May 18, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Dear NMC Community,
This afternoon Governor Whitmer announced some businesses in northern Michigan will be allowed to re-open Friday as the state continues its phased approach to opening the state following a decline in new COVID-19 cases.
This order is primarily aimed at retail and restaurant businesses and offices where work cannot be done remotely. Work that can be done remotely, should be. Schools remain closed and there is no guidance for institutions of higher education. NMC’s campuses will remain closed until further notice while the College continues to develop plans to return to campus work and face-to-face learning safely. Two committees are meeting regularly to assist with this effort. The College is also continuing to collaborate with the Grand Traverse County Joint Operations Center on a coordinated regional approach to managing the impact of COVID-19.
If you must come to campus, please wear a face mask, as specified in the Governor’s order. For more information and resources for working while campuses are closed, including instructions on campus mail pickup and delivery for NMC employees and information for NMC students, please visit the “keep learning” and “keep working”sections of nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Following the Governor’s guidance, the College will begin taking a slow and deliberate approach to phased re-starting of some functions on campus. For the safety of our students, employees and community it is essential that these guidelines are followed.
Summer semester will be delivered virtually, as announced on April 8. You can see a list of canceled events here. The College is currently planning several possible scenarios for fall delivery of instruction including face-to-face, hybrid and virtual options. The goal is to communicate the finalized plans with you in early June.
This is an unprecedented and rapidly-evolving situation. We will continue to communicate with you to keep you safe and limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your supervisor.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check here for the latest information.
Release date: May 18, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 18, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Police Academy recruit Monte White takes a defensive driving course at Camp Grayling May 18 (download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — Following strict health and safety protocols, police academy and dental assisting students resumed face-to-face training at Northwestern Michigan College this week in accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s latest executive order, which amends the scope of previous orders to allow training for first responders and healthcare workers.
This instructional delivery began today and will allow 13 police academy recruits to complete their training in time for a state licensing exam on June 9, after which they will be eligible to go to work, increasing the ranks of first responders in communities across Michigan.
“I’m thrilled that we’re reopening,” said Police Academy Director Gail Kurowski “Most of these recruits have jobs waiting. A lot of area law enforcement agencies are hurting for new hires.”
Dental assisting students, meanwhile, began to make up 30 hours of chairside lab time lost when NMC shifted classes from face-to-face to online formats in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Divided into two five-hour shifts, the 13 students will complete their lab time by May 26. They will then have one clinical class remaining in June, in addition to summer internships, before taking board exams, now set for August.
“There are lots of safety protocols before they even come in the door,” said Health Occupations Academic Chair and Dental Assisting Instructor Beckie Wooters, who plans to work at least 12-hour days in order to compress the lab training into one week.
Dental students will use an app to check their symptoms at home. On campus, their temperatures will be taken and documented. They will be given masks, gloves, safety glasses and shields. Students would normally practice some procedures on each other, but not this year.
“We are only working on mannequins,” Wooters said. She said it’s important for students to make up the lab time now in order to be prepared for internships required this summer. Some students already are working at offices on the emergency procedures now allowed by the state. Wooters expects more to begin once elective dental procedures resume.
Police Academy recruits resumed their training at Camp Grayling, and will complete a four-day defensive driving class by Thursday. As with dental assisting, safety protocols include basic symptom screening for each recruit and instructor, and temperature readings using a no-touch digital infrared thermometer. In driving courses, recruits must also wear masks and gloves.
“I followed both OSHA and CDC guidelines and recommendations in forming my COVID-19 preparedness plan,” said Kurowski.
On May 26 recruits will return to NMC’s main campus for two more weeks of training in three areas: speed measurement, defensive tactics and criminal investigation. Some class days will stretch as long as 11 or 12 hours in order to complete the training as efficiently as possible.
For Defensive Tactics, where keeping a six-foot social distance is not possible, an N-95 mask will be required, as well as gloves and goggles. Except for that course and when in a vehicle, recruits and instructors must remain six feet apart during all training, including at meals and during breaks. They will occupy the same seats every day and work with the same partners to further minimize the opportunity for spread. Instructors will stagger break times to ensure the hallway and restrooms are not overcrowded.
“We are fortunate that the Governor’s order allowed these two programs to resume their activities,” said Stephen Siciliano, NMC Vice President for Educational Services. “Our Law Enforcement and Dental Assisting program students will be able to safely complete their course work, stay on track to complete their certificates and degrees, and fill needed professional positions in our communities.”
For more information on NMC’s Police Academy, visit nmc.edu/police.
For more information on NMC’s Dental Assisting program, visit nmc.edu/dental.
Release date: may 18, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 15, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
TIAA offers live webinars – please use this link to register.
Upcoming June topics:
- Managing Income and Debt 6/16, 3 p.m.
- Retiring in the new normal 6/17, 12 p.m.
