May 12, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — About 50 cadets at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) will depart on the first of four training cruises Tuesday, May 18, observing coronavirus pandemic safety protocols.
The cruises will keep GLMA’s training ship, the T/S State of Michigan, at sea for five months, from May 18 to Oct. 25, providing an opportunity for 140–160 cadets to earn sea time.
“This plan will allow all cadets to accrue some sea time in 2021, and allow cadets who could not sail in 2020 due to COVID to make up for what they missed and graduate per their model schedules,” said Academy Superintendent Jerry Achenbach.
Prior to 2020, GLMA usually operated two cruises that ran between 10–12 weeks. The pandemic shortened last year’s sailing season, and it has been more difficult to find berths aboard commercial vessels. Both contributed to this year’s longer cruise season. Cadets must earn 360 days of required sea time during their four-year program.
Cadets and crew must either be vaccinated or quarantine and test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. The first four-week cruise will visit Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, the Detroit River and the St. Mary’s River.
Phase 2 departs Traverse City June 15 bound for Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, the St. Mary’s River, Lake Huron, Detroit and Lake St. Clair.
Phase 3 departs Traverse City July 21 for Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, the Detroit River, the St. Mary’s River and Lake Superior.
Phase 4 departs Traverse City Aug. 27 and will visit Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, the St. Mary’s River and Lake Superior, and returns Oct. 25.
As the state maritime academy of Michigan, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College educates and trains deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree, and an unlimited tonnage/horsepower merchant marine license. Read more about the Academy and see the cruise itinerary and map at nmc.edu/maritime.
Release Date: May 12, 2021
For more information:
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@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
May 12, 2021 | Intercom, Tech Tips
A review of our bills has turned up that we are paying long distance charges for local calls. If you dial 9+1+area code + XXX-XXXX, you are dialing long distance and this costs the college money.
So, please, if it is a local phone number (231 area code), try to dial just the 9 + seven digits first. If it does not go through then dial the 9+1+area code + XXX-XXXX.
May 11, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — As expected, the state is beginning to ease COVID-19 restrictions thanks to increasing numbers of residents receiving the vaccine. NMC is also re-evaluating and updating our COVID-19 protocols as outlined in the staged reopening plan. Following the new state timeline, the college will move to Stage 3 of our reopening plan May 24, 2021. We will continue to communicate updates with you as they are finalized.
Summer scheduled classes will continue as planned and work that can be done remotely, may continue to be done remotely. In Stage 3, employees who have been working from home, who prefer to work on-campus will be able to do so and small, in-person meetings will also be allowed. Protocols for masks and social distancing still remain.
Thank you for your commitment to safety throughout this past year, and into the future. Thank you also for your continued support and patience during this time as we have successfully faced many unknowns together. You can find more information about NMC’s response to the coronavirus and resources at nmc.edu/covid-19.
Release Date: May 11, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 10, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine? Ask an Expert.
COVID-19 has presented numerous and far-reaching challenges across our northern Michigan communities over the past year. The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine brought excitement and hope for some, but worry and concern for others. The decision to vaccinate is a personal choice and Munson Healthcare aims to ensure everyone has access to the scientific information they need to confidently make it for themselves and their family.
Please join us for a virtual town hall event, led by Munson Healthcare experts.
Thursday, May 13, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Joseph D. Santangelo, MD
This session led by Pediatrician, Dr. Joe Santangelo will review commonly asked questions and myths about the vaccine, and also address questions related to vaccinations for children 16+. Time for participants to ask questions will be provided.
Friday, May 21, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Christine Nefcy, MD, FAAP
This session, led by Dr. Christine Nefcy, Chief Medical Officer for Munson Healthcare, will review commonly asked questions and myths about the vaccine and provide time for participants to ask questions.
May 10, 2021 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
What Might NMC Of 2025 Look Like?
The Ticker, May 7 (more…)
May 10, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to the foresighted community members who envisioned and collaborated to bring the NMC University Center to northern Michigan, and to the students who have earned more than 9,000 post-bachelor’s degrees and certificates since it opened in 1995. These professionals are educators, entrepreneurs, health care providers and more. Read more at nmc.edu/uc25, and share your UC story on social media: #nmcuc25.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
May 10, 2021 | Intercom
Join us for the 40th annual NMC Scholarship Open on Thursday, August 5 at Grand Traverse Resort. This day of fun and friendly competition provides critical support for Honors, Presidential, Founders, Academic Area, and other scholarships at NMC.
Golfer fees are $225 per golfer for the public, but NMC employees and retirees will receive a special price of $200! Can’t attend this year? You can still support scholarships through a sponsorship or other donation.
Registration fees may be paid through payroll deduction. Contact the NMC Foundation at (231) 995-1021 to learn more or to register.
NMC SCHOLARSHIP OPEN REGISTRATION FORM »
2021 PAYROLL DEDUCTION FORM »
May 7, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Ulliance (Employee Assistance Program) – (800) 448-8326 – Mental Health Support
Ulliance offers free confidential support & resources including counseling, coaching and crisis support. During the month of May they are offering resources and tools to support mental well-being.
