Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees

NMC’s tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes—take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. View the Calendar of Classes.

Find EES in Scholars Hall 114C during College for Kids (June 17–August 2). Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Neuro-Inclusive Campus: Supporting Students in the Classroom & Beyond (3 SCECH)
Help us spread the word! We are opening up attendance at our Opening Conference on August 20 to our K-12 colleagues. Please share!
Embracing neurodiversity allows colleges to accommodate diversity in learning while also allowing for recognition of unique strengths—ensuring that campuses are not simply diverse, but genuinely inclusive, allowing students to thrive both academically and socially. By making small and meaningful changes, the impact becomes a cultural shift that transforms a campus into a vibrant and inclusive community that honors the whole student.
Tuesday, August 20; 12:45–4 p.m.
Public price: $99 (Employees do not need to register)

Date Night: Summer Farmers Market Photo
Tired of the same old summer salads? Craving vibrant veggie dishes that burst with fresh, local flavor? Learn how to transform farmer’s market finds into delicious plant-powered plates.
Wednesday, August 7; 6–8:30 p.m.
Employee price: $46 (public price: $175)

 

Evening Glow: Setting Sun
Capturing the setting sun in northern Michigan makes a great subject for your watercolor paintings. Learn about wet-on-wet techniques that can make your sunsets glow with color, how to create colorful dark values when painting silhouettes, and how to make your sunset paintings look cohesive from the foreground to the background. Bring home a completed watercolor painting of the beautiful summer skies.
Wed & Thurs, July 24 & 25; 6–8:30 p.m.
Employee Price: $37 (public price: $149)

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.

EES Help Desk

Media mentions for July 22, 2024

The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. 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 NMC Library.

Lt. Gov. Gilchrist announces over $6 million to four projects furthering the state’s advanced aerial mobility leadership
MEDC, July 17 (more…)

Kudos!

Kudos to Chester Kelly, Becca Richardson, Dr. Sarah Montgomery-Richards and Hannah Rodriguez. Compliments to Hannah, Sarah and Becca for their outstanding work in the first session of Adult College Edge, hosted June 3rd to June 28th at the Innovation Center. For some adult students, going back to college can be a challenge. This team implemented a successful program helping their students get an extra edge in math, English and college success before their first semester started. In support of the initiative, Chester was there for every in-person session providing math tutoring services and helping all of the program completers to pass the course.

Kudos to Tait Ricks. On July 8th for most of the afternoon, Tait Ricks, College Completion Coach through the Michigan College Access Network and part of NMC’s Student Success Coaching Team could be found out in the Success Center working one on one with a student having a difficult time. She worked patiently with the student, helping him to make a success plan to complete his accelerated summer class. She listened as he shared his story and the things that were becoming barriers to his success and identified solutions that would help. Tait’s kind and caring approach to this student’s struggle was commendable. Thank you for taking the extra time to help a student in need!


Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!

Welcome our newest hires

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Rosali Collier – Staff – Student Success Office Manager
    • Justin Rabish – Supplemental – GLMA Assistant Engineer

Thousands in Benzie County would be eligible for free community college tuition under new state budget

TRAVERSE CITY — More than 6,000 Benzie County residents would be eligible for free community college tuition and fees under the Michigan Reconnect program in the new state budget if county residents vote to join the Northwestern Michigan College district on the Tuesday, Nov. 5 ballot.

Under the state’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year, 6,200 Benzie County residents ages 25 to 54 who do not have an associate or bachelor’s degree will be eligible for a free community college education if voters adopt the proposals on the November ballot. Additionally, under Michigan’s proposed Community College Guarantee, recent Benzie County high school graduates have access to fully covered in-district community college tuition and fees with approval of the ballot proposal in November.

“A solid community college education provides the foundation for success and good-paying and rewarding careers, including jobs in the skilled trades,” said Nick Nissley, Northwestern Michigan College president. “These state programs will create access for thousands of Benzie County residents to take advantage of this unique educational opportunity. We applaud leaders in Lansing for their leadership in making community college more accessible and affordable for Northern Michigan residents.”

If approved by voters on the Nov. 5 ballot, Benzie County would become part of the NMC district, making residents eligible for in-district tuition and, in some cases, free tuition, when coupled with the new state programs. In addition to free tuition, the state is providing $1,000 in financial support to students who qualify for Pell grants.

Benzie County is currently not part of the Northwestern Michigan College district, which means local residents pay more than twice the tuition rate as in-district students to attend the same classes and job training programs offered at NMC. If passed, the proposal would create a 2.033-mill property tax in Benzie County and cost owners of a home with a market value of $250,000 about $21 per month.

If passed, the NMC proposal would also provide Benzie County residents increased access to specialized certificates, associate degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs at the resident base tuition rate of $126 per credit hour, instead of paying $269 per credit hour. In addition, the proposal would invest approximately $2 million per year to establish local offices and facilities in Benzie County to increase access and offer local educational programs in Benzie County.

If passed, the proposal would also support local NMC facilities in Benzie County for students to learn and receive job training and provide services such as high-speed internet and new technology resources. The NMC Board of Trustees would be expanded to include two Benzie County residents and create a Benzie County Advisory Board made up of local residents and leaders.

