Jan 14, 2022 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good morning NMC community and welcome to spring semester 2022!
A new year and a new semester always fills me with the sense of possibility that new beginnings bring us! I am excited to be back together working toward our common goals — transforming student lives and enriching our community — even if we’re not physically together right now. Regardless, we are united in our commitment to learning and our shared success. We’ve learned new things about ourselves over the past two years. For instance, I am a ‘people person’ and love the energy I feel from seeing and engaging with our students and employees on campus. But even when I can’t see you as often as I’d like, I have discovered that I can still feel that energy that connects us all as an NMC community. That is what lies at the heart of NMC Next — our new strategic plan that includes a new Mission, Vision, Values and Learner Experience pledge that we drafted together over the past year. That common sense of purpose inspires me everyday I wake up — to serve you and our mission. I can’t wait to share NMC Next with you after the Board of Trustees meets to approve the work later this month. While I am not sure where the pandemic will take us next, I am confident that we will continue to be connected as an NMC community, with a clear purpose, and a plan to help us move forward towards our shared vision of ‘what’s possible’.
Please remember to take care of yourself, your classmates, colleagues, friends, family and neighbors. Know that we are all here to help each other succeed. NMC is a special place and I am so grateful I get to share it with you.
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Jan 13, 2022 | Intercom
Dear colleagues:
It is encouraged to link your sabbatical and professional development leave proposals to one or more of the college strategic goals listed below, which have been presented to the Board of Trustees for their approval at their meeting on January 24, 2022, and/or the college mission.
Faculty Sabbatical Leave Requests – Faculty must submit endorsed requests electronically to the Center for Instructional Excellence (CIE) by January 17, 2022. Endorsements required: three peers and the appropriate academic chair. The application form can be found here. Download the Guidelines/Criteria for Faculty Sabbatical Requests here.
On February 15, CIE forwards the applications to the Vice President for Educational Services, for prioritization by ESIMT.
Staff Sabbatical Leave – Salaried staff must submit endorsed requests to Mark Liebling, Associate Vice President of Human Resources, by January 31, 2022. Endorsement required: appropriate executive staff officer.
The Associate Vice President of Human Resources will review staff applications in consultation with executive staff by March 1, 2022.
Final Disposition of Sabbatical Requests – By April 11, 2022, the Vice President for Educational Services will submit faculty recommendations and the Associate Vice President of Human Resources will submit staff recommendations to the President’s Office to include as a consent item on the Board agenda at their April 25, 2022, meeting.
Professional Development Leave Requests – Faculty must submit endorsed requests electronically to CIE by February 15, 2022. Endorsement required: the appropriate academic chair. Staff requests should be reviewed as a part of annual goal planning. For both faculty and staff, professional development activities may only be approved as funds are available and budgeted for this purpose.
For more information regarding sabbatical and professional development policies and procedures see Staff HR Policies D-753.00, D-753.01, D-753.02, and D-753.03 and Faculty Chair and Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreements Articles XVII and XVII.
Any additional questions can be addressed to Human Resources (ext. 5-2612) or the Center for Instructional Excellence (ext. 5-1046).
Strategic Goals
Future-Focused Education
Enhance offerings through flexible academic pathways, innovative instructional delivery models and relevant, hands-on educational experiences to empower global learners for the future.
Student Engagement and Success
Develop and deliver comprehensive support services, robust engagement opportunities and a vibrant collegiate experience to foster learner success, goal completion and employability.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Cultivate an inclusive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and delivers equitable opportunities so all are able to thrive and succeed.
Community Partnerships and Engagement
Enhance collaborations that advance community engagement, economic and workforce development and innovative opportunities for lifelong learning.
Institutional Distinction and Sustainability
Leverage distinctive programs that strengthen institutional sustainability and expand global connections for our learners and communities.
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President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Jan 12, 2022 | Intercom
If you would like to receive your 1095-C electronically, click on the ADP tile on the NMC Employee homepage, then navigate to Myself > Pay > Pay & Tax Statements. Click the button to Go Paperless and a pop-up will appear. Under Health coverage statements, click the toggle to Receive paperless statements and then agree to the terms.
Jan 12, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
January 12, 2022
Longtime college staff member Marcus Bennett, Ed.D., will serve as Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) beginning July 1. This is the college’s first position dedicated to DEI.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to help our college grow in this area. I’ve seen first hand some of the challenges our students face and am inspired by the commitment of our NMC community to create positive change,” said Bennett, 45, a first-generation college student who has earned a doctorate in community college leadership from Ferris State University and a certificate on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace from the University of South Florida.
