New books at the NMC library
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
Audiobooks to celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
This May, discover great literature by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors on the Libby app, accessible via the NMC Library. Libby has both audiobooks and ebooks, with a growing collection of popular fiction and nonfiction. All of the titles featured on this list are available on audiobook. Follow these instructions to download Libby and set up your account.
Barlow St. entrance to Great Lakes Campus closed beginning April 29
The primary entrance to the Great Lakes Campus at Barlow Street will be closed from April 29 through approximately May 10 as part of the Grandview Parkway reconstruction project. The Sunset Park entrance at Hope St. will remain open. Please plan accordingly and allow yourself extra time.
Have you taken the brand assessment survey?
NMC employees and students were sent a survey on Thursday to gather their perspective for a comprehensive brand assessment and strategy development project. This important work builds upon the strategic plan and facilities master plan.
Please complete this survey if you have not done so already. Your unique perspective is important as we work to shape the future of the NMC brand with students, counselors, high schools, and the Grand Traverse community. Your responses will remain confidential—none of your responses will be associated with your email, name, or other identifying information. Please check your email for more information and to access the survey.
2024 Commencement is set for May 4
TRAVERSE CITY — Commencement ceremonies for Northwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2024 will be held Saturday, May 4 in Milliken Auditorium on main campus. Three ceremonies will be held, with graduates grouped by degree or credential earned.
- 11 a.m.: Associate of Science and Arts (ASA) and Associate of General Studies degrees
- 12:30 p.m.: Non-health Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees, Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE) degrees, and certificates
- 2 p.m.: Health Occupations (nursing and dental assistant degrees), Aviation, Marine Technology and Maritime
Each ceremony will feature faculty and student speakers. Ceremonies will be streamed live at nmc.edu/video and NMC’s YouTube channel.
About 210 graduates are expected to participate in the three ceremonies. More than 640 degrees and certificates will be awarded this spring, including the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Science and Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies and Certificate of Practical Nursing. Bachelor of Science degrees in Maritime Technology and Marine Technology will also be awarded. In addition to the main ceremonies, specific events are also held for Maritime, Nursing and Police Academy graduates.
NMC will also hold its annual Honors Convocation at 4:30 p.m. May 3 at the Dennos Museum Center. The event honors student groups and student leaders, and winners of the annual academic area awards, honors scholarships, and Adult Student of the Year.
Release date: APRIL 24, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
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-discriminationBenzie voters to see NMC annexation proposition Nov. 5
TRAVERSE CITY — At the invitation of a group of Benzie County residents, Northwestern Michigan College trustees voted unanimously at their April 22 meeting to place an annexation proposition before Benzie County voters on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot.
If voters approve, Benzie County would join Grand Traverse County as part of NMC’s taxing district, paying a millage (property tax) to support college operations. In turn, residents would receive NMC’s lowest tuition rates. Benzie County is not currently part of a community college district.
NMC’s taxing district has been limited to Grand Traverse County since it was founded in 1951. The possibility of Benzie County joining the district was raised by a group of Benzie County residents in 2019. Since then NMC has held 25 listening sessions throughout the county to determine whether to move forward.
Benzie voters will see two separate ballot questions. The first will ask them to vote yes or no on the annexation. The second will ask them to vote yes or no on the millage in perpetuity. Both must pass for the annexation to take effect and the millage to be collected starting in 2025.
If approved:
- Benzie County residents could attend NMC as in-district students and pay a lower rate ($122/contact hour) than the current out-of-district rate ($261/contact hour.)
- NMC would establish a physical presence in Benzie County, envisioned to include teaching/classroom space, a computer lab and technology resources for students, meeting spaces and office space for permanent and visiting staff.
- NMC would net an additional $2.6 million/year due to the millage.
NMC’s current in-district millage rate is 2.0574. For the owner of a $200,000 home, annexation would cost $206 per year. For the owner of a $300,000 home, it would cost $309 per year. For the owner of a $400,000 home, it would cost $411 per year.
Release date: APRIL 23, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discriminationSummer community education classes open for registration
Registration is now open for all NMC Extended Education & Training summer adult classes. Community members are invited to enroll in classes ranging in topics from culinary and creative arts to Northern Naturalist, gardening, wellness, and more. New this summer are “Learn Together” classes, perfect for couples, friends, and even parents and children.
For teachers looking to earn SCECHs, and other professionals looking to upskill over the summer, hundreds of classes are available online. For organizations interested in training for their staff, customized solutions range from leadership, management, and soft skills to teamwork and technical training. To see all options visit nmc.edu/pd, or contact Elizabeth Sonnabend at esonnabend@nmc.edu for more information.
