Aug 27, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to NMC facilities and custodial teams for supporting College for Kids programming this summer. College for Kids utilizes many of our NMC buildings and campuses, and this summer we’ve set up camp in Scholars Hall for our new full day programming (and continue to run our half day classes as well). Facilities and the custodial teams have made the space hospitable for the youngest Hawk Owls. Thank you!
Kudos to Koleen Spigarelli and Ashley Hulwick who did a fantastic job testing students for Move-In Week! Not only were they testing them back to back, but they were also cleaning between tests, running back to enter in results, and heading back to the next student on the schedule for hours! These ladies rocked their job and went above and beyond to get students tested so they could move in. You couldn’t tell it was only Ashley’s fourth day in Health Services by the way she flawlessly handled the situation! Koleen was not only testing, but also working on her presentation for the parents, and taking care of her everyday duties as Director and Nurse Practitioner for Student Health Services! The students and I couldn’t have done it without them; thanks, ladies!
Kudos to Kristin Salathiel: Thank you for presenting at the Board of Trustees meeting this month! Your presentation with Colin about non-traditional assessment was innovative and creative! NMC is lucky to have such an excellent educator!
Kudos to Custodial Services and Facilities: WOW! …That was the first word out of my mouth this morning when I entered West Hall. It was done! All of the tables, chairs, workspaces, group areas…done. Even with the detail of the smaller coffee tables configured to reach the plugs on the walls. The teaching podiums were set up with cables run to the correct ports. Having been through the process of reading blueprints, locating furniture, and setting up the active learning labs, I know the process and it is not easy. Please pass along my praise, accolades, and kudos to those that converted these areas in the middle of the night. I greatly appreciate it!
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!
Aug 27, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Katy Knight has been recently promoted to Testing Center Lead Proctor & Data Specialist. Brady Corcoran has been recently promoted to Audio Technology Coordinator.
Aug 27, 2021 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — As we prepare for the fall semester, we want to thank you for all you have done to help keep our students, co-workers and families safe from COVID-19.
The “Reimagining Fall” committee met August 18 to discuss safety protocols. The group raised several questions and after consulting with the COVID emergency management team and health services, we would like to share the following information:
- Eating on campus: NMC recognizes there are good reasons for both limiting eating and also providing flexibility. While we will not be restricting eating, we ask that if a student needs to eat in the classroom that they distance themselves from others. Of course, we do have some areas that faculty do not allow food such as labs. This is certainly up to a faculty member given the environment.
- Masks: Masks will be required in all classrooms and in the public areas of the buildings. If student/staff are working in a private study room masks will not be required. We are making this accommodation based on student feedback from last year. Oftentimes students are using these private breakout rooms for long periods of time and for zoom meetings.
- Reporting cases: We do have in place the process to report cases that are reported to staff or faculty. Find this process here: Report a positive case.
- Daily Symptoms Check: NMC is no longer using the CampusClear app. Please monitor your health and do not come to campus if you have any symptoms identified here: When to stay home.
We continue to update the safety information and resources available for employees and students at nmc.edu/keep-safe. Please review this information and guide students there as needed. You can also continue to provide input and ask questions through this feedback form.
Thank you again for your support and dedication to keeping our NMC community safe.
Release Date: August 25, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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
Aug 25, 2021 | Intercom
A key indicator of a successful flexible work program is ensuring students continue to get their needs met!
These customizable PDF templates in either green or black and white should be used to provide up-to-date contact information throughout NMC’s campuses. Simply fill out the form, including the ‘information is valid through’ section, print and attach to your office door!
For best results, use Adobe Acrobat Pro, the free Adobe Acrobat Reader or Google Chrome’s built-in PDF reader to fill out, save and print the form.
If you can’t locate a web shortcut for your department’s preferred “Still need help” URL, please email skellman@nmc.edu for assistance.
Aug 25, 2021 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — As we prepare for the fall semester, we want to thank you for all you have done to help keep our students, co-workers and families safe from COVID-19.
The “Reimagining Fall” committee met August 18 to discuss safety protocols. The group raised several questions and after consulting with the COVID emergency management team and health services, we would like to share the following information:
- Eating on campus: NMC recognizes there are good reasons for both limiting eating and also providing flexibility. While we will not be restricting eating, we ask that if a student needs to eat in the classroom that they distance themselves from others. Of course, we do have some areas that faculty do not allow food such as labs. This is certainly up to a faculty member given the environment.