Currently associate dean of campus and residence life, Bennett’s own educational journey was similar to what many new or prospective community college students face.
“A lot of times we talk about access, and not everybody has access to education,” said Bennett, who has worked at NMC for more than a decade. “It can be very challenging and very overwhelming.”
As he considered the opportunity, the fact that NMC has made DEI a part of its just-completed strategic plan was significant.
“A lot of people put out statements,” Bennett said of the increased attention to racial injustice that began in summer 2020, after the murder of George Floyd. “NMC put out plans of action to continue with that work.”
Establishment of the new position fulfills a key objective within the DEI strategic area of NMC’s strategic plan, NMC Next. Expected to receive final approval from NMC’s Board of Trustees later this month, the plan is the product of nearly a year of input from more than 1,000 participants including community members, alumni, faculty, staff, students and donors.
Bennett has been a member of NMC’s DEI advisory committee, chartered by President Nick Nissley in summer 2020. That committee issued a DEI benchmarking report in fall 2021. Its research and conclusions helped inform objectives and action steps in the strategic planning process, particularly around areas of student success. Bennett also credited his colleagues in NMC’s Student Services and Enrollment Management departments for motivating him to do his best on behalf of students.
“Everybody in some shape, form or fashion has mentored me, made me feel valued and want to be here,” he said. “I’m just really excited about being here, the first in this role at NMC. I’m hopeful I can set a trail or path that others can follow.”
“Marcus’ appointment takes NMC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion to the next level,” Nissley said. “Our research shows we have work to do in this area to help our students succeed. I believe this is a critical step to help us get there. ”
Bennett is on track to complete two other certifications this year, one in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, and another in Ethical and Inclusive Leadership from USF.
DEI duties will comprise half Bennett’s job beginning in July. He will continue as associate dean of campus life. In that role, he and his family live on NMC’s main campus and he is well-known and respected by students, staff and faculty alike.
Prior to joining NMC in 2011, Bennett was a member of the Office of Residence Life staff at Saginaw Valley State University from 2003-2011.
Jan 11, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
NMC is pleased to announce its Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester. The list is also available here in a new format that’s searchable and shareable on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Published at the end of each semester, the Dean’s List recognizes outstanding academic achievement based upon a student’s semester grade point average. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits in a semester.
Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this academic achievement!
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NMC Public Relations
Jan 11, 2022 | Embrace the Dream, Intercom, Student Events
Bring your grade school children/grandchildren, grades K-6, and join us for story time at the NMC Library on Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 5–6 p.m. This event will include story reading and craft time for children hosted by NMC students and staff.
Pre-registration is suggested but not required. To pre-register, head to the Student Activities Calendar!
All children who attend will receive a free copy of the book being read, either What If… by Samantha Berger or Stuntboy by Jason Reynolds.
This event is part of NMC’s Embrace the Dream celebration of MLK Day and Black History Month.
Jan 11, 2022 | Embrace the Dream, Intercom, Student News
J
oin us in supporting those in our community who are experiencing homelessness! Sign up for an evening shift and volunteer your time at Safe Harbor!
See the Student Activities Calendar for more information on shifts and how to sign up.
This event is part of NMC’s Embrace the Dream celebration of MLK Day and Black History Month.
Jan 11, 2022 | Embrace the Dream, Intercom, Student Events
You will not want to miss this free event for all students!
Join us for an engaging performance by Jae Nichelle, a spoken word poet. Nichelle is an award-winning performer, and in her spare time writes articles about linguistic and mental health issues that plague the Black community.
There are two opportunities to join online! Check the Student Activities Calendar for the links.
- Tuesday, Jan. 25, 1:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m.
This event is part of NMC’s Embrace the Dream celebration of MLK Day and Black History Month.
Jan 11, 2022 | Intercom
Pour a cup of your favorite hot beverage, and spend an hour each Friday with NMC Extended Educational Services and community guests — from the comfort of home. A new season of “Coffee Chats” begins February 4. These Friday morning virtual interviews take place from 10 to 11 a.m. with interesting community guests, and each is followed by a live Zoom Q&A session.
The winter lineup kicks off with local historian Marty MacLeod; Jill Grenchik, fungi expert and owner of Great Lakes Treats; Kara Gregory, founder and executive director of PoWeR! Book Bags; and Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Language Coordinator Kenny Pheasant. The season concludes with experts on experiential education and conservation, advocates for music education, and local artists turned professionals in music production and recording.
