Oct 19, 2016 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — As the election nears, we assembled a brief fact sheet on some of the main topics currently being discussed. Please use the following information and citations as background information for any voter discussions or coverage.
Enrollment
Total enrollment this fall is 4,167 students, which generated 43,956 contact hours. This is an approximately 4.6% decline in contact hours. There are two major trends influencing enrollment at the college:
- A decline in the traditional student age population, predicted to continue past 2020.
- Improved state of the local economy causing older, potential students to choose employment over education.
Budget and Tuition
Based on a number of factors including expenditures and declining enrollment, NMC increased tuition from $96.35 per credit hour to $103.70 for in-district students. For comparison, as cited by the Traverse City Record Eagle, students attending one of Michigan’s 15 state universities will pay “about $350 while some cost more than $460 per credit hour.”
Campus Improvements
- Residence Hall and Fitness Center: This building has broken ground and the new 140-bed residence hall and fitness center has the target opening date of August 2017.
- The Dennos Museum Center: In October 2016 NMC broke ground on a 14,000 sq. ft. addition, made possible because of kind contributions from Richard and Diana Milock and Barbara and Dudley Smith. Additional funding is being raised as part of larger efforts from the NMC Foundation.
- Okerstrom Fine Arts Building: Updates and improvements are coming for this building including: facility repairs for this building, windows, drainage, exterior siding repairs and internal restroom redesign.
Union Negotiations
The NMC faculty chose to recognize the Michigan Education Association (MEA) as their collective bargaining agent on March 12, 2015. Since that time NMC has participated in almost 25 bargaining sessions with and without a mediator and has bargained in good faith. The College bargaining team arrives prepared at each session and in the most recent session on October 7, 2016, additional progress was made. NMC is committed to a contract that will best serve the faculty, our students, the college and our community.
Specifically, since the faculty voted to unionize in March 2015, NMC has done the following:
- Presented numerous written proposals and counter proposals for the union’s consideration, the first on June 12, 2015; a comprehensive proposal and set of tentative agreements on June 29, 2016; and, most recently, a revised comprehensive proposal and set of tentative agreements on October 7, 2016.
- Followed established negotiating practices, engaging in 17 collective bargaining sessions with union negotiators between May 15, 2015, and March 7, 2016.
- Requested mediation through MERC on March 7, 2016.
- Participated in eight sessions with MERC mediators between March 22 and September 29, 2016.
- Petitioned MERC on August 8, 2016, for fact finding analysis to advance negotiations.
- Reached at least 18 tentative agreements with the union.
Committee Involvement
Faculty and staff are invited to participate in dozens of NMC councils, committees, task forces and project teams. Some of the many opportunities include:
- Four faculty members, of the total thirteen members, serve on Policy Council.
- Faculty comprise four of the sixteen members of Planning and Budget Council.
- A faculty chair and seven faculty members of the fifteen members, serve on the Developmental Education Committee.
Specifically regarding curriculum, all new curriculum issues continue to flow through the Curriculum Committee comprised of 11 faculty and 5 staff. This committee makes recommendations to the president who then takes appropriate items to the Board. During his 16 years as president, President Nelson has never overruled a recommendation from this committee. Additionally, faculty lead their classes and develop curriculum under NMC’s academic freedom guidelines.
Faculty Reports at Board of Trustees Meetings
Faculty Council asked to have the faculty report removed from the Board of Trustees agenda via email on November 9, 2007. After hearing from faculty that they would like the reports reinstated, the College proposed to immediately reinstate faculty reports on the Board of Trustees agenda on March 7, 2016, and presented a modified version based on discussions and feedback on May 17, 2016. Thus far, the Union has not responded to that proposal.
Compensation
Issues of compensation, including salaries/wages and benefits, are mandatory subjects of all collective bargaining, and it is something the MEA has brought up in negotiations. It is important to take the following facts into consideration:
- Average NMC faculty salaries are above the national averages for community college faculty as reported by the AAUP (American Association of University Professor).
- All other salaries on campus are being benchmarked against national averages.
- NMC has never proposed to reduce faculty compensation.
Release date: October 19, 2016
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
Oct 18, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Students from Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) are teaming up with the Northwest Michigan Food Coalition to feed nearly 4,500 local families this holiday season with the Food for Thought Food Drive.
The fourth annual event runs from October 19 through November 19. Organized by NMC students as a service learning class project, the Food for Thought goal is to collect enough non-perishable food and hygiene products to stock pantries throughout the Northwest Michigan region through the holiday season.
Coordinators say it is much more than a gift for the families who receive the food. “It’s not just a blessing for some pantries, it is survival,” said Val Stone with the Northwest Food Coalition.
Donation events include:
- Tom’s Food Markets: West Bay, East Bay, Interlochen, and Fourteenth Street: October 29, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Traverse City Walmart: November 5, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; November 6, Noon–6 p.m.