- Masks: Masks will be required in all classrooms and in the public areas of the buildings. If student/staff are working in a private study room masks will not be required. We are making this accommodation based on student feedback from last year. Oftentimes students are using these private breakout rooms for long periods of time and for zoom meetings.
- Reporting cases: We do have in place the process to report cases that are reported to staff or faculty. Find this process here: Report a positive case.
- Daily Symptoms Check: NMC is no longer using the CampusClear app. Please monitor your health and do not come to campus if you have any symptoms identified here: When to stay home.
We continue to update the safety information and resources available for employees and students at nmc.edu/keep-safe. Please review this information and guide students there as needed.
Thank you again for your support and dedication to keeping our NMC community safe.
Release Date: August 25, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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
Aug 25, 2021 | Intercom
NMC lifelong learning fall catalogs are now available at nmc.edu/ees and by mail. Register now for best selection! Employee tuition waivers apply — but you must register by phone to receive the waiver; call Extended Education at (231) 995-1700 (M-F, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).
Start fall semester off right by joining a Face-to-Face or Virtual fitness class. Choose daytime Forever Fit, after-work Fitness Conditioning, Yoga & Meditation Classes and Wellness topics.
New classes this fall include Leadership Skills and Intercultural Communication. You are invited to savor the Flavors of Mexico, pick a Mushroom class, indulge your musical passions with 1920s & 1930s jazz, blues, roots country, and immigrant American Music at 78 RPM. And enjoy the popular Friday morning Livestream Coffee Chats resume with 10 new guests and topics.
Signing up is easy: call EES at (231) 995-1700 to register, or to ask about the cost of specific classes.
Aug 23, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
On July 13, the Department of Education announced that for the 2021-2022 financial aid year, colleges could waive verification requirements for most students who have not completed them. Financial Aid Director Linda Berlin reports that NMC’s Financial Services office implemented this change by July 27 (the payment due date!) and as a result, was able to award federal aid (and state aid for last-dollar programs) to 337 students who were previously held up by verification requirements. Amy Klei in NMC’s Information Technology Services department assisted with automated updating and Financial Services staff reviewed hundreds of partially completed records manually in order to award the aid.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Aug 23, 2021 | Emergency Management, Intercom
An automated external defibrillator is located in the following locations: (more…)
Aug 23, 2021 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
The Traverse City Parking Patrol will begin issuing warnings at NMC Monday, Aug. 29 and start issuing citations for parking violations on Sunday, Sept. 5. All NMC students and employees must have their 2021-2022 permits displayed then. If you haven’t received your permit, they’re available at the Campus Safety & Security office in the West Hall Innovation Center (#9 on the Main Campus Map) and the Enrollment Services office on the main level of the Tanis Building (#5 on the Main Campus Map).
The Traverse City Police Department has provided the following information on how to avoid parking tickets on campus by properly displaying your parking permit:
- Place your permit in the bottom left-hand corner of your windshield.
- Place your permit right side up. An upside-down permit will be considered invalid.
- Hang tags must be on the rear view mirror.
- Be sure that the expiration date on your permit can be seen from the outside of your vehicle. (Some vehicles have a tint on the edges of their windshield, so be sure your permit is not behind a tint, as it will make it difficult to see from the outside.) When it doubt, get out of your vehicle and be sure you can see the entire permit from the outside.
If you do get a ticket, payment can be made at the red drop-off payment box at the east end of the Cedar lot in front of the Health & Science Building on main campus. You can also mail the fine in to the city, or pay at the parking services office in the public parking garage at 303 E. State St. Payment information is also on each ticket.
If you have any questions about parking enforcement on campus, please call Campus Safety & Security at (231) 995-1111.
Aug 23, 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.
Chukkers for Community: Annual polo match funds local scholarships
Record-Eagle, August 22
One Up XP Show: Northwestern Michigan College Esports
9&10 News, August 20
Around the Circle This Week
Lake Superior Magazine, August 20
The Greenspire School celebrates opening of new high school
Record-Eagle, August 19
UpNorthLive, August 19
Vaccinated NMC Students to Earn Shot at Free Tuition, Other Prizes
9&10 News, August 19
From The Persisent To The State Of Michigan: A Maritime Transformation
The Ticker, August 15
NMC To Require Indoor Masking Starting Wednesday
The Ticker, August 10
Northwestern Michigan College Holding Tryouts For E-Sports Program This Weekend
9&10 News, August 9
Adapted in TC: Then this summer …
Instructor Susan Odgers’ monthly column on living with disability, Record-Eagle, August 22
Aug 23, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College students have a chance to win free tuition, housing, bookstore gift certificates and more by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
Students registered and enrolled for the fall semester, who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, can enter the “Win Big” raffle through September 30, 2021.
