May 8, 2020 | Intercom
Dear employees:
As our state continues efforts to mitigate the health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe order to May 28. To support this effort, and comply with the order, Northwestern Michigan College will extend the closure of all five of its campuses in Traverse City through May 28.
College employees are already categorized into essential and non-reporting/on call classifications. 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, please visit the “keep working” section 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.
New to this order, training of first responders is allowed. At NMC this will mean the resumption of the Law Enforcement program. The college is finalizing plans to deliver learning to these students in a way that also meets important health and safety guidelines.
Previous orders from the governor allow lawn care and construction work to resume. At NMC, that work includes work on the new West Hall Innovation Center and annual spring lawn care with our grounds crews.
For those who do not need to report to campus at this time, please follow these stay at home safety guidelines:
- Don’t leave the house unless you absolutely have to.
- Don’t socialize with people outside your family.
- You are allowed to go outside for essentials like groceries or prescriptions, but you should limit those trips to no more than once a week if possible.
- You can visit someone if you are their caregiver.
- You can walk the dog or exercise outside (for brief periods) as long as you keep a six-foot distance from others.
- Avoid face to face contact, especially in close-up and confined spaces.
- Who should do this? Everyone who lives in an area with a mandatory stay home, stay safe order.
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.
NMC Public Relations
May 8, 2020 | Intercom, International Affairs Forum, Student Events
FROM PENGUINS TO PLANKTON:
The dramatic impact of a changing climate in the Antarctic
Thursday, May 21 @ 4 p.m. via ZOOM
“We can’t solve this problem if we won’t even talk about it.” – James McClintock
Join the International Affairs Forum for a timely climate crisis discussion. This virtual event will include a presentation and Q&A session with Dr. James B. McClintock, Endowed Professor of Polar and Marine Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. (more…)
May 7, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
May 7, 2020
Just 50 days ago, Northwestern Michigan College closed its campuses to all but essential employees and shifted the last six weeks of spring semester classes from face-to-face to online. Here’s a look at the diverse and comprehensive response NMC has made to the pandemic, measured in people, dollars and time.
PEOPLE
2 Percent increase in summer enrollment vs. 2019, as of today. Summer classes begin next week and registration continues.
2 Alumni traveled to work as nurses in New York City, the U.S. epidemic’s epicenter, including Callie Leaman (right)
15 Student families helped per week by the NMC Food Pantry
50 North Hall residents chose to quarantine there
61 Musicians played and sang in the NMC Virtual Choir’s production of Amazing Grace
79 Faculty and staff enrolled in NMC Teaching Solutions course to improve their skills in online instruction
115 Attendees at the International Affairs Forum virtual April lecture by Frank Langfitt of NPR
210 Students attended a virtual orientation for summer semester
227 Student requests for emergency aid (as of May 1)
291 People — alumni, friends, faculty and staff — donated to the NMC Foundation to help students with emergency needs like tuition, housing and groceries
600 Graduates in the Class of 2020
962 Current headcount for summer 2020 session, which will also be held online
3,000 Postcards sent to students to inform them of resources available remotely
DOLLARS
$634 Average amount awarded to students from both NMC scholarship funds and federal CARES Act dollars
$100,000+ Amount raised for culinary scholarships despite cancellation of A Taste of Success fundraiser in April
TIME
7 Days for faculty to shift face-to-face classes to virtual learning
30 Hours per week Educational Media Technologies (EMT) team spent on Zoom videoconference calls
40 Minutes average completion time for EMT to resolve a help request
TECHNOLOGY/OTHER
20 Wifi hotspots loaned to students to access online instruction
51 New online course sections added in the summer semester to offset the loss of the same number of face-to-face classes
70 Laptop computers loaned to students to access online instruction
400+ Technology Help Desk calls answered
May 7, 2020 | Announcements & News, Intercom
Please consider nominating employees from your areas for this year’s 40 Under 40, Traverse City Business News’ annual list of the 40 most influential regional leaders under age 40. The nomination deadline is June 19.
More details and the nomination form are available here.
You can read about the 2019 class here and find a list of frequently asked questions here.
May 6, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute has been ranked the No. 8 culinary program in the nation by GradReports in a first-of-its kind ranking based on median early career salary data from the U.S. Department of Education.
“We’ve always known GLCI offered a fantastic value proposition to our students,” said Culinary Institute director Les Eckert. “It’s gratifying to see that validated by these national rankings.”