Life enrichment options include over 100 in-person classes from Culinary Date Nights and Masterclasses to the Northern Naturalist Certificate offerings, like Create Your Own Meadow. Additional classes are in fitness, wellness, art, home and hobby, music, and recreation. Field trips and day adventures that explore the local community, culture, and natural aspects of this area are available, such as Glen Lake Discovery Boat Tour.
Visit nmc.edu/ees to see all categories and class options.
Pow wow honoring graduates April 27
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Native American Student Organization will hold a traditional pow wow honoring 2024 graduates from 1–4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, on NMC’s Front Street campus.
Seven Native American students are graduating this spring. Grand entry is set for 2:30 p.m. Vendors and food will be available 1–4 p.m. The pow wow will take place under the pines on the south side of the Osterlin Building. Attendees can park in the Aspen or Cedar lots. Campus maps are available at nmc.edu/maps.
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 17, 2024
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Nathan Bootz
Native American Student Success coach
(989) 436-2411 (cell)
(231) 995-2135 (office)
nbootz@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discriminationThird annual Experiential Learning Institute Learning Symposium April 29–May 2
The 3rd annual Experiential Learning Institute Learning Symposium will celebrate learning from April 29–May 2. Throughout the event, attendees can browse poster displays and artifacts that showcase the diverse ways students engage in high-impact learning at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (TJNIC) on NMC’s Front Street Campus. The schedule also includes:
Monday, April 29:
- 12:15 p.m.: Study abroad panel with Jim Bensley and Marina Call. Pizza Included. (TJNIC, room103)
- 6:00 p.m.: EGY 105 Sustainable Building Design presentations with Charles Macphee’s students (Aero Park Laboratories, room 110A, Aero Park Campus)
Tuesday, April 30:
- 10:30 a.m.: MFG 203 Manufacturing/Engineering Processes presentations with Hollianne McHugh’s students (TJNIC, room 106/107)
- 12 p.m.: Student groups and student projects reflective table talks (TJNIC Hallways)
Wednesday, May 1:
- 1 p.m.: SOC 201 Modern Social Problems final presentations with Brandon Everest’s students (TJNIC, room 104/105)
- 3 p.m.: BUS 231 Big Little Hero Race Reflection with Kristy McDonald’s students (TJNIC, room 106/107)
Artwork created by Marcus Johnson, Morgan Reames, and Kane Williams.
Sexual assault awareness month sticker contest voting
NMC Voices is sponsoring a sticker design contest for sexual assault awareness month and want you to vote for your favorite design!
Spring textbook return and buyback
Spring textbook rentals are due back by Tuesday, May 7.
Books that have been purchased can be sold back during April 29 – May 3.
The NMC Bookstore is open Mondays–Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m and buyback is available until 30 minutes before the store closes.
Student group spotlight: Critt Happens
Critt Happens, a new, diverse and engaging student group, emerged this past fall at NMC. Spearheaded by student Eragon Byers, and overseen by Advisor Corbin Thompson, the group made a quiet entrance into the student group arena with just a handful of students. However, the Dungeons and Dragons based ensemble has quickly grown and presently holds an impressive membership number of forty-two. With its unique blend of storytelling, strategy and camaraderie, the group provides an experience that fosters belongingness and community on campus.
Critt Happens handed out dice to prospective members at the annual student group expo, Winterfest, in February.
Currently, the group is collaborating with the Maker Space to develop a dice creation event for DnD enthusiasts and has recently received a generous supply donation from local business, TC War Room. Their last event, Adventure Palooza Two, achieved a 300% increase in attendees from Adventure Palooza One earlier this year. Byers surmises their focus on inclusivity has contributed to the rapid increase in numbers. “This group strives to include as many as possible into each session, not just based on DnD level, but also ability, gender identity and more.” Byers believes the consistent meeting times and structure have also contributed to its popularity.
Fall Fest 2023 pictured left to right: Critt Happens group member, Brady Barry; group advisor Corbin Thompson; and group leader Eragon Byers.
Looking ahead, the Dungeons and Dragons group is poised to continue its pivotal role in student engagement at NMC. Their hope is that as students enjoy roleplaying in this fantasy and adventure game, that they also sharpen their critical thinking skills and solidify lasting friendships and memories from their time at NMC. Critt Happens meets twice per week both Saturday and Sunday from 6:30-11:30 p.m. in the basement of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Interested students are welcome to stop by or contact Eragon Byers at byers@mail.nmc.edu.
Do you want to see a specific student group featured? Email cknight@nmc.edu
GLMA hosts ‘open ship’ aboard State of Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s “open ship” showcasing the training ship State of Michigan from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20. The day will include:
- Self guided tours of the T/S State of Michigan
- Interaction with current maritime cadets
- An opportunity to learn more about the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, maritime careers, how to become a chef on a ship and U.S. Navy commissioning options
- Merchandise will be for sale. Cash only.
