NMC Grand Traverse Chorale and Chamber Singers
TRAVERSE CITY —
Release date:
For more information:
(contact Info)
IAF offers free film, lecture on Israel
TRAVERSE CITY — Given the chaotic conditions prevailing in Israel’s neighborhood and the profound political changes occurring in both the United States and Israel, where does the US-Israeli relationship go post-election? NMC’s International Affairs Forum provides two opportunities in November to learn about this important relationship.
- November 10, free screening of “Disturbing the Peace,” 6 p.m., State Theatre. The documentary tells the story of former elite Israeli and Palestinian soldiers who unite under a common banner to protest the bloodshed that has traumatized both sides. “It is a story of the human potential unleashed when we stop participating in a story that no longer serves us, and with the power of our convictions, take action to create a new possibility.” The film won the Audience and Founders Award for Best Foreign Documentary at the 2016 Traverse City Film Festival and will premier around the country later in November. The film will be followed by a discussion with the audience led by IAF co- chair Jack Segal, a former senior diplomat who served in Israel during the first Persian Gulf War and was responsible for U.S.-Israeli political-military relations, and for reporting on conditions in Gaza.
- November 17 regular IAF monthly lecture, “Our Separate Ways: The Struggle for the Future of the US-Israel Alliance,” 6 p.m., Milliken Auditorium by Steve Simon, author of a book of the same name and former White House director for the Middle East. The editor of Haaretz, Israel’s oldest newspaper, calls the book, “an unmatched source of inside knowledge and sharp analysis.” Admission is free to all students and educators, and $10 for others. Subscriber tickets for the entire season are available; visit www.tciaf.com or call (231) 995-1700 for more information.
IAF lectures are rebroadcast on UpNorth TV public access cable television three times a week, and available online for streaming on demand. The IAF is affiliated with NMC and the World Affairs Council of America.
Release date: November 1, 2016
For more information:
Jack Segal
Co-chair, International Affairs Forum
(231) 715-6300
email (preferred): jackdsegal@yahoo.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-discriminationTech Tips: End-of-Workday Workstation Shutdown
Staff and Faculty:
It is critical to the health of your NMC computer, and to the health of the computers of other staff and faculty, that you complete the following step:
At the end of the workday, shut down or restart your NMC computer.
Whatever you do, we request that you DO NOT leave any machine logged in (not even locked). This affects security, updates and patches being applied, clearing of cache, computer refresh, and ensures your computer is ready to go the next time you work.
Thank you for your assistance in this critical matter.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact the NMC Technology Help Desk at (231) 995 – 3020 or via the web at nmc.edu/help
NMC Technology Exploration Day
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is offering a fun and unique way to give back to the community while getting an up-close look at some of the most exciting new technology available on campus.
Saturday Nov. 12, NMC students will host an Exploration Day at NMC’s Parsons-Stulen building (formerly M-TEC) from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. to benefit the NMC Food for Thought “Fill the Pantries: Food Drive Challenge.”
Community members of all ages are invited to explore and play with some of the latest equipment from NMC programs including a 3D printer, unmanned aerial vehicles, flight simulators, robots, computer programming, remotely operated submarine and more! This a family-friendly event with robot face painting, local baked goods and fun events for people of all ages. RE/MAX Bayshore Properties will provide the company’s hot air balloon for short, tethered rides (weather permitting) or a balloon walk inside the balloon.
There will be information and staff to talk to about NMC’s tech programs. Elk Rapids Public Schools will be showcasing their Lego robotics program. All area tech or robotics teams are welcome to showcase their work. Please e-mail us before November 9 to secure a spot.
Suggested admission is 10 non-perishable food/hygiene items or $5 per person. Products and funds collected will help fill shelves at 51 area food pantries.
The NMC Food for Thought “Fill the Pantries: Food Drive Challenge” is a semester long service learning project that pairs NMC students and the Northwest Michigan Food Coalition. In 2014, with the help of the community, the challenge brought in more than 30,000 items to battle food insecurity. Food and hygiene products will be delivered to the pantries in time for Thanksgiving.
Release date: October 28, 2016
For more information:
Kristy McDonald
NMC Professor
(231) 995-1059
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
Jake Krystyniak
Student Contact
(517) 518-2721
krystyj@mail.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-discriminationSuccess Story: Aiming to halt veteran suicide with 22 To None
October 26, 2016
Luke Clark and Sherry Trier at the 22 To None hikeFall color tourists to northern Michigan also got a red-white-and-blue view last Saturday, as veterans and supporters organized by NMC’s Student Veterans Association hiked 22 miles to raise awareness of veteran suicide.
“We walked right down (U.S.) 31. It was pretty amazing, seeing people honk and give us the thumbs-up,” said SVA president and social work student Luke Clark of the Kewadin-to-Traverse City route, which symbolized the 22 veteran suicides that occur daily in the U.S. “It was pretty spectacular, minus the soreness of it.”
