Apr 13, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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 Osterlin Library.
Nursing grads can work under temporary license
Record-Eagle, April 12 (more…)
Apr 9, 2020 | Intercom
Dear employees:
As our state continues efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe order through April 30. To support this effort, and comply with the order, Northwestern Michigan College will extend the closure of all five of its campuses in Traverse City through April 30.
College employees are already categorized into essential and non-reporting/on call classifications. HR will contact all employees Tuesday, April 14, with more detailed information about employee status for the remainder of the semester.
Faculty are essential employees and will continue teaching their classes virtually, with no course/lab work permitted on campus.
Virtual instruction of classes will continue through the end of the semester, May 2. You can also see a complete list of canceled events here.
For those who do not need to report to campus at this time please follow these stay at home safety guidelines:
- Don’t leave the house unless you absolutely have to.
- Don’t socialize with people outside your family.
- You are allowed to go outside for essentials like groceries or prescriptions, but you should limit those trips to no more than once a week if possible.
- You can visit someone if you are their caregiver.
- You can walk the dog or exercise outside (for brief periods) as long as you keep a six-foot distance from others.
- Avoid face to face contact, especially in close-up and confined spaces.
- Who should do this? Everyone who lives in an area with a mandatory stay home, stay safe order.
This is an unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation. We will continue to communicate with you to keep you safe and limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to your supervisor.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check here for the latest information.
NMC Public Relations
Apr 8, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Dear students,
We know this has been a time of uncertainty and change as we all respond to the COVID-19 pandemic together. During the last few weeks, you have shown incredible perseverance and agility and we recognize your hard work. We at NMC remain committed to our work to keep you safe and limit the disruption to learning as much as possible.
The impact of the pandemic is still evolving so we cannot predict when current restrictions on our campuses will be lifted. In order to help keep you on track toward your goals, and to keep you safe, NMC will offer online classes only this summer. Registration is now open.
For students currently enrolled in Summer 2020 face to face classes, most classes will be migrated to the new online status automatically; you do not need to do anything to remain enrolled in your current summer courses. Your instructor will contact you before the class starts.
We will also expand our summer course offerings beyond the face to face classes that are now becoming online classes. This means additional opportunities for you to earn credits over the summer and make progress toward your goal. If demand for those online classes increases, we may be able to add even more sections.
The Advising Center can help you with class options or changes to your schedule. Call them at (231) 995-1040, email advising@nmc.edu, or schedule directly online through MySuccess (NMC student login required). Learn more about MySuccess here.
If NMC is able to re-open campus, it is possible that we could offer some classes face to face, like certain labs. First priority would go to spring lab classes that were unable to finish. We are also working on our plans for the fall semester. While we are discussing various possibilities, it is too soon to make a decision. We will continue to communicate with you as we know more.
Many of you have also asked about testing since the testing center is currently closed. NMC will be offering a remote online proctor tool called Proctorio. NMC is covering the cost of this service so it will be free for students. Your instructor will share the details with you.
If you have any questions on any topic related to NMC, please use this feedback form and one of our student support team members will respond to you within 24 hours.
For COVID-19 related updates, online resources and more please visit nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Personal health counseling services are also available virtually. Please contact student life for more information.
Thank you again for all of your patience and perseverance as we work through this together.
Apr 8, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
April 8, 2020
Over the last few months, in between her nursing shifts in a Kalamazoo hospital’s medical intensive care unit, Karissa Havens (right) followed the worsening COVID-19 epidemic as it swept from China to Europe to the United States.
The Traverse City West High School graduate, who attended NMC from 2013-2014 before transferring to Western Michigan University for her nursing degree, knew she had the skills to help both patients and overwhelmed hospitals in COVID-19 hot spots. She felt called to go where they were desperately needed.
Next week, she is. Havens, 24, has accepted a six-week traveling nurse position in a COVID-19 ICU unit at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. She was able to find a job within two days of deciding to leave Kalamazoo.
“I am completely humbled by this opportunity and ready to give everything I can to help fight this terrible virus,” Havens posted on Facebook announcing her move.
She will arrive in New York on the heels of 2015 nursing graduate and adjunct instructor Callie Leaman (left). Leaman, an ER nurse at Munson Medical Center, arrived in the epidemic’s epicenter Tuesday. She is working in midtown Manhattan at New York University Langone Health in a COVID-19 ICU unit.
