Oct 8, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — FAFSA gotcha frustrated? Confused? Stuck?
NMC’s Office of Student Financial Services will offer five virtual information sessions on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, the first step to receive any kind of federal financial aid. About 80 percent of scholarships require the FAFSA as well.
Dates are Oct. 20 at 10 a.m., Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 7 at 10 a.m., Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Register online for each 30-minute session. Applicants can also schedule a one-on-one FAFSA completion appointment.
Student Financial Services will also hold two virtual scholarship workshops: Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Register online for these as well.
Release date: October 8, 2020
For more information:
Student Financial Services
sfs@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1035
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 8, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — FAFSA gotcha frustrated? Confused? Stuck?
NMC’s Office of Student Financial Services will offer five virtual information sessions on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, the first step to receive any kind of federal financial aid. About 80 percent of scholarships require the FAFSA as well.
Dates are Oct. 20 at 10 a.m., Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 7 at 10 a.m., Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Register online for each 30-minute session. Applicants can also schedule a one-on-one FAFSA completion appointment.
Student Financial Services will also hold two virtual scholarship workshops: Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Register online for these as well.
Release date: October 8, 2020
For more information:
Student Financial Services
sfs@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1035
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 6, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Good afternoon NMC community,
Thank you for your work to follow NMC’s keep safe guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of your adherence to these measures, we have had only a few cases on campus, all with minimal risk of possible exposure.
Recently, discussions and decisions around masks and other safety requirements have been at the forefront of state government. Please note that NMC continues to require masks and social distancing on its campuses. The college remains committed to student and employee safety and limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible. To meet those goals, NMC will continue to follow its Keep Safe Plan at this time.
Thank you again for your work in supporting this shared responsibility. For more information on NMC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic including resources and feedback form please visit nmc.edu/covid-19.
Oct 6, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 1,000 frontline workers have applied to NMC in the three weeks since the free tuition program was announced.
Futures for Frontliners offers free in-district tuition to community colleges to Michiganders who worked in essential industries between April 1 and June 30 but do not have a college degree. They may pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate on a full-time or part-time basis while they continue to work. NMC’s in-district tuition rates apply to Grand Traverse County residents. Those who qualify but live outside the district may still take advantage of the scholarship by paying the difference.
NMC Director of Admissions Cathryn Claerhout said 1,038 applicants had been filed as of Sept. 30. Many of those still need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, if conversion from application to enrollment conforms to NMC’s patterns (79 percent this fall) it could translate into a significant enrollment increase in January.
“We’re delighted,” Claerhout said. “There’s a huge surge we could be seeing.”
Essential industries include health care, financial services, food and agriculture, law enforcement and first responders, water and wastewater, transportation and more. NMC is also offering virtual information sessions on completing the FAFSA Oct. 20, Nov. 7 and 20 and Dec. 10. Applicants can also schedule a one-on-one FAFSA completion appointment.
Announced Sept. 10 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Futures for Frontliners has drawn more than 60,000 applicants statewide. The application period runs through December 31, 2020, with enrollment available beginning in January of 2021. Scholarship recipients may also choose to start in the summer or fall 2021 semesters.
In addition, NMC is also participating in Michigan Reconnect, another statewide program aimed at filling the state’s skills gap by helping adults over age 25 earn a degree or certificate. Beyond these two programs, NMC has more than 650 institutional scholarships available.
Claerhout said in the Grand Traverse region there are 19,000 adults over age 25 who do not have a degree. “We’ve got pockets of students, typically older students, that we have great potential (aid) for,” she said.
Those without a high school diploma or equivalency are eligible for services to help them prepare for and complete this credential and go on to a community college or job training program.
To apply and learn more about Futures for Frontliners, visit nmc.edu/frontliners.
Release date: October 6, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@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
Oct 6, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 1,000 frontline workers have applied to NMC in the three weeks since the free tuition program was announced.
