Mar 24, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
FICTION
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
A bestselling modern classic—both poignant and funny—about a boy with autism who sets out to solve the murder of a neighbor’s dog and discovers unexpected truths about himself and the world.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
Nine-year-old Oskar Schell has embarked on an urgent, secret mission that will take him through the five boroughs of New York. His goal is to find the lock that matches a mysterious key that belonged to his father, who died in the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11. This seemingly impossible task will bring Oskar into contact with survivors of all sorts on an exhilarating, affecting, often hilarious, and ultimately healing journey.
Convenience Store Woman by Ginny Tapley Takemori
A brilliant depiction of an unusual psyche and a world hidden from view, Convenience Store Woman is an ironic and sharp-eyed look at contemporary work culture and the pressures to conform, as well as a charming and completely fresh portrait of an unforgettable heroine.
Forrest Gump by Winston Groom
Six foot six, 242 pounds, and possessed of an IQ of 70, Forrest Gump is the lovable, surprisingly savvy hero of this classic comic tale. His early life may seem inauspicious, but when the University of Alabama’s football team drafts Forrest and makes him a star, it sets him on an unbelievable path that will transform him from Vietnam hero to world-class Ping-Pong player, from wrestler to entrepreneur. With a voice all his own, Forrest is telling all in a madcap romp through three decades of American history.
Going Bovine by Libba Bray
In an attempt to find a cure after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob’s (aka mad cow) disease, Cameron Smith, a disaffected sixteen-year-old boy, sets off on a road trip with a death-obsessed video gaming dwarf he meets in the hospital.
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
A twelve-year-old boy named Moose moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 when guards’ families were housed there, and has to contend with his extraordinary new environment in addition to life with his autistic sister. Newbery Honor Book – 2005
NONFICTION
NeuroTribes: the legacy of autism and the future of neurodiversity by Steve Silberman
“A groundbreaking book that upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently”
The Neurodiverse Classroom: a teacher’s guide to specific learning difficulties and meeting individual student needs by Victoria Honeybourne
An essential guide for teachers wishing to create inclusive and successful learning environments in diverse classrooms. Focusing on promoting acceptance and self-esteem of each child rather than on labeling their difficulties, it shows how to make good use of simple resources and meet a wide range of needs, including children with ADHD, autism, OCD, dyslexia and special speech and language needs.
The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: how to grow up awesome and autistic by Siena Castellon
All the advice and tools you’ll need to help you flourish and achieve what you want in life. From the answers to everyday questions such as ‘Am I using appropriate body language?’ and ‘Did I say the wrong thing?’, through understanding the importance of your emotions, looking after your physical and mental health and coping with anxiety and sensory overloads, award-winning neurodiversity campaigner, Castellon uses her own experiences to provide you with the skills to overcome any challenge.
Nobody’s Normal: how culture created the stigma of mental illness by Roy Richard Grinker
An examination of evolving attitudes toward mental illness throughout history and the fight to end the stigma. For centuries, scientists and society cast moral judgments on anyone deemed mentally ill, confining many to asylums. Grinker chronicles the progress and setbacks in the struggle against mental-illness stigma-from the eighteenth century, through America’s major wars, and into today’s high-tech economy and offers a path to end the shadow of stigma.
Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: what people on the autism spectrum wish their parents knew about growing up, acceptance, and identity by Virginia Johnson
From childhood and education to culture, gender identity, and sexuality, this anthology tackles the everyday joys and challenges of growing up while addressing the emotional needs, sensitivity, and vibrancy of autistic kids, youth, and young adults. Contributors reflect on what they have learned while growing up on the autism spectrum and how parents can avoid common mistakes and overcome challenges while raising their child.
Teaching University Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder : A Guide to Developing Academic Capacity and Proficiency by Kim Draisma and Kimberely McMahon-Coleman
Based on the findings of a five year longitudinal study into the experiences of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this book provides tertiary educators and support staff with practical support for addressing the challenges associated with ASD
as they manifest in college and university environments.
Neurodiversity in the Classroom: strength-based strategies to help students with special needs succeed in school and life by Thomas Armstrong
A new concept on human diversity has emerged over the past 10 years that promises to revolutionize the way educators provide services to students with special needs: neurodiversity. Just as we celebrate diversity in nature and cultures, so too do we need to honor the diversity of brains among our students who learn, think, and behave differently.
FILMS IN KANOPY
Explore movies in Kanopy for free. Go to nmc.kanopy.com and login using your NMC ID and password.
Neurotypical – A Film About Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
Four-year-old Violet, teenaged Nicholas and adult Paula occupy different positions on the autism spectrum, but they are all at pivotal moments in their lives. How they and the people around them work out their perceptual and behavioral differences becomes a remarkable reflection of the “neurotypical” world — the world of the non-autistic — revealing inventive adaptations on each side and an emerging critique of both what it means to be normal and what it means to be human.
