Nov 27, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
Lisa Blackford
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Tamara Coleman
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Sarah Montgomery-Richards
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Caroline Schaefer-Hills
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Brian Sweeney
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John Velis
(click for high-resolution photo) TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has selected six faculty members as the first recipients of an Experiential Learning fellowship intended to accelerate the prevalence of the high-impact instructional style across disciplines.
Each recipient will substantially convert or create a course based on EL principles, which include students working in teams, immersive experiences, project-based assignments and online. The recipients and courses are:
- Lisa Blackford and Tamara Coleman: The Science of Stress (new course)
- Sarah Montgomery-Richards: Western Religions
- Caroline Schaefer-Hills: Art Appreciation (online course)
- Brian Sweeney: Basic Metallurgy
- John Velis: Systems Analysis and Design
“It is exciting to see such a diverse group of faculty focused on innovation, collaboration and high impact teaching practices, as we uniquely prepare our students to live and work in the world of the 21st century,” said Kristy McDonald, director of NMC’s Experiential Learning Institute.
Montgomery-Richards said she hopes to overhaul Western Religions in order to boost enrollment. Currently the course draws half the enrollment of her Eastern Religions class.
“I think students feel like they know western religions,” she said. She hopes a new design will challenge that assumption and increase the relevance of the philosophy course, which most students take as an elective.
“How is an understanding of religion in general, and diverse religious perspectives, going to help them in the future?” Montgomery-Richards said.
Social work and psychology instructor Blackford and biology instructor Coleman are combining their disciplines into a new course, the Science of Stress. Slated to be offered in the fall 2020 semester, students will explore current research on stress and its impacts on body systems. It will meet in an anatomy and physiology lab, as well as in a simulation lab, and is intended to have practical applications, too, as students gain an experiential understanding of stress on learning, anxiety and depression and tools for resilience.
“The whole campus, we talk about how students’ stress has gone up,” Blackford said.
“We saw it as an epidemic,” Coleman added.
Each recipient will receive a $1,500 stipend. The fellowship, is one of the first initiatives of NMC’s Experiential Learning Institute, which launched in 2019 as a way to formalize efforts to expand experiential learning college-wide, which date to 2016. It will collaborate with both on-campus and community stakeholders to engage students and the community, locally, nationally and globally. The Institute will connect the community and NMC by seeking creative partnerships, serving ongoing community needs, and preparing learners for future employment.
Release date: FEBRUARY 3, 2020
For more information:
Kristy McDonald
Director, Experiential Learning Institute and Business Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
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
Nov 21, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Experiential Learning Institute co-directors Brandon Everest and Kristy McDonald each led a signature EL project this month. Everest’s was the 7th annual Walk for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness which drew several dozen participants to downtown Traverse City last week to gain perspective on homelessness in the region and what service providers are doing to mitigate these issues. McDonald led the Food for Thought project, which collected food and funds to provide 150 Thanksgiving meals for students and community members.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Nov 21, 2022 | Intercom, Student Events
The Dennos Museum is hosting Observing with NASA – Family Day on Saturday, December 3. Enjoy free admission to the museum and make your own astronomical images using the Observing with NASA Kiosk in the Discovery Gallery.
At 1 p.m. join the Astronomical Society to make a comet and learn about moon phases.
At 2 p.m. Jerry Dobek, head of the Astronomy and Science Departments at Northwestern Michigan College, will lead a presentation on the Observing With NASA Kiosk and the science behind the imaging used by the Hubble Telescope in the MIlliken Auditorium.
About Jerry Dobek: Dr. Jerry Dobek is a professional astrophysicist and faculty instructor at Northwestern Michigan College. His research interests are in variable stars and dark material, which he conducts from his own observatory north of Traverse City, Michigan. Jerry is also the site coordinator / site director for Project ASTRO and Project Family ASTRO for the Michigan and Upper Wisconsin sites, and serves as the regional Solar System Ambassador for NASA / JPL. Jerry is a founding member of and the regional representative for the International Dark-Sky Association and has been instrumental in writing lighting ordinances for townships and counties in Michigan as well as several other states.
Nov 21, 2022 | 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.
Free preschool programs still have open slots in region
Record-Eagle, Nov. 20
(more…)
Nov 21, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
Notice the Libby
tag next to a title? This means the book is available as an eBook and can be found on the Libby app. All audiobooks can be accessed through Libby. Haven’t set up your Libby account yet? Follow these easy instructions!
books available to request from MeLCat!
(more…)
Nov 18, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Meghan Light, Tami Livengood and Elizabeth Sonnabend! Meghan Light and Tam Livengood (Nursing) helped Elizabeth Sonnabend (EES) prepare for the state CNA inspection for Extended Education (bringing this back to NMC from quite a few years ago). Thank you, Elizabeth, for your hard work, patience and diligence in getting the state to come through for NMC on this important program. WE PASSED! More information coming soon on the CNA program through NMC Extended Education.
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!
Nov 18, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC Community!
- Abigail Klingelsmith, Student Employee — Audio Tech Lab Assistant
- Keagan Kalbfleisch, Student Employee — Audio Tech Lab Assistant
- Easton Grim – Adjunct Flight Instructor
- Rebecca Kinnee – Adjunct Visual Communications Instructor
Nov 18, 2022 | Intercom, Student Events
NMC Campus Recreation will be doing a dodgeball tournament on Thursday, December 8 at 7 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Center (PE Building).
