Success story: Museum expansion, new student housing break ground

August 31, 2016

Residence hall groundbreakingStudents returning to classes this week will find construction projects poised on both ends of main campus, as the facilities of NMC’s future learners move from paper to reality.

NMC broke ground on a new student residence hall and fitness center July 11. That was followed by an Aug. 15 groundbreaking for an expansion of the Dennos Museum Center.

Both projects will update aging campus infrastructure and allow the college to meet the needs and expectations of twenty-first century students.

“Combined, these projects show the dedication of our NMC employees, donors, community, business and governmental partners all working together to help ensure our learners are successful,” said President Timothy J. Nelson. “It’s an exciting time as we see years of hard work begin to materialize and we continue to invest in the future of education.”

Residence Hall

Located on the north side of East Hall, the residence hall will accommodate 140 students beginning in the fall 2017 semester. Current student housing at NMC has been at capacity for three years, and existing housing is more than 40 years old. NMC is self-funding the $8.8-million project.

Dennos expansion

Dennos expansion groundbreakingLocated on the southeast side of the existing museum, the project includes two new permanent collection galleries, a new sculpture gallery, a larger Inuit art gallery, additional classroom space and storage and loading dock improvements. Built in 1991, the expansion is targeted for completion in 2017, capping the Museum’s 25th anniversary year. The $5 million project was spearheaded by major gifts from Richard and Diana Milock and Dudley and Barbara Smith.

Also on the drawing board in 2017 is NMC’s renovation of West Hall into a student innovation center. Using a state planning grant, the college will move into design phase, conducting interview with designers and architects next year, and returning to the state for construction authorization by October 2018.

As envisioned, the project would almost double the size of West Hall, from 20,000 to 38,000 square feet. It would provide for 13 adaptive, technology-rich learning spaces to be used across the curriculum for simulation, team-based and project learning. Nelson noted the support of local legislators Representative Larry Inman (R-Traverse City), Senator Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City) and Senator Darwin Booher (R-Evart) has been integral to the project’s progress.

Success story: Museum expansion, new student housing break ground

August 31, 2016

Residence hall groundbreakingStudents returning to classes this week will find construction projects poised on both ends of main campus, as the facilities of NMC’s future learners move from paper to reality.

NMC broke ground on a new student residence hall and fitness center July 11. That was followed by an Aug. 15 groundbreaking for an expansion of the Dennos Museum Center.

Both projects will update aging campus infrastructure and allow the college to meet the needs and expectations of twenty-first century students.

“Combined, these projects show the dedication of our NMC employees, donors, community, business and governmental partners all working together to help ensure our learners are successful,” said President Timothy J. Nelson. “It’s an exciting time as we see years of hard work begin to materialize and we continue to invest in the future of education.”

Residence Hall

Located on the north side of East Hall, the residence hall will accommodate 140 students beginning in the fall 2017 semester. Current student housing at NMC has been at capacity for three years, and existing housing is more than 40 years old. NMC is self-funding the $8.8-million project.

Dennos expansion

Dennos expansion groundbreakingLocated on the southeast side of the existing museum, the project includes two new permanent collection galleries, a new sculpture gallery, a larger Inuit art gallery, additional classroom space and storage and loading dock improvements. Built in 1991, the expansion is targeted for completion in 2017, capping the Museum’s 25th anniversary year. The $5 million project was spearheaded by major gifts from Richard and Diana Milock and Dudley and Barbara Smith.

Also on the drawing board in 2017 is NMC’s renovation of West Hall into a student innovation center. Using a state planning grant, the college will move into design phase, conducting interview with designers and architects next year, and returning to the state for construction authorization by October 2018.

As envisioned, the project would almost double the size of West Hall, from 20,000 to 38,000 square feet. It would provide for 13 adaptive, technology-rich learning spaces to be used across the curriculum for simulation, team-based and project learning. Nelson noted the support of local legislators Representative Larry Inman (R-Traverse City), Senator Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City) and Senator Darwin Booher (R-Evart) has been integral to the project’s progress.