Futures for Frontliners offers free in-district tuition to community colleges to Michiganders who worked in essential industries between April 1 and June 30 but do not have a college degree. They may pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate on a full-time or part-time basis while they continue to work. NMC’s in-district tuition rates apply to Grand Traverse County residents. Those who qualify but live outside the district may still take advantage of the scholarship by paying the difference.
NMC Director of Admissions Cathryn Claerhout said 1,038 applicants had been filed as of Sept. 30. Many of those still need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, if conversion from application to enrollment conforms to NMC’s patterns (79 percent this fall) it could translate into a significant enrollment increase in January.
“We’re delighted,” Claerhout said. “There’s a huge surge we could be seeing.”
Essential industries include health care, financial services, food and agriculture, law enforcement and first responders, water and wastewater, transportation and more. NMC is also offering virtual information sessions on completing the FAFSA Oct. 20, Nov. 7 and 20 and Dec. 10. Applicants can also schedule a one-on-one FAFSA completion appointment.
Announced Sept. 10 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Futures for Frontliners has drawn more than 60,000 applicants statewide. The application period runs through December 31, 2020, with enrollment available beginning in January of 2021. Scholarship recipients may also choose to start in the summer or fall 2021 semesters.
In addition, NMC is also participating in Michigan Reconnect, another statewide program aimed at filling the state’s skills gap by helping adults over age 25 earn a degree or certificate. Beyond these two programs, NMC has more than 650 institutional scholarships available.
Claerhout said in the Grand Traverse region there are 19,000 adults over age 25 who do not have a degree. “We’ve got pockets of students, typically older students, that we have great potential (aid) for,” she said.
Those without a high school diploma or equivalency are eligible for services to help them prepare for and complete this credential and go on to a community college or job training program.
To apply and learn more about Futures for Frontliners, visit nmc.edu/frontliners.
Release date: October 6, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@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
Oct 5, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The League of Women Voters – Grand Traverse Area will hold a virtual forum for the seven candidates running for the NMC Board of Trustees from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. Questions for the candidates may be submitted to info@lwvgta.org.
Links to watch the forum are available here.
Read a Q&A with the candidates here.
Sep 30, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College announces new concert programs offered virtually in coordination with the cancelation of its annual concert series for the 2020-2021 season. Due to the ongoing risks to the health and safety of performers and audiences, concert programs will remain virtual for the foreseeable future.
The Live & Local Concert Series, which began in April 2020, will continue this October with four additional programs featuring performances by and conversations with musicians from Northern Michigan and beyond. The goal of this series is to present entertaining concerts in a safe and interactive format, including both performance and Q&A sessions with each program.
The Live & Local Concert Series is supported by a grant from Art Bridges, with funds paid to every performer.
“It’s difficult for a virtual format to fully replace the energy and community of a concert hall,” says Dennos curator of education Jason Dake, “So we’re trying to promote the positive aspects of a virtual concert, mainly that audience members can ask questions and make requests as if the musician is sitting in their home.”
The Live & Local Concerts will be offered via Zoom on a “pay what you can” model, free to $15 for the one-hour performance and conversation. Tickets can be purchased by visiting dennosmuseum.org.
CONCERT LINEUP
LIVE & LOCAL WITH SETH BERNARD
Thursday, October 8, 2020 — 7:00 p.m. EST
LIVE & LOCAL WITH BLAKE ELLIOT
Thursday, October 15, 2020 — 7:00 p.m. EST
LIVE & LOCAL WITH JORDAN HAMILTON
Monday, October 19, 2020 — 7:00 p.m. EST
LIVE & LOCAL WITH BLAIR MILLER
Thursday, October 29, 2020 — 7:00 p.m. EST
Sep 30, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
September 30, 2020
Six newcomers and one incumbent are vying for three seats on NMC’s Board of Trustees this November, the largest field in 30 years. The top three vote-getters will serve six-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2021. We asked each candidate to answer two questions in 100 words or less:
- Why are you running?
