Sep 27, 2024 | Intercom
The NMC October Conference is Tuesday, Oct. 15! View the schedule to plan your day and check out the Session Summary Guide to learn more about each session topic.
The Center for Instructional Excellence and the Professional Development Institute are pleased to share our program for the 9th annual NMC October Conference 2024, “Creating a Caring and Connected Community.” This year’s sessions highlight diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, neurodiversity and disability support, and student success. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Javon Brame from Campus Works, will speak on “Creating a Campus of Care: Strategies for Inclusive and Resilient Communities.”
We are especially fortunate to have a number of community members joining us as panelists and presenters this year, connecting us to the caring community beyond our campus boundaries. As always, we appreciate the many staff and faculty members who have stepped up to present.
October Conference is NMC’s full-day professional development opportunity for faculty and staff. Classes are canceled and most offices are closed in order to allow you to connect with all of your colleagues and learn about important topics that impact our work. Attendance is required for all regular faculty and staff. Adjunct faculty are encouraged to join us. Supplemental staff should check with their supervisors.
We look forward to this day of collaboration, connection, and learning. If you have questions about the day, please contact Lori Hodek at lhodek@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1143 or Janet Lively at jlively@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1231.
Sep 27, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
$7 million facility will allow college to train more pilots
Media are welcome to cover the invitation-only groundbreaking ceremony, set for 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at the aviation facilities on NMC’s Aero Park campus, 2600 Aero Park Drive.
Architectural rendering (download high-resolution version)TRAVERSE CITY – Northwestern Michigan College will break ground for a new aviation hangar on October 7, marking a significant milestone that is testament to NMC’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the Grand Traverse region and the aviation industry.
The new hangar will expand the college’s aviation facilities and increase its capacity to train pilots by 25 to 40 percent. It is also the first project in NMC’s 10-year campus master plan, NMC Thrive. This investment reflects NMC’s dedication to providing high-quality education and preparing students for successful careers in aviation. Presently NMC’s Aviation program enrolls 50 students per year, but has a up to a two-year waitlist.
Architectural rendering (download high-resolution version)“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our state and federal legislators, donors, and community partners who have made this project possible,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “This expansion demonstrates NMC’s responsiveness to the needs of our region and our ability to deliver results.”
The current hangar is 48 years old. The renovated, 40,000 square foot hangar will feature state-of-the-art facilities,, and a secure facility to store and maintain the college’s growing fleet of technically advanced aircraft. Total project cost for the hangar is $7 million. NMC matched a $3.75 million state grant. The project also received $550,000 in federal funding.
NMC Aviation has a proven track record of success, with graduates experiencing 100 percent job placement. As the demand for skilled pilots continues to grow, NMC is committed to providing the necessary training and resources to meet the industry’s needs. The college is also a leader in the growing field of uncrewed aerial systems.
NMC Thrive, the campus master plan guiding development for the next 10 years, was adopted by the Board of Trustees in June. The plan lays out a decade-long vision of renovations and construction and is estimated to cost between $164 and $235 million. Expansion of the Aviation facilities and program are also part of the college’s strategic plan adopted in 2022.
Media are welcome to cover the invitation-only groundbreaking ceremony, set for 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at the aviation facilities on NMC’s Aero Park campus, 2600 Aero Park Drive.
Release date: SEPTEMBer 27, 2024
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President, Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 (o)
(231) 392-6082 (mobile, text preferred)
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
Sep 26, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
In honor of National Food Bank week, the NMC Campus Bookstore is collecting non-perishable food items October 14–24 to donate to the NMC Food Pantry. As a thank you, the bookstore will be giving participants a coupon for a discount in the store.
Sep 26, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Amy Pflughoeft; Amy brought the Library of Things exhibit to the residence halls which was much needed and beneficial to the students. The students were excited of the offerings from musical instruments to games that they were able to check out from Amy’s mobile cart.
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!
