Kudos!

Kudos to Ali Thornton! Congratulations to Ali Thornton and supporting staff for an informative and creative way to share cyber security issues in their SCARy event. Staff and students were interactive when learning about cyber security and how to protect themselves in this digital world.

Kudos to Jim Bensley and Marina Call! Jim Bensley and Marina Call hosted a Student Connect – International Tea in Osterlin that was very well attended. Students had the opportunity to come together and share their opinions about the world outside the classroom. What a great experiential learning opportunity for our students and staff at NMC.

Kudos to Jared Black, Scott Goethals, Skylar Berry, Judy Arnold, Dave Weaver, Kristina Jackson, Dan Gentry, Patrick Kawula, Chris Little, Justin Guillard, Terri Gustafson, Sherry Trier, Eric Carlson, Ben Post, Ryan Bernstein, Rachael Harrell, Rachel Colby, Landon DeHeer, Koleen Kerlin-Spigarelli, Carolyn Andrews, Bryan Kelly, Sereta Fager, Mark DeLonge, Paul Martin, Kristi Hallett, Linda Glaesmer, Sally Smarsty, Kyle Morrison, Alexander Jones, Rob Rider, Beth Norconk, Elliot Richards, Ricky Hagberg, Aby Kowalske, Shane McCellan, Zach DeYoung, Holly Johnson, Noah Schalge and Amber Marsh! The Student Cybersecurity Awareness Event (SCARy) was a success due to the willingness of all these people to contribute to enhancing Student CyberAwareness! The event was a success due to each of their contributions.


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!

Need help completing your compliance training?

Here are some troubleshooting tips and an FAQ to help you complete your compliance training the first time.

Question: I can’t return to my training after opening the Michigan or Federal laws and have to start over. How do I get through the Title IX training?
Answer: When you open and review the Michigan or Federal laws, these will open in a separate window. Don’t close the window! Click the browser icon on the status bar at the bottom of your screen to see thumbnails of all open windows. Click the open training window and return to the training. This will prevent you from restarting your training.

Question: I can’t see the Michigan or Federal laws when I click the link(s). Why?
Answer 1: Select Michigan for your state. “Michigan” will appear on the top right “…Laws” on the right. Click on Michigan and the laws should appear in a separate window. When finished, click on your browser icon and return to the training window to continue the module. (Didn’t resolve the issue? Try A2 below.)

Answer 2: Check your address bar at the top of the screen to ensure a pop-up blocker isn’t preventing content to appear. To resolve this:

  • Click on the top right to allow the pop-ups/ disable the popup blocker for this training. (or)
  • Go into your settings and allow pop-ups for this training. (Remember to change this back after the training based on your security preference.).

Other Troubleshooting Tips:


If you are accessing training from a desktop or laptop computer:

    • Update and restart your browser. If you have any pending updates, they may need to be completed to move forward with training.
    • Clear your browser’s cookies and cache, which is typically located under your browser’s history settings.
    • It is possible that device-specific browser extensions and/or pop-up blockers may be interfering with your training. Try accessing the training from another browser to rule out this possibility.

If you are accessing training from a mobile device:

    • Our system is compatible with many mobile devices; however, some users may have personal configurations that prevent certain courses from loading. Additionally, some custom and policy courses are best displayed on a computer. If you are experiencing difficulty loading our training on a personal device, try accessing the courses through a laptop or desktop computer.

If these troubleshooting tips do not correct the issue, please share the following details:

    • Which browser and version are you experiencing this issue on?
    • Screenshot and description of where the user is stuck or having difficulty.
    • Full course title and section of the issue.
    • The number of users reporting these issues (an estimate is fine). Example users are extremely helpful as well!
    • Device(s) experiencing this issue (desktop, laptop, mobile device).

Feel free to contact Vector Solutions Support for immediate assistance at: 1(800)434-0154 (ext. 3) from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. or by entering a ticket directly with Vector Support. You may also email hr@nmc.edu or enter a HelpDesk ticket under “SilkRoad”.

Thank you for your patience and for completing your compliance training to maintain a safe and caring campus for our learners.

Curiosities: Touring the Senses

Touring the Senses


March 2–March 23, Thursdays, 4–5 p.m. @ Various NMC locations

 

Curiosities, the library’s ongoing “un-book club” takes on the wondrous world of the senses! Special guest hosts will help us explore our tools of perception through the lenses of visual arts, culinary arts, audio tech, adaptation and neurodiversity. Each discussion session will feature an interactive sensory experience at different locations across NMC.

