The Rajkovich Physical Education Building is open to all NMC students, staff and faculty members on Mondays and Thursdays from 7-10 p.m.
The gym has equipment for a variety of activities such as :
Bring your fellow friends and colleagues!
For questions, please contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu, C.J. Schneider at cschneider@nmc.edu or Isaac Dedenbach at idedebanch@nmc.edu.
Share the love by exchanging valentines! All are welcome to participate though a valentine must be provided for everyone else who is participating.
Sign up by Feb. 1. Valentines must be ready to drop off by 5 p.m. on Feb 12.
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Entrée: fettuccine with chicken and pesto cream sauce or fettuccine with roasted vegetable and pesto cream sauce
Sides: broccoli and crostini
Entrée: chicken enchilada with peppers and onions or roasted vegetable enchilada with peppers and onions
Sides: spanish rice and beans
Entrée: sweet & sour pork stir fry w/ jasmine rice
Sides: egg roll
Entrée: potato gnocchi with Italian sausage and alfredo sauce or potato gnocchi with alfredo sauce
Sides: roasted vegetables and garlic bread
Entrée: BBQ pulled pork on brioche or BBQ pulled jackfruit on brioche
Sides: baked beans and cole slaw
Join Student Life and Student Government Association for the annual Winterfest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 6–7 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center.
Grab some delicious hot chocolate while gaining some information about different student groups, their activities, and how you can get involved in making a difference on campus. Don’t miss out on giveaways and door prizes!
ALL STUDENTS WELCOME!
Dental Assistant Program Director Beckie Wooters and student Cassidy GrayNMC’s Dental Assistant program has plenty to smile about in 2024.
From its best performance on the state Registered Dental Assistant exam in five years to renewed program accreditation to an award for director Beckie Wooters (right), the program that trains key patient care providers is looking at a bright future.
“Results like these demonstrate what we as faculty and staff already know — our students are outstanding,” Wooters said. “Dental patients all over northern Michigan can feel great about the care our graduates are providing.”
All 13 of the NMC program’s 2023 graduates passed both the written and clinical portions of Michigan’s Registered Dental Assistant examination. That easily topped the statewide pass rate (83% passed written, 93% passed clinical).
In fact, for the last five years, NMC dental assistant graduates have performed above the state average. 2023’s 100-percent pass rate exceeded their past best performance (93% written, 95% clinical) in 2020.
One of those graduates is Judy O’Donnell (right). The Kalkaska resident, 39, completed the program in just a year while working and raising her kids. Her new career offers a family-friendly schedule and the hands-on work she enjoys.
“I would recommend the program to anyone,” said O’Donnell, who also paid for her education through Michigan Reconnect, a scholarship offering free tuition to adults over 21 who don’t already have a college degree. NMC’s friendly, helpful instructors and being close and convenient to her home were the best parts of the program.
“The instructors were really, really good. They really helped us with everything and if we were struggling with something, they made time to help us,” she said.
O’Donnell isn’t the only one who thinks highly of the program. Following a December site visit by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, NMC’s program accreditation for the next seven years is expected to be finalized in February. The site team’s verdict of “no recommendations” means NMC is performing at the highest level.
In addition, earlier this month Wooters was selected as the 2024 Allied Dental Professional Educator by the Michigan Dental Association. She was selected for NMC’s partnership with Bay Mills Community College, which seeks to enroll students from the tribal college in the U.P. at NMC in order to increase access to dental care.
Ability to earn RDA licensure is a key advantage of NMC’s program, the furthest north among six accredited dental assistant programs in Michigan.
“With a registered dental assistant, a dentist can see about 60 percent more patients. They can do more clinical procedures under the dentist’s supervision,” said Dr. Jessica Rickert, a now-retired Traverse City area dentist who hired NMC graduates in her practice.
Rickert is also the first female Native American dentist in the United States, and remains the only one in Michigan. She now consults with insurer Delta Dental of Michigan and leads Anishinaabe Dental Outreach, whose goal is to improve dental health in Native communities. She saw an opportunity to connect NMC and Bay Mills to better serve the Upper Peninsula, where the shortage of dental professionals is especially acute.
“The scarcity of timely dental care is causing serious hardship,” Rickert said of the U.P. “They have a wonderful program at NMC.”
Find out more about the program at nmc.edu/dental.
TRAVERSE CITY — The Board of Trustees of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is beginning the process of replacing Vice-Chair Rachel Johnson after she resigned from her position this week.
