Jan 23, 2019 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) has filed a Petition for Fact Finding with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) in an effort to advance negotiations with the NMC Faculty Association affiliates of the Michigan Education Association. The NMC Faculty Association contracts both expired December 31, 2018.
NMC filed the petition on January 17, 2019, following several bargaining sessions including a State of Michigan mediator. Progress has been made on most non-economic areas with 34 tentative agreements reached on issues including faculty evaluation, academic responsibilities and sabbaticals.
Fact Finding allows a neutral, state-appointed representative to create a non-binding report on the remaining disputes. In the Petition for Fact Finding, NMC states:
Although parties were able to reach tentative agreements on almost all outstanding issues with and without a mediator’s assistance, the parties are now at an impasse over economic issues, including wages.
Wages remain in dispute. Specifically, after offering at least three alternatives from which the Faculty could choose (each of which the faculty rejected,) the College’s last proposal at the bargaining table included the following terms:
Salary increases (with Steps) ranging from 3.2% to 17% over three years, provided faculty member advances to the next Step under the Faculty Evaluation Plan. The proposal’s overall cost to the College is $543,812.
The Faculty’s last proposal includes a 4% increase (plus Steps) each of the three years, resulting in an increase of between 12.49% and 25.50% for Faculty over three years. The overall cost of this proposal to the College is $1.2 million.
“It is important for the long term success of this college, and its learners, that we have a system in place that is equitable and allows us to attract and retain talented employees,” said Vice President of Finance and Administration Vicki Cook. “The College’s proposal is based on state and national benchmarks and provides higher starting salaries in order to be more competitive for new hires. Throughout this process NMC administration has been dedicated to negotiating in good faith at the bargaining table. We will continue to do that while we look forward to the Fact Finding report.”
NMC Faculty Facts
- Total faculty: 85
- Faculty at step 20 (highest step): 32 salary $87,379
- Median salary for faculty: $75,519
- Most new faculty average starting salary: $53,000
- Average benefit costs: 39%
- Median costs for faculty with benefits: $104,971
- Cost for faculty at step 20 with health and retirement: $129,352
- Faculty receive additional pay for summer work or work over standard hours
Key Negotiation Dates
- August 5, 2018, NMC administration requests dates to begin negotiations
- August 7 NMC administration sends second request for dates to begin negotiations
- September 11 Faculty Association offers meeting dates
- September 19 negotiations begin
- 2018 Meetings held
- October 5, 12, 19, 26
- November 9, 16, 30
- December 6, 7, 10, 14
- Meetings with mediator December 17, 20
- November 15 Faculty Association requests mediation
- December 31, 2018 contracts expired
- 2019 Meetings
- January 2 (with mediator), 11
- January 17 NMC administration requests fact finding
- Negotiations scheduled
For more information on the contract negotiations please go to nmc.edu/contracts.
RELEASE DATE: January 23, 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing & 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
Jan 22, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Enrollment Services at Northwestern Michigan College will offer a Financial Aid Fair for prospective college students, parents, alumni, and current NMC students from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13 in the Osterlin Library.
There will be half-hour workshop sessions and time for students to meet individually with a financial aid representative. Snacks will be included!
Sign up for half-hour workshop sessions at nmc.edu/financial-aid. Walk-ins are also welcome.
- Counting the Cost of College – comparing schools (4–4:30 p.m., 5:30–6 p.m.)
- Waivers and scholarships for Native American Students (4–4:30 p.m., 5:30–6 p.m.)
- Types of Financial Aid (4:30-5 p.m., 6-6:30 p.m.)
- How to Find and Apply for Scholarships (5–5:30 p.m., 6:30–7 p.m.)
Before or after the workshops, get one-on-one help with:
- Completing the FAFSA by the March 1 State deadline
- Applying for Scholarships
- Completing financial aid requirements (for current NMC students)
- Comparing award letters
- Student loan counseling
ReLEASE DATE: January 23, 2019
For more information:
NMC Enrollment Services
(231) 995-1035
sfs@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
Jan 21, 2019 | Announcements & News, Intercom
Faculty are invited to attend the 2019 MCO Faculty Conversations Series. Each session allows featured faculty to provide an overview of how they are using OER in their classrooms, what they are using, adjustments they made, challenges and opportunities along with a question and answer time. They are held on the Zoom platform and last one hour (noon to 1:00 p.m.).
