Michigan College Access Network is proud to announce the Michigan Equity, Courage, Hope and Opportunity Scholarship (MI ECHO), a tuition-free pathway for students who are not eligible for federal financial aid to pursue an associate degree or certificate. It is designed to serve DACA recipients, Temporary Protected Status immigrants, Special Immigrant Juveniles, and other populations who are excluded from most traditional financial aid opportunities.
The scholarship application opened today, and eligible individuals can apply via online form or paper application. Inspired by the Futures for Frontliners program, this scholarship is for individuals who currently live in Michigan, worked an essential job during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not previously earned an associate or baccalaureate degree. Full eligibility requirements and application information is available at michiganecho.org.
“We were excited to see how Gov. Whitmer’s Futures for Frontliners program changed the conversation around community college and brought in so many Michiganders who are eager to improve their economic opportunities through postsecondary education,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “We designed MI ECHO to mirror that opportunity for workers who served in essential roles throughout the pandemic, but who are unable to access federal financial aid. MI ECHO honors the hard work of these individuals while investing in our workforce and moving us closer to our state’s Sixty by 30 goal.”
The MI ECHO Scholarship is funded by private donors and philanthropic organizations. Applications may be submitted through Dec. 31, 2022, but funds are limited, so interested individuals are encouraged to apply as early as they are able. We encourage you to share this information with anyone in your networks that works with the populations the scholarship is intending to serve.
If you have questions, please contact Ana Manzano, scholarship director, at info@michiganecho.org.
The Dennos Museum Center will display an exhibition of artwork by NMC faculty starting Wednesday, Nov. 3. The exhibition by Art Department faculty members — each a dedicated educator as well as a working professional artist — is the first on campus in over five years.
The artwork, by Coreene Kreiser, Mathew McGovern, Randolph Melick, Caroline Schaefer-Hills, Leah Schroeder, Rufus Jame Snoddy, Zach Tate, Adam VanHouten and Glenn Wolff, will be on display through January 2, 2022. Learn more here.
NMC President Nick Nissley and nursing student Kendall McNitt share three simple steps on how to to keep safe and stay healthy this fall and winter: Stay home if you or another household member are sick; wear a mask indoors while at NMC; and wash your hands thoroughly and often. Learn more at nmc.edu/covid-19.
NMC President Nick Nissley and nursing student Kendall McNitt share three simple steps on how to to keep safe and stay healthy this fall and winter: Stay home if you or another household member are sick; wear a mask indoors while at NMC; and wash your hands thoroughly and often. Learn more at nmc.edu/covid-19.
Dear NMC Community — Thank you for your continued active and engaged participation in our ongoing strategic planning process. Initiated in April, the Strategic Planning Steering Committee has reached a milestone: Completion of draft mission, vision, values, and strategy statements.
Strategy direction statements were presented to the Board of Trustees at the meeting on October 25. The Office of Research, Planning and Effectiveness is now conducting a survey of all employees on the final wording of the strategic direction statements as well as the mission, vision, and values statements. Please complete the survey by Nov. 2. Students and community members will also have an opportunity to provide feedback. We will also have a series of feedback forums next week for students, employees and the community to share their thoughts on the drafts. Please watch for specific communication on these events.
The strategies will be supported by actionable objectives that will serve as the College’s focus for the next three years. We embarked on the objectives phase in a workshop joined by 50 employees Oct. 22. A second objectives workshop will be held Nov. 5.
We also now know who will be overseeing implementation of those objectives. Jason Slade has been named as our new Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and will start his new role Nov. 29. Jason rose to the top of 90 candidates in a nationwide search and we are confident we have found the individual whose strengths and experiences will position the college all for great future success.
We will continue to provide regular updates on the strategic planning process as we work toward final plan approval by the Board of Trustees. The final strategic plan document will be presented to the Board of Trustees in December and then launched to the campus community in January 2022. The voices and critical insights of the entire NMC community are central to the success of our efforts, and we value everyone’s participation as we engage in this important process. You can get updates any time at nmc.edu/strategic-planning and email any questions to strategic-planning@nmc.edu.
