Jun 10, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Cathy Brown for repurposing furniture for us. I needed an instructor’s chair that was a higher chair than standard. She found one nearby and brought it over to my classroom. No lead time, no waiting and no cost.
Kudos to Erika Cotner, Brittany Hanbury & Emily Crull: As of May 31, year-to-date hires for NMC, including regular staff & faculty, supplemental employees, adjunct instructors and students, was 60. A more typical year (2021, for example) is 35. Kudos to Erika, Brittany (and Emily Crull, who has since moved to PRMC but also played a part in this accomplishment) for keeping high service levels while nearly doubling volume. We all appreciate all your hard work through these challenging times!
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!
Jun 10, 2022 | Intercom, Tech Bytes
Google Appointment Schedules are the NEW replacement for Google Appointment Slots. With lots of new features and settings, these will help you organize your office hours, drop-in meetings, and more! Watch this short tutorial to learn how to use this feature.
Jun 10, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 250 young anglers and their families are expected at this year’s return of the annual Kids Free Fishing Day, set from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Campus.
Kids accompanied by an adult are invited to join in the free fishing fun. Under the supervision of the Department of Natural Resources, 750 rainbow trout 10 inches or longer will be stocked in the campus harbor for the event. Fishing rods, reels and bait are all provided. Children may also bring their own fishing gear. Experienced volunteers will help with baiting hooks and fishing instruction, and clean the fish.
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum will host a free fish painting activity for kids waiting to fish. There will also be a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescue demonstration. Parking is available at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, located just east of the Delamar Hotel on U.S. 31.
Free Fishing Day is sponsored by Traverse City Rotary Clubs, Rotary Camps & Services, NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, and the Northwest Michigan Fishing Club.
Release date: June 10, 2022
For more information:
Chris DeGood
cdegood@bria2.com
(231) 420-5601 (mobile)
(231) 933-8400 (office)
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
Jun 10, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
This week’s Hawk Owl Helper and Heroes are the organizers of the Juneteenth Celebration which will be held at the NMC Campus in the courtyard area between East Hall and the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on Sunday, June 19 from 1–5 p.m.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, originating in Galveston, Texas in 1865. Last year, Congress designated it as a federal holiday. Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 10, 2022 | Intercom
Watch the video here of the June 6 Town Hall meeting where NMC President Nick Nissley and Vice President of Finance & Administration Troy Kierczynski discussed the FY23 Budget.
Jun 9, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 250 young anglers and their families are expected at this year’s return of the annual Kids Free Fishing Day, set from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Campus.
Kids accompanied by an adult are invited to join in the free fishing fun. Under the supervision of the Department of Natural Resources, 750 rainbow trout 10 inches or longer will be stocked in the campus harbor for the event. Fishing rods, reels and bait are all provided. Children may also bring their own fishing gear. Experienced volunteers will help with baiting hooks and fishing instruction, and clean the fish.
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum will host a free fish painting activity for kids waiting to fish. There will also be a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescue demonstration. Parking is available at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, located just east of the Delamar Hotel on U.S. 31.
Free Fishing Day is sponsored by Traverse City Rotary Clubs, Rotary Camps & Services, NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, and the Northwest Michigan Fishing Club.
Release date: June 10, 2022
For more information:
Chris DeGood
cdegood@bria2.com
(231) 420-5601 (mobile)
(231) 933-8400 (office)
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
Jun 9, 2022 | Intercom, International Affairs Forum, Student Events
When and how could Russia’s war in Ukraine come to an end? Who will suffer most from forecasted food shortages? How has Western solidarity for Ukraine magnified the relative lack of support for populations in other conflict zones (read: Syria, Somalia, Yemen, et al.)? How is the U.S. – China rivalry evolving?
To close the 2021—2022 season, the International Affairs Forum will host its third annual Foreign Policy Mashup on Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium. The event will be an in-person panel discussion featuring Bill Clifford, President and CEO of the World Affairs Councils of America, on stage with local panelists Karen Puschel Segal and Stanley Otto, both former State Department diplomats.
This is IAF’s first speaker event at Milliken with an in-town, in-the-flesh speaker since March 2020. The event includes a public Q&A session and is also available to livestream. Join the discussion.
(more…)
Jun 9, 2022 | Intercom, President Updates
Good morning NMC community,
It is with mixed emotions that I am writing to share that we will soon be undergoing a leadership transition within the NMC Foundation.