GLCI was one of only two culinary programs in Michigan to make the top 25. GradReports rankings are the first to incorporate the Department of Education’s recently-released College Scorecard data on median alumni salary and median alumni debt by college major. This allows students to make a cost-to-benefit analysis before choosing a school and major.
GLCI offers both degrees and certificate programs, including its newest baking certificate. Kathryn Hockin is a 2019 culinary associate degree recipient who is now pursuing the baking certificate and a bachelor’s degree in business. She said that NMC scholarships have helped make her education even more affordable.
“NMC scholarships have played a tremendous role in allowing me to chase after my dreams without accumulating an overwhelming amount of debt. They have given me the courage and opportunity to take my education further than I could have ever hoped,” Hockin said.
Previously, in 2016, GLCI was named the No. 11 culinary school in the country by BestChoiceSchools.
GLCI is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated areas of study for students planning careers in the hospitality and food-service industry. Many of the Institute’s programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation. In 2004 GLCI moved to its current location on NMC’s Great Lakes campus, where facilities include Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant. Find out more at nmc.edu/culinary.
RELEASE DATE: MAY 6, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Les Eckert, MBA, CEPC, CCE, AAC
Director, Great Lakes Culinary Institute at
Northwestern Michigan College
231-995-1197
leckert@nmc.edu
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 6, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute has been ranked the No. 8 culinary program in the nation by GradReports in a first-of-its kind ranking based on median early career salary data from the U.S. Department of Education.
“We’ve always known GLCI offered a fantastic value proposition to our students,” said Culinary Institute director Les Eckert. “It’s gratifying to see that validated by these national rankings.”
GLCI was one of only two culinary programs in Michigan to make the top 25. GradReports rankings are the first to incorporate the Department of Education’s recently-released College Scorecard data on median alumni salary and median alumni debt by college major. This allows students to make a cost-to-benefit analysis before choosing a school and major.
GLCI offers both degrees and certificate programs, including its newest baking certificate. Kathryn Hockin is a 2019 culinary associate degree recipient who is now pursuing the baking certificate and a bachelor’s degree in business. She said that NMC scholarships have helped make her education even more affordable.
“NMC scholarships have played a tremendous role in allowing me to chase after my dreams without accumulating an overwhelming amount of debt. They have given me the courage and opportunity to take my education further than I could have ever hoped,” Hockin said.
Previously, in 2016, GLCI was named the No. 11 culinary school in the country by BestChoiceSchools.
GLCI is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated areas of study for students planning careers in the hospitality and food-service industry. Many of the Institute’s programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation. In 2004 GLCI moved to its current location on NMC’s Great Lakes campus, where facilities include Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant. Find out more at nmc.edu/culinary.
RELEASE DATE: MAY 6, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Les Eckert, MBA, CEPC, CCE, AAC
Director, Great Lakes Culinary Institute at
Northwestern Michigan College
231-995-1197
leckert@nmc.edu
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 4, 2020 | Intercom, Student Events
Virtual Tour and Opening Reception
Wednesday, May 6 at 1 p.m.
On Facebook Live: facebook.com/thedennos
Following the call for art for the Dennos Museum Center’s first ever totally virtual exhibit, you’re invited to visit the gallery and chat with the artists and their families from the comfort of your home.
The museum asked for digital photo entries of kids’ pets — real, imaginary, or even stuffed. All of the entries were included alongside a few digital versions of art from the Dennos collection, and now everyone is invited to a reception for our young artists and the community on Facebook Live!
The exhibition can be viewed at artsteps.com/view/5e9b51aa43b9f255b0512710.
Join the Facebook Live reception at facebook.com/thedennos.
May 4, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
My team, the Educational Media Technology rock stars, have gone above and beyond to support instructors, staff and students since the work-from-home order loomed over campus in mid-March. From answering tickets on evenings/weekends to being online for live Zoom support every weekday to managing the Virtual Town Hall or the virtual International Affairs Forum, my team has been one of the bedrocks for our NMC family to lean on. Between March 16th and April 17th, my team has answered 273 tickets with an average open ticket time just over 40 minutes. They have also averaged 30+ hours a week on Zoom. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such dedicated professionals, many who are juggling young children as well as work/family responsibilities and spouses/partners sharing bandwidth for their jobs too. If you happen to be on a Zoom meeting with Ryan Bernstein, Justin Guillard, Ben Post, Sherry Trier, Mark DeLonge, Kyle Morrison, Chris Hanna, or Dennis Schultz, please say thank you.
– Terri Gustafson
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
May 4, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — For the third year in a row, Northwestern Michigan College has been named a gold-level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
The designation was awarded for the 2019–2020 academic year.