There are a total of seven Coffee Chats in this winter’s series, from February 4 through March 18. You may sign up for ‘one cup at a time’ for $10 per session, or save $21 and purchase ‘The Whole Carafe’ for $49. View details and register at nmc.augusoft.net/info/landing/coffee-chats or call NMC Extended Education at (231) 995-1700.
All winter classes are now available at nmc.augusoft.net.
Jan 11, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Board of Trustees voted at its December 20 meeting to update the college’s board video recording policy and broadcast its regular monthly meetings live on the college’s YouTube channel. The live broadcasts will begin with the board’s January 24 meeting, which starts at 5:30 p.m. and will be held in Room 106/107 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s main campus.
The broadcasts do not include two-way communication with virtual viewers, and official video recordings will continue to be published on the board’s public website within eight days after the meeting.
Jan 10, 2022 | Intercom
Dear all,
If you are planning to retire between now and June 30, 2022, we ask that you provide notification in writing by Friday, January 28, using the Resignation/Retirement Notification Form.
This will give your supervisor, President’s Council, and Planning and Budget Council the opportunity to establish priorities for the coming year in a timely manner. It will also allow us ample time to assist you with your retirement preparation (application to MPSERS, etc.).
We would also like unofficial estimates of potential retirements between now and June 30, 2026. If you are willing to share your estimates with us we will use it for planning purposes. This will help us work toward long-term, pro-active planning. You don’t need to use the form attached for this purpose, a return e-mail with your “best guess” will be sufficient. You will not receive an acceptance or be held to your estimate in any way. You will, however, receive our gratitude in HR for helping us with this planning.
In addition, requests for reduced contracts/schedules may also be made, either in conjunction with retirement or not. Please read over the newly revised policy and procedure covering Flexible Work Options for details.
These requests are voluntary, and approval will be based on the needs of the area. Please treat this decision seriously and consider possible implications to your salary, benefits, and retirement before requesting a reduced contract.
Feel free to call either Hollie DeWalt (5-1350) or myself (5-1342) if you have any questions. Thank you,
Mark
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Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
Jan 10, 2022 | 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.
NMC’s Audio Tech Program Is Back … And Better Than Ever
Northern Express, January 10 (more…)
Jan 10, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to the roughly 250 people who attended and took part in the January opening conference. More than two dozen new employees were introduced, an update on the strategic plan was provided, and Marcus Bennett, Ed.D. was introduced as Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, starting July 1. In addition, Dr. Paolo Guadiano gave a highly engaging presentation on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Watch a recording of the conference and Dr. Guardino’s presentation here.
Jan 10, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has tapped longtime college staff member Marcus Bennett, Ed.D., to serve as Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) beginning July 1. This is the college’s first position dedicated to DEI.
Marcus Bennett (download a high-resolution version here)Bennett, who holds a doctorate in community college leadership from Ferris State University and a certificate on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace from the University of South Florida, has worked at NMC for more than a decade. He is currently associate dean of campus and residence life.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to help our college grow in this area. I’ve seen first hand some of the challenges our students face and am inspired by the commitment of our NMC community to create positive change,” Bennett said.
DEI duties will comprise half Bennett’s job beginning in July. He will continue as associate dean of campus life. In that role, he and his family lived on NMC’s main campus and he is well-known and respected by students, staff and faculty alike.
Establishment of the new position fulfills a key objective within the DEI strategic area of NMC’s just-completed strategic plan, NMC Next. Expected to receive final approval from NMC’s Board of Trustees later this month, the plan is the product of nearly a year of input from more than 1,000 participants including community members, alumni, faculty, staff, students and donors.
Bennett has been a member of NMC’s DEI advisory committee, chartered by President Nick Nissley in summer 2020. That committee issued a DEI benchmarking report in fall 2021. Its research and conclusions helped inform objectives and action steps in the strategic planning process, particularly around areas of student success.
“Marcus’ appointment takes NMC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion to the next level,” Nissley said. “Our research shows we have work to do in this area to help our students succeed. I believe this is a critical step to help us get there.”
Bennett is on track to complete two other certifications this year, one in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, and another in Ethical and Inclusive Leadership from USF.
Prior to joining NMC in 2011, Bennett was a member of the Office of Residence Life staff at Saginaw Valley State University from 2003–2011.
Release date: January 10, 2022
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
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
Jan 10, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has tapped longtime college staff member Marcus Bennett, Ed.D., to serve as Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) beginning July 1. This is the college’s first position dedicated to DEI.
