New Books at the Library – February 2022
The library has recently purchased many new books. You can view a handful of them here along with descriptions or go to the library catalog to see the full listing.
NMC Voices Meetings
Voices meetings will be held Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in West Hall 15. Can’t make it in person? Email Brittany at bhanbury@nmc.edu for a zoom link to join us virtually.
Voices is the sexual assault awareness and advocacy group for both survivors and allies.
COVID-19: Important mask updates
Good afternoon NMC community,
We have some important updates and reminders on NMC’s masking policy and resources as we continue to respond to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic:
- NMC now has 19 locations offering FREE N95 respirators across its five campuses.
- N95 and KN95 respirators provide the best filtration and protection against the virus; the college recommends you wear this option whenever possible; surgical masks offer the next best level of protection and are available at all entrances to our buildings. Cloth masks provide the least protection.
- Cloth masks, if used, should be washed daily after each use according to CDC recommendations. If cloth masks are visibly soiled, users will be asked to replace it with a clean mask or a college provided N95 respirator or surgical mask.
- Masks and respirators must cover both the nose and mouth with no gaps, unless you are eating or drinking.
- Scarves, bandanas, and neck gaiters are no longer considered acceptable. Users will be asked to replace these with a college provided respirator or mask.
- Please dispose of any surgical masks in one of our many campus trash receptacles to reduce littering on campus grounds. The polypropylene material used for surgical masks is not biodegradable.
Thank you for your commitment to keeping NMC’s learning environments safe. For more information and resources on NMC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the case dashboard, please visit the Keep Safe hub. If you have any questions related to these issues please contact us through the COVID-19 feedback form.
COVID-19: Important mask updates
Good afternoon NMC community,
We have some important updates and reminders on NMC’s masking policy and resources as we continue to respond to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic:
- NMC now has 19 locations offering FREE N95 respirators across its five campuses.
- N95 and KN95 respirators provide the best filtration and protection against the virus; the college recommends you wear this option whenever possible; surgical masks offer the next best level of protection and are available at all entrances to our buildings. Cloth masks provide the least protection.
- Cloth masks, if used, should be washed daily after each use according to CDC recommendations. If cloth masks are visibly soiled, users will be asked to replace it with a clean mask or a college provided N95 respirator or surgical mask.
- Masks and respirators must cover both the nose and mouth with no gaps, unless you are eating or drinking.
- Scarves, bandanas, and neck gaiters are no longer considered acceptable. Users will be asked to replace these with a college provided respirator or mask.
- Please dispose of any surgical masks in one of our many campus trash receptacles to reduce littering on campus grounds. The polypropylene material used for surgical masks is not biodegradable.
Thank you for your commitment to keeping NMC’s learning environments safe. For more information and resources on NMC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the case dashboard, please visit the Keep Safe hub.
BS Marine Technology ranks as top ocean engineering program
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is the only community college and the only non-coastal school to make an online ranking of the top ocean engineering programs in the nation.
CollegeFactual.com lists NMC’s Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology program as the fourth most-focused ocean engineering program in the country, behind only the U.S. Naval Academy, Florida Institute of Technology and the University of Rhode Island.
“The bachelor’s of science in Marine Technology at NMC is directly focused on developing the global workforce in support of the new blue economy. Our program is unique in that it provides the applied skills and competencies directly required by businesses and industries,” said Hans Van Sumeren, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute. “NMC BSMT graduates work throughout the Great Lakes, United States, and around the world. They are highly competitive in the job market and bring a diverse set of skills to their employers.”
NMC’s bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology offers students the opportunity to gain technical skills and competencies leading toward a better understanding of the world’s dynamic water resources. Graduates of the program have 100-percent employment in the marine industry. (Read about one successful student here.) Associate degrees in Engineering Technology-Marine and Freshwater Studies are also available. Find out more at nmc.edu/marine-tech.