Johnson announced Monday she is stepping down from the board, citing personal reasons, but added she remains dedicated to the college.
In a letter to Board Chair Laura Oblinger, Johnson said, “I am hopeful that one day I will serve the college community again in some capacity. But in the meantime, I will forever remain in awe of NMC, its inspiring students, devoted faculty, committed staff and administration, fellow board members and donors alike- each of whom dedicate so much time, treasure and talent to the betterment of our community.”
Johnson had been a trustee since November 2016. During her tenure she served as Chair and Vice Chair, as well as a member of the Presidential Search Committee, Presidential Performance & Compensation Committee, Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Steering Committee and Foundation Board.
Trustee Oblinger said, “NMC benefited greatly from Rachel’s leadership during her time as a trustee. Her strategic thinking and collaborative approach helped guide the college to continued success during an important period of transition. Our college and community are stronger thanks to her. We wish her all the best.”
Michigan law gives the college 30 days to fill this position. 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:
Applicants should submit a letter of interest and materials explaining their qualifications for the position. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. February 6, 2024. 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.
Trustees will hold a special meeting on Monday, February 19, 2024, at 3 p.m. to fill the vacancy until the next NMC Board of Trustees election, set for November 2024. At that time, voters will choose a candidate to serve the remainder of the term held by Johnson, which expires December 31, 2026.
Additional materials are available upon request and questions may be directed to the President’s Office at Northwestern Michigan College at (231) 995-1010.
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Entrée: lasagna or vegetable lasagna
Sides: broccoli and garlic crostini
Entrée: beef or tofu tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese and chipotle ranch
Sides: Spanish rice and refried beans
Entrée: Chicken or tofu coconut curry
Sides: Jasmine rice and naan bread
Entrée: Spaghetti and meatballs with parmesan and marinara
Sides: green beans and garlic bread
Entrée: GLCI smashburger with cheese, bacon and onion straws on a brioche bun
Sides: sweet potato fries and asparagus
Free and open to students, alumni, community
TRAVERSE CITY — Employers are invited to register for Northwestern Michigan College’s 18th annual Career Fair, to be held Thursday, March 7 at the Hagerty Center on the Great Lakes Campus.
Held in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest, the Career Fair runs from 3–6 p.m. (Veterans and active military families are invited to arrive at 2 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 (waived for non-profits) and available online. Two levels of sponsorship are also available.
Green level — $300
White level — $150
To sponsor or register or for more information, visit nmc.edu/career-fair.
Katie Sommer-Ford
NMC Advising Center
ksommer@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1040
Educational Technology is hosting demonstrations from vendors to explore replacing Moodle as the Learning Management System. There will be an in-person demonstration and a virtual demonstration via Zoom for each vendor.
Wednesday, January 31, 10–11:30 a.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
Wednesday, January 31, 1:30–3 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
Friday, February 2, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 8, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting
Student input and attendance is encouraged. All attendees will have a chance to fill out an evaluation rubric.
Brandon Everest
(download high-resolution photo)
Nicole Fewins
(download high-resolution photo)
Justin Guillard
(download high-resolution photo)
Scott Powell
(download high-resolution photo)
Becca Richardson
(download high-resolution photo)
Nicole Speelman
(download high-resolution photo)TRAVERSE CITY — Six faculty and staff members have been named NMC’s recipients of the annual NISOD award for teaching excellence.
Affiliated with the University of Texas at Austin, the National Institute for Staff and Organization Development is committed to promoting and celebrating excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership at community and technical colleges.
The awards have been made since 1991. Criteria include professionalism, relationships with students and colleagues, and commitment to learning. Below are NMC’s recipients, with highlights from their nomination or recipient statement.
Brandon Everest, social sciences faculty member for 24 years and co-chair of NMC’s Experiential Learning Institute. His leadership roles reflect a commitment to promoting academic vitality, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
Nicole Fewins, business faculty member for 23 years. In response to a waiting list for her online classes, Fewins gave face-to-face students the option to attend online. She anticipates students’ needs before any issues even arise. She not only inspires her students but inspires her colleagues.
Justin Guillard, Educational Technologies staff member for eight years. Guillard endeavors to understand and troubleshoot specialty software and is responsive and easy to work with.
Scott Powell, Great Lakes Maritime Academy instructor for 22 years and 1998 GLMA alumnus. Recognized nationally for his expertise with respect to maritime education, Powell is presently pursuing a doctor of education (EdD) degree.
