Thanks to all those who shared the Halloween spirit with campus. From last week’s Trunk or Treat and Spooky Pride movie night to the Spooky Silent Disco and Halloween for All events at the Dennos, the festivities emphasized belongingness and inclusivity for all on campus. It’s not over yet — wear a costume to the bookstore Thursday and get spooky savings on NMC apparel!
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jim Bensley and Marina Call; Thank you to Jim Bensley and Marina Call for sharing the Study Abroad 2024 picture awards at the TJNIC. What a wonderful opportunity for our NMC students and the pictures were amazing!
Amber Marsh and Tait Ricks; I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Amber Marsh and Tait Ricks for their outstanding contributions to NMC through the Americorp MCAN program. Over the past two years, their dedication and hard work have significantly impacted the lives of our students. Through their efforts, our coaching team has been able to reach more students, offer additional workshops, provide invaluable support at the Neurodiversity Center, and collaborate with other departments to create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment. As their time with us comes to an end in November, we will greatly miss their presence and wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Thank you, Amber and Tait, for your exceptional service to NMC!
Dan Wasson; Dan recently facilitated an Extended Education & Training Tabletop Exercise on College for Kids procedures. Thank you Dan for providing a safe space for us to dissect and deliberate our procedures and processes. Your leadership helped us to uncover processes that need refining and procedures that need clarification. We are continuously improving our programming, and your facilitation of this meeting ensures that our College for Kids program will continue to grow and evolve with great success and with a focus on safety.
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!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
Kudos to everyone who made the NMC October Conference a great success! From our presenters and panelists to our volunteers and working staff, we are grateful for all your support and commitment to each other to connect, share and engage in meaningful learning and conversations.
October Conference presentation slides are available for viewing on the October Conference Google Drive in the 2024 Presentations folder. We will add more presentations as they are received.
Kudos to all of our colleagues and community presenters, facilitators, and panelists who did a fabulous job sharing the knowledge and expertise with us:
Kudos to the NMC Food Services Team for an outstanding job with delicious food and enough coffee to keep us going!
Kudos to the Facilities Team for all their work setting up for and cleaning up after the event. You make our campus sparkle and create spaces for connection. We appreciate you!
Kudos to Megan Holtrey and the Dennos Team for scheduling and hosting the opening session; to Maria Ulrich for her masterful technical skills managing slides, microphones, sound, and lighting. You made October Conference run flawlessly!
Kudos to our volunteers who created a welcoming presence for everyone, including:
Kudos to all of our colleagues who participated in each of the sessions, creating connection and a great space to learn about our topics!
We appreciate the faculty and staff at NMC! Stop by the campus bookstore or the Dennos Museum Store November 19–21 for 25% off your entire purchase!
Discounts only apply to full price merchandise and do not include consignment.
TRAVERSE CITY — As NMC’s Neurodiversity Support Center prepares to expand services to more students, the community is invited to see what’s available at an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, in the lower level of Scholars Hall on NMC’s Front Street campus.
The NSC debuted in January and served a pilot cohort of seven students with a range of learning differences, including but not limited to anxiety, autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. This fall 10 students are enrolled in NSC services, which are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and expand upon what is provided by the college’s office of Disability Support Services.
Of the students in the original pilot, 100 percent succeeded in passing all their classes. Five of them are still enrolled at NMC. One graduated, and another transferred to a four-year university.
In the spring 2025 semester, NSC Coordinator Nancy Gray expects to more than double the number of students served to 15, and increase to 20 by fall 2025 semester.
“Neurodiverse students may need more than the accommodations offered through Disability Support Services, which address primarily academic needs. They may need help and support, in communication, advocacy, socialization and meeting their sensory needs,” Gray said.
“When I came to NMC I was very shy and wasn’t very talkative. The neurodiversity support has helped me with social skills in my everyday life,” said student Freya Simone. “Everyone is very welcoming here, especially the students. It’s a very positive environment.”