As the NMC strategic planning process continues, we are excited to share the draft mission, vision, values, and strategies. Please join NMC and our strategic planning partner, CampusWorks, for a virtual feedback session on Monday, Nov. 1, from 5–6:30 p.m. Students who participate will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card to express our appreciation for your engagement.
NMC has partnered with CampusWorks, a leading higher education advisory firm, to facilitate the planning process, lead discussions, and gather ideas and recommendations from campus and community workshops, forums, focus groups, and surveys to inform the plan’s measurable goals and objectives. Dr. Chrissy Coley, Portfolio Executive Leader, and Dr. Kevin David, Portfolio Director, serve as our primary consulting team members.
The final strategic plan document will be presented to the Board of Trustees in December and then launched to the campus community in January 2022. The voices and critical insights of the entire NMC community are central to the success of our efforts, and we value everyone’s participation as we engage in this important process.
I hope you are having a successful fall semester! As we head into November, I am looking forward to spending time with friends and family over a meal this Thanksgiving. To make sure we can all share in this important tradition, I am asking for your help.
Recently, instructor Kristy McDonald invited me to a business communications class to see their experiential learning project in action. These students are improving their professional communication skills, while serving the community, by organizing a project to provide 125 Thanksgiving meals to NMC students and local families who need a little extra help this year.
They believe everyone should get to experience Thanksgiving, and with our help, we can help make this come true. They are asking us – the NMC family – to join in the efforts. You can donate as an individual, or join together with your classmates or co-workers to share in the spirit of gratitude! The class is asking us to help them collect:
Mini Marshmallows (125 bags)
Cranberry Sauce (125 cans)
Red collection bins will be located on main campus at the Innovation Center, Osterlin Student Success Center and at Parsons-Stulen on the Aeropark Campus.
There are other ways you can help too! The class is looking to make an even greater impact by also raising money. All of the funds raised will go towards the 125 meals. Any additional funds raised will support the NMC Food pantry or be used towards next year’s project. Every donation will be matched up to $5,000! And you might even win a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge by donating. To give go to nmc.edu/give and follow these simple steps.
Select the amount to give.
Designate gift to “other.”
Manually enter “Food For Thought Thanksgiving Project.”
All contributors will receive a receipt.
Email the receipt to Cam Walker walke299@mail.nmc.edu to be entered to win a two-night stay at Great Wolf Lodge.
Having experienced homelessness and food insecurity in my life, I know first hand what a difference your donation can make for a family in need. I admire these students’ desire to help others this Thanksgiving. Please join me in supporting this effort. For more information, or if you have any questions, please email Mahli Braak at braakm@mail.nmc.edu.
Thank you for your help. Together we can ensure all Hawk Owls have a memorable Thanksgiving!
Nick Nissley, President
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College
TRAVERSE CITY — For the first time ever, Great Lakes researchers have a monitoring buoy on East Grand Traverse Bay, one of three placed this fall in an NMC-Michigan Technological University collaboration.
Purchased with a $48,804 grant NMC received from the Great Lakes Observing System, the buoys are placed near East Bay Park in East Bay, near Greilickville in West Bay, and near North Manitou Island in Lake Michigan.
“We have never had any measurements in East Grand Traverse Bay previously, and having three strategically placed allows comparative understanding of the three separate but connected water bodies.” said Hans Van Sumeren, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
Data available online include wind speed and direction, wave height and direction, and water temperature. Buoys will be removed in November and outfitted with webcams over the winter, which will offer users video feed of the lake surface updated every 30 minutes.
“These buoys and data will support a broader understanding of Great Lakes processes and will provide users with near real-time information,” Van Sumeren said.
NMC’ offers students the opportunity to gain skills, knowledge and understanding of the world’s dynamic water resources by earning a bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology. Graduates of the bachelor’s program have 100-percent employment in the marine industry. Associate degrees in Engineering Technology-Marine and Freshwater Studies are also available.
