IAF Freshwater Focus programming April 17 & 18

Northwestern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum turns its focus to our freshwater resources in back-to-back events on April 17 and 18. The programs are presented by IAF in partnership with Interlochen Public Radio, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute. Both events are supported by a grant from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

Relentless documentary screening NMC IAF

Relentless Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion

Wednesday, April 17, 6–8:30 p.m.
Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center

The International Affairs Forum, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and Interlochen Public Radio present Relentless, a documentary narrated by J.K. Simmons on the deadly invasion of sea lampreys into the Great Lakes and the tenacious scientists who were determined to find a solution.

After the screening, stay for a panel discussion including:

    • T. Lindsey Haskin, Director, writer, producer of Relentless
    • Heather Hettinger, Fisheries Management Biologist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
    • Jennifer Read, Ph.D., Director, University of Michigan Water Center
    • Frank Ettawageshik, President, American Association on Indian Affairs
    • Ellie Katz, moderator, Environment Reporter, Interlochen Public Radio

This is a free event. Space is limited. Reserve tickets at TCIAF.com.

NMC IAF Freshwater Focus Peter Annin

Global Water Tension & The Great Lakes Compact

Thursday, April 18, 5:30–8 p.m. (7 p.m. ET livestream)
Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center

Peter Annin will present a keynote address on Global Water Tension & The Great Lakes Compact. Annin is the director of the Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation and the author of The Great Lakes Water Wars, the definitive work on the Great Lakes water diversion controversy. Before coming to Northland College in 2015, Peter served as a reporter at Newsweek, the associate director of the Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources, and the managing director of the University of Notre Dame’s Environmental Change Initiative. He continues to report on the Great Lakes water diversion issue and published the second edition of The Great Lakes Water Wars in the fall of 2018.

In his latest book, Purified: How Recycled Sewage Is Transforming Our Water, Annin shows that wastewater has become a surprising weapon in America’s war against water scarcity — and a potential global model for innovation.

The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and will feature freshwater-related content from event partners NMC Great Lakes Water Studies Institute & Interlochen Public Radio. GLWSI will brief reception attendees on its new associate degree in water quality environmental technology — a.k.a. the Wet Tech degree. IPR will highlight its Great Lakes reporting via its Points North podcast team. These brief “breakout” presentations will be delivered in a gallery adjacent to the museum’s sculpture court.

The keynote address will follow at 7 p.m.

Admission is $15 per person. Admission is free for all students and educators. For tickets and all event details, visit TCIAF.com.

 

IAF logo

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education

Generative AI in education NMC GVSUGrand Valley State University in partnership with NMC is hosting a free community event where experts will share their experience with artificial intelligence in education.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked significant interest in the academic world, dominating headlines and becoming a focal point of academic discussions. A prevailing concern is that students may exploit AI to complete assignments and write papers. Instead of perceiving AI as a threat to academic integrity, it is crucial to acknowledge its potential as a tool and remain open to the possibilities it presents for enriching education. By adopting a forward-thinking approach, educators can leverage AI to complement traditional teaching methods, fostering a more dynamic and effective learning environment.

The discussion will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. Register at gvsu.edu/traverse/ai to attend in person or join the livestream. Those joining in-person will meet in Room 07 (lower level) of the NMC University Center.

Board of Trustees to hold special meeting April 2

TRAVERSE CITY — The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Tuesday, April 2 at 4 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Room 14 (lower level), on NMC’s main campus, to discuss the Benzie County annexation. The meeting notice is available here.

For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.

 

Release date: March 28, 2024

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE

Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination

Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees

NMC’s tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes—take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.

Want to view upcoming classes at a glance? View the NEW Calendar of Classes.

