Dec 7, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has received a $90,000 aviation workforce development grant to train 40 high school teachers in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) fundamentals, as well as equip each with a multi-rotor unit to use with their own students.
The grant, from the Federal Aviation Administration, is intended to address the need for operators and technicians in the growing UAS field. By equipping high school teachers with the skills, knowledge, technology and certifications required to develop new UAS programs or update existing ones, alignments will occur between the high school programs and NMC, making the pathway to industry and employment more attainable.
The grant builds upon NMC’s selection as a UAS Collegiate Training Program, the only one in Michigan, by the FAA in 2020. Competition for the grant was “rigorous.”
“Requests for project support far exceeded the $5 million Congress made available in fiscal year 2020. You are to be commended for an extraordinary response to the FAA opportunity,” grant manager Miranda Haywood said in the award letter.
“NMC has been on the forefront of UAS education since we launched the program in 2010,” said NMC UAS Program Manager Tony Sauerbrey. “This is another great example of how the program continues to innovate and lead for the benefit of our students.”
The grant coincides with a statewide push for high school career and technical education programs to begin UAS training. A preliminary statewide articulation agreement valid for any high school UAS program allows students to earn NMC credit for those classes. NMC currently has a strong relationship with the Char-Em ISD and Harbor Springs High School, and has created pathways for students there to continue their education at NMC.
Teachers from around the state will be able to participate in the training, expected to occur in summer 2022 at NMC’s private airfield in Yuba. Upon completion, the 40 teachers will be able to safely conduct a complete flight from startup to shut down, without instructor intervention. System calibration, set-up, troubleshooting, and best operating practices will be included to address typical issues seen in the field and with new pilots. Each teacher will also take a 10-week Remote Pilot Test Preparation course online. Passing the FAA Remote Pilot Certification exam constitutes completion and is required to operate drones commercially.
In addition to the training on drone operations, NMC will also consult with high schools to increase awareness of the UAS industry and assist in curriculum and program development. The goal is to create more career options and education pipelines for students entering this new industry.
Since NMC’s UAS program (nmc.edu/uas) began in 2010, it has produced graduates who are currently working in all aspects of the industry including launching startup companies and assisting private businesses and public institutions. NMC operates a fleet of unmanned aerial systems that rivals much larger universities. NMC’s small class size allows the program to innovate and remain responsive to the ever changing industry of Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Release date: December 7, 2021
For more information:
Tony Sauerbrey
UAS Program Manager
tsauerbrey@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2925
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
Dec 6, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has received a $90,000 aviation workforce development grant to train 40 high school teachers in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) fundamentals, as well as equip each with a multi-rotor unit to use with their own students.
The grant, from the Federal Aviation Administration, is intended to address the need for operators and technicians in the growing UAS field. By equipping high school teachers with the skills, knowledge, technology and certifications required to develop new UAS programs or update existing ones, alignments will occur between the high school programs and NMC, making the pathway to industry and employment more attainable.
The grant builds upon NMC’s selection as a UAS Collegiate Training Program, the only one in Michigan, by the FAA in 2020. Competition for the grant was “rigorous.”
“Requests for project support far exceeded the $5 million Congress made available in fiscal year 2020. You are to be commended for an extraordinary response to the FAA opportunity,” grant manager Miranda Haywood said in the award letter.
“NMC has been on the forefront of UAS education since we launched the program in 2010,” said NMC UAS Program Manager Tony Sauerbrey. “This is another great example of how the program continues to innovate and lead for the benefit of our students.”
The grant coincides with a statewide push for high school career and technical education programs to begin UAS training. A preliminary statewide articulation agreement valid for any high school UAS program allows students to earn NMC credit for those classes. NMC currently has a strong relationship with the Char-Em ISD and Harbor Springs High School, and has created pathways for students there to continue their education at NMC.
Teachers from around the state will be able to participate in the training, expected to occur in summer 2022 at NMC’s private airfield in Yuba. Upon completion, the 40 teachers will be able to safely conduct a complete flight from startup to shut down, without instructor intervention. System calibration, set-up, troubleshooting, and best operating practices will be included to address typical issues seen in the field and with new pilots. Each teacher will also take a 10-week Remote Pilot Test Preparation course online. Passing the FAA Remote Pilot Certification exam constitutes completion and is required to operate drones commercially.
In addition to the training on drone operations, NMC will also consult with high schools to increase awareness of the UAS industry and assist in curriculum and program development. The goal is to create more career options and education pipelines for students entering this new industry.
Since NMC’s UAS program (nmc.edu/uas) began in 2010, it has produced graduates who are currently working in all aspects of the industry including launching startup companies and assisting private businesses and public institutions. NMC operates a fleet of unmanned aerial systems that rivals much larger universities. NMC’s small class size allows the program to innovate and remain responsive to the ever changing industry of Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Release date: December 7, 2021
For more information:
Tony Sauerbrey
UAS Program Manager
tsauerbrey@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2925
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
Dec 3, 2021 | Intercom
Good morning NMC community!