Release date: February 2, 2022
For more information:
Hans Van Sumeren
Director, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute
(231) 995-1793
hvansumeren@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-discriminationBS Marine Technology ranks as top ocean engineering program
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is the only community college and the only non-coastal school to make an online ranking of the top ocean engineering programs in the nation.
CollegeFactual.com lists NMC’s Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology program as the fourth most-focused ocean engineering program in the country, behind only the U.S. Naval Academy, Florida Institute of Technology and the University of Rhode Island.
“The bachelor’s of science in Marine Technology at NMC is directly focused on developing the global workforce in support of the new blue economy. Our program is unique in that it provides the applied skills and competencies directly required by businesses and industries,” said Hans Van Sumeren, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute. “NMC BSMT graduates work throughout the Great Lakes, United States, and around the world. They are highly competitive in the job market and bring a diverse set of skills to their employers.”
NMC’s bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology offers students the opportunity to gain technical skills and competencies leading toward a better understanding of the world’s dynamic water resources. Graduates of the program have 100-percent employment in the marine industry. (Read about one successful student here.) Associate degrees in Engineering Technology-Marine and Freshwater Studies are also available. Find out more at nmc.edu/marine-tech.
Release date: February 2, 2022
For more information:
Hans Van Sumeren
Director, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute
(231) 995-1793
hvansumeren@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-discriminationBe Our Valentine – create cards for local heroes Feb. 8, 9
Join the NMC Student Success coaches in the West Hall Innovation Center lobby Tuesday, Feb. 8 and Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to decorate Valentines for local heroes. Supplies will be available to create a card for local healthcare workers, nursing home or rehabilitation residents.
Not able to complete a card on campus? We will also have to-go packs available for students to decorate later and drop off in the Student Success Center.
Lunch & Learns: Prep for the NMC Career Fair
Join Employment Readiness Specialist Lisa Baldyga to prepare for the upcoming NMC Career Fair. Sponsored by the Experiential Learning Institute and Northwest Michigan Works, these events will help make sure you make the best impression while looking for that next opportunity.
- Tuesday, Feb. 22, 12:30 p.m., Lunch & Learn: How to Prepare for a Career Fair
- Available face-to-face and virtually
- Thursday, Feb. 24, 12:30 p.m., Lunch & Learn: Resume Workshop
- Available face-to-face and virtually
- Tuesday, March 1, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 2–3:30 p.m.: Career Fair Prep: Open Office Hours with Lisa Baldyga, West Hall Experiential Learning Institute (ELI) Office
Register here!
Welcome to Tech Bytes!
Check out these quick posts and videos that keep you up-to-date on technology.
Take a look at the following videos to get help with the Technology Help Desk, Moodle Forums and Zoom.
Career Fair open to students and community
NOTE: Updated March 1 to note that face masks are now recommended rather than required.
TRAVERSE CITY — Employers are invited to register for Northwestern Michigan College’s 16th annual Career Fair, to be held March 3 at the Hagerty Center on the Great Lakes Campus.
Held in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest, the Career Fair runs from 2–6 p.m. Employers will have the opportunity to recruit job-seekers for career-track, seasonal and entry-level positions as well as internships and service learning.
The event is open to students, NMC alumni and community members. Employer registration is $25 and available online. Due to COVID-19, participants are limited and face masks are recommended at the event.
To register or for more information, visit nmc.edu/career-fair.
Release date: JANUARY 27, 2022
For more information:
Katie Sommer-Ford
NMC Advising Center
ksommer@nmc.edu
231-995-1040
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-discriminationCareer Fair open to students and community
NOTE: Updated March 1 to note that face masks are now recommended rather than required.
TRAVERSE CITY — Employers are invited to register for Northwestern Michigan College’s 16th annual Career Fair, to be held March 3 at the Hagerty Center on the Great Lakes Campus.