The Sauce is KeyNMC Extended Education cooking class
Tuesday, April 9; 6–9 p.m.
Employee price: $37 (Public price $125) One seat left!
One seat left! Banish dinner boredom! Learn to turn simple vegetables, beans, and grains into a variety of delicious dishes? The secret is in the sauce! Keep your fridge and pantry stocked with ingredients to whip up a finger-licking-good sauce in no time.
Register here

Baking Masterclass: Pizza & FocacciaNMC Baking Masterclass
Saturday, April 13; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Employee price: $43 (Public price $199) One seat left!
Want to level up your pizza making game? With the help of Chef Eckert, discover the secrets of making artisan pizza and focaccia at home. Learn to make and stretch your own perfect dough from scratch. Create the ultimate sauce and learn how different toppings complement each other. Plus, focaccia!
Register here

Birding for BeginnersNMC Extended Education Birding class
Friday, April 26, 6-8 .m.p & & Saturday, April 27, 8-10 a.m.
Employee price: $25 (Public price $75)
Join birding expert Kirk Waterstripe for a two-part birding adventure! From bird identification to tools of the trade, defining characteristics, and helpful hints — don’t miss this masterclass in birding!
Register here

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.

EES Help Desk

Media mentions for March 25, 2024

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.

What’s Next for Nonprofits at Planned Innovation Center Site?
Ticker, March 25
(more…)

Spring jazz concert with guest artist Jim Cooper

NMC Jazz spring concertImmerse yourself in the joyful exuberance of the NMC Jazz Bands under the direction of trumpeter and educator Joshua L Wagner on Saturday, April 20 in the Milliken Auditorium. This concert will feature vibraphonist Jim Cooper as soloist with the Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Big Band, and a special Jazz Combo that will be performing works by Jim. The concert will feature a vibrant mix of music genres, showcasing each band’s versatility. Expect an evening filled with rhythm, melody, and harmony that will leave you spellbound.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. with a brief intermission.

Tickets at the door are $13/advance $15/door for adults, $8/advance $10/door for seniors and free for NMC students with their student ID. Tickets can be purchased at simpletix.com. Exact change cash purchases at the door are appreciated, Contact the NMC Box Office line at (231) 995-1340 for questions or assistance in purchasing tickets.

 

Area libraries invite fruit lovers to talk with chef & author Abra Berens

Michigan Notable Book Tour Abra BerensThe Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Library and Traverse Area District Library (TADL) will host author and chef Abra Berens at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 in the McGuire Community Room at the public library on Woodmere Avenue. The speaking engagement is part of the Library of Michigan’s 2024 Michigan Notable Books Author Tour. 

Berens, currently farmer and chef at Granor Farm in Three Oaks, started cooking at Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, co-founded Bare Knuckle Farm in Northport, and has collaborated with Farm Club in Leelanau County. She currently serves on the advisory board of NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute.

Abra Berens will discuss her latest cookbook Pulp: A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit; recently selected as a Michigan Notable Book for 2024. In addition to highlighting recipes using fruits of the northwest lower peninsula, Berens will discuss challenges and opportunities related to area agriculture and food production.

At the April 11 event at TADL, students of NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute will recreate both sweet and savory recipes from Pulp: A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit for attendees to sample.

For more information about this free event celebrating a Michigan author, contact NMC Library at (231) 995-1064 or library@nmc.edu.

The 2024 Michigan Notable Books program and Author Tours are made possible by the Library of Michigan, the Library of Michigan Foundation, and Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more information, visit www.Michigan.gov/NotableBooks and www.LibraryofMichiganFoundation.org.

Light Up the Night

Light up the NightLight up the Night is an evening of awareness and solidarity surrounding sexual assault and sexual harassment. Join fellow NMC community members at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9 for a vigil honoring and empowering survivors of sexual assault. Attendees will meet in room 106/107 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. The event is open to students and employees. Refreshments and crafts will be provided.

 

Kudos!

Kudos to Ali Thornton and the DEIB Advisory Council. On March 13, Ali Thornton and the DEIB Advisory Council hosted a Game Night for NMC students and employees. Participants not only learned new games but also had the opportunity to establish camaraderie with individuals they do not interact with daily. Those who attended had a great time which helped reinforce NMC’s values of inclusion and belongingness.