  • Explore how our eyes and brain work together to make meaning of art at the Dennos Museum Center with featured co-host Craig Hadley, Museum Director
  • Experience taste, smell and flavor at Lobdell’s with Jim Morse, Culinary Instructor
  • Learn about neurodiverse sensory experience and tools for adaption with Leanne Baumeler, Director of Disability Services
  • See, hear and play with sound waves with Maria Ulrich, Audio Tech Instructor

Registrants will receive the full syllabus of materials, which includes an hour or less of reading, watching or listening time for each week. Register now to participate in this free series! 

 

“Library of Things” collection will launch with Game Night March 2

Game NightCome play games to celebrate the library’s brand new “Library of Things” collection! Join us in the library on Thursday, March 2 from 6-9 p.m. to try out a new board game or play a familiar favorite. Pizza and drinks will be provided, and all games and other items in the “Library of Things” collection will be available to borrow at the end of the event.

Our newest collection embraces a broader notion of the kinds of resources libraries can steward for their communities. Games, knitting needles and therapy lamps are among the items that will soon be available to borrow, along with specialized equipment related to the college’s academic programs such as a portable audio recorder (Audio Tech) and a cardiac stethoscope (Nursing).

We’d also love to hear from NMC students and employees about “things” they’d like to see added to the collection. Hope to see you there and bring a friend—the more the merrier!

Alvin Hall: A road trip through America’s haunted racial past

Join the National Writers Series for an evening with Alvin Hall, author of Driving the Green Book. Alvin Hall wrote Driving the Green Book, an account of a 2000-mile journey across the country, using the Green Book as his guide to help him understand the experience of African Americans through the 1960s.

Alvin Hall NMC Driving the Green Mile

He will be talking about his experience at the City Opera House on Thursday, February 23. Doors open at 6 p.m. with live music and the event starts at 7 p.m. followed by a book signing. The Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has purchased tickets for the event. Please get in touch with Marcus Bennett if you are interested in getting free tickets for the event at (231) 995-1401 or mbennett@nmc.edu.

Learn more about Alvin Hall by visiting www.alvinhall.com.

 

Code Red text alert system: verify your information

If there were ever an emergency on our campus related to safety, everyone who signed up for Code Red would be sent an immediate text to the phone number we have on file (i.e. shelter in place instructions). While the alert would also be sent to your email address, a text is the quickest way to get crucial information when every minute counts.

You may have signed up for text alerts when you were first hired, but please verify the information is still correct. Please access the text opt-in link and double check to see if your current cell phone number is accurate in our system.

If you have any questions about updating your information in self-service, please contact the NMC Technology Help Desk at (231) 995-3020.

Surveying industry invests in NMC to meet workforce needs

TRAVERSE CITY — As the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors convenes for its annual conference at the Grand Traverse Resort next week, industry investment in NMC has led to a dedicated surveying technology program recruiter joining the college’s staff.

Surveying recruiter Ryan DeeringDownload a high-resolution photo of Ryan Deering hereRyan Deering (right) stepped into the recruiter role Feb. 6. The new position is funded by a surveying industry donor.

“There is a real need and a shortage of survey technicians. Industry has recognized that need,” said Ed Bailey, director of NMC’s Marine Center.

An aging workforce, lack of awareness of the career opportunities, and demand for surveying skills have created the shortage. Launching a Surveying Technology associate degree in 2019 was NMC’s first response. Now, tackling that lack of awareness will be Deering’s job. He’s confident that he can attract students. NMC’s program is unique in that it offers instruction for land, marine, and air applications.

“Everything is combined. It’s woven together nicely,” said Deering, who also teaches welding at NMC. “It’s limitless, what you can do with a surveying degree.”

“It’s the integration part that really sets us apart. Nobody can touch our facilities,” agreed surveying instructor Carl Shangraw.

Land surveying classes, underwater ROV classes and drone classes are all taught at the Parsons-Stulen Building on NMC’s Aero Park campus. NMC also has a campus harbor and vessel on West Grand Traverse Bay, and access to an airfield in Yuba where students can gain real-world experience in the marine and air applications.

