Jun 8, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom

Thanks to librarian Joelle Hannert for sharing the library’s anti-racist reading list at Friday’s town hall meeting. You can read the list here.
The list follow’s last week’s announcement by President Nick Nissley that the college is forming a committee to address inequities and injustices faced by students, employees and the community, in the wake of global protests over the police killing of George Floyd. The committee will be led by Mark Liebling, associate vice president of human resources, and Lisa Thomas, dean of students. “We’ve had a great number of staff and instructors volunteer,” Lisa said Monday. People interested in the initiative or with questions about it can email Mark.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 8, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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 Osterlin Library.
What “Back To School” Might Look Like In Traverse City
The Ticker, June 7 (more…)
Jun 8, 2020 | Intercom, Welcome to NMC
Please join us in welcoming these new additions to our NMC staff, and congratulating current NMC staff on their new positions!
(more…)
Jun 5, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Paige Sansonetti was promoted to the position of Financial Aid Specialist as of June 15. Please join us in congratulating her!
Jun 5, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Here is a link to view the training video from Priority Health on accessing the Well-Being Hub. Simply click in the center of the first slide and it will begin.
Jun 5, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Jun 5, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Bookstore will reopen for curbside pickup of online orders Tuesday, June 9 through Thursday, June 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Starting Tuesday, June 16, the bookstore will be open 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Curbside pickup will be available on these days as well.
To pick up your order curbside, please call the bookstore at (231) 995-1285 and your order will be brought out to you.
The bookstore will resume normal summer hours starting Monday, July 6.
Jun 4, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The library will be closed for business from Monday, June 8 through Friday, June 19 while library staff move to its new location in the West Hall Innovation Center. Please email library@nmc.edu for urgent requests during this time, but expect a delayed response time. Library staff plan to offer curbside checkout of technology to students and to provide faculty and staff assistance June 19.
Jun 4, 2020 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC Family,
As I look out to the world from our northern Michigan community, my heart breaks at the frustration and anger that is overflowing onto the streets of cities across our country in response to years of racial injustice. My first reaction is to acknowledge the pain, seek to understand the struggle and empathize with the emotions. As important as that response is, I also know it is not enough. I must also take action. We must take action. It is not enough to be “not racist” we must actively work to be “anti-racist.”
When I first arrived at Northwestern Michigan College earlier this year, I was proud to see the work that we are already doing on diversity and inclusion through areas like the Experiential Learning Institute, the Dennos Museum Center, International Affairs Forum, and throughout our classrooms, student groups and support services. And while we will continue to use those areas to live our values, I believe we can and must do more.
Starting this week, I am championing a new committee at NMC that will focus solely on addressing inequities and injustices faced by our students, employees and the community. This will be led by Mark Liebling, associate VP of human resources, and Lisa Thomas, dean of students. We will look closely at our own NMC community and act as a convener of discussions for the larger community to engage thoughtfully and work collaboratively.
I also intend to lead and learn by doing. This week I have actively sought input from throughout our college community, participated in robust discussions with President’s Council, we will continue that discussion in our virtual employee town hall Friday, and I will join our Phi Theta Kappa students in their Racial Justice Issues/Honors in Action meeting and other student and employee groups. I know this is just a start, but it is a start and I am committed to prioritizing this work as your president.
I also remain committed to listening. I know that will be essential to seeking deeper understanding. I encourage you to share your thoughts with me and together we will work to make meaningful change in our world.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College


Release date: June 4, 2020
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
Jun 4, 2020 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC Family,
As I look out to the world from our northern Michigan community, my heart breaks at the frustration and anger that is overflowing onto the streets of cities across our country in response to years of racial injustice. My first reaction is to acknowledge the pain, seek to understand the struggle and empathize with the emotions. As important as that response is, I also know it is not enough. I must also take action. We must take action. It is not enough to be “not racist” we must actively work to be “anti-racist.”
When I first arrived at Northwestern Michigan College earlier this year, I was proud to see the work that we are already doing on diversity and inclusion through areas like the Experiential Learning Institute, the Dennos Museum Center, International Affairs Forum, and throughout our classrooms, student groups and support services. And while we will continue to use those areas to live our values, I believe we can and must do more.