- The Power of Saving 6/25, 12 p.m.
May 15, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
You may be permitted to change your dependent care contributions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If your daycare costs have changed due to the closure of your child’s care provider, then you may be eligible to stop or significantly reduce your contributions. Please reach out to Hollie in HR to discuss your situation.
May 15, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
May 15, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — For 64 years, community members, alumni and employees have gathered on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College every spring to celebrate and support the college at the NMC Barbecue.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NMC will hold the 2020 event as a “Virtual Barbecue” with a full slate of activities and programs usually offered at the on-campus event.
Virtual visitors will find numerous activities, including:
- Puzzles and activities to download
- The Dennos Museum’s first-ever virtual gallery show
- Performances from NMC music ensembles
- Special barbecue recipes
- Opportunities to show NMC pride via social media and email.
The NMC Barbecue, started in 1956 by Gerald Oleson and his wife Frances, the founders of Oleson’s Food Stores, has played an important role in the life of Northwestern Michigan College. It has raised more than $1.5 million s over the years, supporting nearly every program at the college and generations of students.
Proceeds from each year’s event go to support college programs. Virtual visitors will have the opportunity to make an online donation. Funds raised will support student needs, which have increased due to the pandemic and subsequent economic fallout.
The 2020 NMC Virtual Barbecue will run through May 30.
Release date: May 15, 2020
For more information:
Rebecca Teahen
Executive Director, NMC Foundation
rteahen@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1855
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 15, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — For 64 years, community members, alumni and employees have gathered on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College every spring to celebrate and support the college at the NMC Barbecue.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NMC will hold the 2020 event as a “Virtual Barbecue” with a full slate of activities and programs usually offered at the on-campus event.
Virtual visitors will find numerous activities, including:
- Puzzles and activities to download
- The Dennos Museum’s first-ever virtual gallery show
- Performances from NMC music ensembles
- Special barbecue recipes
- Opportunities to show NMC pride via social media and email.
The NMC Barbecue, started in 1956 by Gerald Oleson and his wife Frances, the founders of Oleson’s Food Stores, has played an important role in the life of Northwestern Michigan College. It has raised more than $1.5 million s over the years, supporting nearly every program at the college and generations of students.
Proceeds from each year’s event go to support college programs. Virtual visitors will have the opportunity to make an online donation. Funds raised will support student needs, which have increased due to the pandemic and subsequent economic fallout.
The 2020 NMC Virtual Barbecue will run through May 30.
Release date: May 15, 2020
For more information:
Rebecca Teahen
Executive Director, NMC Foundation
rteahen@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1855
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 14, 2020 | Intercom
Register now through June 4
GRASP is a popular at-home program that helps students (grades K-8) stay on top of math and language skills over the summer. Students complete one lesson a week for 9 weeks, June 20-Aug. 22 (about 5-6 pages per lesson) and mail it to the teachers who review, score, and mail them back to your child with encouraging guidance.
At a virtual Parent Start-Up Session, you’ll get an orientation and meet the teachers. All materials are mailed to your home at the start of the summer. Cost is $89 for either Reading or Math ($49 with employee tuition waiver) or $139 for a child taking both subjects ($59 with tuition waiver). Registration details at nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/college-for-kids/grasp-details.html
May 14, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Have you listened to the new podcast from NMC Extended Education? Two cars. Two mics. One driveway… Stories of the Northwestern Michigan College community.
Recent interviews include Dan Zassick of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Lindsey Dickinson, Director of Advising, and Craig Hadley, Executive Director of the Dennos Museum Center.
May 13, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Foundation will seek to raise $1 million to meet the emergency needs of both students and the college in response to challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These funds will come from donor support and enable student success by meeting immediate needs in three categories:
- Student support, including scholarships, food pantry access and flexible funding for emergency needs;
- Academic support, increasing capacity of key areas including the Writing & Reading Center and Educational Media Technology;
- Program stabilization, including flexible funds to ensure programs will be able to continue to operate for the benefit of students and the greater community.
Since mid-March, when COVID-19 closed campuses and shifted spring semester classes from face-to-face to online, NMC has received more than 350 requests for emergency support from students. NMC has increased critical academic support and programs that benefit students — from lending computers and Wi-Fi hotspots to stocking the NMC Food Pantry.
“I have seen the incredible fortitude of our NMC community. The faculty and staff have stepped up to provide support to our students in new and unprecedented ways. Yet the need is still great,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “Emergency funding will ensure the continuity of education for students facing tremendous adversity during these challenging times.”
Northwestern Michigan College has received some emergency funding that will be distributed to students through the federal CARES Act. However, this funding is significantly restricted. For example, CARES Act funding cannot cover tuition expenses.