“Your commitment to helping student veterans succeed was evident in your application,” said Sarah M. Mellon of the Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. “We commend your institution on its hard work and dedication to student veterans and dependents.”
To earn the gold designation, an institution must meet at least six of seven criteria. NMC met all seven:
- Established process for identification of current student veterans
- Veteran-specific website
- Active student veteran organization or club
- Veteran-specific career services, resources, advising, and/or outcome monitoring
- On-campus veterans’ coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact
- System to evaluate and award academic credit based on prior military training and experience
- Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress, and graduation rates
Scott Herzberg, POC, Military & Veteran Services, credited the broader NMC campus community for the distinction.
“This standard of excellence is a reflection of their endless contributions that reach far beyond my efforts,” Herzberg said.
About 5 percent of NMC’s student body are veterans or active duty military. Serving those who have served the nation has long been a priority for NMC, which established the office of Military & Veterans Services in 2012. For the last two years, Military Times has ranked NMC second in the nation among community colleges for its service to veterans.
RELEASE DATE: MAY 4, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Herzberg
POC, Military & Veteran Services/Advisor
(231) 995-2526
sherzberg@nmc.edu
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 4, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — For the third year in a row, Northwestern Michigan College has been named a gold-level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
The designation was awarded for the 2019–2020 academic year.
“Your commitment to helping student veterans succeed was evident in your application,” said Sarah M. Mellon of the Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. “We commend your institution on its hard work and dedication to student veterans and dependents.”
To earn the gold designation, an institution must meet at least six of seven criteria. NMC met all seven:
- Established process for identification of current student veterans
- Veteran-specific website
- Active student veteran organization or club
- Veteran-specific career services, resources, advising, and/or outcome monitoring
- On-campus veterans’ coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact
- System to evaluate and award academic credit based on prior military training and experience
- Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress, and graduation rates
Scott Herzberg, POC, Military & Veteran Services, credited the broader NMC campus community for the distinction.
“This standard of excellence is a reflection of their endless contributions that reach far beyond my efforts,” Herzberg said.
About 5 percent of NMC’s student body are veterans or active duty military. Serving those who have served the nation has long been a priority for NMC, which established the office of Military & Veterans Services in 2012. For the last two years, Military Times has ranked NMC second in the nation among community colleges for its service to veterans.
RELEASE DATE: MAY 4, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Herzberg
POC, Military & Veteran Services/Advisor
(231) 995-2526
sherzberg@nmc.edu
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 4, 2020 | Intercom, Tech Tips
Take a moment and learn a new skill in less than 5 minutes!
employees.nmc.edu/news/2020/20200424-quick-bytes-videos.html
Keep coming back for new releases!
May 4, 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.
Northwestern Michigan College Celebrates Graduates With Virtual Commencement
9&10 News, May 2 (more…)
May 4, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to the Technical Division Instructors: This was a total team effort to go online with what are usually hands-on occupational and technical courses. (more…)
May 4, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Fear and anxiety related to COVID-19 are normal. We want to remain a supportive partner by offering you real solutions to help you cope during this time.
Virtual mental wellness resource
We encourage you to try this free virtual mental wellness tool now available to all members. myStrength offers easy activities to help you manage stress and social isolation. You can learn relationship and parenting tips, and much more.
Topics focus specifically on the emotional effects of the COVID-19 crisis:
- Inner calm in turbulent times
- Parenting in challenging times
- Staying connected while social distancing
- And more
A few important things to know:
- It’s free to Priority Health members (13 and older) until June 30, 2020.
- Signing up is simple. Just answer a few questions.
Immediate support is available
If you or a loved one need immediate support for severe emotional distress, contact our behavioral health team. Confidential help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 800.673.8043. Or, log in to your online member account.
Coverage options and other helpful resources
For the latest information on COVID-19, see our updated COVID-19 resources and information page for answers to your questions about testing, treatment, coverage options and more. Also included:
- Virtual care as a first step if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Our online member FAQs, for the latest on prescription delivery, coverage details and more.
May 4, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Please join in applauding the inspiring and award-winning work of our White Pine Press staff, a talented and committed group that received 10 awards from the Michigan Community College Press Association this year. As Faculty Advisor Jacob Wheeler says, “This is a pretty good haul.”