Starting this week, I am championing a new committee at NMC that will focus solely on addressing inequities and injustices faced by our students, employees and the community. This will be led by Mark Liebling, associate VP of human resources, and Lisa Thomas, dean of students. We will look closely at our own NMC community and act as a convener of discussions for the larger community to engage thoughtfully and work collaboratively.
I also intend to lead and learn by doing. This week I have actively sought input from throughout our college community, participated in robust discussions with President’s Council, we will continue that discussion in our virtual employee town hall Friday, and I will join our Phi Theta Kappa students in their Racial Justice Issues/Honors in Action meeting and other student and employee groups. I know this is just a start, but it is a start and I am committed to prioritizing this work as your president.
I also remain committed to listening. I know that will be essential to seeking deeper understanding. I encourage you to share your thoughts with me and together we will work to make meaningful change in our world.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College


Release date: June 4, 2020
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
Jun 2, 2020 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear Campus Community,
As I shared with you last week, the college and community lost a great champion with the passing of Mr. James Beckett.
This coming Thursday, June 4, the community is invited to help celebrate Jim’s life and tremendous contributions as part of a memorial tribute. (more…)
Jun 1, 2020 | Intercom
Good afternoon NMC Community,
This afternoon Governor Whitmer lifted the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order, reopening the state and moving Michigan to phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. At this time, NMC will continue its limited reopening while finalizing safety protocols so we can expand reopening efforts in the future. NMC campuses remain closed to the public for the time being.
The Governor’s order today reiterates that any work that can be done remotely, must be. Office work that cannot be done remotely may resume. If you have work that must be completed on campus please contact your supervisor and coordinate with Human Resources to ensure all safety protocols are followed.
NMC’s campuses will remain closed until further notice while the College continues to develop plans to return to campus work and face-to-face learning safely. Two committees are meeting regularly to assist with this effort. We will share drafts of the College’s staggered reopening and exposure control plans with you later this week for review and feedback ahead of Friday’s virtual townhall. The College is also continuing to collaborate with the Grand Traverse County Joint Operations Center on a coordinated regional approach to managing the impact of COVID-19.
If you must come to campus, please wear a face mask, as specified in the Governor’s order. For more information and resources, including instructions on campus mail pickup and delivery, please visit the “keep working” section of nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Following the Governor’s guidance, the college will begin taking a slow and deliberate approach to phased re-starting of some functions on campus. For the safety of our students, employees and community, it is essential that these guidelines are followed.
Summer semester is being delivered virtually with limited small in person labs and classes on a case by case basis. You can see a list of canceled events here.
The College is currently planning several possible scenarios for fall delivery of instruction including face-to-face, hybrid and virtual options. The goal is to communicate the plans with you next week.
This is an unprecedented and rapidly-evolving situation. We will continue to communicate with you to keep you safe and limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your supervisor.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check here for the latest information.
Thank you,
NMC Public Relations
Release date: June 1, 2020
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
Jun 1, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom

Police Academy Director Gail Kurowski and Health Occupations Academic Chair and Dental Assisting Instructor Beckie Wooters oversaw the first face-to-face instruction on NMC’s campus since mid-March.
Following strict health and safety protocols, police academy and dental assisting students resumed face-to-face training at Northwestern Michigan College May 18 in accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s latest executive order, which amends the scope of previous orders to allow training for first responders and healthcare workers. (Police Academy recruit Monte White, right, is shown taking a defensive driving course at Camp Grayling as part of the academy training.)
Some class days stretched 11 or 12 hours in order to compress necessary training into efficient delivery. Read more.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 1, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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 Osterlin Library.
Great Lakes Maritime Academy adds new vessel to fleet for cadets to learn
UpNorthLive, May 29 (more…)
Jun 1, 2020 | Intercom
Good afternoon NMC Community,
This afternoon Governor Whitmer lifted the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order, reopening the state and moving Michigan to phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. At this time, NMC will continue its limited reopening while finalizing safety protocols so we can expand reopening efforts in the future. NMC campuses remain closed to the public for the time being.
The Governor’s order today reiterates that any work that can be done remotely, must be. Office work that cannot be done remotely may resume. If you have work that must be completed on campus please contact your supervisor and coordinate with Human Resources to ensure all safety protocols are followed.
