p.m.
Organization increases motivation and reduces procrastination. This is your invitation to join the Get It Done Nation!
July 15, 1 p.m.
July 22, 1 p.m.
July 29, 1 p.m.
Jun 16, 2020 | Student News
NMC’s plan for Fall semester is almost complete. Our schedule of classes will include face-to-face and online formats with an emphasis on safety and flexibility.
The existing Fall 2020 schedule is in the process of being revised to update class formats to prioritize your safety and varied learning needs.
Here are the class formats you can expect:
Lecture Courses occur face-to-face in an on-campus classroom. Instructors use Moodle for the course syllabus and gradebook or other resources to supplement face-to-face instruction. This includes courses required to meet face to face because of accreditation regulations such as dental assisting, police academy, and welding courses.
Online Courses are entirely online. Students are responsible for logging in to Moodle in order to complete assignments and activities by specific due dates. Online courses may also have proctored testing requirements that require students to complete tests on-campus or online throughout the semester.
Hybrid Courses blend online, face-to-face, and/or livestream synchronous delivery using a video platform like Zoom. Most course activity is done online in Moodle, but there may be some required face-to-face instructional activities, such as lectures, discussions, labs, or other in-person learning activities.
Livestream Courses meet during a regularly scheduled time via a web conferencing tool like Zoom. Moodle is used to distribute materials, submit assignments, grading, and share feedback.
If you are already registered for class(es), some of your class formats will likely be changed but you will remain enrolled in classes.
You will be notified of your specific class format changes the week of June 22 via your NMC email. The full updated course catalog will also be available on June 22. Until then, the existing Fall 2020 schedule remains open for registration.
Jun 5, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Bookstore will reopen for curbside pickup of online orders Tuesday, June 9 through Thursday, June 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Starting Tuesday, June 16, the bookstore will be open 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Curbside pickup will be available on these days as well.
To pick up your order curbside, please call the bookstore at (231) 995-1285 and your order will be brought out to you.
The bookstore will resume normal summer hours starting Monday, July 6.
Jun 4, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The library will be closed for business from Monday, June 8 through Friday, June 19 while library staff move to its new location in the West Hall Innovation Center. Please email library@nmc.edu for urgent requests during this time, but expect a delayed response time. Library staff plan to offer curbside checkout of technology to students and to provide faculty and staff assistance June 19.
Jun 4, 2020 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC Family,
As I look out to the world from our northern Michigan community, my heart breaks at the frustration and anger that is overflowing onto the streets of cities across our country in response to years of racial injustice. My first reaction is to acknowledge the pain, seek to understand the struggle and empathize with the emotions. As important as that response is, I also know it is not enough. I must also take action. We must take action. It is not enough to be “not racist” we must actively work to be “anti-racist.”
When I first arrived at Northwestern Michigan College earlier this year, I was proud to see the work that we are already doing on diversity and inclusion through areas like the Experiential Learning Institute, the Dennos Museum Center, International Affairs Forum, and throughout our classrooms, student groups and support services. And while we will continue to use those areas to live our values, I believe we can and must do more.
Starting this week, I am championing a new committee at NMC that will focus solely on addressing inequities and injustices faced by our students, employees and the community. This will be led by Mark Liebling, associate VP of human resources, and Lisa Thomas, dean of students. We will look closely at our own NMC community and act as a convener of discussions for the larger community to engage thoughtfully and work collaboratively.
I also intend to lead and learn by doing. This week I have actively sought input from throughout our college community, participated in robust discussions with President’s Council, we will continue that discussion in our virtual employee town hall Friday, and I will join our Phi Theta Kappa students in their Racial Justice Issues/Honors in Action meeting and other student and employee groups. I know this is just a start, but it is a start and I am committed to prioritizing this work as your president.
I also remain committed to listening. I know that will be essential to seeking deeper understanding. I encourage you to share your thoughts with me and together we will work to make meaningful change in our world.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College
Release date: June 4, 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
Jun 4, 2020 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC Family,
As I look out to the world from our northern Michigan community, my heart breaks at the frustration and anger that is overflowing onto the streets of cities across our country in response to years of racial injustice. My first reaction is to acknowledge the pain, seek to understand the struggle and empathize with the emotions. As important as that response is, I also know it is not enough. I must also take action. We must take action. It is not enough to be “not racist” we must actively work to be “anti-racist.”