Prizes include:
- (2) Free Tuition and Fees for Spring 2022 Semester (max: $10,000)
- (2) Free NMC Housing for a semester (Spring 2022)
- (5) $500 NMC Bookstore Gift Cards
- (10) $100 Amazon Gift Cards
The prize drawing will take place October 4, 2021. Students do not need to be present to win.
NMC will partner with the Grand Traverse County Health Department to host a free vaccine clinic Tuesday, Aug. 31 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. during the student activities fair Pine Palooza.
Visit nmc.edu/vaccines for a list of other vaccine clinic locations.
Release Date: August 19, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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
Aug 19, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College students have a chance to win free tuition, housing, bookstore gift certificates and more by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
Students registered and enrolled for the fall semester, who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, can enter the “Win Big” raffle through September 30, 2021.
Prizes include:
- (2) Free Tuition and Fees for Spring 2022 Semester (max: $10,000)
- (2) Free NMC Housing for a semester (Spring 2022)
- (5) $500 NMC Bookstore Gift Cards
- (10) $100 Amazon Gift Cards
The prize drawing will take place October 4, 2021. Students do not need to be present to win.
NMC will partner with the Grand Traverse County Health Department to host a free vaccine clinic Tuesday, Aug. 31 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. during the student activities fair Pine Palooza.
Visit nmc.edu/vaccines for a list of other vaccine clinic locations.
Release Date: August 19, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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
Aug 12, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Aug 12, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Jim Bensley: Thank you for your presentation to the Board of Trustees for the faculty report! Your Experiential Humanities Portfolio was a great example of faculty innovation! You and your students are creative, brave and exemplify the spirit of academic excellence we continue to see during the pandemic.
Kudos to Lindsey Lipke, Cathy Brown, Kim Gourlay, and Mark West: The Board of Trustees approved a banking contract with Huntington Bank in March 2021. Lindsey Lipke and Kim Gourlay of the Business Office have since worked tirelessly to transition the College’s deposits, investments, and credit card processing functions to Huntington’s new platform, as well as help integrate banking functionality with Banner. Along with Lindsey and Kim, Cathy Brown and Mark West have spent significant time training with the new online banking system. The combined efforts have helped provide a seamless transition that is expected to save the College $25,000 over a 3-year period.
Kudos to Jackie Schenk: Jackie works in the Extended Educational Services office and has spent the last year going out of her way to engage with our lifelong learning students and instructors. The pandemic caused many of our students, especially those who live alone, to be quite lonely. When the pandemic first started, she made countless phone calls checking on many of our students, advisory board members, and instructors. She continues to engage with the community in this way; she knows our students, she knows their stories – some of them for over 20 years. Many of our EES students call specifically asking for her, as she represents their personal connection to the college, and that means a lot to this community. Thank you, Jackie!
Kudos to Katy Knight: Yesterday Katy helped a new student and this was the message that he sent:
Katy,
Thanks so much for your help today with placement testing, computer use, and getting in touch with my advisor. This was my first experience with NMC and you made it an extraordinarily positive one. I really appreciate your thorough and courteous support and look forward to seeing you on campus this semester.
He also wanted this shout-out to go up the chain of command to the head of her department! We want all of NMC to know how appreciative we are of Katy for all that she does at our proctoring desk!
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!
Aug 12, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Scott Welch has been promoted to Aviation Maintenance Mechanic.
Aug 10, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY —Starting Wednesday, August 11, NMC will require everyone to wear a mask while inside any one of the college’s buildings, regardless of your vaccination status. This change is to limit the spread of COVID-19, especially the delta variant which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows is more infectious and can be transmitted by vaccinated people. The delta variant is driving an increase in cases and hospitalizations across the country and has been identified in Grand Traverse County. The CDC has placed Grand Traverse County in the “substantial transmission” category for COVID-19 and recommends indoor mask use for both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals.
