Employee Anniversaries – January
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Kudos!
Kudos to the Testing Center staff and especially Katy Knight for the end-of-the-semester flexibility and for providing great service to our students.
Kudos to Dan Goodchild for his work in managing all of the moving parts of the Tech Division while still managing the Construction Program. He has jumped right into this role!
Kudos to Nick Nissley for the wonderful and restful holiday break!
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!
Welcome Our Newest Hires
- Tasha Williams — Adjunct Faculty Clinical Nursing Instructor
- Tim Nielsen — Adjunct Art Visual Communications
- Amy Keen — Adjunct Obstetrical and Pediatric Nursing Instructor
- Emily Kruse — Student Success Coach
- Eden Bedore — Lobdell’s Assistant
- Joy Stehlik — Assistant Controller
- Kori Wickham — Custodian
- Terri Scarlett — Custodian
- Caitlin White — Switchboard Operator
- Jessica Parker — Math Instructor
- Kevin Marquardt — Creative Director
- Taylor Guarnaccia — Marketing Director
- Tiffany Siladke — Resource Development Assistant
- Luis Uribe — Supplemental – Food Service
- Anna Wagner — Ceramics Instructor
- Jennifer Kennedy — Adjunct Faculty Nursing Instructor
- Mark Dunham — Student Employee – Construction Technology Assistant
- Andy Braden — Student Employee – Video Editor
- Ellie Dake — Art History & Art Instructor Adjunct Faculty
- April Dehring — Supplemental – Food Service (Back of House)
- Amy Potes — Supplemental – Bookstore Assistant
- Jared Moelaart — Supplemental – Food Service
- Mahli Braak — Student Employee – Business Academic Area Office Assistant
- Paul Sonner — Adjunct Faculty – Violin Instructor
- Tyler King — Adjunct – Flight Instructor
- Luke Kruppe — Adjunct – Flight Instructor
Internal Promotions
Amy Klei in Information Technology was recently promoted to Senior Programmer Analyst Architect, and Laurel Forton-Lead in Student Services was promoted to Accounting Assistant. Congratulations on the promotions!
New regulations for access to coverage on over-the-counter COVID-19 tests
Good afternoon,
The recent regulation that provides that the cost of over-the-counter-at-home tests be covered by health insurance providers came as a surprise. Our provider, Priority Health, is still working out the details for how this will be implemented for NMC and other employers Priority serves. The guidance we have at this time is “please advise members to keep a copy of their receipt and UPC code for any purchases of FDA approved at home COVID19 tests purchased from 1/15 on.” We have been informed that Priority is working on a point-of-sale solution in order to provide us a better customer experience.
We (HR) will provide updates to you as the situation progresses and information becomes available. Thank you!
Mark
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Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
New regulations introduced for access to coverage on over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for Commercial Group and Individual Market members.
To expand Americans’ access to COVID-19 testing, new regulations were introduced by the Biden-Harris Administration this week. Beginning January 15, 2022, individuals with private health insurance coverage or covered by a group health plan who purchase an over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test (FDA approved) will be able to have those test costs covered 100% by their plan or insurance as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, as long as the emergency order remains in place.
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Important to Note: The new regulations do not solve the nationwide shortage of COVID tests and the strain on the healthcare system, including pharmacies. |
What is covered under the regulations?
- Insurance companies and health plans are required to cover at no cost to the member 8 individual over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual within a 30-day period without a prescription from a health care professional. This means a family of four, all on the same plan, can purchase up to 32 of these tests covered 100% by their health plan per month.
- COVID testing ordered by a health care professional when the test is medically necessary to diagnose and treat a patient’s symptoms continues to be covered 100%, with no member cost sharing applied and no limit to the number of tests.
- Workplace mandated testing is not covered.
How will this coverage work for Priority Health members?
- Priority Health is working on solutions including point of purchase with no upfront member out-of-pocket costs; however this is in partnership with our Pharmacy Benefits Manager, Express Scripts Intl (ESI) along with their network of pharmacies and will not be operational immediately.
- In the meantime, we’re also developing a direct member reimbursement solution that we’ll communicate more details soon.
Who is this for?
- All Individual Market and Commercial Group members, including self-funded and grandfathered. If an employer does not have pharmacy benefits through Priority Health, they’ll need to work with their Pharmacy Benefits Manager separately.
When can members start to purchase over-the-counter Covid tests for no cost?