For more information, visit nmc.edu/benzie.

 

Release date: July 16, 2024

For more information:

Cari Noga
NMC 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-discrimination

Student Resources Scavenger Hunt

NMC Duck Hunt posterFrom June 27 through August 7, the Student Success Center is holding a Duck Hunt Scavenger Hunt. Duck posters are hanging out at the following main campus locations:

  • Academic and Career Advising Center
  • Financial Services and Enrollment Office
  • Math and Science Center
  • Library
  • Records and Registration
  • Success Coach Amber’s Office Osterlin 145
  • Success Coach Tait’s Office Osterlin 135
  • Testing Desk
  • Tutoring Center
  • Writing & Reading Center

Your mission is to go to all of these offices, take a selfie with the posters and email them to tricks@nmc.edu. Each photo submitted will be one entry into our prize drawing. Taking a silly selfie with the poster will count as two entries! Prizes range from $100 gift cards to the campus bookstore to gas gift cards and more. To end this event we will be hosting an ice cream party under the pines from 2 pm-4 pm on August 8th where we will be visited by a local ice cream truck. Those that participate in the Duck Hunt can have ice cream on us and will have the chance to collect any prizes they have won!

We can’t wait to receive your selfies this summer! Happy hunting!

Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees

NMC’s tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes—take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. View the Calendar of Classes.

Find EES in Scholars Hall 114C during College for Kids (June 17–August 2). Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Neuro-Inclusive Campus: Supporting Students in the Classroom & Beyond (3 SCECH)
Help us spread the word! We are opening up attendance at our Opening Conference on August 20 to our K-12 colleagues. Please share!
Embracing neurodiversity allows colleges to accommodate diversity in learning while also allowing for recognition of unique strengths—ensuring that campuses are not simply diverse, but genuinely inclusive, allowing students to thrive both academically and socially. By making small and meaningful changes, the impact becomes a cultural shift that transforms a campus into a vibrant and inclusive community that honors the whole student.
Tuesday, August 20; 12:45–4 p.m.
Public price: $99 (Employees do not need to register)

 

Date Night: Sauce It Up
Tired of the same old meals? Unlock a world of flavor with the power of homemade sauces! This course isn’t just about eating healthy; it’s about creating vibrant, delicious plant-based dishes that will wow your family and friends (and maybe even yourself!).
Tuesday, July 30; 6–8:30 p.m.
Employee price: $46 (public price: $175)

 

Evening Glow: Setting Sun
Capturing the setting sun in northern Michigan makes a great subject for your watercolor paintings. Learn about wet-on-wet techniques that can make your sunsets glow with color, how to create colorful dark values when painting silhouettes, and how to make your sunset paintings look cohesive from the foreground to the background. Bring home a completed watercolor painting of the beautiful summer skies.
Wed & Thurs, July 24 & 25; 6 – 8:30p
Employee Price: $37 (public price: $149)

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.

EES Help Desk

Media mentions for July 15, 2024

The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. 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 NMC Library.

Sow She Grows in Frankfort, Michigan
MyNorth, July 15 (more…)

Board of Trustees Special and Policy Committee meetings

Traverse City — The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 11 in Room 104/105 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on the Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City.

The Board of Trustees Policy Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. the same day, also in Room 104/105 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center.

Both meeting notices are available here.

For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.

 

Release date: July 9, 2024

Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees

NMC’s tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes—take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. View the Calendar of Classes.

Find EES in Scholars Hall 114C during College for Kids (June 17 – August 2). Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Botany Tour of Lost Lake BogNMC Extended Education Botany Tour of Lost Bog class
Friday, July 12; 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Employee price: $22 (public price $75)
Investigate the plants that make sphagnum bogs their homes, such as orchids, carnivorous plants, and ericaceous plants. We will discuss the unique biogeochemistry of bog ecosystems, how they form, and the special adaptations plants have made. Prepare for moderately difficult walking on uneven terrain and wet feet. Bring water, proper footwear (old closed-toe shoes or muck boots), and a magnifier.
Register here

Extended Education Date Night Social Partner DanceDate Night: Social Partner Dance
4 sessions; Thursdays, July 18–August 8; 6:15–8 p.m.
Employee price: $32 (Public price $199)
Learn to connect with a partner and be able to dance to any kind of music—to listen, co-create, trust, and become a better dancer.

Register here

date night bubbles extended educationDate Night: Bubbles
Tuesday, August 13; 6–7:30 p.m.
Employee price: $46 (Public price $149)
Enjoy a night out while learning new things and drinking great wine. Do you want to explore the world of sparkling wine, but don’t know the difference between champagne and prosecco? Learn the background of these and other wines, plus perfect your tasting technique.
Register here

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.

EES Help Desk

Tank named IAF director

Alex TankAlex Tank (download high-resolution photo)TRAVERSE CITY — Alex Tank, an International Affairs Forum staff member since 2020, has been named IAF’s new director effective July 1.