Kudos to Cathlyn Sommerfield, Eileen Vaughn, Denny Nguyen and Marcus Bennett. Cathlyn, Eileen, Denny, and Marcus, along with the student Multicultural Club, all contributed to the DEIB Game Night for students and employees. They recruited students, made popcorn, played games, facilitated student engagement and just had a lot of fun! The event would not have been possible without them stepping up and being willing to help out. Belongingness is key to a vital culture and these employees and students were willing to contribute to a culture of belonging. 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!

Compliance training tips

Compliance training got you down? Try these troubleshooting tips.

If you are accessing training from a desktop or laptop computer

    • Update and restart your browser. If you have any pending updates, they may need to be completed to move forward with training.
    • Clear your browser’s cookies and cache, typically located under your browser’s history settings.
    • Device-specific browser extensions and/or pop-up blockers may be interfering with your training. Try accessing the training from another browser to rule out this possibility.

If the state laws PDFs appear behind the actual training tab, try one of these methods to get unstuck

    • Pull the PDF to your second monitor. You should now see your training and be able to continue.
    • Minimize the browser to view and continue the training.
    • Hover your cursor over the browser icon at the bottom of your screen. Identify the training window and click on it to continue.

If you are accessing training from a mobile device

    • The training is compatible with many mobile devices; however, some users may have personal configurations that prevent certain courses from loading. Additionally, some custom and policy courses are best displayed on a computer. If you are experiencing difficulty loading our training on a personal device, try accessing the courses through a laptop or desktop computer.

If these troubleshooting tips do not correct the issue, please use this link to connect with Vector Support, sharing the following details

    • Which browser and version are you experiencing this on?
    • Screenshot and description of where the user is stuck or having difficulty.
    • Full course title and section of issue.
    • Number of users reporting these issues (an estimate is fine). Example users are extremely helpful as well.
    • Device(s) experiencing this issue (desktop, laptop, mobile device).

 

Welcome our newest hires

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Nicholas Mackesty – Chief Engineering Officer
    • Maximos McColl – Groundkeeper
    • Emily Kruse, supplemental – Tutor
    • Joe Buntic, supplemental – Uncrewed Aerial Systems Assistant
    • Lizzy Czubak, supplemental – Banquet Server

Nominations for the Honors & Leadership Convocation

Nominations for several awards presented at the Honors & Leadership Convocation are now being accepted. All faculty and staff at NMC can nominate students for Adult Student of the Year, Student Leader, and Award for Perseverance. Please also take the opportunity to highlight the work of student groups on campus and work with your Office Manager to nominate students in your area for academic awards. Nominations are being accepted until April 5. The winners will be invited to receive their award at Honors & Leadership Convocation on Friday, May 3.

 

Adult Student of the Year Award

This award recognizes an adult NMC student that has been an example to the NMC Community of balancing school and outside life obstacles. This person should not only be excelling in the classroom, but also making contributions to the campus community outside the classroom. Criteria for the student include being at least 25 years old and having a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0.

 

Student Groups Recognition

This award recognizes groups on campus making a positive impact at NMC and the greater community. They contribute to belongingness on campus and demonstrate leadership and empowerment on campus, are inclusive and have a shared vision.

 

Student Award for Perseverance (new this year)

Presented by the Department of Student Success, this award will go to a student that has overcome adversity and personal obstacles to continue towards their goals. They demonstrate a growth mindset, resilience, courage, passion and inspire others. The only academic requirement is that they are currently in good academic standing and at least half time enrolled for the last 2 semesters.

 

Student Leader of the Year Award

This award recognizes 3 students who are contributing to the culture of NMC outside the classroom and creating a community on NMC’s campus. Recipients will be selected based on campus involved in leadership activities and their contributions to move clubs or groups forward. They demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, empowers others, inspires a shared vision, role models inclusive and ethical leadership. The Student does not have to be graduating to be nominated or receive the award.

Nominations open for Staff and Team Excellence Awards

Click the forms below to complete your nomination(s) for the:

We are seeking nominations for:

    • Staff (full-time, part-time, or supplemental)
    • Teams of two or more individuals (departments, cross-departmental collaborative groups, strategic projects, initiative-focused teams, etc.)