When I first arrived at Northwestern Michigan College earlier this year, I was proud to see the work that we are already doing on diversity and inclusion through areas like the Experiential Learning Institute, the Dennos Museum Center, International Affairs Forum, and throughout our classrooms, student groups and support services. And while we will continue to use those areas to live our values, I believe we can and must do more.
Starting this week, I am championing a new committee at NMC that will focus solely on addressing inequities and injustices faced by our students, employees and the community. This will be led by Mark Liebling, associate VP of human resources, and Lisa Thomas, dean of students. We will look closely at our own NMC community and act as a convener of discussions for the larger community to engage thoughtfully and work collaboratively.
I also intend to lead and learn by doing. This week I have actively sought input from throughout our college community, participated in robust discussions with President’s Council, we will continue that discussion in our virtual employee town hall Friday, and I will join our Phi Theta Kappa students in their Racial Justice Issues/Honors in Action meeting and other student and employee groups. I know this is just a start, but it is a start and I am committed to prioritizing this work as your president.
I also remain committed to listening. I know that will be essential to seeking deeper understanding. I encourage you to share your thoughts with me and together we will work to make meaningful change in our world.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College
Release date: June 4, 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
Jun 2, 2020 | Student News
Good afternoon NMC students,
Governor Whitmer has lifted the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order, reopening the state and moving Michigan to phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. At this time, NMC will continue its limited reopening while finalizing safety protocols so we can expand reopening efforts in the future. NMC campuses remain closed to the public for the time being.
NMC’s campuses will remain closed until further notice while the College continues to develop plans to return to campus work and face-to-face learning safely. Two committees are meeting regularly to assist with this effort. Following the Governor’s guidance, the college will begin taking a slow and deliberate approach to phased re-starting of some functions on campus. For the safety of our students, employees and community, it is essential that these guidelines are followed.
Summer semester is being delivered virtually with limited small in-person labs and classes on a case by case basis. We will communicate more with you soon on which classes may be able to resume in person this summer. You can see a list of canceled events here.
If you must come to campus, please wear a face mask, as specified in the Governor’s order. For more information and resources, please visit the “keep learning” section of nmc.edu/coronavirus.
The College is currently planning several possible scenarios for fall delivery of instruction including face-to-face, hybrid and virtual options. The goal is to communicate the plans with you next week.
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 supervisor.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check here for the latest information.
Thank you,
NMC Public Relations
May 29, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Good afternoon NMC community,
The Grand Traverse Community Health Department, Michigan National Guard and Michigan State Police are coordinating to offer free COVID-19 testing for any Michigan resident interested in being tested. The testing will take place Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Turtle Creek Stadium, home of the Traverse City Pit Spitters, located six miles south of Traverse City off of U.S. 31. Test results are expected within 3-4 days.
Thank you,
NMC Public Relations
May 29, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The GLMA tugboat Mississippi crew in Cleveland about to get underway. From left to right: Ryan Anderson (Engine), Zach Drenth (Deck), Dan Zassick (Mate), Cary Godwin (Captain). (download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — A new vessel, the tugboat Mississippi, will join the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s fleet on a leased basis next week, increasing cadet options for completing sea time requirements as well as the credentials they receive at graduation.
Captained by Cary Godwin, a GLMA crew of four departed from Cleveland today aboard the tugboat and are expected to arrive Sunday or Monday at NMC’s Great Lakes campus harbor.
Adding the Mississippi to the Academy’s fleet will offer greater assurance to Maritime cadets that they will be able to complete their required 360 days of sea time before graduation. Cadets complete their sea time requirements during three sea projects, the first of which is completed aboard the T/S State of Michigan, GLMA’s flagship vessel since 2002.
Many cadets accrue the remaining sea time aboard commercial vessels. However, berths on commercial vessels are increasingly difficult to obtain, said GLMA superintendent Jerry Achenbach. This is due to GLMA being at full enrollment, with at least 21 students on a waiting list for admission this fall.