Walk, Run, Empower 5K Run/Walk

This fall, NMC Student Life in partnership with NMC student group Voices, will host a 5K Run/Walk to raise awareness and to help end sexual violence. Sexual violence is a prevalent issue both on and off college campuses, and it is extremely important to raise community awareness in order to create change. 

On October 8, early same-day registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the 5K will start at 9:00 a.m. Cash and checks made payable to NMC will be accepted on race day. The race will begin and end on College Drive on NMC’s Front Street Campus, in front of the Cedar lot (1701 E. Front Street).

The race entry fee of $10 for NMC students & $15 for faculty, staff, and the general public includes a Walk, Run, Empower 5K t-shirt designed by NMC Voices! Participants can enjoy free food while connecting with many of our student organizations, campus resources, and community collaborators. All proceeds from the race will benefit a local non-profit organization, Citizens Against Sex Trafficking (CAST) TC and NMC Voices.

If you would like to register to be a participant in this event, Click here. If you would like to sign-up to be a volunteer on the route, or table as a community organizer or campus resource, Click here

For more information, contact the Student Life Office at (231) 995-1118.

Add/Drop Week

Welcome to the new semester! Our eager students are back and may be looking to drop and add classes during this first week. Please remind students that not all classes can be added after they have begun. Refer students to the Advising Center or the Records and Registration Office for assistance with dropping or adding classes this week.

The final day to drop regular 15-week classes without academic record and for 100% refund is Tuesday, September 6! 

Fall Pick for Global Literature Reading Group

 

sunburnedThe Global Literature Reading Group will meet on Friday, November 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Scholars Hall 104. This semester’s book is In a Sunburned Country, by Bill Bryson. Save the date on your calendar, get your copy of the book, and plan to join us for an armchair adventure in the Land Down Under!

The Global Literature Reading Group meets twice a year to discuss a book about another culture. The cost of the book is subsidized by the Center for Instructional Excellence and the Helen Osterlin Library Endowment. Faculty and staff can purchase a copy of the book for $5 from Tina Ulrich in the library (tulrich@nmc.edu or 995-1063.)

Position Vacancies

Are you looking for career opportunities? Find it here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:

  • Hagerty Center – Server, Bartender, Cook and Dishwasher
  • Adjunct Faculty – Surgical Technology
  • Supplemental – Technology Support Assistant

11th Annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Truck and Car Show

Spectators check out a car at NMC's 2009 Mike McIntosh Memorial Car ShowTRAVERSE CITY, MI — See cool cars and support students at NMC’s 11th annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Truck and Car Show.

On Saturday, September 10, car enthusiasts will display their classic cars, 4X4s, dragsters, sports cars, modified late models, motorcycles and more. The show, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., will be held at NMC’s Automotive Services Building at 2510 Aero Park Drive. Admission is free for spectators. There is a $10 entry fee per vehicle for contestants. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Trophies are awarded for best of show in each class. Enjoy food, music, a silent auction — including program vehicles — and door prizes for entrants. Proceeds benefit NMC’s Automotive Program and scholarships. Student projects and vehicles will also be on display.

The show is named for the late NMC Automotive instructor Mike McIntosh, who retired in 2004 after 34 years of service. McIntosh organized the first car show for the Automotive Program in 2004.

RELEASE DATE: August 29, 2016

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Wayne Moody
NMC Automotive Chair
(231) 995-1316
wmoody@nmc.edu

Register for NMC Community Classes now

A new schedule of NMC lifelong learning classes is now available at nmc.edu/ees. Registration begins now, and employee tuition waivers apply.

  • Yoga and Fitness classes begin in early September; find one to fit your schedule at nmc.edu/fitness.
  • Choose from dozens of art, music, and photography classes.
  • Begin learning Spanish, French, or German this fall.
  • One of the most popular programs features the cooking classes taught by local chefs and food artisans. New culinary classes include “Regional Fish Dishes,” Cast Iron Cookery,” “Classic Cuban,” “Crepe Making” and more.

In all, there are 39 different cooking classes, including some for children and adults to take together. Browse the classes at nmc.edu/ees, then call Extended Education at (231) 995-1700 to register with an employee tuition waiver.