Register for your preferred session below:
- January 28, 2019: Economics Featuring Christian Nelson from Bay College
- January 29, 2019: Public Speaking Featuring Claire Sparklin from Washtenaw Community College
- January 30, 2019: Abnormal Psychology Featuring Susan Harvey from Delta College
- January 31, 2019: Calculus I & II Featuring Matt Boelkins form Grand Valley State University and Larry David from Washtenaw Community College
- February 1, 2019: Physics Featuring Rod Price from Kellogg Community College
- February 4, 2019: Sociology Featuring Jean Ramirez and Aliza Robison from Lansing Community College
- February 5, 2019: Social Work Featuring Lisa Blackford from Northwestern Michigan College
Jan 21, 2019 | Emergency Management, Intercom
Natural gas is a colorless, odorless, and combustible gas consisting primarily of methane. For safety and detection, there is an unpleasant odorant called mercaptan (smells like rotten eggs) to the natural gas traveling through most of the pipelines. Propane is a gas compressed into a transportable liquid and stored in tanks. The odorant mercaptan is also added to propane. (more…)
Jan 21, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Student organizers of the fifth annual Big Little Hero Race are seeking nominations for the Local Hero Award.
Local Heros are individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to children, mentorship and community. The winner leads the fun run, receives a gift, is celebrated in the media and is honored at the award ceremony of the Big Little Hero Race, a spring semester experiential learning project organized by NMC business students to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Northwestern Michigan. Since its inception, the race has raised more than $80,000.
Past Local Heroes include Tony Anderson, a marathon runner whose runs also benefit BBBS, Blair Elementary School staff and a memorial award to the late NMC instructor Sonja Olshove.
The public may nominate on the race Facebook page, NMC Business Students for BBBS, or email Kmcdonald@nmc.edu. Nominations are due by Feb. 15.
The 2019 Big Little Hero Race is April 13, 2019 on NMC’s main campus and offers a free one-mile fun run/walk and a 5K and 10K timed race. Registration is now open at early bird prices.
Release date: january 21, 2019
For more information:
Kristy McDonald
NMC instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
Hailey Ardelean
NMC student
hardelean@nmc.edu
(231) 632-1715
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
Jan 18, 2019 | HR Corner, Intercom
KUDOS- (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com
Submit a Kudos here. (more…)
Jan 18, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
NMC Magazine is seeking submissions for art and writing for our upcoming spring issue!
NMC Magazine challenges students, staff, faculty, and alumni to submit writing or art that tells a condensed story. Specific guidelines for submissions are:
Fiction/Nonfiction: 600 word limit
Poetry/Lyrics: 20 line limit
Artistic Works: Grayscale only
Submitted works can include art, design, essay, fiction, illustration, nonfiction, photography, poetry, sculpture, music, and more.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 22.
Send in your submission* to nmcmag@mail.nmc.edu. Hard copies can be delivered to Fine Arts (attn: Caroline Schaefer-Hills) or Scholars Hall 214 (attn: Alissia Lingaur). Visit the Submission Info page at nmc.edu/nmcmagazine to complete a submission form with each entry.
*Submissions unaccompanied by completed submission forms will not be considered for publication.
Jan 18, 2019 | HR Corner, Intercom
If you receive medical benefits from Blue Cross under NMC’s plan you likely received a letter last week regarding the Physician Qualification Form. The letter has raised many questions and concerns. The HR department has contacted Blue Cross and they will prepare a communication to clarify the intention and specifics behind the letter sometime this week. HR will share the communication when available.
One note to share now is that you are not obligated to participate, nor will you have any changes to your coverage for not completing the Physician Qualification Form. This is intended to be a voluntary part of our Wellness program, and replace the packets you have received in the past.
Please stay tuned for more information and reach out to Hollie DeWalt in HR with any questions.