- Prizes for 1ˢᵗ and 2ⁿᵈ place teams
- No entry fees
- Only open to current NMC students and employees
- Maximum of 5 persons per team
The deadline to sign up is December 7, 2022
For more details contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu
Nov 18, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Do you hire or approve hires at NMC? We are excited to introduce you to NeoEd Recruiting. Join us for a hands-on training to avoid hiring delays, learn the new process and system.
Click the links below to register for one of the training sessions.
During this session, you will learn how to navigate the NeoEd Online Hiring Center, identify how you can expedite your searches and hiring and walk through the unified dashboard to see tasks and actions needed. Features covered include:
- Tools to simplify your hiring
- Applicant Texting
- Job Description Database
- E-References
- Review the application process
- Identify the steps to approve and hire for all employees
- Preview the applicant site
Questions? Email hr@nmc.edu.
Nov 18, 2022 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lakes Campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Nov 17, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
Do some holiday shopping and support your local art museum during Museum Store Sunday on November 27.
You’ll find an assortment of unique, art-inspired gifts for the holidays like fair trade felted ornaments and accessories, hand-crafted jewelry, puzzles, books, and children’s toys.
Staff and students normally receive 10% off in the store, but all regular priced merchandise will be 25% off that day only.
Can’t stop by The Dennos Museum that day? Visit the Dennos’ online store and apply the coupon MUSEUMSTORESUNDAY at checkout for 25% off regular merchandise.
Nov 17, 2022 | Intercom, Tech Bytes
Ali Thornton explains how you can organize links or visit specific pages on the web by saving a link and then clicking on the link on either your Bookmarks Bar or in your Bookmarks Manager. Take a moment to watch this video to learn more about how to use Bookmarks in Google Chrome.
Nov 16, 2022 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Business students at Northwestern Michigan College will distribute 150 Thanksgiving meals to fellow students and community families on Monday, Nov 21. This is the result of the ninth annual Food For Thought project, which teaches students to communicate professionally through experiential learning. Each student was taught how to write a professional letter to businesses and organizations, requesting an item donation or monetary donation to help meet the goal of feeding 150 families.
Distribution will take place at two locations:
- 2–4 p.m. at NMC’s Physical Education Building/Maple Parking Lot, 1701 E. Front St, Traverse City. This location is for the distribution of 100 meals to NMC students.
- 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Bill Marsh, 1621 S Garfield Ave., Traverse City. This location is for the distribution of 50 meals to local families identified by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan.
Release date: NOVEMBER 16, 2022
For more information:
Michael Wittman
Marketing Team Leader
(231) 866-1386
wittmam@mail.nmc.edu
Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
(231) 995-1059
kmcdonald@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
Nov 16, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Business students at Northwestern Michigan College will distribute 150 Thanksgiving meals to fellow students and community families on Monday, Nov 21. This is the result of the ninth annual Food For Thought project, which teaches students to communicate professionally through experiential learning. Each student was taught how to write a professional letter to businesses and organizations, requesting an item donation or monetary donation to help meet the goal of feeding 150 families.
Distribution will take place at two locations:
- 2–4 p.m. at NMC’s Physical Education Building/Maple Parking Lot, 1701 E. Front St, Traverse City. This location is for the distribution of 100 meals to NMC students.
- 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Bill Marsh, 1621 S Garfield Ave., Traverse City. This location is for the distribution of 50 meals to local families identified by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan.
Release date: NOVEMBER 16, 2022
For more information:
Michael Wittman
Marketing Team Leader
(231) 866-1386
wittmam@mail.nmc.edu
Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
(231) 995-1059
kmcdonald@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
Nov 14, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Early Childhood Development program coordinator Chery Bloomquist received a $12,000 grant as part of the Caring for MI Future initiative.
Funded by the American Rescue Plan, the grant seeks to increase the number of students receiving the Child Development Associate credential while ultimately increasing Michigan’s early childhood workforce.
This grant supports the objective outlined in initiative 4 of the strategic plan as the college works to advance community engagement, economic and workforce development and innovative opportunities for lifelong learning.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Nov 14, 2022 | 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.
Detroit church remembers sailors lost on the Great Lakes
Detroit News, Nov. 13
(more…)
Nov 14, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Open Enrollment dates are November 9 through November 17. If you need additional assistance updating your benefits coverage, stop by the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 123 on Wednesday, November 16.
Important Details for 2023
- Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts must be renewed or will carry over to 2023 at $0
- If you don’t want to make any changes, no action is necessary- everything will automatically roll to 2023 (except FSA and HSA)
- It is a good idea to review your life insurance beneficiaries and make updates if needed
- The federal minimum on the deductibles for the High Deductible Plan have increased to $1500 single/ $3000 family
- No changes in the cost (per paycheck) for medical or vision coverage
- Dental premiums (per paycheck cost) will increase slightly by 4%
- HSA seeding will remain the same- $1300 for single, and $2600 for family
- 70% in January and 30% in July
- We are using ADP again this year. The enrollment instructions can be found here. Access begins November 9, 2022
For more information, visit NMC’s Open Enrollment page.
Nov 14, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Sally Smarsty and everyone involved in making the Trunk or Treat event happen. The event was well attended and the Halloween Spirit was LOOMING!!! Moohahaha! Wonderful job to all!
Kudos to Jim Bensley and Marina Call for organizing the Passport Series: Brazil event at the beginning of November. Fabiola, an NMC student, did an excellent job of sharing about her home country of Brazil with a slideshow, beverages and treats. The Passport events are always interesting and energizing!
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!
Lisa Blackford 
Tamara Coleman 
Sarah Montgomery-Richards 
Caroline Schaefer-Hills 
Brian Sweeney 
John Velis