- As an NMC trustee, what would your priorities be?
Below, in alphabetical order, are their responses. For those seeking further information, the Grand Traverse League of Women Voters will hold a virtual candidate forum from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, October 9. Links to watch are available here.
Vincent Cornellier: Serving as Trustee at NMC would round out a lifetime of educational experience and hopefully allow me to “pay forward “ some of the many benefits I have enjoyed along the way. While I have no specific agenda or platform, I would continue to strengthen partnerships with the business and medical community and of course do whatever I can to help maintain the outstanding record NMC has achieved in preparing students for further educational advancement.
Larry Johnson: I am running for NMC trustee to be of service to the students, faculty and staff at NMC, and to the Grand Traverse community. As an NMC trustee, my priorities would be to determine the needs of the college and how I could best serve its constituents; to help insure the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors to the campus; and to explore ways in which funds could be made available to NMC, and programs developed that continue the movement toward future growth and relevance to students needs now, and in the future.
Rachel Johnson (incumbent): I’m running for re-election because communities with healthy cradle-to-grave education opportunities have a more engaged citizenry, higher average income, and greater resiliency. That’s the kind of community I want to live in, and that’s why I am invested in NMC. My priorities:
- Promote innovative, experiential and flexible educational models.
- Prioritize industry collaboration to create innovative, technology-driven programs that fill gaps in our local workforce.
- Grow globally-relevant programs like freshwater studies that train our students for in-demand jobs and attract entrepreneurial investments to our community.
- Keep tuition affordable for local families.
- Emphasize NMC’s role in promoting diversity and understanding through our lifelong learning opportunities.
Daniel Lathrop: Did not respond. He formerly served on the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners and is a podiatrist.
Laura Oblinger: Our community college has a tremendous responsibility to our region and to our learners, and now is a pivotal moment in its history. The road ahead promises incredible things to come, and this thriving organization needs leaders at the helm — leaders with the skills, passion, and integrity to assist in its growth. I believe I am one of these leaders. I am aligned to be an amazing asset to this team. It will be my priority to support President Nissley with the governance guidance he needs as well as be a genuine advocate in our region.
James Perra: With a passion for supporting student leadership and service, alongside a comprehensive viewpoint, having been a teacher, student, and a member of professional communities in the trades, medical, professional, and academic arenas, I look forward to bringing my diverse experiences, deep skill set, and fresh ideas to the NMC board. Priorities include cultivating hands-on learning where students are treated by instructors as colleagues in training, and imparted not just technical skills, but values and cultural competencies that lead to success, and to expand NMC’s role as a cultural gem for the greater community through the Dennos Museum and arts opportunities.
Kenneth Warner: With 45 years as a U-M professor, including 15 as a department chair and School of Public Health dean, I’m motivated to run by my passion for higher education and, specifically, my deep admiration for NMC’s many contributions to our community. My top priority is to maintain an excellent, affordable education for NMC’s students, necessitating a great work environment for faculty and staff and a sustained foundation of fiscal integrity. To achieve these objectives, I would encourage even closer interaction with the business, nonprofit, and arts communities to address the region’s needs and enhance programmatic innovation, a hallmark of NMC.
Sep 29, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Good morning NMC students,
Thank you for all of your work to keep our NMC community safe during the pandemic. While the safety protocols and scheduling changes are very different than a normal fall semester, with your support we have been able to greatly limit the spread of COVID-19 on NMC’s campuses.
As we look ahead to spring semester, our goals remain the same—to keep our students and employees safe and to limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. To meet these goals we have some important updates to help you plan your spring schedule as you prepare to register for spring classes this week.
- Course format options will remain the same including, lecture, hybrid, livestream and on-demand. We have worked to refine the definitions to make it easier for you to find your best option.
- The spring semester start and end dates will remain as scheduled (unchanged).
- Spring Break will be cancelled and classes will be held March 28 – April 1.