Check out the links below to help you recognize how stress visits in different areas of your life (emotional, physical and even financial), and how to take steps to manage the stress. You might even try some of the “stress busters” while on the job or at your desk.
You can do this… Start now and WATCH A RELAXATION VIDEO and set yourself on the path to better mental health!
May 7, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
May 7, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Elizabeth Sonnabend: Thank you for your presentation to the Board of Trustees about experiential learning and how you connect marketing students to real-world opportunities. Your student stories showed that you are providing meaningful educational experiences based on their life situations. It was inspiring to see the excitement, commitment, and creativity you bring to your teaching, and see the real-life connections you help our students make within their communities.
Kudos to Bryce Turner: I appreciate the simplified remote access to our shared departmental drives. Thank you! Kudos for making our work lives a bit smoother in this remote environment. While I realize that you likely made this change as a normal part of your work, it is completely appreciated.
Kudos to Craig Hadley & the Dennos Museum Center: Thank you, Craig, for teaching this impactful EES class called, “On Display: Curating 75 Years of Japanese American Incarceration (Livestream).” Understanding our history helps us to understand one another, and the EES team appreciates you sharing your expertise and knowledge with our community. Thank you to the Dennos team for collaborating with EES in the promotion of this great class.
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!
May 7, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has announced the winners of its annual Faculty Excellence awards, chosen by a student selection committee.
Lisa Balbach (download a high-resolution photo)Computer Information Technology instructor Lisa Balbach was named the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award winner. Adjunct English instructor Diane Bolton is the winner of the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award. Criteria for both awards include teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication. Of Balbach, who started teaching at NMC in 2016, students said:
“Professor Balbach provides timely, detailed feedback on assignments and always provides an opportunity to redo/update weekly assignments for resubmission, allowing us to learn from our mistakes.”
“She is incredibly thorough in explaining concepts and provides examples of real-world practical application. Projects are designed to give students practice with concepts, but also allow a great deal of latitude to connect with students’ interests.”
“I feel like she will go to the ends of the earth for her students. She’ll spend endless time with her students to make sure that each and every one succeeds.”
About Bolton, who first worked at NMC in 2009, students said:
Diane Bolton (download a high-resolution photo)“Instructor Bolton helps the students understand the material by teaching us in a way that we can relate and build from. Ms. Bolton applies what we learn in class to realistic and helpful ways that make our learning and understanding of the material significantly easier.”
“Professor Bolton also maintains an outstanding rapport with students through her communication skills. She encourages everyone to speak and express their thoughts within the class.”
“Diane Bolton schedules an individual conference with each of her students and dedicates 30 minutes purely to their own learning and progress within the class. If that isn’t dedication to student learning, then I don’t know what is.”
The Faculty Excellence award was initiated by a contribution from longtime NMC benefactors Harold and Imogene Wise in 1970 and first awarded to a full-time faculty member in 1971. The Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award was created in 1999 as a companion.
Release Date: May 7, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 6, 2021 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear NMC family,
For more than a year now one of the most common questions I’ve heard is, “when are we going to return to normal?” With more of us getting vaccinated, and restrictions loosening, soon we will have more freedom in how we interact with each other and our students. But to be honest, I don’t think we should automatically return to how things used to be. While the pandemic has been challenging, it has also been liberating and, in some ways, even inspiring to see what we have all been capable of doing! Why would we want to limit ourselves to return to how we used to do things?
As I first mentioned in our spring town hall, I’ve asked Diana Fairbanks and Mark Liebling to lead a “Reimagining Work” team to explore this issue when it comes to how we do our work at the college. They, with input from President’s Council and a cross-campus team of co-workers, have drafted the attached “Guiding Principles” document that sets out a high level vision for the future of work at NMC. Our college has a history of leading innovative change, and this could be another great example of that tradition. To continue being honest with you, while it sounds exciting, it’s also a little scary for me, and likely some of you. Personally, I actually like a little structure and predictability, but I also know this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to assess and reset our work culture for the benefit of our employees and ultimately our students. That is simply too important to pass up. Our learners will be entering, or in some cases re-entering, work environments that are also changing and we need to model agility and innovation for them.
So what happens next? We expect the state will soon ease restrictions, as vaccination rates increase. As that happens, and COVID-19 cases fall in our region, we will also begin to ease restrictions on our campuses. That will likely take place this summer and we will continue to communicate these changes with you. But while everyone will be allowed to return to campus with fewer restrictions, there will not be a mandate to do so. Please collaborate with your teams and vice-presidents to assess what is best for you, your co-workers, students, donors and other stakeholder groups impacted by your work. We have a wonderfully diverse set of programs and departments at our college and there will not be a “one size fits all” approach to this opportunity. It’s also important to embrace this through our well established spirit of innovation and thoughtful risk-taking. As with our “PDCA” (Plan; Do; Check; Adjust) model, we will continually review the decisions we make in the near term against our values and desired outcomes, to adapt and refine our approach.