FSU Open House at NMC October 4

ferris-logoFerris State University will be on NMC’s main campus in West Hall for an Open House Tuesday, October 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Advisors for every program offered at the University Center in Traverse City will be there, and a recruiter from FSU’s main campus in Big Rapids will be present.

This is a great opportunity to talk about your future with Ferris and get all your questions answered! Refreshments will be available along with Ferris swag! Hope to see you there!

Judge defers decision in unfair labor practice claim

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) made the case before an administrative law judge (ALJ) today to dismiss the unfair labor practice (ULP) complaint filed by the MEA. NMC contended that the Michigan Public Employment Relations Act six-month statute of limitations had expired before the MEA filed its complaint in April.

The ALJ denied the motion without prejudice, making the next step a hearing on both the statute of limitations issue and the merits of the ULP complaint itself. Because the ALJ did not conclude that the charge was filed in a timely manner, NMC will have the opportunity to present evidence on both topics at a hearing in October. The hearing is yet to be scheduled.

The MEA’s ULP charge contends NMC wrongfully withheld raises from faculty in January 2016. However, because wages and benefits are mandatory subjects for bargaining in all union contract negotiations, NMC is restricted from unilaterally changing compensation levels without an agreement in place.

NMC will continue to bargain in good faith in an attempt to reach an agreement that is in the best interest of NMC faculty, our students, the college and the community.

Status of NMC-MEA Negotiations

Since the faculty voted to unionize in March 2015, NMC has:

  • Presented numerous written proposals and counter proposals for the union’s consideration, the first on June 12, 2015 and most recently, a comprehensive proposal and set of tentative agreements on August 19, 2016.
  • Followed established negotiating practices, engaging in 17 collective bargaining sessions with union negotiators between May 15, 2015 and March 7, 2016.
  • Requested mediation through MERC on March 7, 2016.
  • Participated in seven sessions with MERC mediators between March 22 and August 5, 2016.
  • Petitioned MERC on August 8, 2016 for fact finding analysis to advance negotiations.
  • Reached 18 tentative agreements with the union.

RELEASE DATE: August 22, 2016

For more information:

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

Operation Homefront Back-to-School Brigade program

Operation Homefront’s Back to School Brigade Program is donating over 2,000 school supply items to NMC veterans and their families.

School supplies are important and expensive for families. Without donations from the community, veterans are forced to spend hundreds of dollars to equip themselves and/or their children with basic items needed for a quality education. These school supplies make a huge difference and we couldn’t be more thankful for our communities support of our veterans and their families.

These school supplies will be made available for NMC veterans and their families on Monday, August 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the West Hall Conference Room.

Shorter Times! Super Tech Talks! Register Now.

super-tech-talk-logoTuesday, Sept. 6 to Friday, Sept. 9

  • Do you want to learn how to create a more secure password and avoid being “phished”?
  • Do you want to be more organized and stay on task?
  • Do you want to conference online to other campuses or organizations?
  • Do you want to record your in-class lectures? Or create mini-lectures from your computer?
  • Do you want to improve how you share your work with others?

Click here for more information & to register…. https://docs.google.com/a/nmc.edu/document/d/10WjxzmqYVwymY-40WVfVsXE6uFuWi280CXng9cd5690/edit?usp=sharing

Kudos!

KUDOS- (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com

Kudos to Patrick Tesner and the Hawk Owl Café- My daughter and I ate in the Hawk Owl cafe every day this summer in between her College for Kids classes. The entire staff is wonderful, and she told me it is her favorite place to eat in Traverse City. On our last day, Patrick set up a fancy table complete with napkins folded into roses and a reserved sign with her name on it! She now thinks Patrick is magical. Thank you, Patrick, and everyone at the Hawk Owl Cafe! We had a great summer!   

Kudos to Robert Scott- Robert goes out of his way to spread the word about NMC’s alumni relations program, and to send alumni over to our office so we can meet them when he encounters them at the cafeteria or coffee shop. Thanks, Robert!

Submit a Kudos here.

Position Vacancies

Are you looking for career opportunities? Find it here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:

  • Hagerty Center – Server, Bartender, Cook and Dishwasher
  • Adjunct Faculty – Surgical Technology
  • Supplemental – Technology Support Assistant