Criteria:

    • Work serves to inspire us all
    • Demonstrates NMC’s Values
    • Exhibits commitment ‘above and beyond’ to the NMC mission, vision, values and strategic directions
    • Made a difference at NMC over the past year (2023-2024)

Nominations must be received by March 29, 2024. Recipients will receive a monetary award and an engraved plaque at the You Made It Possible Celebration on May 9, 2024.

Thank you for recognizing the great work of your colleagues and showing you care!

NMC Employee Recognition Committee: Marcus Bennett, Hollie DeWalt, Les Eckert, Kim Gourlay, Craig Hadley, Lori Hodek (Chair), Carly McCall, Taylor Nash, Nancy Parshall

Success Story: Experiential Learning Institute aims for new endorsement

March 20, 2024

NMC Audio Technology program students view a music production studio in East Lansing
NMC Audio Technology program students check out a music production studio in East Lansing.

Imagine a classroom where “sticky” experiences occur regularly, the kind that students remember for years and develop skills they’ll draw upon in the future, like solving problems and communicating more clearly, whether in their work, family or civic lives.

More and more of those classrooms now exist at NMC, as the college marks a giant leap toward its goal of offering experiential learning opportunities (ELOs) to every degree-seeking student by September 2024.

The latest tracking update shows that in the fall 2023 semester, 92 percent of students had ELOs, the often hands-on activities designed to engage them in a cycle of experience, reflection and action. That’s up from 66 percent in spring 2023 and 54 percent in fall 2022.

“It’s about intentionally changing the fundamental student experience in the classroom,” said faculty member Brandon Everest, who has co-directed the Institute with business faculty member Kristy McDonald since 2016.

Some 113 instructors offered ELOs in 263 classes last fall, reaching 2,685 students. The method has been so well received that Everest and McDonald are considering a future EL endorsement students could add to their degree or certificate that would help distinguish them in the job market and NMC among other colleges.

“This is a real differentiator for us here at the college,” Everest told NMC trustees at a board meeting Monday. ELOs, which can occur in courses, internships, apprenticeships, community research, service learning, international services and extracurricular activities also reinforce the material learned, and improve student retention, meaning it’s more likely students will complete their goal.

Trustees wholeheartedly support the ELI, board chair Laura Oblinger said.

“You have the same enthusiasm among this board of trustees. We’ll be continuing to root for you,” she said.

Examples of ELOs include:

  • The NMC Motor Sports Club’s participation in Baja endurance races, which involved automotive, engineering and welding students. 
  • The ninth annual Big Little Hero Race, organized by McDonald’s  professional communications students and set for April 20
  • The Lunch and Learn held today for Holi, a Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of spring and love. (See slides 12-16)

In addition to ELOs, which can be as short as a single assignment, NMC began offering Experiential Learning Designated courses, where at least 80 percent of the course it taught through experiential learning.  McDonald’s Professional Communications class is one of them. A “co-curricular mapping” project is now underway to identify ELOs in every degree and certificate program, class and section, with a goal of providing ELOs as early as possible to students.

The proposed voluntary endorsement would be a credential students could earn in addition to a degree or certificate. It would also enable students to easily choose EL classes when they register.

“It would be a real clear pathway for them to select,” said McDonald, who added that she and Everest often field inquiries from colleges around the country about how to implement ELOs. They will present at a teaching conference in New Orleans this summer.

“One of our goals is to showcase that we are that leader,” she said.

Showcasing NMC’s leadership in water issues

Thanks to Lisa Cooper, Ed Bailey, Nathan Bootz and all who participated in the Water Leadership conference in Traverse City March 8-10. The event was part of the AquaHacking the Great Lakes Challenge, an entrepreneurship competition, and brought six Canadian and four U.S. finalist teams to the region. The winners of $35,000 in seed funding will be named May 10. Like the Freshwater Research Center, the weekend showcased NMC’s leadership in water issues.


Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!

Media mentions for March 18, 2024

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.

Old Mission filmmakers celebrate history arthouse theaters in ‘Marqueetown’

Old Mission Gazette, March 18
(more…)