Student Resources Scavenger Hunt

From June 27 through August 7, the Student Success Center is holding a Duck Hunt Scavenger Hunt. Duck posters are hanging out at the following main campus locations:

  • Academic and Career Advising Center
  • Financial Services and Enrollment Office
  • Math and Science Center
  • Library
  • Records and Registration
  • Success Coach Amber’s Office Osterlin 145
  • Success Coach Tait’s Office Osterlin 135
  • Testing Desk
  • Tutoring Center
  • Writing & Reading Center

Your mission is to go to all of these offices, take a selfie with the posters and email them to tricks@nmc.edu. Each photo submitted will be one entry into our prize drawing. Taking a silly selfie with the poster will count as two entries! Prizes range from $100 gift cards to the campus bookstore to gas gift cards and more. To end this event we will be hosting an ice cream party under the pines from 2 pm-4 pm on August 8th where we will be visited by a local ice cream truck. Those that participate in the Duck Hunt can have ice cream on us and will have the chance to collect any prizes they have won!

We can’t wait to receive your selfies this summer! Happy hunting!

Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees

NMC’s 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. View the Calendar of Classes.

Find EES in Scholars Hall 114C during College for Kids (June 17–August 2). Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Neuro-Inclusive Campus: Supporting Students in the Classroom & Beyond (3 SCECH)
Help us spread the word! We are opening up attendance at our Opening Conference on August 20 to our K-12 colleagues. Please share!
Embracing neurodiversity allows colleges to accommodate diversity in learning while also allowing for recognition of unique strengths—ensuring that campuses are not simply diverse, but genuinely inclusive, allowing students to thrive both academically and socially. By making small and meaningful changes, the impact becomes a cultural shift that transforms a campus into a vibrant and inclusive community that honors the whole student.
Tuesday, August 20; 12:45–4 p.m.
Public price: $99 (Employees do not need to register)

 

Date Night: Sauce It Up
Tired of the same old meals? Unlock a world of flavor with the power of homemade sauces! This course isn’t just about eating healthy; it’s about creating vibrant, delicious plant-based dishes that will wow your family and friends (and maybe even yourself!).
Tuesday, July 30; 6–8:30 p.m.
Employee price: $46 (public price: $175)

 

Evening Glow: Setting Sun
Capturing the setting sun in northern Michigan makes a great subject for your watercolor paintings. Learn about wet-on-wet techniques that can make your sunsets glow with color, how to create colorful dark values when painting silhouettes, and how to make your sunset paintings look cohesive from the foreground to the background. Bring home a completed watercolor painting of the beautiful summer skies.
Wed & Thurs, July 24 & 25; 6 – 8:30p
Employee Price: $37 (public price: $149)

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.

EES Help Desk

Media mentions for July 15, 2024

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.

Sow She Grows in Frankfort, Michigan
MyNorth, July 15 (more…)

Board of Trustees Special and Policy Committee meetings

Traverse City — The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 11 in Room 104/105 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on the Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City.

The Board of Trustees Policy Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. the same day, also in Room 104/105 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center.

Both meeting notices are available here.

For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.

 

Release date: July 9, 2024

Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees

NMC’s 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. View the Calendar of Classes.

Find EES in Scholars Hall 114C during College for Kids (June 17 – August 2). Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Botany Tour of Lost Lake BogNMC Extended Education Botany Tour of Lost Bog class
Friday, July 12; 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Employee price: $22 (public price $75)
Investigate the plants that make sphagnum bogs their homes, such as orchids, carnivorous plants, and ericaceous plants. We will discuss the unique biogeochemistry of bog ecosystems, how they form, and the special adaptations plants have made. Prepare for moderately difficult walking on uneven terrain and wet feet. Bring water, proper footwear (old closed-toe shoes or muck boots), and a magnifier.
Register here

Extended Education Date Night Social Partner DanceDate Night: Social Partner Dance
4 sessions; Thursdays, July 18–August 8; 6:15–8 p.m.
Employee price: $32 (Public price $199)
Learn to connect with a partner and be able to dance to any kind of music—to listen, co-create, trust, and become a better dancer.