Jan 18, 2019 | HR Corner, Intercom
National Wear Red Day to support women’s health- FRIDAY- FEBRUARY 1, 2019
Sponsored by the American Heart Association- click here for more information.
January Wellness Newsletter– click here
New Year- New You message from Well Being Coordinator Marissa Jarrett- click here
January Wellness Break on Monday- Jan 28
Core Workout- Join Marissa for 15 minutes of core stimulation. Weak core muscles can lead to more fatigue, less endurance and injuries. Learn to interact with all the muscles that control your waistline and improve your posture.
- Be prepared for floor activity
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Bring a water bottle
10 a.m.- University Center 106
Noon- Les Biederman 208
2:15 p.m.- Great Lakes 103
3 p.m.- Parsons Stulen 112
Would you like to be added to a Wellness email distribution list? Marissa often has wellness resources she would like to share with employees, but we realize not everyone wants extra email! If you would like to be added to the list, simply email Hollie at hdewalt@nmc.edu and ask to be added.
Jan 18, 2019 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Jan 18, 2019 | HR Corner, Intercom
Are you looking for career opportunities? Find them here! jobs.nmc.edu. (more…)
Jan 18, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
January 16, 2019
NMC’s board of trustees: Front row: Rachel A. Johnson, Jane T. McNabb; middle row: K. Ross Childs, Michael Estes, Kennard R. Weaver; back row: Douglas S. Bishop, Chris M. BottFine-tuning the qualities desired in NMC’s next president with input from stakeholders, developing a presidential profile and managing the search timeline are among the immediate tasks facing Pauly Group, Inc., the presidential search consultant college trustees selected this week.
Trustees’ selection of Pauly Group, an Illinois firm with extensive experience in Michigan, was unanimous. Current NMC President Timothy J. Nelson will retire at the end of this year after assuming the office in 2001.
“Hiring a president hasn’t occurred for 19 years,” said board chairman Chris Bott, noting that only one current trustee, Ross Childs, was involved with Nelson’s hiring. “They’re a great firm to guide us through this process.
Key to the entire search will be creation of a profile of the desired candidate. Pauly Group will help trustees develop a process to obtain comprehensive input to that profile
“It’s important we don’t do this in a vacuum and alone,” Bott said. “We truly want input from all the stakeholders — faculty, administration, staff, students, community members, alumni, Foundation.”
Trustees cited the depth of Pauly Group’s experience in Michigan as among the factors that set the Springfield, Ill.-based company apart from three other finalists interviewed last week. In its references, Pauly Group cited the placements of the current presidents of North Central Michigan College in Petoskey (2018), Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor (2017) and Mott Community College in Flint (2014).
The search, which is expected to take about six months, comes on top of an already-busy year for the college and Nelson. During his final year leading NMC he has identified the following areas as some of his priorities:
- Completion of the West Hall Innovation Center. Follow updates here.
- Securing key leadership positions including the Dennos Museum Center and Great Lakes Culinary Institute
- Implementation of tools for assessing and analyzing student success initiatives
- Successful completion of accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Progressing with Experiential Learning initiatives
- Expanding alternate revenue streams including professional learning and fundraising
Jan 18, 2019 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
(Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the Osterlin Library.
GT Band distributes more than $873K
Ticker, Jan. 18
The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute’s role in the ROV industry
Underwater Magazine, Jan-Feb. issue
Presidential search firm chosen
Record-Eagle, Jan. 16
Ticker, Jan. 16
Middle school students from Japan exploring Traverse City
UpNorthLive, Jan. 16
NMC offers new degree in surveying
Geospatial World, Jan. 14
EIN Technology Today, Jan. 14
Adapted in TC
Instructor Susan Odgers column on living with disability, Record-Eagle, Jan. 13
Jan 17, 2019 | Intercom, Welcome to NMC
Please join us in welcoming these new additions to our NMC staff, and congratulating current NMC staff on their new positions!
(more…)
Jan 17, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
The library has purchased many new books so far this year. You can view a handful here along with partial descriptions or go here to see the full listing. These books are on display in the library’s lobby.