Marcus Bennett (download a high-resolution version here)Bennett, who holds a doctorate in community college leadership from Ferris State University and a certificate on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace from the University of South Florida, has worked at NMC for more than a decade. He is currently associate dean of campus and residence life.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to help our college grow in this area. I’ve seen first hand some of the challenges our students face and am inspired by the commitment of our NMC community to create positive change,” Bennett said.
DEI duties will comprise half Bennett’s job beginning in July. He will continue as associate dean of campus life. In that role, he and his family lived on NMC’s main campus and he is well-known and respected by students, staff and faculty alike.
Establishment of the new position fulfills a key objective within the DEI strategic area of NMC’s just-completed strategic plan, NMC Next. Expected to receive final approval from NMC’s Board of Trustees later this month, the plan is the product of nearly a year of input from more than 1,000 participants including community members, alumni, faculty, staff, students and donors.
Bennett has been a member of NMC’s DEI advisory committee, chartered by President Nick Nissley in summer 2020. That committee issued a DEI benchmarking report in fall 2021. Its research and conclusions helped inform objectives and action steps in the strategic planning process, particularly around areas of student success.
“Marcus’ appointment takes NMC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion to the next level,” Nissley said. “Our research shows we have work to do in this area to help our students succeed. I believe this is a critical step to help us get there.”
Bennett is on track to complete two other certifications this year, one in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, and another in Ethical and Inclusive Leadership from USF.
Prior to joining NMC in 2011, Bennett was a member of the Office of Residence Life staff at Saginaw Valley State University from 2003–2011.
Release date: January 10, 2022
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
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
Jan 7, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
If you are enrolled in NMC’s High Deductible Health Plan please note that the first contribution from NMC to your Health Savings Account will be made on January 14, 2022.
- Family (more than 1 person) Coverage- $1820
- Single (employee only) Coverage- $910
The second NMC contribution will be on July 1, 2022.
- Family (more than 1 person)- $780
- Single (employee only) Coverage- $390
Jan 7, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Bryce Turner, Paul Martin, Neil Streeter, and Steve Dix for the countless hours that they have spent mitigating IT security vulnerabilities as they are identified. Each of them has spent many hours into the night and on weekends to ensure that NMC’s IT infrastructure is secure.
Kudos to Kerrey Woughter: Early in the fall semester, Kerrey reached out to the Maritime Department regarding a book she thought would be of interest to the students. The book “Leadership is Language” authored by Capt. L. David Marquet, USN was a perfect fit for the Marine Supervisory Lab. The author detailed the “El Faro” marine casualty and discussed the importance of communication within the hierarchy of a shipboard environment.
Kerrey offered several suggestions and provided templates on how to pursue a book discussion session. I had taken her suggestions and incorporated the text into the students’ curriculum. Kerrey graciously offered to lead the group discussions during students’ lab sessions. Over the course of two weeks, Kerrey attended two four-hour lab sessions effectively leading a roundtable discussion regarding the principle concepts offered by the author and how it pertains to the student’s sense of selves and their leadership styles. These round table discussions proceeded the student’s written final examination essay and further augmented the student’s comprehension of the text. Feedback comments from the students were spectacularly positive and well received as a new learning tool as compared to the typical coursework historically provided within the lab.
Kudos is given to Kerry for her selfless work, time, thoughtfulness, and influence on our Maritime Program. Her amazing foresight was offered without request. I thank her for providing a new and exciting way to present several main concepts to our leadership course.
Kudos to the Student Success Testing Team: Last week the Testing Team did an amazing job managing placement testing and final exams both in person and on Zoom simultaneously. Thank you for all you do for our students and instructors!
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!
Jan 7, 2022 | Intercom, President Updates
NMC Colleagues:
As a reminder, Monday, January 10, 2022, is NMC’s January Conference, which will be held virtually this year. You should have also already received a calendar appointment with this same information and link to the Zoom webinar.
Below is a timeline of the morning session, which should be of interest to all NMC faculty and staff, and will include a short break midway through the conference.
9:00 a.m. Program Begins
- Update from President Nick Nissley
- New Employee Introductions
- Strategic Plan Update Break (approximately 9:45-10:00 a.m.)
- Guest Speaker: Dr. Paolo Guadiano (speaking on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging)
Please use the link below to join the webinar:
https://nmc.zoom.us/j/ 95098551499
Or One tap mobile :
US: +16465588656,,95098551499# or +13017158592,,95098551499#
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 950 9855 1499
International numbers available: https://nmc.zoom. us/u/adZshlRAEa
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President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