- Coverage starts on at-home tests purchased as of Jan. 15, 2022. We anticipate availability of tests will still be limited based on the nationwide shortage and strain on the healthcare system, including pharmacies.
How will members know about this solution?
- Once we have a solution finalized, members will be able to access the most current information on COVID testing and coverage on http://www.priorityhealth.com/covid-19.
We are carefully reviewing and evaluating the new regulations to determine impact and implications. We’ll continue to keep you updated as we know more and finalize solutions.
Trustee meetings will be livestreamed beginning Jan. 24
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will begin livestreaming its regular meetings on the college’s YouTube channel beginning with this month’s Jan. 24 meeting.
The board unanimously approved adding the livestreaming option at its December 20, 2021 meeting with the goal of increasing transparency, accessibility and convenience. Participants wanting to make public comment may do so in-person at the meeting. Video of the meetings will continue to be posted to the college’s YouTube channel after the meetings.
The board usually meets the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The 2022 calendar is available here.
Release date: January 14, 2022
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‘MLK: A Musical Celebration’ Jan. 17
Building Bridges with Music presents ‘MLK: A Musical Celebration’ Monday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m., featuring the Motown Legends Gospel Choir, a thirteen-piece vocal ensemble with original members of The Miracles and The Contours and special guest saxophonist Laurie Sears performing spirituals, civil rights era songs and some Motown hits. Also featured are the NMC Children’s Choir Cantus and the NMC Chamber Singers under the direction of Jeffrey Cobb, Joe Wilson on dobro and Kevin Larose on tuba.
The City Opera House event is sold out, but a free simulcast will be held at the Dennos Museum Center’s Milliken Auditorium and a free livestream will be available here.
Per NMC campus policy, safety measures at the Milliken Auditorium include masking for all attendees, as well as following any state-mandated guidelines.
This event is part of NMC’s Embrace the Dream celebration of MLK Day and Black History Month.
Welcome to Spring Semester 2022!
Good morning NMC community and welcome to spring semester 2022!
A new year and a new semester always fills me with the sense of possibility that new beginnings bring us! I am excited to be back together working toward our common goals — transforming student lives and enriching our community — even if we’re not physically together right now. Regardless, we are united in our commitment to learning and our shared success. We’ve learned new things about ourselves over the past two years. For instance, I am a ‘people person’ and love the energy I feel from seeing and engaging with our students and employees on campus. But even when I can’t see you as often as I’d like, I have discovered that I can still feel that energy that connects us all as an NMC community. That is what lies at the heart of NMC Next — our new strategic plan that includes a new Mission, Vision, Values and Learner Experience pledge that we drafted together over the past year. That common sense of purpose inspires me everyday I wake up — to serve you and our mission. I can’t wait to share NMC Next with you after the Board of Trustees meets to approve the work later this month. While I am not sure where the pandemic will take us next, I am confident that we will continue to be connected as an NMC community, with a clear purpose, and a plan to help us move forward towards our shared vision of ‘what’s possible’.
Please remember to take care of yourself, your classmates, colleagues, friends, family and neighbors. Know that we are all here to help each other succeed. NMC is a special place and I am so grateful I get to share it with you.
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Sabbatical & Professional Development Leave Priorities
Dear colleagues:
It is encouraged to link your sabbatical and professional development leave proposals to one or more of the college strategic goals listed below, which have been presented to the Board of Trustees for their approval at their meeting on January 24, 2022, and/or the college mission.
Faculty Sabbatical Leave Requests – Faculty must submit endorsed requests electronically to the Center for Instructional Excellence (CIE) by January 17, 2022. Endorsements required: three peers and the appropriate academic chair. The application form can be found here. Download the Guidelines/Criteria for Faculty Sabbatical Requests here.
On February 15, CIE forwards the applications to the Vice President for Educational Services, for prioritization by ESIMT.
Staff Sabbatical Leave – Salaried staff must submit endorsed requests to Mark Liebling, Associate Vice President of Human Resources, by January 31, 2022. Endorsement required: appropriate executive staff officer.
The Associate Vice President of Human Resources will review staff applications in consultation with executive staff by March 1, 2022.
Final Disposition of Sabbatical Requests – By April 11, 2022, the Vice President for Educational Services will submit faculty recommendations and the Associate Vice President of Human Resources will submit staff recommendations to the President’s Office to include as a consent item on the Board agenda at their April 25, 2022, meeting.