(more…)
Jan 17, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The International Affairs Forum at NMC kicks off the second half of its 2018-19 season with the sixth annual Academic WorldQuest competition, followed by a robust lineup of guest lecturers speaking on timely topics.
- Thursday, February 7: Academic WorldQuest competition
Seventeen teams from eight area high schools compete in a quiz competition on international affiars. Championship team will represent northern Michigan at the national AWQ competition in Washington D.C. Noon-3:30 p.m., Hagerty Center. Free.
- Thursday, February 21: Trashing the Planet: Mountains of Garbage with no Place to Go. Speaker J.D. Lindeberg, President, Recycling Resources Systems
America generates a third of the world’s waste but in the wake of new Chinese tariffs on recycled materials and refusal to take “contaminated” materials, it is estimated that by 2030 the U.S. will have 100 million tons of recycling waste with no place to go. 6 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $15.
- Thursday, March 21: Reinventing Our Cities: The Impact of Autonomous Vehicles. Speaker Samuel Kling, PhD, Global Cities Fellow
Cities and towns are about to radically change as new mobility technologies take to our streets and sidewalks. What can history tell us about the transportation challenges of the future? 6 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $15.
- Wednesday, April 3: NASA’s Journey of Discovery: The Future of Space Exploration. Speaker Charles Frank Bolden Jr.
Space has been transformed from a government-only, high-risk political effort to a business full of new challenges and opportunities, including some in Traverse City. During his 14 years as an astronaut, Bolden logged more than 680 hours in space during four Space Shuttle missions. 6 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $15.
- Thursday, April 18: Trumping China: Will China’s rise come at our demise? Speaker Tom Watkins, partner/director W-A-Y American School in China.
The former Michigan state superintendent of schools, Watkins is one of Michigan’s foremost and thoughtful experts on China. He is currently based in China and has traveled there for more than 30 years. 6 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $15.
- Tuesday, April 30: World Press Freedom Day with Rami Khouri, Beirut-based journalist and international commentator
Professor of Journalism at the American University in Beirut, senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Chief Umpire of Little League Baseball in Jordan. 6 p.m., State Theatre, Traverse City. Tickets $5, free to students and educators.
- Thursday, May 16: (Latin) American First? Fixing Problem’s in America’s Backyard. Speaker Ambassador Charles Shapiro, President, World Affairs Council of Atlanta, former ambassador to Venezuela and coordinator of U.S.-Cuban Affairs
America’s southern neighbors are in political turmoil. Venezuela was once the richest country in South America. Today, its economy has collapsed and millions have fled the country. The continuing immigration crisis shows that people locked in poverty and violence will do whatever it takes to improve the lives of their children. 6 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $15.
- Thursday, June 20: Russia Against the West: Can the post-WWII Global Order Survive? Speaker Angela Stent, PhD, Director of the Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies and professor at Georgetown University
Stent’s latest book, PUTIN’S WORLD: Russia Against the West and with the Rest (to be released Feb. 2019) is the culmination of four decades devoted to understanding how Russia, and the Soviet Union before it, really works. 6 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $15.
All the Thursday lectures are live-streamed. Students and educators receive free tickets to the livestream overflow room and in Milliken as space allows. Large groups should contact the IAF in advance. For more information on all events visit www.tciaf.com.
Release date: january 17, 2019
For more information:
Karen Segal
International Affairs Forum co-chair
(231) 715-6064
karenpsegal@gmail.com
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
Jan 15, 2019 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College trustees on Monday unanimously selected Pauly Group, Inc. as their search consultant for the next NMC president.
The Springfield, Ill.-based company was among four finalist consultants that trustees interviewed in a special meeting Jan. 9. At Monday’s meeting trustees cited the depth of Pauly Group’s experience in Michigan as among the factors that set it apart.
“They had really strong experience with community colleges and in Michigan,” said board vice chair Rachel Johnson. In its references, Pauly Group cited the placements of the current presidents of North Central Michigan College in Petoskey (2018), Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor (2017) and Mott Community College in Flint (2014).