Sep 26, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Caroline Clark – Supplemental – Kitchen & Dining Room Help at Lobdells
- Alyssa Yoemans – Supplemental – GLMA Office Assistant
- Abigail Klingelsmith – Student – Ceramic Studio Lab Assistant
- Dexter Lillie – Student – Fitness Center
- Jordan Duenk – Supplemental – Banquet Server
- Ahmin Embil – Student – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Clara Short – Supplemental – NMC Children’s Choir Program Assistant
- Brenden Arendsen – Supplemental – Food Service Back Of House
- Kennedy Stoudt – Student – Residence Life Front Desk
- Isaac Deneau – Student – Tutor
- Dafne Chavez – Supplemental – Food Service Back Of House
- Hayden Brege – Supplemental – Banquet Server
- Jayden Eskew – Student – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Marc Menchacha – Adjunct – Clinical Nursing
- Gabby Westcott – Supplemental – Kitchen & Dining Room Help At Lobdells
- Avery Verschaeve – Student – Switchboard Operator & Innovation Center Welcome Desk
- Alex Roush – Student – Biology Lab Assistant
- Nate Porras – Student – Student Life Office Assistant
Sep 24, 2024 | Intercom
We now have a DEIB webpage at nmc.edu/deib with the assistance of NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications and Lori Hodek. NMC’s DEIB webpage includes a link to NMC’s DEIB Learning Opportunities Database to aid you in the completion of your DEIB goal for the 2024–25 year. Looking forward to seeing the various opportunities that you will engage in this year.
Sep 23, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
This Banned Books Week (September 22–28), you can listen to some of the most frequently challenged books on the Libby app, accessible via the NMC Library. Libby has both audiobooks and ebooks, with a growing collection of popular fiction and nonfiction. All of the titles featured on this list are available on audiobook. Follow these instructions to download Libby and set up your account.
ALA reports that its Office for Intellectual Freedom documented an unprecedented 1,247 demands to censor library books in the past year, and that “titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47% of those targeted in censorship attempts.” Browse a list of Banned Books available to read and listen on Libby at libbyapp.com/library/omia.
Sep 23, 2024 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to NMC’s Marine Technology program for the shoutout it received from Rear Adm. Benjamin Evans of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at the recent “Lakebed 2023” conference. Evans called the program a “superpower” for its practical education for careers in the field. The one-of-a-kind bachelor’s degree program prepares students to meet the needs of the global marine industry and boasts 100-percent employment.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Sep 23, 2024 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.
Mapping the Great Lakes: 180 scientists gather at the Hagerty Center
Record-Eagle, Sept. 22
Yahoo News, Sept. 22 (more…)
Sep 23, 2024 | EES Opportunities, Intercom
Did you know that your 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.
Social Partner Dance: Beginning & Beyond
Perhaps you’re looking for a new date night activity? Learn to connect with a partner and be able to dance to any kind of music—slow, swing, salsa, tango, and blues, and more!
4 sessions; Fridays, October 4 – 25; 6:15 – 8p
Employee price: $32 (public price $199)
Date Night: Make a Shadow Box
Create a unique and personalized piece of art for your home in this hands-on two-day workshop. Couples will collaborate to design and construct a stunning shadow box.
2 sessions; Fridays, November 8 & 15; 5:30 – 8p
Employee price: $75 (public price $299)
Behind the Scenes at Chateau Chantal
Witness the vineyards ablaze with autumnal hues, and go beyond the public experience and delve deeper into Chateau Chantal’s rich history and unique winemaking philosophy, capped off with a private wine tasting.
Monday, October 7; 5:30 – 7:30p
Employee Price: $20 (public price: $99)
Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
Sep 23, 2024 | Intercom, Menu, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Monday, September 23
Lamb Gyros with pita bread served with lemon rice
Falafel Gyros (V) with pita bread served with lemon rice
Tuesday, September 24
Chicken & Cheese Quesadillas served with Spanish rice & refried beans
Roasted Poblano, Bean, and Cheese Quesadillas (V) served with Spanish rice & refried beans
Wednesday, September 25
Sesame Chicken Stir Fry served with basmati rice & egg rolls
Sesame Tofu Stir Fry (V) served with basmati rice & egg rolls
Thursday, September 26
Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni with Italian sausage served with garlic bread & broccolini
Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni (V) with roasted vegetables served with garlic bread & broccolini
Friday, September 27
HOC Smashburger with bacon & onion straws served with garlic aioli, sweet potato fries, and asparagus
Impossible Burger on Brioche (V) with cheese & onion straws served with garlic aioli, sweet potato fries, and asparagus
Sep 20, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — As health care occupations dominate Michigan’s latest Hot 50 job outlook, Direct Connect, a new partnership between Northwestern Michigan College and Grand Valley State University, creates a timely, affordable pathway to careers with the strongest growth outlook.
Starting this fall, Direct Connect aims to double the number of NMC students transferring to GVSU’s Allied Health Sciences bachelor’s degree by guaranteeing admission to qualifying students. Credits earned toward their NMC associate degree count as freshman and sophomore year credits at GVSU.