- Technology Exploration Day at Aero Park Campus – Parsons-Stulen Building: November 12, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Red collection bins located at:
Local businesses have donated raffle prizes. Anyone who donates five non-perishable food items or makes a $5 donation will receive a raffle ticket. Community members can also donate through the NMC Food for Thought Facebook page or online through the NMC Foundation.
RELEASE DATE: October 16, 2016
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
Robinson Grant-Wagner
Student Leader Contact
grantwr@mail.nmc.edu
(231) 866-6078
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
Oct 17, 2016 | Intercom, President Updates
Timothy J. Nelson, President
October 13, 2016
Introduction
Let me start the update by thanking you all for what you do to create a great learning environment that helps to prepare our students for success in this rapidly changing global society and market. Each of you plays an important role in achieving this success. Together, we model values and help create experiences that will have a lasting impact on those we serve.
This communication is intended to provide our NMC campus community an update on the state of the college. As the 2016-2017 year gets underway, it is important to review where we’ve been and where we’re going. The goal of this letter is to provide detailed information on many of the critical initiatives and programs affecting our campus. Some of these topics are included below: (more…)
Oct 17, 2016 | Intercom
Please extend my gratitude to President Nelson and everyone at NMC for the fall flower arrangement acknowledging my father’s recent death. My father lived in England and having the support of my NMC family is especially important to me right now.
Sincerely,
Susan Odgers
Social Science Adjunct Faculty
Oct 17, 2016 | Intercom
The Advising Center will be offering Walk In Advising sessions for students October 17-24* from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. We’re here to help students create their academic plan, check progress toward degree completion, and plan for transfer — all in preparation for Spring/Summer registration. No appointment is necessary and sessions are offered on a first-come basis.
Questions? advising@nmc.edu or 995-1040.
*Please note that we will see walk ins from 1:30-4:00 pm on October 18.
Oct 17, 2016 | Intercom
NMC Open Enrollment is set to kick off on Monday, November 14, 2016. Overview meetings will be held at the Oleson Center at 9:00 am and again at 1:30 pm. Vendors will be joining us again this year to answer any questions you may have. Calendar appointments will be coming shortly!
Oct 17, 2016 | 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 »
Kudos to Phillip Trowbridge. Phil is part of the NMC Grounds crew and he worked diligently to clear the path between the Cherry Lot and Eastern Elementary School last week. He was able to finish before Walk to School Day and did a wonderful job! Thanks Phil!
Oct 17, 2016 | Intercom
A staff member from the HR Office will be available on Main Campus once a week for drop in questions, needs, etc. Please watch this space for upcoming dates/times.
Where: Founders Hall 109
When: Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Time: 8-11 a.m.
Who: Hollie DeWalt
Following Schedule for Founders Hall 109
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DATE
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TIME
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HR Staff
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12/13/16- Tuesday
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8:00 – 11:00 am
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Hollie DeWalt
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12/22/16- Thursday
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2:00 – 5:00 pm
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Heather Hess
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Oct 17, 2016 | Intercom
Are you looking for career opportunities? Find it here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:
- Enrollment Services Assistant
- Hagerty Center- Server, Bartender, Cook and Dishwasher
- Welding Adjunct Instructor
- Visual Communications – Web Design Adjunct Instructor
- Mail Courier – Supplemental
Oct 17, 2016 | Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
(more…)
Oct 14, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — A team from Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) will travel to China next week to strengthen educational partnerships that will benefit NMC students and solidify the institution’s international leadership in the area of water research.
The purposes of the trip include preparing curriculum with partner Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute (YRCTI), representing a consortium of colleges at a conference in Beijing, and initiating new partnerships at two additional Chinese technical colleges.
NMC President Timothy J. Nelson has been invited to speak at the conference and was invited back to YRCTI after the Chinese Ministry of Education formally recognized the partnership between NMC and YRCTI in February 2016.
“NMC students will have the opportunity to practice their skills in one of the most important rivers of the world. Likewise, we can offer opportunities for freshwater experiences to Yellow River students in the Great Lakes,” Nelson said. “As a result of experiencing these diverse resources, students from both schools will have the potential to work anywhere in the world on matters related to water.”
The NMC team includes Nelson, Vice President of Lifelong & Professional Learning Marguerite Cotto, and Director of the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Hans Van Sumeren. The team will be in China October 16-October 26, 2016.
While in Beijing the team will participate in the China Annual Conference for International Education. Nelson will present in the president’s lecture series and Cotto will participate in a panel on implementation of new programs.
NMC has been developing the partnership with YRCTI since 2012 as part of the strategic directions determined by the college Board of Trustees to prepare learners for success in a global society, establish international competencies in the area of freshwater and deliver learning through a networked workforce.