Havens has not yet cared for any COVID-19 patients at her current hospital, Bronson Methodist, but she and her colleagues have researched how the disease has progressed in countries ahead of the U.S., studying patient presentation and care protocols.
“I don’t know if anything will really prepare me,” Havens said. For instance, Mount Sinai is establishing a tent annex in Central Park, directly opposite its building, to care for patients.
At NMC Havens took nursing prerequisite courses, including cell plant and ecosystem biology and chemistry. She remembers instructor Greg LaCross’s classes as among her favorites. She was also on the Dean’s List.
“I have no doubt she has made a difference in people’s lives, especially now, when our healthcare workers are so needed,” LaCross said.
She first considered going to Detroit, another hot spot, to help out her home state. But Detroit hospitals weren’t taking first-time traveling nurses. A licensing issue cropped up when she considered Chicago. But her qualifications were welcome in New York.
Havens begins work at Mount Sinai April 14. Her contract runs through May 31, though she expects it will likely be extended. It’s been most difficult to find affordable housing, though she thinks she’s found a temporary place. It’s a half-hour commute from the hospital, so she hopes the city keeps public transit running. She feels as ready for the challenge as she can be.
“I don’t have any kids, I’m not married. It’s just me and a dog. I’m the perfect candidate to go,” Havens said.
Her dog, Zaas, will stay with her parents in Interlochen. As for the general public, “Keep quarantining, and if possible, try and donate blood,” Havens said.
Do you know a helper or hero with NMC connections? Please share stories of students, instructors, alumni and community members stepping up during the COVID-19 epidemic by emailing publicrelations@nmc.edu.
Apr 7, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
While the Dennos Museum Center remains closed, our staff has been working hard to make programming available online for you and your family. Upcoming concerts will take place Wednesday, April 8 at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 at noon.
The Live & Local Concert Series is presented by the Dennos and Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology to bring some much needed musical entertainment to your living room. We believe strongly in supporting our local musicians, and invite you to join us on Facebook Live to do the same. Featuring four local singer-songwriters, this could be the beginning of an ongoing series, so stay tuned. You can also visit crosshatch.org/emergency to support their local artist relief fund.
Apr 7, 2020 | Intercom, Student Events
Attention NMC Students, Staff, Faculty and Northern Michigan Community Members with children at home!
Join Professional Storyteller and NMC Success Coach Jen Strauss in the Storytelling Zoom Room Thursday, April 16 at 11 a.m. for:
Tales to Tickle Your Funny Bone
- Zoom Meeting ID 218-376-826
- Password: NMCSTORY
Apr 6, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Greetings NMC Community! I hope this finds you well, and healthy!
In these times of self-quarantines and social distancing, we need to continue to find ways to connect with one another. What better way to do that than through music? And since we can’t make music in person, how about connecting virtually in our inaugural NMC Virtual Choir?
Answers to questions you may have:
- I’m not the world’s best singer… could I still be a part of this? OF COURSE! This project is about connecting and creating community – the more the merrier! (Don’t worry, we can “fix it in the mix.”)
- What will I need (equipment/technology) to record my video? A computer or laptop with a webcam, headphones that can plug into your computer, and an internet connection. (Sorry phones and tablets won’t work.)
- Will I be able to review my video before I submit it? Yes! You will be able to review your video before submitting. And, you are able to re-record as many times as you wish until you’re satisfied with your video!
- Can I submit more than one video? Sorry no. Please only submit one video – pick the voice part that’s most comfortable for you.
How will this work? I’ve attached a PDF of the piece we’ll be singing. Here are links to practice/reference recordings for each voice part. (I have also added this to the NMC Music App – You can download the app here for free.) There are several seconds of silence at the beginning of each track. We will need that later for video/sound synchronization.
Before you begin you will need:
- Desktop or Laptop computer with a webcam.
- Headphones that you can plug into your computer.
An internet connection.
- Chrome or Firefox for your browser. (It won’t work with Safari.) Click on the links if you need to download either of those browsers.
When you’re ready to begin:
- Go to nmcvirtualchoir.com. (Please make sure the browser is full screen. It will look wonky if the tab or window isn’t full size.)
- Read the INTRO, click “continue.”
- Watch the INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO, then, click “continue.”
- Enter the RECORDING KEY: “keepsinging” all one word, no caps.