“They’re earning the first half of their bachelor’s degree at an NMC price,” said NMC Director of Student Success & Retention Lindsey Dickinson.
“It is a pioneering initiative in the region that creates a clear, streamlined pathway for NMC students to continue their education at GVSU,” said Shannon Owen, GVSU’s Director of the Northern Region. “We believe this program will help remove barriers in the transfer process and accelerate students’ entry into the workforce.”
Students concurrently enroll in GVSU and NMC classes their third semester, getting a jump start on their bachelor’s, then complete the junior and senior level curriculum for the Allied health Sciences bachelor’s degree entirely in Traverse City. The program is designed to meet the needs of health professionals from medical social workers to physical therapists to physician assistants.
All of those jobs are among Michigan’s latest Hot 50 job outlook, just released this week by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Updated every other year, the forecast shows the healthcare sector has the strongest job outlook of any In Michigan through 2032.
Most healthcare jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, however, which NMC students must transfer to earn. NMC already offers a transfer path to a bachelor’s of nursing. Direct Connect expands that to other health care occupations.
“Students don’t always understand the transfer process,” said NMC advisor Katie Sommer-Ford. “We want them to know right from the start that they can go to Grand Valley.”
Beyond guaranteed admission to qualifying students and a more affordable path to a bachelor’s, Direct Connect will make transfer smoother through co-advising and academic support from both NMC and GVSU.
Next year, NMC plans to expand the Direct Connect process to other University Center partner schools Davenport University, Ferris State University and Central Michigan University.
Release date: September 20, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
cnoga@nmc.edu
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
Sep 20, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Do you have an idea or project that needs resources to reach its full potential? If so, the Office of Possibilities wants to hear from you! Pitch dates are set, so mark your calendars:
- Wednesday, Nov. 6, Noon–1:30 p.m., Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 106/107
- Wednesday, March 12, Noon–1:30 p.m., Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 106/107
- Wednesday, May 21, Noon–1:30 p.m., Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 106/107
Pitches are open to NMC students, faculty, and staff, so if you have a great idea or project that needs resources to reach its full potential, the Office of Possibilities wants to hear from you! Fill out this application to connect with an OOPs team member who will assist in planning your pitch. If you have any questions about the application or the process, please email oops@nmc.edu and someone will get back to you promptly. Meeting with an OOPs team member is required before entering a pitch so please plan accordingly.
The Office of Possibilities is grateful for the generous annual funding from the NMC Foundation that supports innovative projects across campus!
We look forward to the exciting year ahead and hope to see you at one of the pitch events!
Sep 20, 2024 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Room 106/107. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Sep 19, 2024 | Discovery Pier, Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, FRIC, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, Intercom, Student News
September 19, 2024
NMC President Nick Nissley and GVSU president Philomena Mantella sign the Direct Connect agreement. (Download a high-resolution version here.)
With health care occupations dominating Michigan’s latest Hot 50 job outlook, NMC’s new Direct Connect partnership with Grand Valley State University’s Allied Health Sciences bachelor’s degree creates an opportune, affordable pathway to careers with the strongest growth outlook.
Starting this fall, Direct Connect aims to double the number of NMC students transferring to GVSU, a longtime University Center partner, by guaranteeing admission to qualifying students. Credits earned toward their NMC associate degree count as freshman and sophomore year credits at GVSU.
“They’re earning the first half of their bachelor’s degree at an NMC price,” said NMC Director of Student Success & Retention Lindsey Dickinson.
Students concurrently enroll in GVSU and NMC classes their third semester, getting a jump start on their bachelor’s, then complete the junior and senior level GVSU curriculum entirely in Traverse City. The Allied Health Sciences bachelor’s degree is designed to meet the needs of health professionals from medical social workers to physical therapists to physician assistants.
All of those jobs are among Michigan’s latest Hot 50 job outlook, just released this week by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Updated every other year, the forecast shows the healthcare sector has the strongest job outlook of any In Michigan through 2032. Most healthcare jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, however, which NMC students must transfer to earn. NMC already offers a transfer path to a bachelor’s of nursing degree. Direct Connect expands that to other health care occupations.
“Students don’t always understand the transfer process,” said NMC advisor Katie Sommer-Ford. “We want them to know right from the start that they can go to Grand Valley.”