By June 11, the “Reimagining Work” team will share some tools to help you and your teams assess your area’s needs, and guidelines on how to develop a draft flexible work plan. Then over the summer, the “Reimagining Work” team will gather more input and address potential challenges and opportunities to help you be successful. We will continue to communicate with you on this important initiative throughout the process. Diana, Mark, the HR Team, and your vice presidents are resources to help you work through these decisions with direction from the attached “Guiding Principles” document.
This is an incredible opportunity that will take work, but has the potential to have an enormous, positive impact on our community. I know for some of you it may feel uncomfortable to not have all of the answers, and I understand, but ultimately, it’s more important to get it right than to rush resolution. During this time, communication and patience will be critical. Please continue to be kind and considerate of each other, our students and other stakeholders. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions for the “Reimagining Work” team please email Mark and Diana. And as always, I am here for you and look forward to doing this important work with you.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College
May 6, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
NMC Health Services will close for the summer break on Friday, May 14, and will reopen Monday, August 16 at 9 a.m.
Emergency medical services may be obtained at:
- Munson Community Health Center, 550 Munson Ave. – (231) 935-8686
- Bayside Docs, 401 Munson Ave. – (231) 933-9150
- The Walk-In Clinic, US 31 South – (231) 929-1234
- Munson Medical Center, 1105 6th St. – (231) 935-5000
If you need records, please contact NMC Student Life at (231) 995-1118 and they will contact the provider at Health Services.
May 4, 2021 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear NMC family,
I hope you have had a chance to catch your breath after a busy semester. Personally, I am still floating from this weekend’s commencement and seeing the joy on our students’ faces! Now as we look ahead to what’s next, I’d like to share with you a column I wrote in this month’s Traverse City Business News. It’s worth a read and reflection, I believe, as it speaks to the reshaping of our understanding of our roles as leaders and co-workers in a time of rapid change, specifically ‘letting go of our need to know’ and the expectation that we will have all of the answers.
The pandemic has driven this point home to me, and you too, I am sure. The pandemic has also heightened my awareness around the need for us to encourage each other to be more values-driven versus rules-bound. I believe that the pandemic has forced us to accept that we just don’t have all the answers. But, what I am more sure of, now – is that we must embrace the spirit of our mission, continue to be values-driven, and trust in the courageous creativity of our NMC faculty and staff.
Thank you for all you do,
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College
May 3, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom, Student News
To all the students, faculty, staff and board members who are volunteering their time to NMC’s strategic planning effort, thank you. Find out more and how to get involved at nmc.edu/strategic-planning.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
May 3, 2021 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
Northwestern Michigan College Celebrates Class of 2020, 2021
9&10 News, May 1 (more…)
May 3, 2021 | Intercom, Student Events
Human rights abuses, trade tensions, internet censorship, suppression of pro-democracy protests, intellectual property disputes. Contentious issues abound when China is in the mix. And China is always in the mix.
On Thursday, May 20 at 5 p.m. the International Affairs Forum welcomes Lingling Wei, senior China correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and co-author of Superpower Showdown: How the Battle Between Trump and Xi Threatens a New Cold War (Harper Collins 2020). Economic and political frictions persist post-Trump. Lingling Wei will dive into the nuance of the U.S.-China relationship with her expertise in finance, economics, and trade.
Nathan Payne, executive editor of the Traverse City Record-Eagle, will moderate the discussion. Payne was the 2018–19 Abrams Nieman Fellow for Local Investigative Journalism at Harvard University.
The conversation will be broadcast via Zoom and includes public Q & A.
Join the discussion on May 20. Register here.
All regular season IAF events are open to the public with a suggested donation, and free for students and educators. Explore more at TCIAF.com.
Apr 30, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Starting Monday, May 3, construction will begin at the main entrance of NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, extending south toward E. Front St and impeding access to the circle drive and main walkway into the building. To avoid the construction, park immediately west or east of the building and use the walkway alongside Grand Traverse Bay that leads to the waterfront courtyard.
The Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) is alerting those coming to the Hagerty Center for a COVID-19 vaccination that the construction is expected to last for the duration of the clinic, and that the west parking lot offers handicap parking for those who are mobility restricted. If you have a previously scheduled appointment or are planning on attending a walk-in clinic at the Hagerty Center and have mobility restrictions, please email gtcovidvaccine@gtcountymi.gov for accommodations.
Construction is also ongoing on and around NMC’s Main Campus as part of the City of Traverse City’s Safe Routes to School project. New sidewalks are being built on the following street segments:
- North side of Eastern Ave. between Milliken Dr. and Eastwood Ave.
- North side of College Drive between E. Front St. and the west side of NMC’s Cherry parking lot.
- East side of Fair St. between E. Eighth St. and E. Front St. including sidewalk ramp construction/replacement at the Fair St. and Titus Ave. intersection.
That work is expected to be substantially complete by June 4. Street segments will remain open to traffic with shoulder closures and/or traffic regulators, and College Drive will be reduced to one lane during the day, so expect some delays.
Release date: APRIL 30, 2021
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