Release date: October 28, 2021
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-discrimination
TRAVERSE CITY — For the first time ever, Great Lakes researchers have a monitoring buoy on East Grand Traverse Bay, one of three placed this fall in an NMC-Michigan Technological University collaboration.
Purchased with a $48,804 grant NMC received from the Great Lakes Observing System, the buoys are placed near East Bay Park in East Bay, near Greilickville in West Bay, and near North Manitou Island in Lake Michigan.
“We have never had any measurements in East Grand Traverse Bay previously, and having three strategically placed allows comparative understanding of the three separate but connected water bodies.” said Hans Van Sumeren, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
Data available online include wind speed and direction, wave height and direction, and water temperature. Buoys will be removed in November and outfitted with webcams over the winter, which will offer users video feed of the lake surface updated every 30 minutes.
“These buoys and data will support a broader understanding of Great Lakes processes and will provide users with near real-time information,” Van Sumeren said.
NMC’ offers students the opportunity to gain skills, knowledge and understanding of the world’s dynamic water resources by earning a bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology. Graduates of the bachelor’s program have 100-percent employment in the marine industry. Associate degrees in Engineering Technology-Marine and Freshwater Studies are also available.
Release date: October 28, 2021
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-discrimination
After helping students to incubate two viable companies, technical area instructor Keith Kelly is seeking to build on that success by making 2022 the year that startups take a giant leap forward at NMC.
Students discuss ideas for startups at a Startup Week informational session in October.He’s leading the college’s participation in Northern Michigan Startup Week in May 2022. It’s a regionwide endeavor to teach and promote entrepreneurship, showcase local talent and develop a culture of entrepreneurship, including among high school and college students.
“We want to bring more students into the startup community,” said Kelly. By doing so, students practice experiential learning, an impactful and engaging learning style that NMC is embracing collegewide.
Startup Week will also connect students with the entrepreneurial culture growing in the greater Grand Traverse area. Kelly himself is an example of that. He’s also a program manager at 20Fathoms, a support organization for regional entrepreneurs and another Startup Week presenter.
“Innovation doesn’t just happen,” said Kelly, left. To that end, he’s now recruiting students for Startup Seminar, a for-credit spring semester course that begins in January. About a dozen students attended the first information session earlier this month. A second is set for 1 p.m. Nov. 19 in Osterlin 203. Kelly’s hoping to enroll enough students to fill out five startup teams, which will each develop an idea into a marketable product or service. The course culminates with Startup Week, and a pitch competition to win a top prize of $1,500.
Startup Seminar is the next generation of a course called Design Principles that Kelly’s taught for several years. Now-thriving local robotics companies Interactive Aerial and Hybrid Robotics both started up in that course.
Students do not have to be enrolled in the course to participate in Startup Week, nor is participation in the week limited to students. Besides the pitch competition, the week’s other events include Space Night at the Hagerty Center, a “Funding Innovation” lunch, a Startup Expo at 20Fathoms and a showcase of startups from Michigan universities. The Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center will also host the final event, TechStars, which condenses the idea of Startup Seminar to a weekend.
Startup Week will be promoted at the TC New Tech Pitch Night Nov. 2. Pitch Night is a monthly competition for entrepreneurs to win seed funding and investor attention. Hybrid Robotics won it in 2018.
Whether their idea wins or loses in May, however, it’s the startup experience, from idea conception to team formation, from the build-out to overcoming obstacles, that will benefit students down the road.
After helping students to incubate two viable companies, technical area instructor Keith Kelly is seeking to build on that success by making 2022 the year that startups take a giant leap forward at NMC.
Students discuss ideas for startups at a Startup Week informational session in October.He’s leading the college’s participation in Northern Michigan Startup Week in May 2022. It’s a regionwide endeavor to teach and promote entrepreneurship, showcase local talent and develop a culture of entrepreneurship, including among high school and college students.