Industry leader Leica also supplies NMC close to $1 million in surveying equipment each year for use in the program.

“I like the change of environment every day, (and) the great equipment they give us,” said student Gabe Parrish, 19, of Mesick. He plans to graduate next year.

Deering added that NMC’s small classes mean that students get plenty of time with that top-notch equipment, which is important to employers.

“You really get a lot of hands-on with the equipment,” he said. “Employers are really looking at that.”

In addition to students like Parrish just beginning professional careers, NMC and Deering hope to enroll more students like Jim Schiffer, a professional engineer with the Grand Traverse County Road Commission. Engineers can earn a surveyor credential with 30 credit hours, or about two semesters. Schiffer jumped at the opportunity. He will complete his coursework this summer.

“If you love anything technical, and you love solving problems, and you love being outside, it’s all there,” he said.

The Commission currently has no surveyor on staff, said Schiffer. The credential will also complement his consulting business in general civil and structural engineering.

Shangraw said he’s “optimistic” about Deering bringing in more students to the surveying program.

“I’ve seen him work with college kids. He’s phenomenal,” said Shangraw, who started at NMC three years ago after more than two decades of teaching at the university level. Besides the staff and facilities, NMC’s student support is “second to none,” he said.

“Every school says they’re student-centered. (NMC) means it.”

 

Release date: February 16, 2023

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020

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

Support for Students

Good morning,

In the wake of the MSU shooting from last night, we wanted to take the time to share some important resources available for any students impacted directly or indirectly by this tragedy.

The NMC Student Life Office on main campus has free personal counseling available for students (zoom or in person) between the hours of 8am -5pm Monday – Friday. Please call 231-995-1118 or email us at studentlife@nmc.edu to schedule a time to talk with us.

In addition, two free after hours resources (available to anyone) include:

  • 24/7 crisis phone line – dial 988 to speak directly to a crisis counselor.
  • 24/7 crisis text line – text ‘HOME’ to 741741 to communicate with a volunteer crisis counselor.

Please take care of yourselves and each other during times like this.

Thank you,
Lisa Thomas


Lisa Thomas
Dean of Students
Northwestern Michigan College
231-995-1043

“And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us, but what stands before us.”
– The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman

Campus Community Support

Dear NMC family, 

My heart is heavy this morning about the tragedy at Michigan State University last night. This hits much too close to home. We all know someone with ties to MSU, including our own alumni. Like many of you, I am feeling both sadness and frustration. While some things are outside of our control, I want to reassure you we have many safety protocols in place and practice drills monthly. We also have many resources to offer support and help you process your feelings and concerns. Our teams in human resources and student services are sharing the details with you today. Most importantly, I want you to know that I am confident that our NMC family will continue to support one another, and help each other move through this.

Nick

Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010

Northwestern Michigan College

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Media mentions for February 13, 2023

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.

Michigan college teaches students to be chefs – on ships
MLive, Feb. 13
(more…)

New BSN program at NMC aims to counter nursing shortage

Last week, NMC and Davenport University announced that they are expanding their partnership so that NMC can offer a BSN program. The continued efforts from Tami Livengood, Stephen Siciliano, Munson Healthcare and Davenport University will allow  students at NMC to attain their BSN in a shorter time frame and at a fraction of the cost of standard BSN programs.


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

Kudos!

Kudos to Alison Thornton! Alison brought together departments and student groups to raise awareness around cybersecurity and online safety in a fun and engaging way. Thanks to Ali and everyone involved for such a great event and for everything you do to keep us safe online.


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!

    • Alex Jones – Instructional Systems Technician
    • Robert Watrous, Supplemental – Tutor
    • Lisa Helferich, Supplemental – Front of House Food Service

NMC Concert Band, choral performances scheduled

TRAVERSE CITY — Two of NMC’s performance ensembles will present the following midwinter performances:

  • February 24: NMC Concert Band & Grand Traverse Chorale. 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium
  • February 26: NMC Choral performance, featuring the NMC Chamber Singers, Canticum Novum and the NMC Children’s Choirs. 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium

Advance tickets are available at simpletix.com. Adults $13, seniors/students $8. At the door: Adults $15, seniors/students $10.

Release date: February 9, 2023

For more information:

Jeffrey Cobb
Director of Music Programs
(231) 995-1338
jecobb@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