The Mississippi will provide another option for cadets to earn sea time. It will also allow Maritime deck cadets to earn an additional endorsement enabling them to serve as a licensed officer on a tow vessel. This will substantially increase their post-graduation employment options.
“It would be great to come out of the Academy with pilotage and a towing endorsement. That’s going to be amazing in terms of job opportunities,” said Margaret Handel, a 2020 Maritime graduate who needs to complete just 35 days of sea time.
She had hoped to do so aboard a commercial vessel, but said the tugboat would be a great substitute, especially since the coronavirus pandemic has made it even more difficult to get sea time.
Cadet Zachary Ferguson agreed. He is set to graduate in 2021 and needs 96 more days of sea time.
“There’s lots of days we’re behind (due to the pandemic.) The tug is really going to help to try and make up those days. Every day counts,” he said.
In March, NMC trustees unanimously approved leasing the Mississippi for six months at a cost of $73,800. Including fuel ($100,000), insurance and instructor salaries, it will cost an estimated $188,000 to operate the tugboat this year.
As the state maritime academy of Michigan, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College educates and trains deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree, and an unlimited tonnage/ horsepower merchant marine license. Read more about the Academy at nmc.edu/maritime.
Editors: If you would like to cover the arrival of the tugboat in Traverse City, text (231) 392-1800 to receive a more specific arrival time when it is known.
Release date: May 29, 2020
For more information:
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@nmc.edu
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 29, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The GLMA tugboat Mississippi crew in Cleveland about to get underway. From left to right: Ryan Anderson (Engine), Zach Drenth (Deck), Dan Zassick (Mate), Cary Godwin (Captain). (download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — A new vessel, the tugboat Mississippi, will join the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s fleet on a leased basis next week, increasing cadet options for completing sea time requirements as well as the credentials they receive at graduation.
Captained by Cary Godwin, a GLMA crew of four departed from Cleveland today aboard the tugboat and are expected to arrive Sunday or Monday at NMC’s Great Lakes campus harbor.
Adding the Mississippi to the Academy’s fleet will offer greater assurance to Maritime cadets that they will be able to complete their required 360 days of sea time before graduation. Cadets complete their sea time requirements during three sea projects, the first of which is completed aboard the T/S State of Michigan, GLMA’s flagship vessel since 2002.
Many cadets accrue the remaining sea time aboard commercial vessels. However, berths on commercial vessels are increasingly difficult to obtain, said GLMA superintendent Jerry Achenbach. This is due to GLMA being at full enrollment, with at least 21 students on a waiting list for admission this fall.
The Mississippi will provide another option for cadets to earn sea time. It will also allow Maritime deck cadets to earn an additional endorsement enabling them to serve as a licensed officer on a tow vessel. This will substantially increase their post-graduation employment options.
“It would be great to come out of the Academy with pilotage and a towing endorsement. That’s going to be amazing in terms of job opportunities,” said Margaret Handel, a 2020 Maritime graduate who needs to complete just 35 days of sea time.
She had hoped to do so aboard a commercial vessel, but said the tugboat would be a great substitute, especially since the coronavirus pandemic has made it even more difficult to get sea time.
Cadet Zachary Ferguson agreed. He is set to graduate in 2021 and needs 96 more days of sea time.
“There’s lots of days we’re behind (due to the pandemic.) The tug is really going to help to try and make up those days. Every day counts,” he said.
In March, NMC trustees unanimously approved leasing the Mississippi for six months at a cost of $73,800. Including fuel ($100,000), insurance and instructor salaries, it will cost an estimated $188,000 to operate the tugboat this year.
As the state maritime academy of Michigan, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College educates and trains deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree, and an unlimited tonnage/ horsepower merchant marine license. Read more about the Academy at nmc.edu/maritime.
Editors: If you would like to cover the arrival of the tugboat in Traverse City, text (231) 392-1800 to receive a more specific arrival time when it is known.
Release date: May 29, 2020
For more information:
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@nmc.edu
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 27, 2020 | Student News
Here are some answers from NMC’s Student Financial Services department to frequently asked questions about financial aid during the coronavirus crisis.