Register here

date night bubbles extended educationDate Night: Bubbles
Tuesday, August 13; 6–7:30 p.m.
Employee price: $46 (Public price $149)
Enjoy a night out while learning new things and drinking great wine. Do you want to explore the world of sparkling wine, but don’t know the difference between champagne and prosecco? Learn the background of these and other wines, plus perfect your tasting technique.
Register here

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.

EES Help Desk

Tank named IAF director

Alex TankAlex Tank (download high-resolution photo)TRAVERSE CITY — Alex Tank, an International Affairs Forum staff member since 2020, has been named IAF’s new director effective July 1.

IAF’s mission is to advance understanding of the world and its critical issues through education and public dialogue. Topics during the 2023-24 season included indigenous sovereignty, international coordination of freshwater resources, China dynamics, policy cooperation on AI, the Israel-Palestine conflict, global population trends, and the struggle for victory in Ukraine.

During Tank’s tenure IAF’s programming has gained significant momentum, evolving into a fully hybrid program with viewers and supporters from several states and overseas. As a local, regional  and global program, IAF exemplifies NMC’s vision to be a global community. Specific achievements include:

  • Increased participation in Academic WorldQuest, a quiz competition on world affairs for high school students, from 65 students at 6 high schools to 93 students at 7 high schools.
  • With the support of the IAF Advisory Board membership committee, increased the number of supporting memberships 16% from 2022–23 to 2023–24.
  • Added a livestream viewing option at the Old Art Building in Leland for IAF’s flagship monthly lecture series, offered in person and online.
  • Expanded and established partnerships with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Economic Club of Traverse City, Traverse City Central and Traverse City West High Schools, Interlochen Public Radio and Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

“I am humbled and thrilled to help guide the International Affairs Forum into its fourth decade, building upon the dedication and impactful work of so many past leaders,” Tank said. “With the integral support of our volunteer advisory board, we craft content and experiences that impact students’ academic trajectories and broaden attendees’ collective knowledge base.”

Tank succeeds Jim Bensley, who was director until July 1, 2023, in addition to his role as director of International Services and Service Learning at NMC. Bensley now serves as a member of the IAF Advisory Board, representing an integral connection between IAF and NMC faculty and students.

Over the last year Tank has helped lead IAF through its 30th season with the significant support of IAF Advisory Board co-chairs Major General Mike Lehnert, USMC ret., and Stan Otto, former senior U.S. diplomat.

IAF’s 31st season of programming will begin in September 2024. The lineup of fall events and topics will be shared later this summer. Tank foresees Academic WorldQuest expanding again. He also hopes to encourage the region’s business community to engage in global affairs education through a new membership opportunity.

“We’re open to new ideas and new modes to engage our community, including a WorldQuest competition for the general public, discussion groups based around critical issues, and student-driven programming,” he said.

Find out more, including how to become a supporting member or sponsor, at tciaf.com.

 

Release date: July 8, 2024

For more information:

Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)

 

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

Pickleball tournament

NMC pickleball tournament

NMC Campus Life is hosting a pickleball tournament on Wednesday, July 17 from 4–6 p.m. at the basketball courts* on NMC’s Front Street Campus. Familiarity with pickleball is necessary but not required. Teams will be randomized on date of event. This tournament is open to all NMC students and employees.

 

 

If you have any questions please reach out to CJ Schneider at cschneider@nmc.edu or Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.

*In the event of inclement weather the tournament will be held in room 100 of the Rajkovich Physical Education Building (#16 on the campus map). 

Kudos!

Kudos to Christa Abdul-Karim and Robb Houston. On May 23, NMC Extended Education & Training Programmer, Dr. Christa Abdul-Karim, and NMC Science & Math Instructor, Robb Houston, led a group of 20 lifelong learners to Iceland for a 15-day geology, climate and cultural adventure. The trip was a great success, which included puffin and seal sightings, viewing an active volcanic eruption, geysers, glaciers, icebergs, waterfalls, basalt columns and black sand beaches. In addition to seeing a variety of natural wonders, student travelers learned about the history of the country, its literature (specifically about the sagas), geothermal power, farming and fishing (and fish farms!) and the culture of the Icelandic people. They bonded and grew in their love of NMC and the seemingly endless learning opportunities we collectively provide as a community college.