NMC will initiate a contract with Pauly Group. In its proposal, Pauly Group estimated fees for the face-to-face services trustees said they preferred at $52,000.
Current NMC President Timothy J. Nelson will retire at the end of 2019. Search updates are available at nmc.edu/transition.
Release date: January 15, 2019
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, 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
Jan 14, 2019 | Intercom, Tech Tips
Welcome to the NEW semester at Northwestern Michigan College! NMC has many systems and features available to help staff and students. The following tech tips are designed to inform you about the Google Suite, NMC Wifi, Network Drives, and Email-to-Print systems that NMC currently supports and how you can best make use of these features. Click on the link titles for more detailed information.
Google Suite
While on-site at NMC employees and staff are encouraged to use the Google Suite of online applications. Google Suite allows multiple users to access and edit documents in real time from any location with an internet connection. Considering this, Google Suite is recommended for any multi-user projects.
Collaborative Google Suite apps include the following and more…:
- Docs: Docs is an online text editor, similar to Word. It is an excellent application for writing reports, papers and other documents.
- Slides: Slides is an online Slideshow creator. Slides is similar to Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Sheets: Sheets is an online spreadsheet editor, similar to MS Excel.
- Drive: Google Drive is a file storage and sharing center where all G suite files are stored in the cloud.
- Forms: Forms is unlike the other applications on this list, it has no Microsoft counterpart. Google Forms is an easy to use submission form editor, useful for creating submission applications, questionnaires, and other polling documents. Other uses include sign-in forms, quick quizzes, and information request forms. Google Forms can be configured to output data directly to a google sheets spreadsheet.
NMC Wifi
NMC’s wireless networks allow students, staff, and visitors to access the internet from anywhere on NMC’s campus. Staff and Students are also able to access network resources, using Workspace, such as their Q, S, and N drives.
- Staff: This network is reserved for staff and faculty of NMC. This network requires a valid NMC ID and password upon connection.
- Student: Similar to the staff network, this requires a valid NMC ID and password upon connection; however, both staff and students can log in to access this network.
- Guest: This network is open to any user that would like to connect, however terms of service must be accepted before the network will connect.
Q, S, and N Network Drives
NMC has three types of networked storage available to users. All staff and students are allowed access to their personal storage drives through the Q drives.
- Q:/ Drive: This is your personal home directory.
- S:/ Drive: All staff members have access to this drive, which allows files to be shared between staff. Users are permitted access to certain shares of this drive, i.e., if a user is part of Human Resources, they would have access to all of their departmental shares. A user’s access rights are also dependent on what type of employee they are, i.e., supplemental/student employee, faculty or staff.
- N:/ Drive: Available to select staff and students that share large files over the network, sometimes called Dropboxes, operates similarly to the S drive; however, shares located within are only available to select students and staff. Students and staff that need access to shares are given access only to the specific share that is required.
Email-to-Print
All computers at NMC are set up to connect to nearby printers; however, printing may be an issue when using laptops and non-NMC devices. Because of this issue, NMC has implemented many Email-to-Print enabled printers across the campus. These devices allow a user to email a document to print. Many publicly available printers on the campus are enabled to accept emails; however, some are not.
- Orange Tag: To be sure if a printer is Email-to-Print enabled, an orange tag is placed on printers throughout the campus. Printers that support this feature are labeled on the orange tag as “Email-to-Print enabled.”
- New Email: To print to these printers merely open your email program/website, and start a new email with the document of interest as an attachment.
- Recipient: The recipient of this email will be the printer name (which is shown in bold letters and numbers on the orange printer tag) followed by an @nmc.edu email domain. For example, the printer labeled T51-KM will be accepting print jobs from the T51-KM@nmc.edu email address. (the printer address is not case sensitive)
- Document: The Email-to-Print document will print after 60-90 seconds typically.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact the Technology Help Desk via one of the following methods:
- Call 231-995-3020 – 24 hours a day/7 days a week for assistance
- Visit Tanis 51 Help Desk
- Visit Beckett 214 Help Desk and Open Lab
- Chat via Chat Here – during regular Help Desk Hours