- Enter your info – select your part, enter your name, your email and your organization. Click “continue.”
- Check your email for your VERIFICATION CODE. Copy it, or type it into the “verification code” field. Click “continue.”
- Then, the recording window pops up!
- Make sure your headphones are plugged in.
- Click the red record button to do a test. You should hear the reference track in your headphones.
- Try recording a short snippet.
- Click the play arrow to listen back to what you just recorded. Check for mic level and visual framing.
- Record as many times as you wish until you have a “take” you are happy with.
- Click the SAVE button.
- You will receive email confirmation that we’ve received your recording!
Again, we’d like to try to get this wrapped up this weekend so we have set a deadline for submissions for Thursday, April 9, at 5 p.m.
Thanks again everyone for sharing your time and talents – happy singing!
Jeff
—
Jeffrey Cobb
Director of Music Programs
Northwestern Michigan College
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1338
Apr 6, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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 Osterlin Library.
On Ice: Hot Job Market Catches Cold With COVID-19
Traverse City Business News, April 2020 issue (more…)
Apr 3, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The Golden Ass / Apuleius (library ebook available)
Fantasy/Classical Fiction
In the surreal times we are living through, get lost in the absurd trials of a man-turned-donkey due to his own inept experiments in witchcraft.
Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism
by Anne Case and Angus Deaton
Non-fiction/Economics
A well-researched book arguing that the capitalism that lifted people out of poverty is now destroying blue-collar America. The authors propose solutions to make it work for all. Read it online now at ebookcentral.proquest.com/ (login required).
At Home: A Short History of Private Life / Bill Bryson
Non-fiction/History
A personal compendium of fascinating facts suggesting how the history of domesticity has shaped our lives, language, and ideas.
Dangerous Laughter: Thirteen Stories / Steven Millhauser
Fiction/Short Stories
Millhauser’s diverting stories concern themselves with how communities respond to unsettling phenomena and shifting norms, usually combining a sense of wonder, thrill and threat.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation / Ottessa Moshfegh
Fiction
A young woman’s foray into a self-imposed and well-medicated year of isolation. Enough similarities to the current shelter-in-place to make this darkly funny story far more relevant than it might normally be.
Little Weirds / Jenny Slate
Non-Fiction/Memoir
Jenny Slate is known for her Netflix special “Stage Fright” and as an actor in “Obvious Child.” Her extraordinary yet-strange writing style is full of light and hope and laughter.
Etymologicon / Mark Forsyth
Non-fiction/ Linguistics
Fans of Mark Forsyth’s Inky Fool blog on the oddities of the English language will enjoy this interesting and funny book on etymology.
The Women of the Copper Country: a Novel by Mary Doria Russell.
Historical fiction
Set in 1913, the wife of a miner leads a strike against deadly labor practices and unfair wages in the company town of Calumet. Written by the New York Times best-selling author of The Sparrow.
The Wolfkeeper: Stories by Carolyn J. Lewis,
Fiction
Carol Lewis was an Old Mission Peninsula native, and her work is rooted in Northern Michigan culture and history. The book was published by Mission Point Press after her untimely death in 2019.
The Odyssey by Homer, Translated by Emily Wilson. Audiobook.
Classical Fiction
The first woman to publish a translation of the 3,000 year-old Odyssey, Emily Wilson presents the epic poem clearly with enough modern language making it understandable. Read by actress Claire Daines.
Apr 2, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Please follow this link to read about your options for signing up!
Apr 2, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
TIAA is providing this link for ongoing updates and information.
Apr 2, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Log into your Priority Health account, go to “My health care” in the top ribbon, and select “Virtual care” from the dropdown menu.
Priority Health’s COVID-19 public information page is HERE.
Apr 1, 2020 | Intercom
Good afternoon NMC faculty and staff,
With the passage of the COVID-19 federal relief package, we are anticipating significant emergency relief funding for our students. We are waiting on details of how qualification and awarding will work (likely heavily weighted toward Pell eligible students). It will likely take a couple of weeks for Federal Student Aid to provide these details.
In the meantime, we would like to collect information on the need and use any funds we currently have to help if we can. If you speak with students and they talk about financial stresses – job loss, health issues, etc. please send an email to sfs@nmc.edu and we will add them to our list. Here are some of the uses stated in the CARES Act so far: food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. But let us know if there are other needs. We will use the list to reach out to them when we know more.