Kudos to Elizabeth Sonnabend and Hollianne McHugh. Hollianne McHugh and Elizabeth Sonnabend attended the LERN Contract Training virtual conference in June. Congratulations to Hollianne and Elizabeth as they both passed the Certified Contract Trainer course and exam! Elizabeth oversees Extended Education & Training’s Work and Career portfolio. Hollianne is both a Technical Instructor in Manufacturing Technology here at NMC, and a contract trainer for Extended Education & Training. This knowledge will impact their work in the field of contract training and is already shifting Extended Education’s contract training pricing model.

Kudo to Christa Abdul-Karim and Jennifer Yaple. Dr. Christa Abdul-Karim and our fantastic student worker, Jennifer Yaple, developed a new landing page for all international tours with EES. Lifelong learners can now view past tours, as well as see upcoming travel opportunities: https://nmc.augusoft.net//info/landing/travel


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!

Welcome our newest hires

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Mark Dragovich, supplemental employee – Tech Division Lab Assistant
    • Jonah Villanueva, supplemental employee – Banquet Server
    • Brice Wise-Brown, supplemental employee – GLMA Vessels Deck Crew

College Edge session one

NMC would like to recognize the faculty and staff who helped coordinate the first session of this summer’s College Edge program, which wrapped up last Friday as well as the cohorts who completed the program. 

The first edition in summer 2023 was a resounding success, with 97 percent of students persisting from fall 2023 to spring 2024 semesters, vs. 64.7 percent among the general population. Students truly do gain an edge by participating. Two more sessions begin next week. 


Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!

Media mentions for July 1, 2024

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.

Northern Living in brief: Dennos
Record-Eagle, June 30
(more…)

Cherry Royale Parade volunteers needed

NMC is seeking both adult and youth volunteers to participate in the annual Cherry Royale Parade on Saturday, July 6. The theme of this year’s float is  “What can you be at NMC…”

Youth volunteers ages 4-10 are needed to dress up as professionals from numerous NMC programs (ex. pilots, nurses, sailors). Costumes will be provided. NMC students and empoloyees are also welcome to walk with the float.

The parade kicks off at 11:15 a.m. Contact Brady Corcoran at bcorcoran@nmc.edu for more information.

Celebration for Hans Van Sumeren

Please join the NMC community in wishing Hans Van Sumeren all the best as he embarks on his new role at the Marine Technology Society as the Senior Director of the Ocean Enterprise Initiative. We will gather in the courtyard at the Great Lakes Campus from 2–4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16 for light refreshments and beverages (Ballroom C in case of inclement weather). See you there!

Legal protections for pregnant and nursing mothers

At NMC, we prioritize creating a workplace that fosters inclusion and support for all employees, particularly those expecting children. To further strengthen this commitment, we’d like to inform you about two important legal protections: The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and The Providing Useful Maternity Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act).

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) strengthens existing protections for pregnant employees by mandating that employers with 15 or more employees provide reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This empowers expecting employees to request adjustments that help them effectively perform their jobs.

Examples of Reasonable Accommodations under the PWFA:

    • Modifications to work schedules (e.g., temporary changes to start/end times)
    • Adjustments to the physical workspace (e.g., ergonomic furniture)
    • Increased access to breaks
    • Breaks to express milk and access to a lactation space

How to Request a PWFA Accommodation

If you are pregnant and require accommodation due to a limitation, please reach out to your supervisor for open communication. You can simply inform them of the limitation and your need for an adjustment. There’s no requirement to specifically mention the PWFA.

If the request is easily agreed upon with your supervisor please just move forward with implementation. If the request requires some additional support or conversation, please reach out to Human Resources and we will work together to identify a reasonable accommodation that addresses the need while minimizing any undue hardship to NMC.

The Providing Useful Maternity Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) mandates that employers with 50 or more employees provide a clean and private, non-bathroom space for nursing mothers to express breast milk. This space must be accessible during working hours and break times.

Additional Resources

For further information on the PWFA and PUMP Act, and your rights as an employee, we recommend visiting the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) websites.

NMC remains dedicated to supporting expecting parents. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the PWFA, PUMP Act, or your needs as an expecting parent, please do not hesitate to contact your supervisor, or Human Resources.

Additional information will be shared through policy, with specific identification of lactation spaces on NMC’s campuses in the near future. If you need any assistance identifying an appropriate space, please contact Human Resources.