- Friday, April 2, will remain a college holiday. NMC will be closed and there will be no classes.
- Spring semester classes will conclude Monday, April 26. Instructors may use the rest of the week to meet with their students at the faculty’s discretion.
- Grades Submission deadlines will remain as scheduled.
- The dates for events such as Honors Convocation and Commencement will remain as scheduled, but may need to be changed depending on safety protocols.
You can view the complete spring (and summer) course schedule here. Registration for both semesters begins this week.
You have done good work in limiting the spread of the coronavirus on our campuses. We believe that, by making these changes to the spring semester, we can continue to stay safe and keep learning. While we hope to not have to return to 100% virtual instruction like last spring, we are better prepared to make the shift, if necessary. We will continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19 at NMC and in our region. Limiting the spread of the virus is a shared responsibility. Thank you for doing your part. For more information regarding NMC’s response to COVID-19 visit nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Sep 28, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
In conjunction with the Marine Technology Society, NMC will host Great Lakes TechSurge: Lakebed 2030 Sept. 30–Oct. 2. This major international virtual conference brings together scientists and researchers, policy makers and government officials and industry professionals. Register for the event here and view the event schedule here.
Sep 28, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Showcasing its expertise in water issues, Northwestern Michigan College will virtually co-host two major professional water conferences in the coming weeks.
First, in conjunction with the Marine Technology Society, NMC will host Great Lakes TechSurge: Lakebed 2030 Sept. 30–Oct. 2. This major international virtual conference brings together scientists and researchers, policy makers and government officials and industry professionals.
Lakebed 2030 is an initiative led by NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute to map the Great Lakes by 2030. Institute director Hans Van Sumeren will give the opening keynote address at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 30. In addition to mapping, technology, coastline and habitat are other conference topics.
NMC offers a bachelor of science degree in Marine Technology.
NMC hosted the same conference in-person at the Great Lakes campus in 2019.
Second, the 13th Annual Freshwater Summit will be held virtually this year over four October Fridays between 10 and 11:30 a.m. each day. Themes are:
- Oct. 2 – Great Lakes water levels
- Oct. 9 – Good Harbor Bay research
- Oct.16 – Whose Water Is It? Equity Concerns with Water Access & Management
- Oct. 23 – Local initiative lightning talks. Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Program Coordinator Constanza Hazelwood will talk about NMC’s Freshwater Studies program, in which students can earn the nation’s only associate degree.
The Freshwater Summit is a product of the Freshwater Roundtable and is organized by multiple organizations including GLWSI. Registration is free.
Release date: September 28, 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
Sep 24, 2020 | Intercom, Student News, Tech Tips
Does your work flow keep getting interrupted by only having a single monitor? Would you like to get more out of your desktop?
Check out our latest Tech Tip to find out how you can boost productivity and get more out of your monitor!
Sep 24, 2020 | Student News
October 12-15
Virtual Transfer Fair – Tuesday, Oct. 13
Over 25 university representatives will provide virtual links to interactive Transfer Information Sessions throughout the day on Tuesday, October 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to talk with students about their programs and the transfer process.
Virtual Major Specific Sessions- Monday, Oct. 12, Wednesday, Oct. 14, & Thursday, Oct. 15
This year, universities will also provide virtual major specific sessions on specialty areas of transfer providing information on how to prepare to transfer as well as time for interactive Q and A. Examples are: Pre-Med, Education, and Liberal Studies.
Not able to attend during these times? Virtual College Nights may be a better option! This is another way to connect with admissions reps at schools across the state. For more information and to pre-register, contact admissions@nmc.edu.
Sep 24, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The 13th Annual Freshwater Summit will be held virtually this year over four Fridays — Oct. 2, 9, 16 and 23 — between 10 and 11:30 a.m. each day. Registration is free. Register here.