Symptoms of the delta variant are similar to the original strain including:
- Headache
- Fever
- Sore throat
Cough and loss of smell may be less common symptoms of the Delta variant.
Vaccines are effective and widely available for those 12 and older. NMC is not currently requiring students or employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, but it is highly recommended. To schedule an appointment near you please visit nmc.edu/vaccines.
You do not need to wear a mask in the following circumstances:
- Outdoors
- Alone in an enclosed space
- Eating or drinking
Social distancing is not required at this time and NMC remains in Stage 4 of its reopening plan.
As we head toward the fall semester, NMC will be offering pop-up vaccine clinics on campus, including at Pinepalooza August 31 in West Hall. Students who have received the COVID-19 vaccine will be eligible to win prizes including full spring semester tuition and fees, housing fees, bookstore gift certificates and Amazon gift cards. More details will be released soon on how to enter to win!
Currently only about 50% of 20–29 year olds in Grand Traverse County have received the COVID-19 vaccine. That is the lowest percentage of all eligible age groups in the county. Please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to get vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help our community return to fewer restrictions sooner.
NMC remains committed to keeping our students and employees safe while limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible. We will continue to monitor the situation and will lift the mask requirement when conditions improve. We will continue to communicate with you on the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our campus community. You can find more information and resources at nmc.edu/covid-19. Thank you to everyone who helped keep our NMC community safe during the pandemic, and your continued support.
Release Date: August 10, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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
Aug 10, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY —Starting Wednesday, August 11, NMC will require everyone to wear a mask while inside any one of the college’s buildings, regardless of your vaccination status. This change is to limit the spread of COVID-19, especially the delta variant which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows is more infectious and can be transmitted by vaccinated people. The delta variant is driving an increase in cases and hospitalizations across the country and has been identified in Grand Traverse County. The CDC has placed Grand Traverse County in the “substantial transmission” category for COVID-19 and recommends indoor mask use for both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals.
Symptoms of the delta variant are similar to the original strain including:
- Headache
- Fever
- Sore throat
Cough and loss of smell may be less common symptoms of the Delta variant.
Vaccines are effective and widely available for those 12 and older. NMC is not currently requiring students or employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, but it is highly recommended. To schedule an appointment near you please visit nmc.edu/vaccines.
You do not need to wear a mask in the following circumstances:
- Outdoors
- Alone in an enclosed space
- Eating or drinking
Social distancing is not required at this time and NMC remains in Stage 4 of its reopening plan.
As we head toward the fall semester, NMC will be offering pop-up vaccine clinics on campus, including at Pinepalooza August 31 in West Hall. Students who have received the COVID-19 vaccine will be eligible to win prizes including full spring semester tuition and fees, housing fees, bookstore gift certificates and Amazon gift cards. More details will be released soon on how to enter to win!
Currently only about 50% of 20–29 year olds in Grand Traverse County have received the COVID-19 vaccine. That is the lowest percentage of all eligible age groups in the county. Please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to get vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help our community return to fewer restrictions sooner.
NMC remains committed to keeping our students and employees safe while limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible. We will continue to monitor the situation and will lift the mask requirement when conditions improve. We will continue to communicate with you on the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our campus community. You can find more information and resources at nmc.edu/covid-19. Thank you to everyone who helped keep our NMC community safe during the pandemic, and your continued support.
Release Date: August 10, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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
Aug 9, 2021 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear NMC Community,
I am pleased to share that one of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) related opportunities for students and employees coming in the 2021-2022 academic year will be a celebration of Martin Luther King (MLK) Day. Programming and activities will begin on Monday, January 17, 2022, (which is also the first full week of spring semester.). A team of faculty and staff is working to organize this celebration and provide many opportunities, including classroom/curriculum ideas, programming/events, music, and volunteer opportunities for students and employees both on campus and in the community.
The goal of this celebration is to provide students and employees an opportunity to learn more about the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and through service, embody the values he so embraced and upheld for the just treatment of all people from all walks of life. This holiday is an opportunity to educate and explore ways to value, embrace, and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in real and tangible ways. Programming and events from MLK Day will lead into February’s Black History Month.
Please watch for more information coming this fall on how MLK Day activities can be infused through the classroom, through volunteerism, and in programming/events during the months of January and February.
More information will follow soon. We look forward to this special opportunity!
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College