The Reason I Jump
Based on the best-selling book by Naoki Higashida, The Reason I Jump is an immersive cinematic exploration of neurodiversity through the experiences of non-speaking autistic people from around the world. The film blends Higashida’s revelatory insights into autism, written when he was just 13, with intimate portraits of five remarkable young people. It opens a window for audiences into an intense and overwhelming, but often joyful, sensory universe.
Autism Goes to College
Five students on the autism spectrum — Guillermo, Jasmine, Caroline, Jonathan, and Aniella — invite viewers into their dorms and classrooms to show the world how they make college work for them. They share their dreams, fears, failures, and successes with candid insights and humor.
Mr. Hublot
Mr. Hublot is a withdrawn, idiosyncratic character with OCD, scared of change and the outside world. But when a very invasive companion, Robot Pet, arrives in his home, Mr.Hublot’s world is turned upside down. Winner of Best Short Film, Animated at the Academy Awards.
BEYOND THE LIBRARY: PODCASTS

The Neurodiversity Podcast talks with leaders in the fields of psychology, education, and beyond, about positively impacting neurodivergent people. Our goal is to reframe differences that were once considered disabilities or disorders, promote awareness of this unique population, and improve the lives of neurodivergent and high-ability people.
In Neurodiversity: Eliminating Kryptonite Enabling Heroes, you will hear from: The Rainmakers: Those people and organizations making the difference! The Advocates: Those people who are supporting Neurodiversity at Work. The Superheroes: Those leaders are Neurodifferent and proud. This podcast will be the game changer we are all after.
Exploring Different Brains is a weekly interview show hosted by neurodiversity advocate Harold Hackie Reitman, MD., and presented by DifferentBrains.com. Join us as we speak with some of the most interesting people involved in autism, Asperger’s, dyslexia, ADHD, OCD, down syndrome, and any condition that can be considered neurodiverse.
Mar 24, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
Join longtime NMC Social Science faculty Susan Odgers as she interviews Upper Peninsula author Ellen Airgood for the National Writers Series Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m.
The event is held in-person at the City Opera House and on Zoom. Go to nationalwritersseries.org for tickets.
Mar 22, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
The library has recently purchased many new books. You can view a handful of them here along with descriptions or go to the library catalog to see the full listing.
(more…)
Mar 21, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
Join us for a free community discussion about the impact of housing on health in northern Michigan presented by Grand Valley State University and Northwestern Michigan College. Panelists from across the community will share information on local resources, how housing is important for our overall community health, and how we can support one another.
- Date: Tuesday, April 5, 7:30–9:30 a.m.
- Location: The Hagerty Center at NMC, 715 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
During the event, we will also announce the recipients of the 2022 Rural Health Awards.
Mar 21, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
With the snow melting and spring break on the horizon, thanks to the NMC facilities and maintenance crews who have cleared campus sidewalks and kept parking lots plowed this winter. Often performed during the dark and cold and after hours, it’s thanks to their efforts that we can get around safely.
Mar 21, 2022 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.
Drones, Land Surveying, And Micro-Credentials: How NMC Is Looking Beyond Traditional Community College Programs To Broaden Its Reach
The Ticker, March 18 (more…)
Mar 21, 2022 | Intercom
Northwestern Michigan College is looking forward to bringing kids’ summer classes back again in 2022. All classes are scheduled to occur in-person. We are excited to once again deliver the College for Kids experience that participants have come to expect, while always considering the health and wellness of all students, teachers and staff.
Registration for the GRASP Reading and Math at-home program is now available. Registration for this program will again take place online until the May 20 deadline. Parents can learn more about the benefits of this proven program and meet the teachers at nmc.edu/grasp.
Registration for College for Kids enrichment classes begins Tuesday, April 5. Students ages 3-17 will be able to choose from over 100 in-person classes involving art, science, music, tech, writing, crafts, dance, and more. Classes are now available to be previewed at nmc.edu/kids before registration opens on April 5. Classes will fill quickly, so prompt registration is encouraged.
Families may sign up to receive a reminder email when registration for each program begins by visiting nmc.edu/kids.
Mar 21, 2022 | Intercom, Student Events

The Passport Student Lecture Series is a chance to explore other cultures through the experience of NMC students.
Hear Rafael Hernandez, a culinary student at NMC, talk about life and culture in Puerto Rico 12:30–1:30 p.m. Friday, April 8 in West Hall Innovation Center Rm. 106. Empanadillas will be served, made by Rafael from his grandmother’s recipe.
Global Endorsement students, please bring your GE passport so that it can be stamped to earn your GE event points!