The Freshwater Summit is a product of the Freshwater Roundtable and is organized by The Watershed Center, NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, Michigan Sea Grant Extension, Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc., Inland Seas Education Association, NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, Grand Traverse Conservation District, Conservation Resource Alliance, and Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council.
Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Program Coordinator Constanza Hazelwood will talk about NMC’s Freshwater Studies program during the Oct. 23 session.
Sep 24, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s J.H Rogers Observatory will partner with the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society and host a virtual astronomical viewing session Friday, Sept. 25, celebrating Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s 50th anniversary.
Sleeping Bear Dunes has been the site of in-person “star parties” for the last 10 years. To celebrate the park’s anniversary and still observe COVID-19 restrictions on in-person gatherings, live images from the NMC Observatory’s telescope will be sent to guests via Zoom beginning at 9 p.m. (If it is cloudy, backup footage will be shown.) Astronomers will be available to answer questions.
The projection of actual live video images is an innovative approach to allowing for viewing safely through the college’s telescope by students. Applying a new low-light sensitive video camera, images normally seen through the eyepiece can be projected real-time to data projector or computer screens. The moon, bright planets, star clusters, nebulae and even faint galaxies are shown as they would appear in the eyepiece of the telescopes at the Observatory. This allows students to continue use of the telescopes at Rogers Observatory safely, as well as providing more in-depth discussions on the objects they are observing.
Work began on this concept in late spring 2020 due to the restrictions of the COVID-19. The system has been utilized for NMC’s Astronomy students beginning at the start of this Fall 2020 semester.
Release date: September 24, 2020
For more information:
Jerry Dobek,
NMC Astronomy Department
jdobek@nmc.edu
(231) 342-4545
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
Sep 23, 2020 | Student News
Good morning NMC students,
We hope you have had a good first month of the fall semester! While this fall semester is different than any we’ve experienced before, we are proud to see you work hard toward your goals. Thank you for how well you are following NMC’s safety guidelines. Since July we have had two positive and one presumed positive case of COVID-19 at NMC. This is very different from what we are seeing at some other colleges and we know it is because of your efforts. Thank you for keeping NMC safe!
Looking ahead to the rest of the fall semester please continue to:
- Wear your mask and practice social distancing while on our campuses
- If studying in a group of 2 or more please be sure to social distance and wear your masks (this includes study rooms like those in the West Hall Innovation Center)
- Eat only in designated areas, like the Hawk Owl Cafe
- Keep group sizes to 10 or fewer while inside.
To help limit the spread of the coronavirus NMC will not return for in-person classes after Thanksgiving break. Starting Thursday, November 26 all classes, meetings, testing and student services will be done virtually for the remainder of the semester. There will be no food service available. The bookstore, Health Services and the library will have limited service. Buildings will have limited access.
The Reimagining Learning Committee is currently evaluating plans for the spring semester. Course format options may be similar to the fall until more students can safely return to in-person learning. Our goal is to announce the plans by September 29.
Thank you for your work during this unusual time and your continued commitment to safety. Your NMC faculty and staff are here to help if you need it. Please reach out to your instructor or write to us here and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Sep 21, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Thank you to all who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new West Hall Innovation Center on Friday, Sept. 18, whether virtually or in person. Speakers at the event included NMC trustees Chris Bott and Ross Childs, Senator Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City and Dr. Nick Nissley, NMC President. Over 100 people attended virtually.
A photo gallery from the ceremony is available here and a video of the event is here. You can also take a virtual tour of the new 54,000-square-foot, building here.
Sep 21, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
No Appointment Necessary!
Student Health Services (Biederman Bldg., Room 106, #6 on the Main Campus Map)
- Monday, Sept. 21: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 23: 1–4 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 29: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 1: 1–3 p.m.
COST: STUDENTS, $15, NMC FACULTY & STAFF $20
(No cost if covered under NMC insurance)
Call 995-1255 with questions
NOTE! All flu clinics subject to change per current CDC and/or GT Co. Health Dept. recommendations and vaccine availability.