- Micah Mabey: Serious Column – FIRST PLACE – “The Unfortunate Truth of Anti-Semitism” (Jan. 24, 2020)
- Winter Swamp: Original Cartoon – SECOND PLACE – “Different Names, Different Horrors” (Sept. 20, 2019)
- Nick Moug: Critical Review – SECOND PLACE – “Reading Dante in Chaotic Times” (Dec. 6, 2019)
- Ann Hosler: Critical Review – THIRD PLACE – “Shady Lady Book Review: Beyond the Limit” (Oct. 4, 2019)
- Hannah Krohn: Original Comic, Entertainment – SECOND PLACE – “The Spooky Tale of the Directionally Dead” (Oct. 18, 2019)
- Ann Hosler: Headline Writing – SECOND PLACE – “This Path is Paved in Words” (Nov. 15, 2019)
- Ann Hosler: Photo Essay – HONORABLE MENTION – “Sushi Train” (March 22, 2019)
- Stephanie Jones: Sports News Story – HONORABLE MENTION – “NMC Students Conquer Winter Baja Track” (Feb. 21, 2020)
- General Excellence, Division 2 – SECOND PLACE – “Can I Kiss You?” (March 22, 2019)
- Front Page Design – SECOND PLACE – “Can I Kiss You?” (March 22, 2019)
More information is located here:
The WPP Facebook page: facebook.com/thewhitepinepress/photos/a.289211801197141/2990463527738608
WPP Archive: whitepinepresstc.com/archive
Awards website: mccpa2020.wixsite.com/conference/categories
May 1, 2020 | Intercom
Congratulations to all of our 2019-2020 NMC retirees. Thank you for all your efforts to support NMC and our learners. Your dedication and commitment have been seen and appreciated by all of us, your colleagues.
As you reflect on your time at NMC we hope you remember the positive changes you have been part of and the collaborative relationships and friendships you have built.
Wishing you joy in your new journey as you begin the next chapter of your life.
– President Nick Nissley
Read more about the retirees and find photos and audio and video tributes on the Retiree Recognition Celebration page.
2020 Retirees:
Rochelle Hammontree: Paraprofessional (Library)
Years Of Service: 35
Renee Jacobson: Director Of Student Health Services
Years Of Service: 13
Tony Macgirr: Custodian
Years Of Service: 16
Mary K Monteith: Adjunct English Teacher
Years Of Service: 10
Craig Mulder: Database & Prospect Research Specialist, Executive Director Of Learning Resources And Technologies
Years Of Service: 22
Lisa Rollin: Grant Administrator, Training Services
Years Of Service: 33
Mike Torre: Humanities Instructor (Art)
Years Of Service: 22
Rich Wolin: Director Of Training Services
Years Of Service: 28
May 1, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Supporters of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute’s Taste of Success raised more than $100,000 for student scholarships, despite the event’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is the premier annual fundraiser for culinary students at Northwestern Michigan College and was scheduled for April 17, 2020.
Thanks to the community’s support, the Great Lakes Culinary Institute awarded 17 scholarships to students in April. Scholarship award amounts ranged from $1,500 to $5,000.
“These scholarships are more important than ever for students,” says Chef Les Eckert, Director of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute. “In these challenging times, scholarships will enable students to stay in school and complete their degrees positioning them well for the future.”
The 2019 event raised more than $117,000 for student scholarships. The event was first held at the Park Place Hotel in 1994.
The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated areas of study for students planning careers in the hospitality and food-service industry. The Institute offers both degrees and certificate programs, including its newest baking certificate. Many of the Institute’s programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation.
Community members are still able to support Great Lakes Culinary Institute students by making gifts to the Taste of Success scholarship fund at nmc.edu/give.
RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Paris Morse
NMC Foundation
pmorse@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2822
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 1, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Supporters of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute’s Taste of Success raised more than $100,000 for student scholarships, despite the event’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is the premier annual fundraiser for culinary students at Northwestern Michigan College and was scheduled for April 17, 2020.
Thanks to the community’s support, the Great Lakes Culinary Institute awarded 17 scholarships to students in April. Scholarship award amounts ranged from $1,500 to $5,000.
“These scholarships are more important than ever for students,” says Chef Les Eckert, Director of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute. “In these challenging times, scholarships will enable students to stay in school and complete their degrees positioning them well for the future.”
The 2019 event raised more than $117,000 for student scholarships. The event was first held at the Park Place Hotel in 1994.
The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated areas of study for students planning careers in the hospitality and food-service industry. The Institute offers both degrees and certificate programs, including its newest baking certificate. Many of the Institute’s programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation.
Community members are still able to support Great Lakes Culinary Institute students by making gifts to the Taste of Success scholarship fund at nmc.edu/give.
RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Paris Morse
NMC Foundation
pmorse@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2822
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