IAF’s mission is to advance understanding of the world and its critical issues through education and public dialogue. Topics during the 2023-24 season included indigenous sovereignty, international coordination of freshwater resources, China dynamics, policy cooperation on AI, the Israel-Palestine conflict, global population trends, and the struggle for victory in Ukraine.

During Tank’s tenure IAF’s programming has gained significant momentum, evolving into a fully hybrid program with viewers and supporters from several states and overseas. As a local, regional  and global program, IAF exemplifies NMC’s vision to be a global community. Specific achievements include:

  • Increased participation in Academic WorldQuest, a quiz competition on world affairs for high school students, from 65 students at 6 high schools to 93 students at 7 high schools.
  • With the support of the IAF Advisory Board membership committee, increased the number of supporting memberships 16% from 2022–23 to 2023–24.
  • Added a livestream viewing option at the Old Art Building in Leland for IAF’s flagship monthly lecture series, offered in person and online.
  • Expanded and established partnerships with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Economic Club of Traverse City, Traverse City Central and Traverse City West High Schools, Interlochen Public Radio and Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

“I am humbled and thrilled to help guide the International Affairs Forum into its fourth decade, building upon the dedication and impactful work of so many past leaders,” Tank said. “With the integral support of our volunteer advisory board, we craft content and experiences that impact students’ academic trajectories and broaden attendees’ collective knowledge base.”

Tank succeeds Jim Bensley, who was director until July 1, 2023, in addition to his role as director of International Services and Service Learning at NMC. Bensley now serves as a member of the IAF Advisory Board, representing an integral connection between IAF and NMC faculty and students.

Over the last year Tank has helped lead IAF through its 30th season with the significant support of IAF Advisory Board co-chairs Major General Mike Lehnert, USMC ret., and Stan Otto, former senior U.S. diplomat.

IAF’s 31st season of programming will begin in September 2024. The lineup of fall events and topics will be shared later this summer. Tank foresees Academic WorldQuest expanding again. He also hopes to encourage the region’s business community to engage in global affairs education through a new membership opportunity.

“We’re open to new ideas and new modes to engage our community, including a WorldQuest competition for the general public, discussion groups based around critical issues, and student-driven programming,” he said.

Find out more, including how to become a supporting member or sponsor, at tciaf.com.

 

Release date: July 8, 2024

For more information:

Cari Noga
NMC 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-discrimination

Pickleball tournament

NMC pickleball tournament

NMC Campus Life is hosting a pickleball tournament on Wednesday, July 17 from 4–6 p.m. at the basketball courts* on NMC’s Front Street Campus. Familiarity with pickleball is necessary but not required. Teams will be randomized on date of event. This tournament is open to all NMC students and employees.

 

 

If you have any questions please reach out to CJ Schneider at cschneider@nmc.edu or Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.

*In the event of inclement weather the tournament will be held in room 100 of the Rajkovich Physical Education Building (#16 on the campus map). 

Kudos!

Kudos to Christa Abdul-Karim and Robb Houston. On May 23, NMC Extended Education & Training Programmer, Dr. Christa Abdul-Karim, and NMC Science & Math Instructor, Robb Houston, led a group of 20 lifelong learners to Iceland for a 15-day geology, climate and cultural adventure. The trip was a great success, which included puffin and seal sightings, viewing an active volcanic eruption, geysers, glaciers, icebergs, waterfalls, basalt columns and black sand beaches. In addition to seeing a variety of natural wonders, student travelers learned about the history of the country, its literature (specifically about the sagas), geothermal power, farming and fishing (and fish farms!) and the culture of the Icelandic people. They bonded and grew in their love of NMC and the seemingly endless learning opportunities we collectively provide as a community college.

Kudos to Elizabeth Sonnabend and Hollianne McHugh. Hollianne McHugh and Elizabeth Sonnabend attended the LERN Contract Training virtual conference in June. Congratulations to Hollianne and Elizabeth as they both passed the Certified Contract Trainer course and exam! Elizabeth oversees Extended Education & Training’s Work and Career portfolio. Hollianne is both a Technical Instructor in Manufacturing Technology here at NMC, and a contract trainer for Extended Education & Training. This knowledge will impact their work in the field of contract training and is already shifting Extended Education’s contract training pricing model.

Kudo to Christa Abdul-Karim and Jennifer Yaple. Dr. Christa Abdul-Karim and our fantastic student worker, Jennifer Yaple, developed a new landing page for all international tours with EES. Lifelong learners can now view past tours, as well as see upcoming travel opportunities: https://nmc.augusoft.net//info/landing/travel


Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!

Welcome our newest hires

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Mark Dragovich, supplemental employee – Tech Division Lab Assistant
    • Jonah Villanueva, supplemental employee – Banquet Server
    • Brice Wise-Brown, supplemental employee – GLMA Vessels Deck Crew

College Edge session one

NMC would like to recognize the faculty and staff who helped coordinate the first session of this summer’s College Edge program, which wrapped up last Friday as well as the cohorts who completed the program. 

The first edition in summer 2023 was a resounding success, with 97 percent of students persisting from fall 2023 to spring 2024 semesters, vs. 64.7 percent among the general population. Students truly do gain an edge by participating. Two more sessions begin next week. 


Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!