Through the partnership between NMC and YRCTI, instructors from NMC are preparing to deliver courses at the YRCTI campus over the next 18 months. Yellow River students will travel to Traverse City to complete the NMC degree the following year.
During the visit the NMC team will also visit Changsha Polytechnic College and Huanggang Polytechnic College as coordinated through the consortium agreement with the Michigan Community College Association and the University of Toledo. The Huanggang visit will explore interest in the area of Computer Information Technology. The area of interest in Changsha is wastewater and stormwater technology.
“In the next few years, select NMC courses will be taught by our instructors in China and after that, those students will be here completing our degree,” Cotto said. “NMC students specializing in Marine Tech will have an opportunity to study in the Yellow River the year after. As just one example of the power of relationship-building across the globe, we know these experiences truly have the capacity to change the lives of students and of communities. We’re looking forward to the next step.”
Release date: October 14, 2016
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
Oct 13, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions (like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes and frequent hand washing) to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu.
Stop in to Health Services today to get your flu shot. No appointment necessary.
Hours are 9:00 – 4:00 Monday through Friday
Students $15 Faculty and Staff $20 (No charge if NMC insurance)
Oct 13, 2016 | Intercom
Help students prepare for Spring and Summer 2017 registration! Re
mind them to check their MAP (My Academic Plan) and to meet with an advisor to create an academic plan. Registration begins on October 19 or 20 depending on number of credits earned. All students in their first semester are required to meet with an advisor. Payment for Spring is not due until December 8. Students can be referred to the Advising Center for assistance. Thank you!
Oct 12, 2016 | Intercom
October 12, 2016
What do you do when you run out of carrots for the boatswain’s birthday cake?
If you’re Great Lakes Culinary Institute student Dee Merriman, (on the right) completing your internship aboard the T/S State of Michigan, you thank your lucky stars you’re docked for the day, so someone can make a grocery run.
This summer, Merriman and fellow GLCI student Katie Anderson (on the left) completed their internships at sea, cooking for Great Lakes Maritime Academy cadets on their spring cruise around the Great Lakes. The innovative, interdisciplinary arrangement is already catching attention from one major shipping industry employer who’s as eager for cooks as sailors.
“There are shortages of cooks for the vessels,” said Matthew Bonar, a division manager for Crowley Maritime, the third-largest shipping company in the world, which paid its regular fall recruiting visit to GLMA last week. To address that shortage, Crowley’s considered recruiting at culinary schools, Bonar said. Now, in the GLCI-State of Michigan internships, they may have found a ready-made model.
“This is a really, really, perfect segue,” Bonar said, calling the shipboard internships “trailblazing.” Jenny Terpenning, supervisor of marine recruiting at Crowley, added the company could provide scholarship money for culinary students bound for shipboard careers, too.
Both Merriman, 23, and Anderson 27, found galley life appealing during their six-week summer stints on the State of Michigan. Cooking for appreciative crew members, instead of a picky head chef or customer, was a big factor, they said.
“There’s a lot more freedom cooking for a galley versus a chef,” Merriman said. “It is a family that you’re cooking for, and that’s one of the things I love, cooking for people you care about.”
“It’s kind of like a playground,” Anderson said. “As long as they have enough chow, they’re happy.”
Crowley’s Bonar agreed. “Food is a morale booster,” he said.
Joe McGuiness, the captain of the State of Michigan, noted that exchanging a shoreside kitchen job for one at sea can mean a major increase in wages.
“You can turn your passion into something that’s a wealth-building career,” McGuiness said, citing commutes reduced to a flight of stairs and abundant time off as other advantages. “If you like cooking, I don’t think it gets any better.”
About a half-dozen GLCI alumni currently work aboard ships, director Fred Laughlin said. In addition to their culinary training, cooks need basic safety and other maritime credentials to work aboard a ship. Those may be obtained through an employer, like Crowley, or GLMA may be able to help students as well, McGuiness said.
Oct 12, 2016 | Intercom
October 12, 2016
What do you do when you run out of carrots for the boatswain’s birthday cake?
If you’re Great Lakes Culinary Institute student Dee Merriman, (on the right) completing your internship aboard the T/S State of Michigan, you thank your lucky stars you’re docked for the day, so someone can make a grocery run.
This summer, Merriman and fellow GLCI student Katie Anderson (on the left) completed their internships at sea, cooking for Great Lakes Maritime Academy cadets on their spring cruise around the Great Lakes. The innovative, interdisciplinary arrangement is already catching attention from one major shipping industry employer who’s as eager for cooks as sailors.
“There are shortages of cooks for the vessels,” said Matthew Bonar, a division manager for Crowley Maritime, the third-largest shipping company in the world, which paid its regular fall recruiting visit to GLMA last week. To address that shortage, Crowley’s considered recruiting at culinary schools, Bonar said. Now, in the GLCI-State of Michigan internships, they may have found a ready-made model.