We hope you are having a successful fall semester! As we near the holiday season, we want to update you on our plans.
The Holiday Party Planning Committee has been discussing a variety of ways we could celebrate safely. However, with the recent news that our local hospital system has moved to a critical “red” level for the first time in Munson’s history because of COVID-19, the committee has decided to not hold the traditional in-person employee holiday gathering in December.
While we will miss that time together, we want to acknowledge the commitment and strong service orientation you have demonstrated since the start of the pandemic. This is why the college is giving employees additional holidays between Christmas and New Year’s Day so you can have extra time to rest and recharge.
We want to continue the college’s strong tradition of giving and encourage you to support the NMC Food pantry and Student Life’s Stocking Stuffers program by visiting www.nmc.edu/give. Monetary donations to the Food Pantry are preferred, however non-perishable food items may also be dropped off in-person at any desk in the Osterlin Building from now until December 17.
We also want to continue some of the fun with the annual Ugly Sweater Contest and hot cocoa tradition. Join us on Wednesday, December 15 as we celebrate Ugly Sweater Day at NMC. Please don your most festive holiday attire on this day and submit your contest entry to publicrelations@nmc.edu.
Also on December 15, stop by the Nelson Innovation Center from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. to grab some hot cocoa and cookies — a treat that is Santa-approved! We will also have donation bins on-site in West Hall so that you can drop-off goods for the food pantry while you’re there.
‘Bitter’ (for us!) against the sweetness of hot cocoa, cookies and your spirit of giving, is the upcoming retirement of Vickie Cook and Marguerite Cotto, who between them have 60 years helping to form the NMC we know and love. We asked them both to stop by the Innovation Center from 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. on December 15 for any who would like to say “thank you,” “farewell” or “hasta la vista” (or will it be “hasta pronto?”).
Thank you for all you have done to help our NMC community stay safe and limit disruption to learning. Please take some time to reach out to your colleagues to connect and share your appreciation and gratitude as we continue to celebrate the spirit of the season.
Mark
—
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
Dec 1, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Ceramics department will hold a holiday pottery sale on December 16 & 17, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. in room 135 of the Fine Arts Building (#12 on the Main Campus Map).
Nov 29, 2021 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
Northwestern Michigan College Students Hand Out 125 Thanksgiving Meals
9&10 News, November 22
9&10 News, November 22 (second story)
Record-Eagle, November 25 (more…)
Nov 29, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
To the Public Relations, Marketing and Communications team whose magazine Nexus won the top gold award in a regional community college competition.
Judges said the spring 2021 issue highlighting the college’s pandemic pivots, textbook heroes and Futures for Frontliners had “great content,” “beautiful, clean design” and “interesting, well-written articles.”
Nexus previously won a gold award at the national competition.
Nov 29, 2021 | Intercom
As a reminder, nominations for the 2022 Fellows are to be submitted to the President’s Office this Wednesday, Dec. 1. Please see this post for more information or contact Lynne Moritz (lmoritz@nmc.edu) with questions.
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Nov 29, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Join NMC’s performance ensembles in three upcoming holiday concerts. Masks are required inside all NMC campus buildings.
NMC Jazz Bands Winter Jazz Ensemble Showcase – Saturday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium
Laurie Sears directs. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $7 for students and seniors. Tickets are available from MyNorthTickets.com. Tickets are also available at the door. Call (800) 836-0717 for more information.
NMC Concert Band Holiday Show - Tuesday, Dec.14, 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium
Pat Brumbaugh directs. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $7 for students and seniors. Tickets are available from MyNorthTickets.com. Tickets are also available at the door. Call (800) 836-0717 for more information.
NMC Chamber Singers and NMC Grand Traverse Chorale in “Home for the Holidays.”
Saturday, Dec. 18, 7: 30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 19, 3 p.m. Corson Auditorium, Interlochen
Jeffrey Cobb directs the NMC choral ensembles as they join the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for a holiday tradition. Call the TSO at (231) 947-7120 for more information.
Release date: NOVEMBER 29, 2021
For more information:
Jeffrey Cobb
NMC 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
Nov 29, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Join NMC’s performance ensembles in three upcoming holiday concerts. Masks are required inside all NMC campus buildings.
NMC Jazz Bands Winter Jazz Ensemble Showcase – Saturday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium
Laurie Sears directs. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $7 for students and seniors. Tickets are available from MyNorthTickets.com. Tickets are also available at the door. Call (800) 836-0717 for more information.