An English faculty member, Gray proposed the NSC after spending her 2022-23 sabbatical year researching neurodiversity support services provided by many other colleges and universities. A key component of the NSC, located in Scholars Hall on NMC’s Front Street campus, is training staff how to meet the specific needs of these learners.
An advisory body including neurodiverse students, NMC employees and community partners such as Michigan Rehabilitative Services and Northwest Educational Services assisted Gray in planning and implementing the NSC.
The prevalence of neurodiversity has increased significantly worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate autism spectrum disorder occurs in 1 of every 36 U.S. children, or 2.8 percent. In 2000 the prevalence was 1 in 150. About 11 percent of children have received an ADHD diagnosis, also per the CDC. Both are significantly more prevalent among boys. Anxiety prevalence is estimated at 31.9 percent among adolescents, with females more commonly affected. Co-occurrence of multiple conditions is also common.
“More neurodivergent students are attending college than ever before which is why this type of programming is necessary,” Gray said.
Nancy Gray
Neurodiversity Support Center Coordinator
ngray@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2091
(505) 501-3258 (mobile)
NMC offers the only bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology in the nation.NMC emerged strong amid increased competition for a dwindling number of traditional college students this fall, posting increases in both student head count and contact hours.
The 3.4 percent increase in head count and 4.8 percent increase in contact hours recorded this fall marked the fourth consecutive semester of enrollment growth, a reversal of the trend that the pandemic had accelerated. For freshman students, a key indicator of future enrollment patterns, NMC outpaced the national trend with 4.7 percent growth. Nationwide, community colleges reported a 1.2 percent increase in freshmen enrollment, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
“That is boots on the ground, hard work by the admissions team and is also tied to our marketing efforts,” Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Jason Slade said.
The Detroit Red Wings training camp held in Traverse City offers sports performance nutrition students a chance to practice their skills.Gains were especially strong in NMC’s culinary program, Water Studies Institute, and among students 21 and older. Culinary and Water Studies have both introduced new certificates and degrees in the last two years.
Also, Michigan Reconnect, which offers free tuition to in-district students (Grand Traverse County residents) who don’t have a college degree, was expanded to include students 21 and up last year. It was originally set at 25 in 2021.
The result of the Reconnect expansion is reason to believe that another state program, the Community College Guarantee for high school graduates, will soon yield enrollment increases. Many students had already made plans for the 2024–25 school year when the Community College Guarantee was announced in July. As awareness increases, NMC expects more students to choose to take advantage of the program, which offers free tuition and fees to in-district students (Grand Traverse County residents).
NMC also offers Quick Start, a drop-in event for prospective students, once each month. The next Quick Start date is Monday, Nov. 11, between 4–7 p.m.
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC students have dedicated themselves to helping local families this fall with their annual Thanks-for-Giving food drive, an experiential learning project for the BUS 231 Professional Communications course.
The class hopes to provide 150-200 meal boxes to those facing food insecurity. In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, 50 of the meals will go towards families identified by their organization, with the remaining meals distributed to NMC families.
To fund this project, the class organized a prize giveaway for donations of $10 or more. Prizes include a one-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge (along with a $250 gift card), a one-night stay at the Delmar, a Cheese Lady gift basket, and a $50 Lobdell’s gift certificate.
To enter the giveaway (one entry per person):
Additionally, the students are holding a glow skate event at Howe Arena on November 8 from 7 to 9 pm. Entry is $10 with a $5 rental fee.
From October 23 to November 23, the class will also be collecting canned sweet potatoes (29 oz) and boxes of granola bars. To participate, look for the red bins in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus, as well as at the Aero Park campus and the Great Lakes campus.
“We are so excited to learn such important business skills while also giving back to the& community,” said student Kelly Chapman, a member of the creative team.
Students will begin packing meals on November 24, and distribute November 25. For other ways to get involved, call (231) 633-7926.
Ryan Fryer
Marketing Leader
fryer13@mail.nmc.edu
(231) 633-7926
Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
Congratulations to NMC Aviation for breaking ground on a new hangar earlier this month. 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.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
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.