Associate Vice President for Resource Development and Executive Director of the NMC Foundation Rebecca Teahen will be leaving the college July 15. During her more than ten years of leadership, the Foundation has evolved into a model for community college philanthropy. Rebecca overhauled the traditional view of giving and lived the vision for Be What’s Possible with a new style comprehensive campaign which raised a record-setting $40.3 million from 5,200 donors. Today the NMC Foundation is one of the top 20 community college foundations in the United States. The Be What’s Possible campaign is one of the largest and most successful campaigns ever undertaken by a community college foundation. Thanks to her leadership we also have a growing alumni network, with 27,000 graduates and 58,000 former students, and robust participation with the community through the Foundation Board and committee members.
There is never a good time for leadership transitions, but Rebecca’s thoughtfulness to see the campaign through its successful completion is key. We are also just beginning the important work of strategic planning with the NMC Foundation to support the College’s strategic plan, NMC Next. We are currently working with the NMC Foundation Executive Committee and key stakeholders on a transition plan that will help guide the NMC Foundation through this planning process and toward long-term success. We also know that the NMC Foundation is very strong financially and well equipped with talented staff who will continue to serve our students and donors. We will of course keep you updated as the process continues.
Please join me in thanking Rebecca Teahen for her successful career at NMC. As you know, she and her family have a long history with the NMC community and I know she will always be a strong supporter of the valuable work we do.
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Jun 7, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
Cafe Lobdell’s, located on the second level of the Great Lakes Campus, will reopen this summer from June 21–July 28 for dine-in and carryout service. Culinary students will be making and serving handcrafted coffee and tea drinks, breakfast pastries and cafe-styled to-go lunch items on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:30–11:30 a.m. Stop by to experience the tasty treats our culinary students are whipping up! Reservations are not needed.
Jun 7, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
This collection provides resources for families to help them support their LGBTQIA+ child.
(more…)
Jun 6, 2022 | Intercom
Meg Young, NMC’s Coordinator of Graphics and Printing Services, is moving on to her next chapter. She’s spent 22 years behind a Mac and a camera lens, wielding jpgs and pdfs, designing logos and wayfinding, and creating, finding or ordering all manner of Hawk Owl swag. From Welcome Week to commencement, she has worked with just about every department on every campus. Please join the Public Relations, Marketing and Communications team in toasting her career of creativity at the college.
When: Tuesday, June 14, 4—6 p.m.
Where: Grand Traverse Commons bocce pavilion, in between Pleasanton Bakery and Left Foot Charley
In lieu of a cake, PRMC will bring a cheese plate. Bring your own libations from neighboring Left Foot or Earthen Ales.
Jun 6, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
This week’s Hawk Owl Helper and Heroes are the organizers of the Pride carnival which will be held at the Dennos Museum Center on Saturday, June 11. NMC is proud to partner with UpNorth Pride for this free event from 11 a.m.—2 p.m. which includes an outdoor art installation, “Unconditional”, plus food, music and other family events.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 6, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TC Swing Club is a recently reinstated student group at NMC!
Open to ALL ages, this group is a fun way to get out, meet your community, and dance the night away!
TC Swing Club is a FREE event, no experience needed, and you can find free instruction if you’ve never swing-danced a day in your life. TC Swing prides themselves on providing a safe, family-friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a fun evening with the ones you love.
When: Every Sunday from June 3rd 2022 through October 1st 2022, 7—9:30 p.m.
Where: Clinch Park
TC Swing Club Mission Statement: Our mission is to create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment where people of any age and skill level can learn and enjoy Swing Dancing while meeting new people and/or spending time with friends.
Jun 2, 2022 | Intercom, Student Events
Come connect with your community on Sunday, June 19 from 1—5 p.m. for a Juneteenth Celebration on NMC Campus in the courtyard area between East Hall and the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center.
This event is presented by Northern Michigan E3 and will include educational programming followed by a block party-style celebration with food and local artisans.
Jun 2, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Police Academy program is planning big changes that will allow it to double enrollment within two years, helping to fill a shortage of police and law enforcement officers statewide.
A new structure for the Police Academy slated to start in the fall of 2023 means that instead of turning out one graduating class per academic year, NMC will have one in the fall and one in the spring. Students will receive the same training by attending full time for 16 weeks, instead of part-time as they do now for the nine-month academic year.
Both students and police agencies favor the switch, Police Academy Director Gail Kurowski said. The 11 members of the Police Academy class of 2022 have all been hired, the third year in a row the program has achieved a 100 percent state exam pass rate and employment rate. Police departments and sheriff’s offices around northern Michigan are eager for more graduates.
“They are really excited to see us make this change,” Kurowski said. “They are desperately in need of law enforcement personnel.”
Of the 20 police academies in Michigan overseen by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, NMC is among only a handful that still operate on academic year calendars, Kurowski said. She’s currently recruiting for the 2022–23 year, and has had to turn away almost as many students as she’s enrolled because they preferred the consolidated, shorter program. Increasing the number of credentials earned faster is also an objective within the Future-Focused Education area in NMC Next, the college’s strategic plan.