NMC Concert Band Holiday Show - Tuesday, Dec.14, 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium
Pat Brumbaugh directs. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $7 for students and seniors. Tickets are available from MyNorthTickets.com. Tickets are also available at the door. Call (800) 836-0717 for more information.
NMC Chamber Singers and NMC Grand Traverse Chorale in “Home for the Holidays.”
Saturday, Dec. 18, 7: 30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 19, 3 p.m. Corson Auditorium, Interlochen
Jeffrey Cobb directs the NMC choral ensembles as they join the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for a holiday tradition. Call the TSO at (231) 947-7120 for more information.
Release date: NOVEMBER 29, 2021
For more information:
Jeffrey Cobb
NMC 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
Nov 24, 2021 | Intercom
NMC trustees unanimously approved a new, three-year contract for President Nick Nissley at Monday’s regular board meeting.
Nissley will be paid $204,000 for the 2022 calendar year, a 4.7 percent raise from 2021. His salary will be adjusted by the same percentage rate as the staff and executive salary scale in 2023 and 2024. In addition, his fiscal year office holder allowance was increased from $10,000 to $12,000.
Nissley is completing his second year as president of Northwestern Michigan College. He was rated as “very effective” by trustees in his annual performance review, completed in October.
Nov 23, 2021 | Intercom
With the generous support of an Innovation Grant from the NMC Foundation, the OER Team is calling for applications for faculty interested in adapting a course they teach to use free and/or openly available course materials in lieu of texts from traditional publishers. Priority will be given to courses that fulfill requirements for the ASA degree pathway, and that have high enrollments, but all are encouraged to apply.
Selected applicants will receive a $750 stipend in two lump sums of $350, one to be disbursed at the beginning of the project and one upon successful completion. Participating faculty will also have sustained support from the OER Team as they identify, evaluate and adapt materials to suit their particular needs and course goals. Participants can choose to begin the work in January 2022 or May 2022, for completion by August 2022.
Open Educational Resources offer a way for instructors to meaningfully reduce barriers to education and send a strong message to current and prospective students that we are paying attention to the hard choices they face when it comes to affording college. What’s more, recent studies have indicated that OER adoption has strong implications for student success and persistence as well.
The past few years have seen a marked surge in both OER usage and creation, resulting in an ever better selection of high quality open course materials. If you are interested in this opportunity but have questions about availability of materials for your subject area, please email oer@nmc.edu.
Updated Application Deadline: Friday, Dec. 3
Nov 23, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
November 23, 2021
On Monday, culinary student Michelle Carrizales brought home something besides books and her knife kit to her family in Harrietta — a Thanksgiving meal, courtesy of an NMC business class which organized and executed the meal drive as a class project.
The meal means that the Carrizales family of four will get to spend a stress-free holiday together. Husband Richard is home after working out of state for a few months. Michelle gets a breather from juggling work and school and her hour-long one-way commute to classes in Traverse City. Their two kids will be on school break, and will lend her a hand cooking the meal that Carrizales didn’t have to scour stores for sales or coupons in order to put on the table.
“It’s been a pretty stressful last couple of months,” said Carrizales. “We’re just looking forward to sitting down and not doing anything.”
The Carrizales family is one of more than 125 who received donated meals from the business class, taught by Kristy McDonald, (pictured right, far right.) This was the eighth year McDonald’s class has completed a meal or food drive as an experiential learning project. Recipients were selected through Big Brothers Big Sisters and the NMC Food Pantry. Marking its fourth anniversary this month, usage is at its highest level since it opened. NMC counselor Paul Kolak, a member of the food pantry committee, said the college is always trying to improve the service, and just this month added an ordering system from Costco.
“We’re trying to step up our game and offer more fresh and frozen options,” he said.
The pantry served 164 and 196 people in September and October, respectively. Those are the two highest months for utilization since the pantry opened in November 2017. So far this academic year average monthly people served, at 146, and average monthly orders, at 11, are both significantly higher than the 2020–21 academic year, when the pantry averaged 102 people served and 4 orders per month.
Being a student is the only requirement to use the food pantry, Kolak said. An online order form is available 24-7, and orders are packed for pickup five days a week. He said the pantry’s support from donors and its continued use are both gratifying.
“Seeing how students have latched onto it and are thankful for it, and keep using it,” strikes Kolak the most about the past four years. People can donate at nmc.edu/give by typing “food pantry” into the “designate my gift” field.
“Once they heard about the need, they helped fulfill the need. That’s been huge,” Kolak said.
Carrizales said she has accessed the food pantry from time to time, when her own pantry is running low or on a week in between paydays.
“It means a lot that the school does these programs,” she said. “I’m very grateful.”
Nov 22, 2021 | Intercom
Good evening,
Last week the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a motion to stay OSHA’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). We now understand that the ETS may be changed, or may not be implemented at all.