Q: If I drop a class, will I have to pay financial aid back?
A: If you attended the class at least once, and then dropped it after the 100% Refund Date, we do not need to adjust aid for the semester — as long as you were still in at least one other class to the end of the semester.
Q: If I drop all of my classes, will I have to pay aid back?
A: If you withdraw from all classes after attending through at least 60% of the semester (example: March 15 was 60% for spring 2020), aid for the semester does not need to be adjusted. If you drop or stop attending prior to 60%, we may need to return aid. If the withdrawal is COVID-19 related, you may qualify for a return waiver. We will reach out to you by NMC email to determine if the waiver applies. Please contact us prior to dropping so we can review how it will affect your aid. For more information, please see: NMC Withdrawals Policy for Financial Aid.
Q: Can I be refunded my tuition and fees if I had to drop classes due to COVID-19 complications after the 100% Refund Date?
A: You can make a refund exception request using this form. We have streamlined the process and will not require additional documentation for COVID-19 related issues. Where possible, NMC will give retake credit for a future semester.
Q: Will I lose my future financial aid if have to withdraw due to COVID-19 complications?
A: To continue financial aid, students need to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Read NMC’s SAP policy. If you were suspended for aid, you can appeal for reinstatement for COVID-19 related complications. If you are suspended from aid, you can then appeal: Here’s how to submit an SAP Appeal.
Q: My 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was based on 2018 income. Can my aid (Expected Family Contribution) be recalculated if I currently make less than 2018?
A: If your loss of income has been going on for at least 10 weeks, you can complete an appeal form and provide documentation: Instructions for appeals. Keep in mind that we need to count unemployment payments as income.
Q: How can I get help with expenses related to COVID-19 disruption?
A: Apply for emergency aid here: NMC Emergency Aid Application. Funds are now available for students attending Fall 2020 Semester. Applications must be made by Friday, August 28.
If you applied previously, but were not eligible, and you believe you are now eligible, please send an email to sfs@nmc.edu requesting that we reconsider your application.
Q: How can I get help with tuition and fees for the semester?
A: Apply now for scholarships: NMC General Scholarship Application.
- Completing a FAFSA at StudentAid.gov will help you maximize your aid options.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US:
May 26, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Dear NMC Community,
As our state continues efforts to mitigate the health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe order through June 12. To support this effort, and comply with the order, Northwestern Michigan College will extend the closure of all five of its campuses in Traverse City through June 12.
The Governor allowed some retail businesses and restaurants in northern Michigan to open May 22 as the state continues its phased approach to re-opening following a decline in new COVID-19 cases. This phased reopening also allows office work that cannot be done remotely to resume. If you have work that must be completed on campus please contact your supervisor and coordinate with Human Resources to ensure all safety protocols are followed. All work that can be done remotely, should be. Schools remain closed and there is no guidance for institutions of higher education.
NMC’s campuses will remain closed until further notice while the College continues to develop plans to return to campus work and face-to-face learning safely. Two committees are meeting regularly to assist with this effort. The College is also continuing to collaborate with the Grand Traverse County Joint Operations Center on a coordinated regional approach to managing the impact of COVID-19.
If you must come to campus, please wear a face mask, as specified in the Governor’s order. For more information and resources for working while campuses are closed, including instructions on campus mail pickup and delivery, please visit the “keep working” section of nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Following the Governor’s guidance, the college will begin taking a slow and deliberate approach to phased re-starting of some functions on campus. For the safety of our students, employees and community, it is essential that these guidelines are followed.
Summer semester is being delivered virtually with no course/lab work permitted on campus except for the police academy and dental assisting classes, which are allowed under the Governor’s order. You can see a list of canceled events here. The College is currently planning several possible scenarios for fall delivery of instruction including face-to-face, hybrid and virtual options. The goal is to communicate the finalized plans with you in early June.
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 supervisor.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check here for the latest information.
Release date: May 26, 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
May 26, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Dear NMC Community,
As our state continues efforts to mitigate the health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe order through June 12. To support this effort, and comply with the order, Northwestern Michigan College will extend the closure of all five of its campuses in Traverse City through June 12.