“This is a really, really, perfect segue,” Bonar said, calling the shipboard internships “trailblazing.” Jenny Terpenning, supervisor of marine recruiting at Crowley, added the company could provide scholarship money for culinary students bound for shipboard careers, too.
Both Merriman, 23, and Anderson 27, found galley life appealing during their six-week summer stints on the State of Michigan. Cooking for appreciative crew members, instead of a picky head chef or customer, was a big factor, they said.
“There’s a lot more freedom cooking for a galley versus a chef,” Merriman said. “It is a family that you’re cooking for, and that’s one of the things I love, cooking for people you care about.”
“It’s kind of like a playground,” Anderson said. “As long as they have enough chow, they’re happy.”
Crowley’s Bonar agreed. “Food is a morale booster,” he said.
Joe McGuiness, the captain of the State of Michigan, noted that exchanging a shoreside kitchen job for one at sea can mean a major increase in wages.
“You can turn your passion into something that’s a wealth-building career,” McGuiness said, citing commutes reduced to a flight of stairs and abundant time off as other advantages. “If you like cooking, I don’t think it gets any better.”
About a half-dozen GLCI alumni currently work aboard ships, director Fred Laughlin said. In addition to their culinary training, cooks need basic safety and other maritime credentials to work aboard a ship. Those may be obtained through an employer, like Crowley, or GLMA may be able to help students as well, McGuiness said.
Oct 11, 2016 | Intercom
October 12, 2016
What do you do when you run out of carrots for the boatswain’s birthday cake?
If you’re Great Lakes Culinary Institute student Dee Merriman, (on the right) completing your internship aboard the T/S State of Michigan, you thank your lucky stars you’re docked for the day, so someone can make a grocery run.
This summer, Merriman and fellow GLCI student Katie Anderson (on the left) completed their internships at sea, cooking for Great Lakes Maritime Academy cadets on their spring cruise around the Great Lakes. The innovative, interdisciplinary arrangement is already catching attention from one major shipping industry employer who’s as eager for cooks as sailors.
“There are shortages of cooks for the vessels,” said Matthew Bonar, a division manager for Crowley Maritime, the third-largest shipping company in the world, which paid its regular fall recruiting visit to GLMA last week. To address that shortage, Crowley’s considered recruiting at culinary schools, Bonar said. Now, in the GLCI-State of Michigan internships, they may have found a ready-made model.
“This is a really, really, perfect segue,” Bonar said, calling the shipboard internships “trailblazing.” Jenny Terpenning, supervisor of marine recruiting at Crowley, added the company could provide scholarship money for culinary students bound for shipboard careers, too.
Both Merriman, 23, and Anderson 27, found galley life appealing during their six-week summer stints on the State of Michigan. Cooking for appreciative crew members, instead of a picky head chef or customer, was a big factor, they said.
“There’s a lot more freedom cooking for a galley versus a chef,” Merriman said. “It is a family that you’re cooking for, and that’s one of the things I love, cooking for people you care about.”
“It’s kind of like a playground,” Anderson said. “As long as they have enough chow, they’re happy.”
Crowley’s Bonar agreed. “Food is a morale booster,” he said.
Joe McGuiness, the captain of the State of Michigan, noted that exchanging a shoreside kitchen job for one at sea can mean a major increase in wages.
“You can turn your passion into something that’s a wealth-building career,” McGuiness said, citing commutes reduced to a flight of stairs and abundant time off as other advantages. “If you like cooking, I don’t think it gets any better.”
About a half-dozen GLCI alumni currently work aboard ships, director Fred Laughlin said. In addition to their culinary training, cooks need basic safety and other maritime credentials to work aboard a ship. Those may be obtained through an employer, like Crowley, or GLMA may be able to help students as well, McGuiness said.
Oct 10, 2016 | Intercom
NMC and President Nelson,
The family of Terdal/Olshove acknowledges with deep appreciation your kind expression of sympathy. Thank you for the food, Hagerty Center, and all you did. Sonja will always be in our hearts.
– Marge Terdal & Shari Hauser-Terdal
Dear Staff at NMC
Our sincere thanks to you for sending the beautiful angel statue in honor of our son, Sawyer. We appreciate the kindness extended to him by all he knew there.
– With thanks, Erik, Beth and Olivia Fleet
I just wanted to say thank you to my NMC family for the beautiful peace lily that was sent to my father’s funeral. It was so thoughtful and again it shows I’m among a work family who cares about their families.
– Thank you so much, Michelle Schneider
Oct 10, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
GVSU will be in the Health & Science Building Wednesday, Oct. 26 and Thursday, Oct. 27 from 10:00-2:00 pm.
Please stop by the table to learn more about what GVSU has to offer in Traverse City!