“We want to bring more students into the startup community,” said Kelly. By doing so, students practice experiential learning, an impactful and engaging learning style that NMC is embracing collegewide.
Startup Week will also connect students with the entrepreneurial culture growing in the greater Grand Traverse area. Kelly himself is an example of that. He’s also a program manager at 20Fathoms, a support organization for regional entrepreneurs and another Startup Week presenter.
“Innovation doesn’t just happen,” said Kelly, left. To that end, he’s now recruiting students for Startup Seminar, a for-credit spring semester course that begins in January. About a dozen students attended the first information session earlier this month. A second is set for 1 p.m. Nov. 19 in Osterlin 203. Kelly’s hoping to enroll enough students to fill out five startup teams, which will each develop an idea into a marketable product or service. The course culminates with Startup Week, and a pitch competition to win a top prize of $1,500.
Startup Seminar is the next generation of a course called Design Principles that Kelly’s taught for several years. Now-thriving local robotics companies Interactive Aerial and Hybrid Robotics both started up in that course.
Students do not have to be enrolled in the course to participate in Startup Week, nor is participation in the week limited to students. Besides the pitch competition, the week’s other events include Space Night at the Hagerty Center, a “Funding Innovation” lunch, a Startup Expo at 20Fathoms and a showcase of startups from Michigan universities. The Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center will also host the final event, TechStars, which condenses the idea of Startup Seminar to a weekend.
Startup Week will be promoted at the TC New Tech Pitch Night Nov. 2. Pitch Night is a monthly competition for entrepreneurs to win seed funding and investor attention. Hybrid Robotics won it in 2018.
Whether their idea wins or loses in May, however, it’s the startup experience, from idea conception to team formation, from the build-out to overcoming obstacles, that will benefit students down the road.
The Health & Science Building’s first-floor 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. 2 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Some parking in the Cedar lot will be set aside for voters at those times.
Voters are asked but not required to wear masks at the polling place. Masks will be provided for people who don’t have them but would like one. Those not voting are asked to avoid the polling place during voting. (NMC’s Keep Safe plan requires that face masks be worn in all other NMC common areas, hallways and classrooms.)
The NMC Board of Trustees completed a performance evaluation of President Nick Nissley at the October 25, 2021, Board of Trustees meeting. The evaluation with President Nissley was held in closed session, pursuant to his request and in compliance with the Open Meetings Act.
The board rated President Nissley as very effective in initiating the strategic planning process, leading the college through a pandemic, and strengthening connections with the community and college stakeholders, and instructed the Presidential Performance and Compensation Committee (PPC) to negotiate an extension of his 2-year contract.
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Professional Communications students are helping local families this Thanksgiving through the eighth annual Food for Thought Thanks-for-Giving project. Due to COVID-19, students have developed alternative methods to get the community involved and limit face-to-face contact.
The students’ goal is to improve their communication skills through experiential learning and to feed 125 families this holiday season. By raising donations, the students will provide meal boxes that include a turkey and all the sides to feed a family of six. Boxes will be distributed on Monday, November 22, to 75 families selected by the NMC Food Pantry and 50 by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Community donors have the opportunity to get involved and win a two-night stay at The Great Wolf Lodge by donating $10 or more at nmc.edu/give. (Choose the amount, select “designate my gift to other,” and type in “Food For Thought.”) To be entered into the prize drawing, forward donation receipt to Cam Walker at walke299@mail.nmc.edu. A private donor has also agreed to match monetary donations up to $5,000.The students also welcome any other local businesses that would like to partner on this project.
Kristy McDonald Business Instructor (231) 995-1059 kmcdonald@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
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Professional Communications students are helping local families this Thanksgiving through the eighth annual Food for Thought Thanks-for-Giving project. Due to COVID-19, students have developed alternative methods to get the community involved and limit face-to-face contact.