Beyond guaranteed admission and a more affordable path to a bachelor’s, Direct Connect will make transfer smoother through co-advising from both NMC and GVSU.
“It is a pioneering initiative in the region that creates a clear, streamlined pathway for NMC students to continue their education at GVSU,” said Shannon Owen, GVSU’s Director of the Northern Region. “We believe this program will help remove barriers in the transfer process and accelerate students’ entry into the workforce.”
Next year, NMC plans to expand the Direct Connect process to other University Center partner schools Davenport University, Ferris State University and Central Michigan University.
Sep 18, 2024 | Intercom, President Updates
Good afternoon NMC community,
I am writing to inform you about an important change in how Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) will manage its facilities operations moving forward. After careful consideration, NMC has decided to end its long-standing contract with Sodexo, which has provided facilities management services for our college since 2006. Effective November 30, 2024, we will transition to an internal facilities management model, with NMC directly hiring employees to fill these roles and oversee these essential operations.
Why are we making this change?
This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to agility, responsiveness, and alignment with NMC’s strategic goals. By bringing the facilities management team in-house, NMC will be better positioned to adapt to the evolving needs of our students, staff, and campus. This move will also allow us to focus more directly on professional development, ensure stronger alignment with our mission, vision, and values, and enhance communication across all levels of facilities operations.
Additionally, we are excited to announce that we will be hiring two new critical positions as part of this reorganization:
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Campus Safety Coordinator: This new full-time role will report directly to the Vice President for Finance and Administration and be responsible for safety, security, emergency management, occupational and environmental health and safety, and more. Previously, this position reported through facilities and was provided through our Sodexo contract in a half-time capacity.
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Facilities Project Manager: This new full-time role will report to the Director of Facilities and focus on the execution of our recently approved campus master plan, ensuring that we are prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
We are able to add these new positions with no additional costs to the college due to the savings we will realize from ending the Sodexo contract as well as savings from project management/owner’s representative consulting services that would otherwise be necessary for our large construction projects.
What does this mean for Sodexo employees?
Our contract with Sodexo will end on November 30, 2024, and with it, the roles of five Sodexo employees who have served NMC will conclude. We recognize and are grateful for their contributions to our college community over the years. These individuals have played a valuable role in keeping our campus running smoothly, and while their next steps will be managed by Sodexo, we wish them the very best in their future endeavors.
What’s next?
We understand that there may be some concerns about service disruption during this transition. While there may be some temporary slowdowns, we are working diligently to prioritize the hiring of these positions to ensure minimal disruption. Our facilities and security teams will continue to manage day-to-day operations, and we remain committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone on campus.
We appreciate the work that Sodexo and its employees have done for NMC over the years. However, as we look ahead, we are confident that this transition will position the college for long-term success, allowing for greater control, improved efficiency, and alignment with our strategic objectives.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work through this transition. I’d like to thank Troy Kierczynski and Hollie DeWalt for their leadership of this change. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Sep 17, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Flu season is upon us once again and Student Health Services will host at least three Flu Clinics this Fall. As a reminder, we are located in the Les Biederman Building, Room 106 on the Front Street Campus.
Our three clinics are as follows:
- Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 2–3 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 26 from 9–11 a.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 1–2 p.m.
If you can’t make these dates please call us at (231) 995-1255 to schedule an appointment; we have limited walk-in availability. We will also let everyone know of future clinics as we plan them.
For students the price of a flu shot is $15, and for staff without NMC insurance the cost is $20.
Sep 17, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
Our next Mobile Food Pantry distribution is Monday, Sept. 23 from 3–5 p.m. in the Maple Lot on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
The program is open to ALL STUDENTS and their families. Hop in the car line in the Maple Lot on the Front Street Campus and drive through the distribution loop. Food will be loaded into your trunk. Each recipient receives approximately 7–10 days of fresh fruit, produce and other foodstuff.
No car? No problem! You’re welcome to “walk through” and receive goods in a carry-able way. Feel free to bring a backpack or other reusable bags!
Worried about how you’ll afford snow tires this winter? Have some upcoming major bills? Use our Mobile Food Pantry program to free up the funds you would have spent on food to put towards your other upcoming expenses!
As a college, we recognize that so many students live paycheck to paycheck. Our mobile food pantry is specifically designed for students to supplement income with fresh, healthy foods and free up limited funds to go towards other expenses.
There are no financial requirements or means tests. We welcome everyone who can use an healthy boost to their diet (and budget!).