Becca Richardson, math faculty member for 10 years and NMC alumna. “By showing (students) the value of hard work and persistence, I can make a difference in their academic success, as well as their future success,” Richardson said.
Nicole Speelman, chemistry faculty member for six years. “I hope to inspire my students to be amazed by the chemical world around them,” Speelman said.
“Teaching is at the heart of the NMC mission,” said President Nick Nissley. “We’re proud to recognize these outstanding educators alongside their peers from around the country.”
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Entrée: Lamb gyro or falafel
Side: lemon rice
Entrée: Chicken & cheese quesadilla
Sides: Spanish rice & Mexican street corn
Entrée: Sesame or tofu stir fry
Sides: basmati rice & egg roll
Entrée: Sausage, broccolini and sun-dried tomato rigatoni
Sides: broccoli and garlic bread
Entrée: Crispy chicken w/ mac & cheese with buffalo sauce
Sides: asparagus
Do you still need to register for the spring semester? If so, NMC’s advising team is here to help!
Drop-in sessions are available on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through January 23. To connect with an advisor, stop by the NMC Advising Center in the Osterlin Building or join virtually via Zoom. If you plan to join virtually, please join the meeting using a computer to ensure the best experience. Classes are filling up fast! For more info, visit nmc.edu/advising
Can technology make you a better student? Join Alison Thornton from Technology Support Services to receive training on the Google products that available to you at NMC as well as Canva.
Monday, January 15, Noon–1 p.m. or 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Learn about all the awesome technology resources you have available to you at NMC. Plus learn Zoom at the same time, including polls, breakout rooms, reactions, and more!
Wednesday, January 17, Noon–1 p.m. or 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Come join a demonstration of how to save your files (word processing, presentations, and more) to various locations at NMC, so that you make sure they are backed up and easily accessible to Moodle.
Monday, January 22, Noon–1 p.m. or 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Google Docs is a word processing software that is easy to use and allows convenient access. It is a great resource for your academic and vocational coursework.
Wednesday, January 24, Noon–1 p.m. or 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Using Google Email and Calendar is a daily requirement at NMC. Come to this overview to make sure you know how to use the daily tools you will be required to use!
Monday, January 29, Noon–1 p.m. or 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Google Slides is free and easy-to-use presentation software. Come watch an overview of how to use this software.
Wednesday, January 31, Noon–1 p.m. or 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Canva is a free (go to canva.com to sign up for a free version) and easy to use for graphic design, documents, presentations and more! Come watch an overview of how to use fonts, colors, elements, photos, audio and video in this software. Great for graphically robust documents and presentations!
TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College kicks off its 2024 Embrace the Dream programming, a series of events marking Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month, on January 15.
Planned events include the following. A complete calendar of events, including events at other community locations, is available and will be updated at nmc.edu/embrace-the-dream.
January 15 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day:)
January 18 Free screening of Razing Liberty Square 4 p.m., Dutmers Theater inside Dennos Museum Center. Free ticketed event.
January 31 Third annual ‘Embrace the Dream’ read-aloud and craft event, 5-6:30 p.m., NMC Library
Kids in preschool through sixth grade are invited to the library, located on the second level of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, to read, craft, and receive a free book. Accompanying adults are invited to join in or find a space in the building to relax while kids read and craft. Free and open to the public.
Sunday, February 11, 1–3 p.m. Second Sunday Art Project – Embrace the Dream Get inspired by the watercolor work of Caldecott honor recipient E.B. Lewis who thoughtfully illustrates narratives of the African American experience for children’s books and create your own watercolor work. Join the fun for free with the price of Dennos Museum Center admission!
Thursday, February 22, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. A Food for the Soul buffet will be served in the Hawk Owl Café. Open to the public. $14.
Friday, February 23, 7 p.m. Straight Ahead concert in Milliken Auditorium inside the Dennos Museum Center. The Detroit-based all-female jazz ensemble has received multiple Grammy nominations and toured the world. Tickets $25-$35.
For more information visit nmc.edu/embrace-the-dream.
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
In the world of financial aid, 2024 is a little bit like the Super Bowl. And NMC Financial Aid Director Linda Berlin is the kind of confident veteran quarterback you want calling the plays.
After three years in the works, a new, simplified, shorter Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was just released Dec. 30. More than 17 million students are expected to fill it out, including several thousand at NMC.