Mar 18, 2022 | DEI Insights and Conversations, Intercom
March has been recognized as National Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan officially declared Proclamation 5613. The proclamation urged people to provide understanding, encouragement, and opportunities to help people with disabilities to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.
“Full potential” — these words should have new meaning for us now, as we embrace NMC’s new Vision, which states, “We aspire to be a global community where all learners unlock their full potential.” March gives us the opportunity to focus on this underrepresented population and to support the inclusion of these individuals.
Did you know, 26 percent (one in 4) of adults in the United States have some type of disability?
What can I do to support inclusion for those with disabilities?
Educate yourself on the topic of disabilities.
There are four major types of disabilities:
- Physical
- Developmental
- Behavioral or emotional, and
- Sensory impaired disorders
What are some examples of common disabilities?
- Acquired brain injury
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Deaf or hard of hearing
- Intellectual disability
- Mental health conditions
- Physical disability
- Vision Impairment
How can you support inclusion in the office, classroom or online?
Begin with the basics. Ensure your information is accessible to everyone. The following courses are available through the Professional Development Institute catalog to assist you in making information accessible. Click the links below to read course summaries and to view these short (10 minute to 1 hour) training modules.
Everyone wants, and deserves, to enjoy life, feel productive and secure. This month we are taking extra steps to raise awareness and to support people with disabilities and to celebrate their contributions to our communities and society as a whole!
While there has been significant and positive change in the decades since, many challenges remain for this vulnerable population. We know this population can make a positive difference in our communities, if given the opportunity to unlock their potential.
Join us as we celebrate March as National Disability Awareness Month to embrace diversity and to create a sense of inclusion and belonging for this important group among us!
— Lori Hodek
References:
Mar 18, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Make a difference in the lives of your colleagues. Nominate them here: Staff Excellence Award or Team Excellence Award.
We are seeking nominations for staff colleagues (full-time, part-time, or supplemental) whose work serves to inspire us all, and who:
- Demonstrate NMC’s Values
- Exhibit commitment ‘above and beyond’ to the NMC mission, vision, values and strategic directions,
- Made a difference at NMC over the past year (2021–2022).
Nominations must be received by 4/8/2022.
Recipients will receive a monetary award and an engraved plaque to be awarded on May 18, 2022 at the NMC You Made It Possible Celebration.
Thank you for appreciating and valuing each other.
The NMC Employee Recognition Committee:
- Marcus Bennett
- Hollie DeWalt
- Kim Gourlay
- Lori Hodek, Chair
- Mark Liebling
- Taylor Nash
- Susan Odgers
- Nancy Parshall
Mar 18, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Michael Anderson: Michael is very respectable when it comes to taking off his boots and changing into other shoes before entering the Fitness Center at North Hall. This has been very much appreciated, because it’s an ongoing battle with the salt and snow through the lobby and into the Fitness Center. So thank you!
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!
Mar 18, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Welcome Adjunct Surveying Instructor Jeff Fouch to NMC!
Mar 17, 2022 | Intercom
Good Afternoon NMC community,
We’re excited to invite you to NMC’s “You Made it Possible: 2022 Employee Picnic and Recognition Celebration!” This special new event will allow us to reconnect in-person with our colleagues and celebrate our incredible NMC community. Please save the date for Wednesday, May 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the great lawn outside of the Innovation Center for this all-employee luncheon.
During these last two years, you have all doubled down on your dedication to our students and our mission, but because of COVID conditions we haven’t been able to come together and recognize your efforts with some of our traditional college events. We hope this new event will allow us all to spend some much-needed time together as the weather warms, COVID restrictions loosen and we wrap up our busy end-of-the-semester activities. Also importantly, this event will honor our most recent retirees and recipients of service and excellence awards.
We look forward to having our entire NMC community of employees together again! During the past two years, and throughout our proud history, you truly made it all possible. We can’t wait to see you all May 18!
Mark
—
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342


Mar 17, 2022 | Intercom, Tech Bytes
Visit the Technology Help Desk Knowledgebase from the MyNMC Home Page for Tip Sheets, Videos, and eLearning Modules on all things tech!
Mar 14, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to the team that organized last week’s Long Night Against Procrastination at the NMC Library. For the first time, this late-night study marathon in the library in preparation for midterms included childcare, enabling more adult students to take advantage of it.
Mar 14, 2022 | Intercom
Instructors: Is your classroom too hot or too cold to teach comfortably? Call NMC Campus Services at (231) 995-1111. Don’t wait, we can fix that.
Is your classroom door locked and your class about to start? Call (231) 995-1111 and we can get it unlocked for you.
Mar 14, 2022 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.
How the Labor Shortage is Affecting Local Construction Efforts
9&10 News, March 9 (more…)
Mar 11, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)