“NMC has a longstanding history of being supported by the community. This college exists because the community decided that education is important to the well-being of the region,” said Rebecca Teahen, Executive Director of the NMC Foundation. “I am hopeful that our community will once again step up to ensure that an NMC education will remain accessible for all.”
All gifts to this effort will be included as part of the $35 million Be What’s Possible campaign launched publicly by the NMC Foundation in October 2019. To date, over $29 million has been raised.
The NMC Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Northwestern Michigan College. To help meet the immediate, emergency needs of NMC students and the college, make a gift at nmc.edu/give.
Release date: May 13, 2020
For more information:
Rebecca Teahen
Executive Director, NMC Foundation
rteahen@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1855
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 13, 2020 | Intercom, President Updates
Good evening NMC family,
I want you to be among the first to know that the NMC Foundation Board has taken a bold step to commit $1 million to help meet the immediate emergency needs of both students and the college in response to challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These are challenges that you are engaged in and working to solve every day. I have seen your incredible fortitude. You have stepped up to provide support to our students in new and unprecedented ways.
Yet the need is still great. (more…)
May 12, 2020 | Intercom
Dear all,
The last several weeks have been unprecedented in many ways due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including how we perform our work to meet the needs of the College and our learners. Thank you for your flexibility during this time. As we continue to respond to the evolving health and economic effects of the pandemic, NMC must also begin implementing measures to ensure the College can continue to meet the needs of our learners, both now and into the future, while limiting the long-term impact on the College’s financial stability. The current pandemic situation has impacted NMC’s operations significantly, and as a result, we find that we must re-adjust our approach to how we pay employees to remain fiscally responsible.
Early in the College’s response to the pandemic, NMC chose to make the commitment to pay employees through the end of the spring semester, even if the work could not be carried out as usual. In doing so, you have been paid for all of the hours you were scheduled since the first “stay at home order” went into place on March 16, 2020. We hope that the flexible approach taken by NMC has provided you with some financial stability during these uncertain times. As the College moves into a new phase of responding to this health and economic crisis, NMC must also take steps to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability so we can continue to serve our learners. Effective May 17, 2020, the COVID-19 leave code will no longer be used for leave reporting.
Please use the appropriate leave code for any hours that you are not able to work. Available leave code descriptions are vacation, sick time, and other types of leave including those available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). To use the expanded FFCRA leaves, please use the request form which can be found HERE. As you review the form, please note that some leave codes pay at ⅔ of your wages. Under that scenario you will be able to use your accrued sick/vacation time to supplement the (⅓) difference so that you can receive full pay for that time. In a situation where no leave policies fit your circumstance, you will be able to take time off without pay. As usual, all leave requests must be approved by your supervisor.
We know we have all been asked to make changes and adjustments as we respond to the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. Thank you for your continued flexibility, patience and effort during this time. We look forward to seeing you on campus soon and hope you stay well.
Mark
—
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
May 11, 2020 | Intercom, Student Events
Wednesday, May 20, 2 p.m.
Join the Dennos Museum Center for a live conversation on Zoom and Facebook with Karen Bondarchuk, the artist who created Ergo Sum: A Crow a Day, now on exhibit at the Dennos Museum Center. In 2014, Canadian-born Karen set out to mark the passing time that her mother – diagnosed with dementia in 2010 – no longer could. For 365 days, she produced a crow a day on a hand-cut, hand-gessoed panel, remembering her mother as she once was and grieving her loss. The resulting work explores communication and an artist’s relationship to the world; it resonates for its depth, beauty, and elegiac and potent whimsy.
Our guest host for this interactive conversation is Kathy Kelsey Foley, Director of the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum which organized the traveling exhibition.
May 11, 2020 | Intercom, Student Events
Wednesday, May 13, 2 p.m.
Presented by Dennos Museum Center Executive Director Craig Hadley in partnership with NMC Extended Education
All of us have family treasures that we have inherited or collected over the years. In this live webinar session, you will learn how museum professionals take care of a wide range of artworks and objects, from sculptures and paintings to photographs and precious news clippings.
We will discuss the different ways in which objects deteriorate, tips for mitigating loss, and what you can do to protect your precious belongings. Bring your questions! Free and open to the public. You can also watch the session live on our Facebook page!
Celebrate Wednesday’s Museum Week theme #TogetherMW with us by joining us for this online event.
May 11, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the Osterlin Library.
Local Governments, Schools Brace For Budget Blows From Pandemic
The Ticker, May 8 (more…)
May 11, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Director of Residence Life Marcus Bennett oversaw the mid-semester move of East Hall residents to North Hall, where about 50 remained quarantined until the end of the semester. As a resident of campus himself, Bennett was a constant reassurance for students and their families.
As one parent said, “He’s been an absolute blessing, even meeting my son on campus to retrieve his belongings when it was a holiday and campus was closed. Living hundreds of miles away makes things extremely difficult and I’m not sure we would’ve made it through this tough time without Marcus.”