Tours will begin at the pier security gate entrance on the north side of NMC’s Great Lakes campus, 715 E. Front St. Low-heel, closed-toe, soft-soled shoes are highly recommended. The event will occur rain or shine.
Release date: April 5, 2024
For more information:
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
maritime@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1200
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-discriminationUniversity Center partner campus visits
Do you want to finish a bachelor’s after NMC but stay in the area? NMC’s University Center partners will be at the Front Street Campus throughout the spring semester on these dates:
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- Tuesday, April 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Scholar’s Hall
- Tuesday, April 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Health & Science Building
Stop by to meet representatives from Davenport University, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University and Central Michigan University and gets answers to your questions about transferring after NMC.
NMC, LSSU sign engineering transfer agreements
TRAVERSE CITY — Engineering students have four more options to complete a bachelor’s degree thanks to new articulation agreements Northwestern Michigan College has signed with Lake Superior State University.
The agreements allow students to complete an associate degree at NMC and guarantee both admission and transferability of the credits to LSSU, in Sault Ste. Marie, toward a bachelor of science degree in four specialty areas: Computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and robotics engineering.
The computer and robotics engineering pathways in particular provide students with new options for majors while beginning their education at NMC. Depending on the degree program chosen, students could spend two years at NMC, saving nearly $20,000, and two at LSSU to earn their bachelor’s. As an added benefit of the robotics engineering pathway, students can typically earn a minor in electrical or mechanical engineering within their final two years at LSSU.
“These new agreements complement our already robust transfer pathways, providing our students with greater options for majors all while enjoying guaranteed admissions and course transferability to an exceptional engineering program” said Jay Smith, engineering instructor. “Like NMC, LSSU has a student-centered approach with small class sizes and a focus on student success, which I am confident our learners will appreciate.”
LSSU engineering graduates have 100-percent job placement with a median salary of $70,000. The campus is also home to a $2 million robotics lab.
Find out more at nmc.edu/engineering.
Release date: April 1, 2024
For more information:
Jay Smith
NMC Engineering instructor
jsmith@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1270
New books at the NMC library
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
IAF Freshwater Focus programming April 17 & 18
Northwestern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum turns its focus to our freshwater resources in back-to-back events on April 17 and 18. The programs are presented by IAF in partnership with Interlochen Public Radio, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute. Both events are supported by a grant from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
Relentless Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion
Wednesday, April 17, 6–8:30 p.m.
Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center
The International Affairs Forum, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and Interlochen Public Radio present Relentless, a documentary narrated by J.K. Simmons on the deadly invasion of sea lampreys into the Great Lakes and the tenacious scientists who were determined to find a solution.
After the screening, stay for a panel discussion including:
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- T. Lindsey Haskin, Director, writer, producer of Relentless
- Jennifer Read, Ph.D., Director, University of Michigan Water Center
- Frank Ettawageshik, President, American Association on Indian Affairs
- Ellie Katz, moderator, Environment Reporter, Interlochen Public Radio
This is a free event. Space is limited. Reserve tickets at TCIAF.com.
Global Water Tension & The Great Lakes Compact
Thursday, April 18, 5:30–8 p.m. (7 p.m. ET livestream)
Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center
Peter Annin will present a keynote address on Global Water Tension & The Great Lakes Compact. Annin is the director of the Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation and the author of The Great Lakes Water Wars, the definitive work on the Great Lakes water diversion controversy. Before coming to Northland College in 2015, Peter served as a reporter at Newsweek, the associate director of the Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources, and the managing director of the University of Notre Dame’s Environmental Change Initiative. He continues to report on the Great Lakes water diversion issue and published the second edition of The Great Lakes Water Wars in the fall of 2018.
In his latest book, Purified: How Recycled Sewage Is Transforming Our Water, Annin shows that wastewater has become a surprising weapon in America’s war against water scarcity — and a potential global model for innovation.
The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and will feature freshwater-related content from event partners NMC Great Lakes Water Studies Institute & Interlochen Public Radio. GLWSI will brief reception attendees on its new associate degree in water quality environmental technology — a.k.a. the Wet Tech degree. IPR will highlight its Great Lakes reporting via its Points North podcast team. These brief “breakout” presentations will be delivered in a gallery adjacent to the museum’s sculpture court.
The keynote address will follow at 7 p.m.
Admission is $15 per person. Admission is free for all students and educators. For tickets and all event details, visit TCIAF.com.
Board of Trustees to hold special meeting April 2
TRAVERSE CITY — The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Tuesday, April 2 at 4 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Room 14 (lower level), on NMC’s main campus, to discuss the Benzie County annexation. The meeting notice is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Release date: March 28, 2024