The Governor allowed some retail businesses and restaurants in northern Michigan to open May 22 as the state continues its phased approach to re-opening following a decline in new COVID-19 cases. This phased reopening also allows office work that cannot be done remotely to resume. If you have work that must be completed on campus please contact your supervisor and coordinate with Human Resources to ensure all safety protocols are followed. All work that can be done remotely, should be. Schools remain closed and there is no guidance for institutions of higher education.
NMC’s campuses will remain closed until further notice while the College continues to develop plans to return to campus work and face-to-face learning safely. Two committees are meeting regularly to assist with this effort. The College is also continuing to collaborate with the Grand Traverse County Joint Operations Center on a coordinated regional approach to managing the impact of COVID-19.
If you must come to campus, please wear a face mask, as specified in the Governor’s order. For more information and resources for working while campuses are closed, including instructions on campus mail pickup and delivery, please visit the “keep working” section of nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Following the Governor’s guidance, the college will begin taking a slow and deliberate approach to phased re-starting of some functions on campus. For the safety of our students, employees and community, it is essential that these guidelines are followed.
Summer semester is being delivered virtually with no course/lab work permitted on campus except for the police academy and dental assisting classes, which are allowed under the Governor’s order. You can see a list of canceled events here. The College is currently planning several possible scenarios for fall delivery of instruction including face-to-face, hybrid and virtual options. The goal is to communicate the finalized plans with you in early June.
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 supervisor.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check here for the latest information.
Release date: May 26, 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
May 20, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Success Story: College’s compassion shines during pandemic
May 20, 2020
It’s often said that college opens doors for students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, two NMC students have had actual doors opened for them, as faculty and staff have shared their homes to students stranded by circumstance.
NMC instructor Lisa Blackford (right) and international student Sarah Frankham’s story began in mid-March, when Frankham (far right), from Bath, England, got sick just as Michigan began locking down. It wasn’t COVID-19, but a pretty bad flu. At the time, she was living with a local family with children. Wanting to limit the exposure to others, Blackford invited Frankham, a student in her social work class, to move into her home.
Meanwhile, Library Services Director Kerrey Woughter invited student Liz Biehl (left) and her two children, ages 6 and 7, into her Traverse City home in March. Biehl had been living in Cadillac, working in Lake City and attending classes at NMC. Woughter got to know her as adviser to a student parent group Biehl started, and wanted to help her establish a better arrangement.
As the lockdowns continued, so did the living arrangements. Now it looks like Christmas before Frankham, who’s studying social work, can get home to England. In the meantime, the housemates by happenstance couldn’t be happier at how it’s worked out.
“She’s made this quarantine livable for me,” Blackford said.
When Frankham celebrated her 37th birthday April 8, Blackford procured her requested ice cream cake, and even decorated it like the Union Jack flag. She’s also introduced Frankham to up north customs like grilling out and morel hunting. Frankham, meanwhile, cooked shepherd’s pie for Blackford and her husband, provided tech tips to Blackford as both finished the semester online, and has endeared herself to the couple’s three dogs.
“It’s really turned my time in the States around,” said Frankham, who found the adjustment to life abroad difficult when she first moved last fall. Beyond Blackford’s hosting, NMC loaned Frankham a laptop when hers broke. The NMC Health Services office helped her renew prescriptions when the pandemic forced her to extend her stay.
“NMC was brilliant with it all,” Frankham said.
Blackford said having a student around to discuss class material helped ease the sudden transition to remote learning for her.
“I felt like I was back in the classroom a couple times, so that made me excited,” she said.
At the Woughter home, Biehl and her daughters all stayed for about a month before Biehl found her own home in Traverse City as well as a new job at a Traverse City assisted living facility. Because Biehl works overnight shifts, her daughters stay at Woughter’s four nights a week, an arrangement they expects to continue through the summer due to the lack of daycare options in the area. Woughter agreed the situation has presented a silver lining to the pandemic.
“We fell in love with the girls,” said Woughter. And Biehl has already been asked to apply for management at her new job.
“There’s some really good momentum in her life,” said Woughter.
There’s one final bit of sparkle to the silver linings: Both Biehl and Frankham finished the spring semester on the dean’s list.