We are standing by and intend to take no further action to enforce the ETS until the legal status and our compliance requirements are clear. As I stated in the previous email, our top priorities continue to be the health and safety of our community, and minimal disruption to those served by the college while also complying with legal requirements.
For your safety and that of others, please continue to follow the protocols set out here. Thank you very much, and I wish you a happy Thanksgiving holiday.
Mark
—
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
Nov 22, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
To students in Kristy McDonald’s Professional Communications class, who distributed more than 125 Thanksgiving meals to fellow students and community members Monday.
The eighth annual Food For Thought project teaches students how to professionally communicate through experiential learning.
Nov 22, 2021 | Intercom
Good Afternoon,
I am excited to share that Dan Goodchild will be serving as interim Director of the Technical Academic Areas starting December 1, 2021. Dan has a strong background in program coordination, good internal and external relationships and a dedication to student success.
Dan, a master electrician, first came to NMC as an adjunct instructor in 2004, moved into full-time faculty in 2011, and became Program Coordinator – Construction Trades in 2012. He is very active within the college serving on Staff Council (Chair), Center for Instructional Excellence, Campus Sustainability, and Wellness committees.
During this time Dan will still be responsible for many of the activities in Construction Technology, with some additional support from his colleagues. This is a well deserved opportunity for Dan and he is ready to lead this division. Please take a moment to thank him for stepping up to serve in this role and thank this team for helping with a successful transition.
There are some big changes ahead for the Tech Area and NMC as we enter the final month of Marguerite Cotto’s time leading Lifelong and Professional Learning and as I take on the new Vice President of Strategic Initiatives role. We have a lot to be grateful for as we reflect on our shared success and much to look forward to as we plan for our future together. Thank you for your continued support throughout our NMC community!
Best Regards,
Jason
—
Jason Slade
Director of Technical Academic Area
Northwestern Michigan College
(231) 995-1995 (office ) || (248) 318 3038 (cell)
Office: Parsons-Stulen PS 107 (electronics lab)
Nov 22, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
We invite you to “Be A Patron” on Museum Store Sunday’s 5th Anniversary, November 28.
Find quality, art-inspired and inspiring gifts that support your local art museum and save
25% off all regular priced merchandise this Sunday only in the museum store. Pick up your 2022 calendar before they’re gone, browse our Inuit art collection, stock up on unique holiday cards and décor or select a handmade gift that will be cherished. (Artist consignment excluded.)
Shop the museum store online with shipping and pickup order options. Find jewelry and accessories, stocking stuffers, one of a kind art, and more! Apply coupon MSS25 at checkout Sunday only for 25% off regular merchandise. (Artist consignment excluded.)
Nov 22, 2021 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
T-day dinners provide ‘food for thought’ for NMC students
Record-Eagle, November 20 (more…)
Nov 18, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
The library wrapped up the second session of our ongoing Curiosities series last week, exploring the topic of Food & Gratitude. For those who weren’t able to join our cohort, we offer a few highlights and related materials here. We hope these offerings may provide some material for rumination and deeper appreciation as you prepare for the Thanksgiving break.
You can also check out the full four-week syllabus for Curiosities: Food & Gratitude here.
Stay tuned for an announcement of a Spring Curiosities series, featuring collaborations with NMC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter and the International Affairs Forum.
WASTED: THE STORY OF FOOD WASTE
Produced by Anthony Bourdain, WASTED is a film about food waste that is informative, entertaining, and surprisingly hopeful – detailing innovative solutions from chefs, activists, and other food workers to reduce waste in the global food system.
GATHER
GATHER follows the stories of natives on the frontlines of a growing movement to reconnect with spiritual and cultural identities that were devastated by genocide, sharing stories that show how the reclaiming and recovery of ancient food ways is a way forward for native Americans to bring back health and vitality to their people.
Both films are streamable via the library’s Kanopy service. (Kanopy account setup instructions)
CORN TASTES BETTER ON THE HONOR SYSTEM
Robin Wall Kimmerer’s essay illuminates the history of corn from an indigenous perspective – telling the story of how traditional ecological knowledge and the plants themselves collaborated to create one of the world’s most important crops.
THE LIFE STORY OF A RECIPE
Gina Rae La Cerva revisits her grandfather’s recipes, tracing the elements of her Sicilian heritage. Through legacies of wild food gathering and feasting, she seeks to embody the traditions that have brought her family joy and sustenance, even in times of grief, conquest, and migration.
EXPLORE COOKBOOKS IN THE LIBRARY’S COLLECTION
The NMC Library provides free access to the New York Times, including their Cooking site, to all NMC students, faculty, and staff. If you haven’t yet set up your NYT account, here are instructions for how to do so.
