NMC moves to Stage 2 of reopening plan

Jun 15, 2020 | Intercom

Good afternoon NMC Community,

NMC is now in Stage 2 of its reopening plan. This plan is designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 while allowing the College to meet the needs of our learners and continue important business functions.

Stage 2 allows for services by appointment only and some small lab classes to be performed on campus following the College’s safety guidelines. Work that can be done remotely, should continue to be performed remotely.

If you must come to campus, please take the self-screening questionnaire first. If you pass the screening, once you arrive on campus, wear a mask or face covering in all areas except your personal office, practice social distancing and follow all cleaning and safety procedures highlighted at nmc.edu/keepsafe.

NMC campus buildings will only be open Monday–Thursday in Stage 2 to allow facilities more time to clean and sanitize buildings. External customers are allowed on campus by appointment only at this time. All buildings will remain locked and only accessible by authorized employees. If you have external customers coming on campus please arrange to meet them at the door to allow access. Buildings that have in-person labs scheduled will be opened for the time that the lab is scheduled. Mail will continue to be picked up at the facilities building.

You can read detailed information about NMC’s safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic in the College’s Exposure Control Plan.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students, employees and community safe.

Thank you,
NMC Public Relations

Release date: June 15, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

NMC announces plans for fall semester and safety guidelines

Jun 12, 2020 | Intercom

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s plan for fall semester includes face-to-face and online formats with an emphasis on safety and flexibility.

NMC has a wide range of unique programs and students with varied learning needs. To help meet those needs, the College developed an overarching safety structure with flexible learning options.

The plan includes these main categories:

• Programs required to meet face to face in the fall because of accreditation regulations will be able to do so. This includes programs like Dental Assistant and the Police Academy.
• Occupational programs required to offer their curriculum face to face due to specific and unique instructional needs will be able to do so. Aspects of their programs that can be offered remotely, should be. This includes programs like Maritime.
• General Education courses will be offered in three different formats:
  • Hybrid courses, a combination of both face-to-face and online, will be offered for those courses that require face to face instruction for some activities but can also offer other parts of the coursework online. This includes programs like Fine Arts.
  • Livestream classes will be offered. These classes are similar to traditional classes in that they are held live at a scheduled time, but students and the instructor will now attend virtually.
  • Online courses will be offered. These classes give the student the most flexibility and allow them to complete the coursework when it best suits their schedule.

Every face-to-face class will follow all college rules for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. These rules adhere to state and national guidance as well.

“I am so proud to see how agile our faculty and staff have been in coming up with creative ways to meet the needs of our learners in a safe way. This includes the quick pivot in the spring and a comprehensive plan for the fall,” NMC President Nick Nissley said. “While this is a challenge, it is also an opportunity to reimagine how we approach higher education and NMC is embracing it. This work, plus the commitment to no tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, should give our students certainty, in an otherwise uncertain time, when it comes to NMC’s commitment to helping them reach their goals.”

The Reimagining Fall Opening Committee of faculty and staff has been meeting regularly since May 7 to create the plan.

The College is currently updating the fall schedule to reflect the new plan. Students will be able to access the updated course catalog starting June 24 to continue to develop their fall semester schedules and register for classes.

NMC Vice President for Educational Services Stephen Siciliano said, “Faculty and staff believe it is critical to listen to and respond to student needs. This plan is designed to offer maximum flexibility to meet those needs. It also allows us to adjust quickly, if we have to, as the situation around the pandemic evolves, so we can continue learning and help students complete their goals.”

To keep students and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the College also launched a Reopening Committee with a focus on campus safety. That committee developed a comprehensive Exposure Control Plan and a Reopening Plan to serve as NMC’s primary safety resource. Individual programs developed specialized safety plans to support their unique student and employee needs while still meeting the college-wide safety requirements. For more information on NMC’s safety plan please visit nmc.edu/keep-safe.

RELEASE DATE: June 12, 2020
Updated June 22, 2020 to note that updated course catalog will be available June 24

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

IMPORTANT: NMC’s Exposure Control Plan Training

Jun 12, 2020 | Intercom

I hope you are well and able to enjoy this sunny weather!

Today we have launched NMC’s COVID-19 Exposure Control Plan (ECP) Training. It is required that all employees complete this training as soon as possible and prior to coming to any of NMC’s campuses again (regardless of the deadline listed in your training email). This training is required to ensure ECP protocols are shared and followed by everyone on our campuses and anywhere they are performing college business outside of their homes.

The COVID-19 Exposure Control Plan is part of NMC’s compliance with Federal, State, and local health rules and guidelines related to the coronavirus. The plan is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD). Completing this training and complying with its guidelines is essential to keeping our ourselves and colleagues, students and campus visitors safe by limiting potential exposure to the disease.

Please check your email for your training link and contact hr@nmc.edu if you have any questions about access to the training.

Thank you for helping to keep one another safe during this public health crisis.

Very Best Regards,

Mark

—

Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342

June 10 Virtual Budget Session video

Jun 12, 2020 | Intercom

The video below is of the Virtual Budget Session conducted for NMC employees Wednesday, June 10. If you were unable get your questions answered during the session, or if you have any followup questions or feedback, please email them to publicrelations@nmc.edu.

June 5 Virtual Town Hall video

Jun 9, 2020 | Intercom

The video below is of the Virtual Town Hall conducted for NMC employees Friday, June 5, with President Nick Nissley, vice-presidents Vicki Cook, Marguerite Cotto, Todd Neibauer and Stephen Siciliano, and Diana Fairbanks, Holly Gorton and Mark Liebling. More than 120 people attended. The Town Hall included an update on the work of the college during the last month and a look toward our future including reopening and the fall semester, along with a Q&A.

If you were unable get your questions answered during the meeting, or if you have any followup questions or feedback, please email them to publicrelations@nmc.edu.