May 20, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Success Story: College’s compassion shines during pandemic
May 20, 2020
It’s often said that college opens doors for students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, two NMC students have had actual doors opened for them, as faculty and staff have shared their homes to students stranded by circumstance.
NMC instructor Lisa Blackford (right) and international student Sarah Frankham’s story began in mid-March, when Frankham (far right), from Bath, England, got sick just as Michigan began locking down. It wasn’t COVID-19, but a pretty bad flu. At the time, she was living with a local family with children. Wanting to limit the exposure to others, Blackford invited Frankham, a student in her social work class, to move into her home.
Meanwhile, Library Services Director Kerrey Woughter invited student Liz Biehl (left) and her two children, ages 6 and 7, into her Traverse City home in March. Biehl had been living in Cadillac, working in Lake City and attending classes at NMC. Woughter got to know her as adviser to a student parent group Biehl started, and wanted to help her establish a better arrangement.
As the lockdowns continued, so did the living arrangements. Now it looks like Christmas before Frankham, who’s studying social work, can get home to England. In the meantime, the housemates by happenstance couldn’t be happier at how it’s worked out.
“She’s made this quarantine livable for me,” Blackford said.
When Frankham celebrated her 37th birthday April 8, Blackford procured her requested ice cream cake, and even decorated it like the Union Jack flag. She’s also introduced Frankham to up north customs like grilling out and morel hunting. Frankham, meanwhile, cooked shepherd’s pie for Blackford and her husband, provided tech tips to Blackford as both finished the semester online, and has endeared herself to the couple’s three dogs.
“It’s really turned my time in the States around,” said Frankham, who found the adjustment to life abroad difficult when she first moved last fall. Beyond Blackford’s hosting, NMC loaned Frankham a laptop when hers broke. The NMC Health Services office helped her renew prescriptions when the pandemic forced her to extend her stay.
“NMC was brilliant with it all,” Frankham said.
Blackford said having a student around to discuss class material helped ease the sudden transition to remote learning for her.
“I felt like I was back in the classroom a couple times, so that made me excited,” she said.
At the Woughter home, Biehl and her daughters all stayed for about a month before Biehl found her own home in Traverse City as well as a new job at a Traverse City assisted living facility. Because Biehl works overnight shifts, her daughters stay at Woughter’s four nights a week, an arrangement they expects to continue through the summer due to the lack of daycare options in the area. Woughter agreed the situation has presented a silver lining to the pandemic.
“We fell in love with the girls,” said Woughter. And Biehl has already been asked to apply for management at her new job.
“There’s some really good momentum in her life,” said Woughter.
There’s one final bit of sparkle to the silver linings: Both Biehl and Frankham finished the spring semester on the dean’s list.
May 18, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Dear NMC Community,
This afternoon Governor Whitmer announced some businesses in northern Michigan will be allowed to re-open Friday as the state continues its phased approach to opening the state following a decline in new COVID-19 cases.
This order is primarily aimed at retail and restaurant businesses and offices where work cannot be done remotely. Work that can be done remotely, should be. Schools remain closed and there is no guidance for institutions of higher education. NMC’s campuses will remain closed until further notice while the College continues to develop plans to return to campus work and face-to-face learning safely. Two committees are meeting regularly to assist with this effort. The College is also continuing to collaborate with the Grand Traverse County Joint Operations Center on a coordinated regional approach to managing the impact of COVID-19.
If you must come to campus, please wear a face mask, as specified in the Governor’s order. For more information and resources for working while campuses are closed, including instructions on campus mail pickup and delivery for NMC employees and information for NMC students, please visit the “keep learning” and “keep working”sections of nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Following the Governor’s guidance, the College will begin taking a slow and deliberate approach to phased re-starting of some functions on campus. For the safety of our students, employees and community it is essential that these guidelines are followed.
Summer semester will be delivered virtually, as announced on April 8. You can see a list of canceled events here. The College is currently planning several possible scenarios for fall delivery of instruction including face-to-face, hybrid and virtual options. The goal is to communicate the finalized plans with you in early June.
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 supervisor.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check here for the latest information.
Release date: May 18, 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