Clark, 27, has firsthand experience with the grim suicide statistics, which have propelled a grassroots, social-media fueled awareness campaign to help veterans struggling after their service.
“Two of my brothers from my unit killed themselves since we got back from Afghanistan,” Clark said.
More than 5 percent of NMC’s student population is veteran, active duty and reserve/National Guard members. NMC this year was ranked one of the top five “Best for Vets” community colleges nationwide. Campus supporters strive to meet the unique needs of this group individually, too.
“It’s heartbreaking, the statistics, to know that 22 a day we lose,” said Sherry Trier, NMC Instructional Technology Specialist. She volunteered for the first leg of the hike and then walked 16 miles herself.
“Military folks have a special place for me,” said Trier, whose father and older brother both served in the Marines, as does her nephew, now stationed in Kuwait. “It was so worth it, any ache, any pain, to be there and support it.”
Trier said the last four miles were difficult physically, after she had a problem with her shoes, but, “if I had to crawl, I would have finished.”
“On the family side, you don’t forget the experience,” said Trier, who helps organize NMC’s annual Veteran’s Day commemoration (again set for Nov. 11 this year) makes chili for the SVA chili cook-off and occasionally delivers dog biscuits to the SVA lounge in West Hall for veterans’ service and therapy dogs.
“You never know who’s having a bad day,” she said of those small things she can do for veterans. “There’s people here, we’re here to support you.”
That message came through loud and clear Saturday, Clark said.
“It was pretty amazing. It was beautiful,” he said. “It’s a real sign of the fact that we are not alone. There are organizations and institutes out there that will help us.”
Participation in the walk was free but donations collected will go to Traverse City’s Reining Liberty Ranch, which provides free equine therapy to veterans.
Donate online here »
Success Story: Aiming to halt veteran suicide with 22 To None
October 26, 2016
Luke Clark and Sherry Trier at the 22 To None hikeFall color tourists to northern Michigan also got a red-white-and-blue view last Saturday, as veterans and supporters organized by NMC’s Student Veterans Association hiked 22 miles to raise awareness of veteran suicide.
“We walked right down (U.S.) 31. It was pretty amazing, seeing people honk and give us the thumbs-up,” said SVA president and social work student Luke Clark of the Kewadin-to-Traverse City route, which symbolized the 22 veteran suicides that occur daily in the U.S. “It was pretty spectacular, minus the soreness of it.”
Clark, 27, has firsthand experience with the grim suicide statistics, which have propelled a grassroots, social-media fueled awareness campaign to help veterans struggling after their service.
“Two of my brothers from my unit killed themselves since we got back from Afghanistan,” Clark said.
More than 5 percent of NMC’s student population is veteran, active duty and reserve/National Guard members. NMC this year was ranked one of the top five “Best for Vets” community colleges nationwide. Campus supporters strive to meet the unique needs of this group individually, too.
“It’s heartbreaking, the statistics, to know that 22 a day we lose,” said Sherry Trier, NMC Instructional Technology Specialist. She volunteered for the first leg of the hike and then walked 16 miles herself.
“Military folks have a special place for me,” said Trier, whose father and older brother both served in the Marines, as does her nephew, now stationed in Kuwait. “It was so worth it, any ache, any pain, to be there and support it.”
Trier said the last four miles were difficult physically, after she had a problem with her shoes, but, “if I had to crawl, I would have finished.”
“On the family side, you don’t forget the experience,” said Trier, who helps organize NMC’s annual Veteran’s Day commemoration (again set for Nov. 11 this year) makes chili for the SVA chili cook-off and occasionally delivers dog biscuits to the SVA lounge in West Hall for veterans’ service and therapy dogs.
“You never know who’s having a bad day,” she said of those small things she can do for veterans. “There’s people here, we’re here to support you.”
That message came through loud and clear Saturday, Clark said.
“It was pretty amazing. It was beautiful,” he said. “It’s a real sign of the fact that we are not alone. There are organizations and institutes out there that will help us.”
Participation in the walk was free but donations collected will go to Traverse City’s Reining Liberty Ranch, which provides free equine therapy to veterans.
Donate online here »
Hoodies for the Homeless
National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is November 12-20, and we want to help! Donate a new or gently used hoodie or coat at the NMC bookstore, and get a coupon for 30% off one regular priced apparel item. Donations will be accepted November 7-18. All donated items will go the Goodwill Street Outreach program for distribution to people in need.