NMC’s campuses will remain closed until further notice while the College continues to develop plans to return to campus work and face-to-face learning safely. Two committees are meeting regularly to assist with this effort. We will share drafts of the College’s staggered reopening and exposure control plans with you later this week for review and feedback ahead of Friday’s virtual townhall. The College is also continuing to collaborate with the Grand Traverse County Joint Operations Center on a coordinated regional approach to managing the impact of COVID-19.
If you must come to campus, please wear a face mask, as specified in the Governor’s order. For more information and resources, including instructions on campus mail pickup and delivery, please visit the “keep working” section of nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Following the Governor’s guidance, the college will begin taking a slow and deliberate approach to phased re-starting of some functions on campus. For the safety of our students, employees and community, it is essential that these guidelines are followed.
Summer semester is being delivered virtually with limited small in person labs and classes on a case by case basis. You can see a list of canceled events here.
The College is currently planning several possible scenarios for fall delivery of instruction including face-to-face, hybrid and virtual options. The goal is to communicate the plans with you next week.
This is an unprecedented and rapidly-evolving situation. We will continue to communicate with you to keep you safe and limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your supervisor.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check here for the latest information.
Thank you,
NMC Public Relations
Release date: June 1, 2020
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 29, 2020 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear Campus Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today to share news of the passing of an NMC legend, Mr. James J. Beckett. He was 97. (more…)
May 29, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Good afternoon NMC community,
The Grand Traverse Community Health Department, Michigan National Guard and Michigan State Police are coordinating to offer free COVID-19 testing for any Michigan resident interested in being tested. The testing will take place Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Turtle Creek Stadium, home of the Traverse City Pit Spitters, located six miles south of Traverse City off of U.S. 31. Test results are expected within 3-4 days.
Thank you,
NMC Public Relations
May 29, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The GLMA tugboat Mississippi crew in Cleveland about to get underway. From left to right: Ryan Anderson (Engine), Zach Drenth (Deck), Dan Zassick (Mate), Cary Godwin (Captain). (download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — A new vessel, the tugboat Mississippi, will join the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s fleet on a leased basis next week, increasing cadet options for completing sea time requirements as well as the credentials they receive at graduation.
Captained by Cary Godwin, a GLMA crew of four departed from Cleveland today aboard the tugboat and are expected to arrive Sunday or Monday at NMC’s Great Lakes campus harbor.
Adding the Mississippi to the Academy’s fleet will offer greater assurance to Maritime cadets that they will be able to complete their required 360 days of sea time before graduation. Cadets complete their sea time requirements during three sea projects, the first of which is completed aboard the T/S State of Michigan, GLMA’s flagship vessel since 2002.
Many cadets accrue the remaining sea time aboard commercial vessels. However, berths on commercial vessels are increasingly difficult to obtain, said GLMA superintendent Jerry Achenbach. This is due to GLMA being at full enrollment, with at least 21 students on a waiting list for admission this fall.
The Mississippi will provide another option for cadets to earn sea time. It will also allow Maritime deck cadets to earn an additional endorsement enabling them to serve as a licensed officer on a tow vessel. This will substantially increase their post-graduation employment options.
“It would be great to come out of the Academy with pilotage and a towing endorsement. That’s going to be amazing in terms of job opportunities,” said Margaret Handel, a 2020 Maritime graduate who needs to complete just 35 days of sea time.
She had hoped to do so aboard a commercial vessel, but said the tugboat would be a great substitute, especially since the coronavirus pandemic has made it even more difficult to get sea time.
Cadet Zachary Ferguson agreed. He is set to graduate in 2021 and needs 96 more days of sea time.
“There’s lots of days we’re behind (due to the pandemic.) The tug is really going to help to try and make up those days. Every day counts,” he said.
In March, NMC trustees unanimously approved leasing the Mississippi for six months at a cost of $73,800. Including fuel ($100,000), insurance and instructor salaries, it will cost an estimated $188,000 to operate the tugboat this year.
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 at nmc.edu/maritime.
Editors: If you would like to cover the arrival of the tugboat in Traverse City, text (231) 392-1800 to receive a more specific arrival time when it is known.
Release date: May 29, 2020
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