Berlin leads the NMC team offering more than 50 years of expertise to anyone who wants help with the new FAFSA, whether they plan to attend NMC or not. And she’s unfazed by the major overhaul that Congress ordered back in 2020, the three-month delay in releasing the online form, and reports of last week’s rocky soft launch, when the form was only available intermittently.
“For the past year, we have monitored the new FAFSA rollout on a daily basis,” said Berlin, right. “We are prepared and ready to help families tackle this critical step to college affordability.”
Berlin’s team intentionally held off scheduling assistance opportunities until next week, so glitches revealed during the soft launch could be resolved. Now, just as the new FAFSA has become available 24 hours a day, go time is imminent.
Current or prospective students and families can take advantage of one-on-one assistance in person and virtually for the next seven weeks.
Financial aid staff are also available from 8 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday in the Enrollment Services office, in the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street campus. Walk-ins are served as staff is available, or appointments can be scheduled.
Two additional events are planned. Families can attend either or both.
Thursday, January 25, 4–7 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, NMC Front Street campus
Rolling repeated half-hour sessions (presentations and Q&A).
Monday, February 12, 4–7 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center at NMC’s Front Street campus
Complete your FAFSA in a computer lab setting.
Students and parents are encouraged to attend together if possible for a smoother FAFSA completion. Assistance offered includes:
At all events, everyone attending should bring:
TRAVERSE CITY — Beginning this month, support services designed specifically for neurodiverse NMC students will be offered for the first time at an on-campus center.
The pilot cohort of NMC’s Neurodiversity Support Center (NSC) consists of four students with a range of learning differences, including but not limited to anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder. Students may still apply for NSC services, which are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and expand upon what is already provided by the college’s office of Disability Support Services.
NSC Coordinator Nancy Gray said the transition from high school to college is often more difficult for neurodiverse students. In high school, disability law grants them additional support services. In college, they must self-advocate. However, challenges with communication and initiation are a hallmark of neurodiversity.
“Neurodiverse students need more than the accommodations, which address academics. They need help and support, and the supports must also meet their social and sensory needs,” Gray said.
An English faculty member, Gray proposed the NSC after spending her 2022-23 sabbatical year researching neurodiversity support services that many other colleges and universities provide A key component of the NSC, located in Scholars Hall on NMC’s Front Street campus, will be training staff to meet the specific needs of these learners. For instance, self-stimulating behaviors, also known as “stimming,” help some neurodiverse students manage emotional and environmental conditions. Yet “stimming” is often frowned upon as disruptive.
“We want to normalize it, so that it is seen as both acceptable and necessary,” Gray said. “We need to increase awareness of neurodiversity, celebrate the strengths, and design educational practices that address the specific needs of neurodiverse students.”
Services will then include:
The prevalence of neurodiversity has increased significantly worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates autism spectrum disorder occurs in 1 of every 36 U.S. children, or 2.8 percent. In 2000 the prevalence was 1 in 150. About 11 percent of children have received an ADHD diagnosis, also per the CDC. Both conditions are significantly more prevalent among boys. Anxiety prevalence is estimated at just under 10 percent. Co-occurrence of multiple conditions is also common in neurodiverse individuals.
An advisory body including neurodiverse students, NMC employees and community partners have assisted Gray in planning the NSC. For more information, visit nmc.edu/neurodiversity
Nancy Gray
Neurodiversity Support Center Coordinator
ngray@nmc.edu
(505) 501-3258 (mobile)
The Traverse City Parking Patrol will begin issuing warnings at NMC on Monday, Jan. 15 and start issuing citations for parking violations on Monday, Jan. 22. All NMC students and employees must have their 2023-2024 permits displayed then. If you haven’t received your permit, they’re available at the Campus Safety & Security office in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (#9 on the Front Street Campus map) and the Enrollment Services office on the main level of the Tanis Building (#5 on the Front Street Campus map).
The Traverse City Police Department has provided the following information on how to avoid parking tickets on campus by properly displaying your parking permit:
If you do get a ticket, payment can be made at the red drop-off payment box at the east end of the Cedar lot in front of the Health & Science Building on main campus. You can also mail the fine in to the city, or pay at the parking services office in the public parking garage at 303 E. State St. Payment information is also on each ticket.
If you have any questions about parking enforcement on campus, please call Campus Safety & Security at (231) 995-1111.