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
May 11, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Moving rapidly to support students harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwestern Michigan College in three weeks distributed $142,800 in federal emergency relief funding and supplemented it with $43,000 in scholarship funds.
In late April, NMC received $1 million in federal funds designated for emergency student relief through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which must be spent by May 2021. NMC supplemented the federal money with $250,000 in scholarship dollars. Through May 8, 305 students had received an average of $608 each in combined federal and community-supported scholarship dollars.
Emergency relief funding has been awarded to 97 percent of applicants. Disbursements were made April 24, May 1 and May 8. Some students commented it was the first income they had received since mid-March, when Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order forced many businesses to close.
“The emergency aid from NMC came just in time,” said visual communications student Randi Upton, 33. Both she and her partner were laid off from their jobs in mid-March. Despite applying immediately, delays in unemployment benefits left their household of three, including Upton’s six-year-old son, without income for several weeks.
They have also taken advantage of other NMC services.
“I appreciate the help from the NMC food pantry and their efforts to give us food that is tasty and fun, like baked goods and fresh fruit. I am happy to be part of a college community that takes care of us,” said Upton, who also has received scholarships for student veterans.
“Seeing NMC reach out and do all they can to help has amazed me and has made me all that much more grateful to be a student here,” agreed student Kathryn Hockin, 21.
A 2019 culinary graduate, Hockin is now working towards her baking certificate and bachelor’s degree in business and lives with her husband and fellow student in an NMC apartment. She lost her job March 16 and her husband’s employer shut down before the month was out. Even though both worked, they were initially denied unemployment since they were full-time students. They have not received stimulus checks, either, and were draining their savings to cover monthly bills.
“I would like to reach out and give a huge ‘thank you’ to all that took part in deciding on this aid for me and my family. It’s such a huge help right now,” said psychology student Brandee Sasser-Drone, 35.
A mother of two, Sasser-Drone said she has been pursuing her degree for 10 years. This semester she and her wife have the added challenges of homeschooling and unsteady employment.
“I’ve fought my way here, and I never stopped trying. I’ve not had one semester that wasn’t a challenge for me due to something happening in my personal life,” she said. “This opportunity came at such a critical time for us and we’re so very grateful.”
Funds are available for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care, while scholarship dollars can be used to cover tuition. Aid amounts are based on type of emergency financial need, prior known financial need, enrollment level, and availability of funds.
RELEASE DATE: MAY 11, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 11, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Moving rapidly to support students harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwestern Michigan College in three weeks distributed $142,800 in federal emergency relief funding and supplemented it with $43,000 in scholarship funds.
In late April, NMC received $1 million in federal funds designated for emergency student relief through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which must be spent by May 2021. NMC supplemented the federal money with $250,000 in scholarship dollars. Through May 8, 305 students had received an average of $608 each in combined federal and community-supported scholarship dollars.
Emergency relief funding has been awarded to 97 percent of applicants. Disbursements were made April 24, May 1 and May 8. Some students commented it was the first income they had received since mid-March, when Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order forced many businesses to close.
“The emergency aid from NMC came just in time,” said visual communications student Randi Upton, 33. Both she and her partner were laid off from their jobs in mid-March. Despite applying immediately, delays in unemployment benefits left their household of three, including Upton’s six-year-old son, without income for several weeks.
They have also taken advantage of other NMC services.
“I appreciate the help from the NMC food pantry and their efforts to give us food that is tasty and fun, like baked goods and fresh fruit. I am happy to be part of a college community that takes care of us,” said Upton, who also has received scholarships for student veterans.
“Seeing NMC reach out and do all they can to help has amazed me and has made me all that much more grateful to be a student here,” agreed student Kathryn Hockin, 21.
A 2019 culinary graduate, Hockin is now working towards her baking certificate and bachelor’s degree in business and lives with her husband and fellow student in an NMC apartment. She lost her job March 16 and her husband’s employer shut down before the month was out. Even though both worked, they were initially denied unemployment since they were full-time students. They have not received stimulus checks, either, and were draining their savings to cover monthly bills.
“I would like to reach out and give a huge ‘thank you’ to all that took part in deciding on this aid for me and my family. It’s such a huge help right now,” said psychology student Brandee Sasser-Drone, 35.
A mother of two, Sasser-Drone said she has been pursuing her degree for 10 years. This semester she and her wife have the added challenges of homeschooling and unsteady employment.
“I’ve fought my way here, and I never stopped trying. I’ve not had one semester that wasn’t a challenge for me due to something happening in my personal life,” she said. “This opportunity came at such a critical time for us and we’re so very grateful.”
Funds are available for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care, while scholarship dollars can be used to cover tuition. Aid amounts are based on type of emergency financial need, prior known financial need, enrollment level, and availability of funds.
RELEASE DATE: MAY 11, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