Held in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest, the Career Fair runs from 2–6 p.m. Employers will have the opportunity to recruit job-seekers for career-track, seasonal and entry-level positions as well as internships and service learning.
The event is open to students, NMC alumni and community members. Employer registration is $25 and available online. Due to COVID-19, participants are limited and face masks are recommended at the event.
To register or for more information, visit nmc.edu/career-fair.
Release date: JANUARY 27, 2022
For more information:
Katie Sommer-Ford
NMC Advising Center
ksommer@nmc.edu
231-995-1040
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-discriminationSuccess Story: Five strategic areas to guide college’s priorities
January 26, 2022
If a strategic plan is a roadmap, where will NMC Next take the college? Following unanimous approval by NMC’s Board of Trustees Monday, imagine the impact on the Grand Traverse region:
View/download the brochure »Residents who want to upskill or change careers are reaching their goals faster with accelerated programs, more online options and expanded credential choices. By engaging with hands-on, real-world problem solving, they’re also having a richer experience and becoming independent, self-directed learners, skills they’ll bring into the workforce.
In the most diverse era ever, the college is a model for diversity, equity and inclusion, exemplifying how other regional employers can attract talent and serve customers. Mutually beneficial partnerships, like the ones nursing enjoys with Munson Medical Center, and culinary with the region’s hospitality industry, are visible on multiple campuses. Taxpayers will report even higher levels of satisfaction with “our community’s college.”
All of those are among the plan’s 24 objectives and action items, which fall under five strategic goal areas:
- Future-focused education
- Student engagement and success
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Community partnership and engagement
- Institutional distinction and sustainability
Progress will be measured and made available through trackers for each area at nmc.edu/strategic-plan.
The vote is the culmination of NMC’s most comprehensive strategic planning process in decades, which began in February 2021 and drew input across all college constituencies. From community to students and trustees to faculty and staff, more than 1,000 participants provided input to the process, including answering surveys, participating in focus groups and feedback sessions and serving on the work team or steering committee.
“The voices and critical insights of the entire NMC community are central to the success of NMC Next, and I’m so gratified by how generously our many stakeholders have shared their time and talents,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “This data-driven plan positions us to meet the needs of the region, be a community college leader, yet also agile enough to adapt to changing conditions in higher education.”
College’s strategic plan, NMC Next, approved
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new strategic plan, NMC Next, which will guide the college through 2025 at its regular meeting Monday.
The vote is the culmination of NMC’s most comprehensive strategic planning process in decades, which began in February 2021 and drew input across all college constituencies. From community to students and trustees to faculty and staff, more than 1,000 participants provided input to the process, including answering surveys, participating in focus groups and feedback sessions and serving on the work team or steering committee.
“The voices and critical insights of the entire NMC community are central to the success of NMC Next, and I’m so gratified by how generously our many stakeholders have shared their time and talents,” said President Nick Nissley. “This data-driven plan positions us to meet the needs of the region, be a community college leader, yet also agile enough to adapt to changing conditions in higher education.”
The college now will begin to measure progress on the plan’s 24 objectives and action items, which fall under five strategic goal areas:
- Future-focused education
- Student engagement and success
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Community partnership and engagement
- Institutional distinction and sustainability
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Jason Slade will oversee the plan implementation. The college has already achieved one objective with the hiring of Marcus Bennett as special assistant to the president for diversity, equity and inclusion. Each area will see activity this year, involving the whole college, Slade said.
“We’ll need everybody’s help in getting to those goals,” he said, which will help keep NMC at the forefront of higher education.
The college will also hold itself publicly accountable by maintaining online progress trackers in each area, at nmc.edu/strategic-plan.
Release date: JANUARY 25, 2022
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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-discriminationTrustees elect new officers
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College trustees on Wednesday elected new officers for 2022.
Rachel A. Johnson was elected chair, Laura J. Oblinger vice chair, Kenneth E. Warner treasurer and Andrew K. Robitshek secretary.