Visions of 2035: What TC can be
Record-Eagle, Oct. 20 (more…)
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.
Cucina Romana
Dive into the soul of Roman cuisine with a feast fit for an emperor! Explore iconic pasta dishes that have won hearts (and stomachs) worldwide.
Thursday, November 21; 6 – 9p
Employee price: $37 per person (includes a beverage) (public price: $125)
CPR/AED/Basic First Aid
This interactive class combines video with hands-on practical experience on the latest CPR skills, AED use, and basic first aid knowledge – ideal for schools, child care providers, youth sports coaches, and others.
Saturday, November 9; 9a – 2p
Employee price: $39 per person (public price: $149)
Painting With Acrylics: Old Barns
Northern Michigan is home to so many beautiful vistas, including farm land with rustic, restored, and historic barns. Capture the view of your favorite barn with acrylic paints on an 11 x 14 canvas.
Saturday, November 16; 10a – 2p
Employee price: $22 per person (public price: $79)
Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
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.
Lamb Gyros with pita bread served with lemon rice
Falafel Gyros (V) with pita bread served with lemon rice
Chicken & Cheese Quesadillas served with Spanish rice & refried beans
Roasted Poblano, Bean, and Cheese Quesadillas (V) served with Spanish rice & refried beans
Sesame Chicken Stir Fry served with basmati rice & egg rolls
Sesame Tofu Stir Fry (V) served with basmati rice & egg rolls
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
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
NMC Student Ambassadors
and Campus Life will host a Disc Golf tournament Friday, Oct. 25 at 4 p.m. in front of East Hall.
For more information, contact Cj Schneider (cschneider@nmc.edu) or Marcus Bennett (mbennett@nmc.edu) or NMC Student Ambassadors.
Stop by the bookstore in your costume on Halloween for 31% off one apparel item!
Participants in the State of Michigan 401(k) and 457 Plans with Voya can schedule an account review here if you are interested. This will allow you to make informed decisions about your retirement account.
If you have questions or need assistance registering, please call (517) 284-4422.
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, Oct. 21 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.
Klohie Roche; Klohie initiated, arranged, and managed the Fall semester Wing Ceremony for the Aviation Division. This ceremony is to celebrate the achievement of the pilots who complete the program. Klohie took on a huge responsibility including scheduling the ceremony, managing all of the attendees and their guests, ordering the food and decorations, and managing a small group of volunteers to make it all happen. She did all of this on her own time outside her normal duties as a Flight Instructor for the program. Today I saw all of the hard work come together as the final setup was completed for the ceremony.
Kaitlyn DeBoer; Kaitlyn was wandering by when a huge order came in for the NMC Food Pantry. She stepped up and helped for an hour to haul, unpack, and shelve various foods and hygiene products for our students. Thank you, Kaitlyn, for your impromptu help!
Records and Registration; Kudos to the Records and Registration department for their work to prepare the Spring and Summer schedules and configure Banner for registration next week. We are ready to go!
Student Government Association; Kudos to the SGA for their work. They are an open and welcoming group that provides opportunities for all students to get involved. We appreciate them.
Frank Jabour; I would like to give kudos to Frank Jabour for bringing home the Aviation Division’s newest airplane. Frank sacrificed his weekend and time away from home to fly to Kansas to bring home our airplane. He and the Assistant Chief Flight Instructor navigated challenging weather and demonstrated safe and effective risk management strategies to help the program grow. Thank you Frank!
Bilal Sheikh; I would like to give kudos to Bilal Sheikh for bringing home the Aviation Division’s newest airplane. Bilal sacrificed his weekend and time away from home to fly to Kansas to bring home our airplane. He and the Chief Flight Instructor navigated challenging weather and demonstrated safe and effective risk management strategies to help the program grow. Thank you Bilal!
Marcus Bennett and Ali Thornton; Thank you to Marcus Bennett and Ali Thornton for facilitating the Book Read: Understanding Jim Crow. The questions and discussions among the group were thoughtful and insightful. I hope NMC provides more opportunities for book discussions like this!
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!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!