FLSA Meetings
Please join HR for an overview of the Fair Labor Standards Act rules and how they apply to non-exempt (hourly) employees. Choose the time that fits your schedule best:
- Monday, October 24, 3:30-4:30 p.m.- Osterlin 205
- Tuesday, October 25, 1-2 p.m.- University Center 07
- Thursday, November 3, 9-10 a.m.- Osterlin 205
2017 Medical Benefits Discussion
Please join HR and members from the Benefits Advisory Committee for a discussion on the medical insurance renewal for 2017. Choose the time that fits your schedule best:
- Tuesday, October 25, 2-3 p.m.- University Center 07
- Thursday, October 27, 4-5 p.m.- Osterlin 205
- Friday, October 28, 8:30-9:30 a.m.- Health Science 101
Kudos!
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 Zeb McCauley, Paul Martin, Alan Beer, Michelle Schneider and Justin- Talk about creative problem-solvers! I needed to retrieve film footage of class guest speakers from an external hard drive. Many of these speakers no longer live in our community or are able to continue speaking. For a variety of reasons retrieving the footage was more complicated than it should have been.
Justin and Michelle tried first.
Then Alan got involved.
Alan then suggested I see Zeb and Paul.
Zeb and Paul had several possible solutions and within 24 hrs. it was done!
One of my students helping me with the film footage saw the colleague collaboration unfold. She was so impressed and heartened. She asked me how we could acknowledge everyone involved.
I work with THE best group of colleagues!
Kudos to Cindy Szmania- Cindy went above and beyond to help me when I was at the Bookstore. I went into the Bookstore to buy a couple of shirts; however, I didn’t have that much time, so I wasn’t able to try anything on. Cindy took the time to explain to me how the return policy works, which I never knew existed. While I was there, I decided to do some quick Christmas shopping for my parents, it’s always nice to get them some NMC decor!! Not knowing what size to pick, Cindy actually tried on one of the shirts to help me visualize what it would look like on my parent. Nobody since I have worked here has ever done that for me. With Cindy’s assistance, I was able to get new shirts for myself, as well as two sweatshirts for my parents for Christmas. Thank you so much Cindy for all of your help; words alone can’t tell you how thankful I am. You are definitely an asset to the Bookstore, and NMC is lucky to have you as an employee.
Kudos to Michelle Schneider, Kay Harris, Kyle Morrison- Kay, Michelle, and Kyle dedicated significant time to creating the opening video for the October PD Day. Michelle latched onto Kay’s original idea and visited multiple departments to collect spontaneous testimonials about student success and Kyle worked his editing magic to create a wonderful video from the multitude of video footage that Michelle collected. Their hard work and dedication to NMC’s PD Day is very much appreciated!
Kudos to Lori Hodek and Kristen Salathiel- Lori and Kristen did an outstanding job in planning our first PDD for faculty and staff. I appreciate the time that these ladies took in all that this project entailed! I can’t wait until the next PDD!
They did an outstanding job of designing and executing the Staff Development Day on October 18. Bringing Faculty and Staff together in a united purpose with a mix of content, some of which was of interest to both groups, felt like an important step in establishing common cause (student learning!) between the groups. The day was nearly flawless, the course content relevant, the presentations were well-prepared and worthy of our College. It was a proud day. Thank you!
Position Vacancies
Are you looking for career opportunities? Find it here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:
- Enrollment Services Assistant
- Hagerty Center- Server, Bartender and Dishwasher
- Welding Adjunct Instructor
- Visual Communications – Web Design Adjunct Instructor
- Construction/Carpentry Adjunct Instructor
Employee Anniversaries
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
New books at the Osterlin Library- October highlights
The library has purchased many new books so far this new 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.
Holiday Art Fair at the Dennos Museum
The annual Dennos Museum Holiday Art Fair will open Thursday, October 27, 5-8 p.m. and continue Friday through Sunday, October 30, throughout the museum. Fine arts and crafts from 45 Michigan artists, Christmas and Chanukah gifts, arts and crafts kits and more are just a few of the enticements for holiday shoppers. Hours will be Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.
NMC staff, faculty and students receive 10% discount by showing staff or student ID. Please present to museum staff before paying for purchases.
Again this year there will be an education benefit raffle to help raise funds to offset the cost of school visits. Many schools in the region have had budget cuts, which prohibit them from visiting the museum. Schools will be able to apply for funds to help offset the cost of buses or admission. Last year over 2,000 students benefited from this fund last year. The holiday artists have generously donated a piece of art for the raffle. Tickets will be only sold on site for $2 each and 6/$5.
For more information, call the Museum Store at (231) 995-1586 or visit dennosmuseum.org.
Welcome to NMC!
Please join us in welcoming these new additions to our NMC staff! (more…)
Northwestern Michigan College fact sheet
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-discriminationNMC students work to feed thousands of families
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:
- NMC main campus buildings: Osterlin Library, Health & Science
- Aero Park campus building: Parsons-Stulen
- Pick up service: Contact Gwendolyn Neumann at (231) 392-2332
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-discriminationNMC Fall 2016 Update
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…)