“It doesn’t work any more,” Kurowski said of the two-semester schedule. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’re going to increase enrollment.”
Donated patrol vehicle (download a high-resolution version here)Police Academy students will be learning on significantly upgraded equipment, too. In May, the Grand Traverse County Commission approved donating two used sheriff’s department patrol vehicles to the NMC program. Kurowski said she has a verbal commitment for a used Traverse City Police Department vehicle, too.
The vehicles will be outfitted with equipment donated by the Michigan State Police, including mounted display consoles for computers inside. The current 2005 vehicles NMC now uses lack any kind of police equipment.
“Our students have never gotten to turn on a siren or a light bar,” Kurowski said. “That’s going to be a huge improvement.” She expects the vehicles to be available for the 2022–23 school year.
NMC’s Aviation program and Marine Technology bachelor’s degree program also boast 100 percent employment among their graduates. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy expects all 2022 graduates to be employed within six months of graduation.
Release date: June 2, 2022
For more information:
Gail Kurowski
Director, Police Academy
gkurowski@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1283
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
Jun 2, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Police Academy program is planning big changes that will allow it to double enrollment within two years, helping to fill a shortage of police and law enforcement officers statewide.
A new structure for the Police Academy slated to start in the fall of 2023 means that instead of turning out one graduating class per academic year, NMC will have one in the fall and one in the spring. Students will receive the same training by attending full time for 16 weeks, instead of part-time as they do now for the nine-month academic year.
Both students and police agencies favor the switch, Police Academy Director Gail Kurowski said. The 11 members of the Police Academy class of 2022 have all been hired, the third year in a row the program has achieved a 100 percent state exam pass rate and employment rate. Police departments and sheriff’s offices around northern Michigan are eager for more graduates.
“They are really excited to see us make this change,” Kurowski said. “They are desperately in need of law enforcement personnel.”
Of the 20 police academies in Michigan overseen by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, NMC is among only a handful that still operate on academic year calendars, Kurowski said. She’s currently recruiting for the 2022–23 year, and has had to turn away almost as many students as she’s enrolled because they preferred the consolidated, shorter program. Increasing the number of credentials earned faster is also an objective within the Future-Focused Education area in NMC Next, the college’s strategic plan.
“It doesn’t work any more,” Kurowski said of the two-semester schedule. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’re going to increase enrollment.”
Donated patrol vehicle (download a high-resolution version here)Police Academy students will be learning on significantly upgraded equipment, too. In May, the Grand Traverse County Commission approved donating two used sheriff’s department patrol vehicles to the NMC program. Kurowski said she has a verbal commitment for a used Traverse City Police Department vehicle, too.
The vehicles will be outfitted with equipment donated by the Michigan State Police, including mounted display consoles for computers inside. The current 2005 vehicles NMC now uses lack any kind of police equipment.
“Our students have never gotten to turn on a siren or a light bar,” Kurowski said. “That’s going to be a huge improvement.” She expects the vehicles to be available for the 2022–23 school year.
NMC’s Aviation program and Marine Technology bachelor’s degree program also boast 100 percent employment among their graduates. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy expects all 2022 graduates to be employed within six months of graduation.
Release date: June 2, 2022
For more information:
Gail Kurowski
Director, Police Academy
gkurowski@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1283
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
Jun 2, 2022 | Intercom
The 28th Annual Smart Commute Week is June 6–June 10. The week consists of events that promote cycling, walking, taking the bus and carpooling—anything creative and human-powered that gets you where you need to go! Every year community members challenge each other to a free friendly competition known as the Smart Commute Week Challenge. This year we will be offering free, fun, and safe grab-n-go breakfast.
All breakfasts are scheduled from 7—9 a.m. and are free to all Smart Commuters. Seriously! All you have to do is smart commute.
You don’t have to sign up for the smart commute challenge to enjoy the free daily breakfast, but the more the merrier AND when you sign up you are eligible for sweet swag and prizes from our sponsors! For more information, visit the TART trails website.
Those wishing to join the “NMC Swoop Loops” should contact team captain Dave Weaver via email at dweaver@nmc.edu. Participants will be required to submit their miles and participation each day along with any bonus events attended.
May 31, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Jim Bensley and International Services have brought back the study abroad program for the first time since the pandemic began. Fifty students from multiple academic areas are traveling to the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Colombia as part of this year’s program. The study abroad program aligns with strategic goals of future-focused education and institutional distinction and sustainability by offering innovative instructional delivery models and relevant, hands-on educational experiences to empower global learners for the future and expanding global connections for our learners and communities. NMC is committed to providing experiential learning for our students and our study abroad program gives students the opportunity to gain real world experience while developing cross-cultural awareness and learning new perspectives.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