Johnson was originally appointed to the Board November 14, 2016, to fill a vacancy. In November 2018, she was re-elected to serve the remainder of the vacancy term and in November 2020 was elected to serve a six-year term expiring in 2026.
Release date: JANUARY 19, 2022
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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-discriminationTrustees elect new officers
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College trustees on Wednesday elected new officers for 2022.
Rachel A. Johnson was elected chair, Laura J. Oblinger vice chair, Kenneth E. Warner treasurer and Andrew K. Robitshek secretary.
Johnson was originally appointed to the Board November 14, 2016, to fill a vacancy. In November 2018, she was re-elected to serve the remainder of the vacancy term and in November 2020 was elected to serve a six-year term expiring in 2026.
Release date: JANUARY 19, 2022
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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-discriminationCOVID-19: Keeping safe this semester
Good afternoon NMC students,
Welcome to the spring semester! Whether you are a new or returning student, please review NMC’s COVID-19 safety precautions. Our goals remain the same as they have since the pandemic began in March 2020: Keep our campus community safe while limiting the disruption to learning.
Masks:
- NMC’s requirement that everyone wear face masks while indoors on campus continues. We highly recommend using N-95 or KN-95 respirators.
- N-95 or KN-95 respirators are available for the campus community at the following designated locations during regular business hours:
- Main Campus – Health Services (LB106)
- Aero Park Campus – Parsons-Stulen Welcome Desk (PS104)
- Great Lakes Campus – GLMA front desk or GLCI faculty suite
- University Center – Extended Educational Services suite (main entrance)
- Surgical masks are provided at the entrances to all buildings and signage also informs students, faculty and staff and visitors.
- This video shows how to properly wear a face mask and other simple COVID precautions.
Cases on campus reporting:
- As announced in December, cases on campus will be reported via the dashboard, not campuswide emails. Links to the dashboard are on the home page, MyNMC page (top left corner) and in every issue of the emailed Student News.
- Flow charts for what to do if you test positive have been updated with the newest CDC-recommended quarantine criteria (generally, reduced from 10 to 5 days.) The chart is available on the MyNMC page (top left corner) and on NMC’s COVID hub page.
- NMC will monitor cases on campus and take further action as necessary, such as the temporary shift to online learning.
Vaccination and testing:
Vaccines remain the best protection against COVID-19, especially against severe illness. Vaccines are widely available for ages 5 and up.
- NMC will host a free vaccination clinic from 1-4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24 in the Innovation Center. Visit vaccines.gov to find other locations.
- Every home in the U.S. may order four free at-home tests. Tests are shipped by the U.S. Postal Service and may be ordered online.
- Testing is available by appointment from NMC Health Services if you are having symptoms or were exposed AT NMC. Call (231) 995-1255. Find other testing locations here (scroll to get tested if you have symptoms.)
Other resources:
- Updated 1/6/22 with the latest CDC guidance:
nmc.edu/covid19 is NMC’s hub for all COVID information. Please use the feedback form found there if you have questions.
The health and safety of everyone on campus requires everyone to do their part. We wish you the best this semester.
—
NMC Public Relations
Free COVID-19 tests now available for order
Free at-home COVID-19 tests can now be ordered thorough the U.S. Postal Service at this address – special.usps.com/testkits.
U.S. households can each order one set of four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests, and the orders will start shipping in late January.
Trustee meetings will be livestreamed beginning Jan. 24
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will begin livestreaming its regular meetings on the college’s YouTube channel beginning with this month’s Jan. 24 meeting.
The board unanimously approved adding the livestreaming option at its December 20, 2021 meeting with the goal of increasing transparency, accessibility and convenience. Participants wanting to make public comment may do so in-person at the meeting. Video of the meetings will continue to be posted to the college’s YouTube channel after the meetings.
The board usually meets the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The 2022 calendar is available here.
Release date: January 14, 2022
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019