Professional Development Leave Requests – Faculty must submit endorsed requests electronically to CIE by February 15, 2022. Endorsement required: the appropriate academic chair. Staff requests should be reviewed as a part of annual goal planning. For both faculty and staff, professional development activities may only be approved as funds are available and budgeted for this purpose.
For more information regarding sabbatical and professional development policies and procedures see Staff HR Policies D-753.00, D-753.01, D-753.02, and D-753.03 and Faculty Chair and Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreements Articles XVII and XVII.
Any additional questions can be addressed to Human Resources (ext. 5-2612) or the Center for Instructional Excellence (ext. 5-1046).
Strategic Goals
Future-Focused Education
Enhance offerings through flexible academic pathways, innovative instructional delivery models and relevant, hands-on educational experiences to empower global learners for the future.
Student Engagement and Success
Develop and deliver comprehensive support services, robust engagement opportunities and a vibrant collegiate experience to foster learner success, goal completion and employability.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Cultivate an inclusive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and delivers equitable opportunities so all are able to thrive and succeed.
Community Partnerships and Engagement
Enhance collaborations that advance community engagement, economic and workforce development and innovative opportunities for lifelong learning.
Institutional Distinction and Sustainability
Leverage distinctive programs that strengthen institutional sustainability and expand global connections for our learners and communities.
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President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
ADP is offering electronic 1095-C delivery
If you would like to receive your 1095-C electronically, click on the ADP tile on the NMC Employee homepage, then navigate to Myself > Pay > Pay & Tax Statements. Click the button to Go Paperless and a pop-up will appear. Under Health coverage statements, click the toggle to Receive paperless statements and then agree to the terms.
Success Story: Marcus Bennett chosen for DEI position, fulfilling strategic plan objective
January 12, 2022
Longtime college staff member Marcus Bennett, Ed.D., will serve as Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) beginning July 1. This is the college’s first position dedicated to DEI.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to help our college grow in this area. I’ve seen first hand some of the challenges our students face and am inspired by the commitment of our NMC community to create positive change,” said Bennett, 45, a first-generation college student who has earned a doctorate in community college leadership from Ferris State University and a certificate on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace from the University of South Florida.
Currently associate dean of campus and residence life, Bennett’s own educational journey was similar to what many new or prospective community college students face.
“A lot of times we talk about access, and not everybody has access to education,” said Bennett, who has worked at NMC for more than a decade. “It can be very challenging and very overwhelming.”
As he considered the opportunity, the fact that NMC has made DEI a part of its just-completed strategic plan was significant.
“A lot of people put out statements,” Bennett said of the increased attention to racial injustice that began in summer 2020, after the murder of George Floyd. “NMC put out plans of action to continue with that work.”
Establishment of the new position fulfills a key objective within the DEI strategic area of NMC’s strategic plan, NMC Next. Expected to receive final approval from NMC’s Board of Trustees later this month, the plan is the product of nearly a year of input from more than 1,000 participants including community members, alumni, faculty, staff, students and donors.
Bennett has been a member of NMC’s DEI advisory committee, chartered by President Nick Nissley in summer 2020. That committee issued a DEI benchmarking report in fall 2021. Its research and conclusions helped inform objectives and action steps in the strategic planning process, particularly around areas of student success. Bennett also credited his colleagues in NMC’s Student Services and Enrollment Management departments for motivating him to do his best on behalf of students.
“Everybody in some shape, form or fashion has mentored me, made me feel valued and want to be here,” he said. “I’m just really excited about being here, the first in this role at NMC. I’m hopeful I can set a trail or path that others can follow.”
“Marcus’ appointment takes NMC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion to the next level,” Nissley said. “Our research shows we have work to do in this area to help our students succeed. I believe this is a critical step to help us get there. ”
Bennett is on track to complete two other certifications this year, one in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, and another in Ethical and Inclusive Leadership from USF.
DEI duties will comprise half Bennett’s job beginning in July. He will continue as associate dean of campus life. In that role, he and his family live on NMC’s main campus and he is well-known and respected by students, staff and faculty alike.
Prior to joining NMC in 2011, Bennett was a member of the Office of Residence Life staff at Saginaw Valley State University from 2003-2011.
Fall 2021 Dean’s List released
NMC is pleased to announce its Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester. The list is also available here in a new format that’s searchable and shareable on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Published at the end of each semester, the Dean’s List recognizes outstanding academic achievement based upon a student’s semester grade point average. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits in a semester.
Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this academic achievement!
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NMC Public Relations
Read Aloud at the NMC Library Feb. 2
Bring your grade school children/grandchildren, grades K-6, and join us for story time at the NMC Library on Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 5–6 p.m. This event will include story reading and craft time for children hosted by NMC students and staff.
Pre-registration is suggested but not required. To pre-register, head to the Student Activities Calendar!
All children who attend will receive a free copy of the book being read, either What If… by Samantha Berger or Stuntboy by Jason Reynolds.
This event is part of NMC’s Embrace the Dream celebration of MLK Day and Black History Month.
Safe Harbor Volunteer Opportunities
J
oin us in supporting those in our community who are experiencing homelessness! Sign up for an evening shift and volunteer your time at Safe Harbor!
See the Student Activities Calendar for more information on shifts and how to sign up.
This event is part of NMC’s Embrace the Dream celebration of MLK Day and Black History Month.
Hear Spoken Word Poet Jae Nichelle Jan. 25
You will not want to miss this free event for all students!
Join us for an engaging performance by Jae Nichelle, a spoken word poet. Nichelle is an award-winning performer, and in her spare time writes articles about linguistic and mental health issues that plague the Black community.
There are two opportunities to join online! Check the Student Activities Calendar for the links.
- Tuesday, Jan. 25, 1:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m.
This event is part of NMC’s Embrace the Dream celebration of MLK Day and Black History Month.
Coffee Chats Resume Feb. 4
Pour a cup of your favorite hot beverage, and spend an hour each Friday with NMC Extended Educational Services and community guests — from the comfort of home. A new season of “Coffee Chats” begins February 4. These Friday morning virtual interviews take place from 10 to 11 a.m. with interesting community guests, and each is followed by a live Zoom Q&A session.
The winter lineup kicks off with local historian Marty MacLeod; Jill Grenchik, fungi expert and owner of Great Lakes Treats; Kara Gregory, founder and executive director of PoWeR! Book Bags; and Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Language Coordinator Kenny Pheasant. The season concludes with experts on experiential education and conservation, advocates for music education, and local artists turned professionals in music production and recording.
There are a total of seven Coffee Chats in this winter’s series, from February 4 through March 18. You may sign up for ‘one cup at a time’ for $10 per session, or save $21 and purchase ‘The Whole Carafe’ for $49. View details and register at nmc.augusoft.net/info/landing/
All winter classes are now available at nmc.augusoft.net.
Board of Trustees monthly meetings to be broadcast live
The NMC Board of Trustees voted at its December 20 meeting to update the college’s board video recording policy and broadcast its regular monthly meetings live on the college’s YouTube channel. The live broadcasts will begin with the board’s January 24 meeting, which starts at 5:30 p.m. and will be held in Room 106/107 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s main campus.
The broadcasts do not include two-way communication with virtual viewers, and official video recordings will continue to be published on the board’s public website within eight days after the meeting.
Call For Retirements
Dear all,
If you are planning to retire between now and June 30, 2022, we ask that you provide notification in writing by Friday, January 28, using the Resignation/Retirement Notification Form.
This will give your supervisor, President’s Council, and Planning and Budget Council the opportunity to establish priorities for the coming year in a timely manner. It will also allow us ample time to assist you with your retirement preparation (application to MPSERS, etc.).
We would also like unofficial estimates of potential retirements between now and June 30, 2026. If you are willing to share your estimates with us we will use it for planning purposes. This will help us work toward long-term, pro-active planning. You don’t need to use the form attached for this purpose, a return e-mail with your “best guess” will be sufficient. You will not receive an acceptance or be held to your estimate in any way. You will, however, receive our gratitude in HR for helping us with this planning.
In addition, requests for reduced contracts/schedules may also be made, either in conjunction with retirement or not. Please read over the newly revised policy and procedure covering Flexible Work Options for details.
- http://www.nmc.edu/about/policies/board-staff/D-757.00.html
- http://www.nmc.edu/about/policies/board-staff/D-757.01.html
These requests are voluntary, and approval will be based on the needs of the area. Please treat this decision seriously and consider possible implications to your salary, benefits, and retirement before requesting a reduced contract.
Feel free to call either Hollie DeWalt (5-1350) or myself (5-1342) if you have any questions. Thank you,
Mark
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Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342