The students’ goal is to improve their communication skills through experiential learning and to feed 125 families this holiday season. By raising donations, the students will provide meal boxes that include a turkey and all the sides to feed a family of six. Boxes will be distributed on Monday, November 22, to 75 families selected by the NMC Food Pantry and 50 by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Community donors have the opportunity to get involved and win a two-night stay at The Great Wolf Lodge by donating $10 or more at nmc.edu/give. (Choose the amount, select “designate my gift to other,” and type in “Food For Thought.”) To be entered into the prize drawing, forward donation receipt to Cam Walker at walke299@mail.nmc.edu. A private donor has also agreed to match monetary donations up to $5,000.The students also welcome any other local businesses that would like to partner on this project.
Kristy McDonald Business Instructor (231) 995-1059 kmcdonald@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
TRAVERSE CITY — Michael Estes has resigned from NMC’s Board of Trustees effective Oct. 17.
Estes, who was elected to the board in 2016, did not cite any reason for his resignation. During his tenure he served on the Building and Site, Barbecue, Fellows Nominating and Policy committees as well as the Foundation Board.
Michigan law requires the Board to appoint a replacement trustee within 30 days, who will fill the term until the next regular community college election. That election is in November 2022. Registered voters of Grand Traverse County are eligible to apply for the vacancy.
Commitments for the non-compensated trustee position include but are not limited to the following:
Regular board meeting, typically the fourth Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
Board study sessions and committee meetings scheduled as required
Annual Board retreat—sometimes overnight
Participation in other college functions including commencement, receptions, ceremonies, events
Travel periodically for purposes of professional development and representing the college at various state and national association meetings. Trustee travel is paid by NMC.
Applicants should submit a letter of interest and materials explaining their qualifications for the position. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. November 3, 2021. They may be submitted online, emailed to lmoritz@nmc.edu, or sent or delivered to:
Trustee Search Office of the President Northwestern Michigan College 1701 East Front Street Traverse City, MI 49686
Application materials are subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Interviews will be conducted in special public meetings according to the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Final appointment will be made by the full NMC Board of Trustees at a special meeting on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 2 p.m. at NMC’s Hagerty Center.
Additional materials are available upon request and questions may be directed to the President’s Office at Northwestern Michigan College at (231) 995-1010.
Release date: October 20, 2021
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-discrimination
Did you know that over 65 instructors have saved NMC students more than $2 million since 2015 by switching to teach their courses with open and low-cost course materials?
Registration for Spring 2022 opens this Wednesday (10/20) and you can now filter the searchable course schedule for sections that use zero-cost and low-cost (<$40) textbooks.
Please note that while every effort is made to ensure accuracy of these designations in the registration portal, they are subject to change in rare cases of schedule revisions or instructor reassignment.
The Dennos Museum Center will display an exhibition of artwork by NMC faculty starting Wednesday, Nov. 3. The exhibition by Art Department faculty members — each a dedicated educator as well as a working professional artist — is the first on campus in over five years.
“Innovation doesn’t just happen,” said Kelly, left. To that end, he’s now recruiting students for Startup Seminar, a for-credit spring semester course that begins in January. About a dozen students attended the first information session earlier this month. A second is set for 1 p.m. Nov. 19 in Osterlin 203. Kelly’s hoping to enroll enough students to fill out five startup teams, which will each develop an idea into a marketable product or service. The course culminates with Startup Week, and a pitch competition to win a top prize of $1,500.
“Innovation doesn’t just happen,” said Kelly, left. To that end, he’s now recruiting students for Startup Seminar, a for-credit spring semester course that begins in January. About a dozen students attended the first information session earlier this month. A second is set for 1 p.m. Nov. 19 in Osterlin 203. Kelly’s hoping to enroll enough students to fill out five startup teams, which will each develop an idea into a marketable product or service. The course culminates with Startup Week, and a pitch competition to win a top prize of $1,500.
The Health & Science Building’s first-floor 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. 2 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Some parking in the Cedar lot will be set aside for voters at those times.