What they can do in the meantime:
- Complete an NMC Scholarship Application (currently open for Spring, Summer and Fall – one application) if they haven’t already
- Watch their NMC email and the COVID-19 page for announcements
We currently have some funds remaining for 2020 that we are awarding, so we may be able to consider them for NMC scholarships more quickly. In particular, we have funds for child care needs, so make sure to list that in your email to us if that is a need.
Again, please send an email to sfs@nmc.edu with the student ID, name, and nature of their emergency need (food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, child care, or other).
Feel free to share this with others.
Thank you!
Mar 30, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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 Osterlin Library.
NMC postpones commencement ceremony, changes plans for exams
UpNorthLive, March 25 (more…)
Mar 27, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
To all staff employees, supplemental employees, and student employees,
Through April 13, the college will continue to pay you for your regular or scheduled hours, whether or not you are working.
Last week President Nissley informed you the college would be “closed for all but essential functions” through the end of March. Since then, Governor Whitmer has issued an executive order requiring that all but essential employees “Stay Home, Stay Safe” until April 13 to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As President Nissley shared with you recently, the college is working to be resourceful, flexible, creative, and compassionate during this time of great challenge. This includes choosing to extend the period you will be paid during this initial pandemic response and seeking additional resources.
IMPORTANT: Please watch for an upcoming message today with directions on HOW to record your time during this period.
We will be back in touch with you soon about plans starting April 14.
Please check our information hub for regular updates and FAQs: NMC.EDU/CORONAVIRUS
Please continue to watch your email for further notifications. Your questions are welcomed and should be addressed either to your direct supervisor or to the HR team.
Thank you,
Mark
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
Mar 27, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
To all staff employees, student employees and supplemental employees,
This is a follow-up message to help you understand how to record your time from April 1- April 13.
Effective April 1, all staff (including salaried), student and supplemental employees will be asked to record their scheduled, non-working time in ADP using the ‘COVID-19’ leave code (hourly employees were first asked to do this on March 18).
This is important because;
- this COVID-19 designated time will count toward the provision in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) that provides all employees with two weeks additional leave for COVID-19 related absences, and
- also through the FFCRA, there may be important tax credits available to the college for costs associated with employee pay during this period. While this will not impact the employee’s pay, it may help the college receive reimbursement for pandemic-related costs.
All Hourly Employees
- Please continue to use the COVID-19 Pay Code to categorize scheduled time you were unable to work due to the closure on your timecard. This might include sick time, reduced availability due to school or daycare closures, home technology constraints, lack of work that can be performed remotely, etc. All such hours will be paid as scheduled.
- Please code time actually worked (including telecommute) as normal.
All Salaried Staff Employees
- Beginning April 1, please follow the usual time off request process but use the “COVID-19” leave designation for any time unable to work due to the closure. This might include sick time, reduced availability due to school or daycare closures, home technology constraints, lack of work that can be performed remotely, etc. (A step-by-step visual guide of the ADP time off request process is attached for reference.)
- For example, if during your work day you reply to work emails for two hours, attend two hours of zoom meetings and spend 4 hours caring for your children who are home because of closed school, please use the COVID-19 code in ADP to record those 4 childcare hours.
- Another example, if your job at the college is primarily done in person, e.g. answering calls, and you cannot do that work from home, please use the COVID-19 code in ADP to record your scheduled hours.
- Employees who continue to work full schedules from home without limitation do not need to take any action.
- Using the COVID-19 code for time off will not affect your pay or reduce your vacation or sick balances.
Supervisors can perform the functions above on behalf of their employees, if needed. If you have any questions or problems please contact payroll@nmc.edu.
Thank you and have a safe and quiet weekend,
Mark
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
Mar 27, 2020 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College will suspend face-to-face classes starting Monday, March 16, 2020 until Monday, April 27, in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and keep students, faculty and staff safe.
All NMC classes will be delivered via distance education if possible. Some courses may not be able to be delivered via distance education, including some occupational and lab classes (e.g. culinary and welding.) Detailed information and instructions pertaining to each individual class will be communicated to students directly from the instructor. Students should regularly monitor e-mail for updates.
“NMC is committed to keeping our communities safe, while working to limit the disruption to learning as much as possible,” NMC President Nick Nissley said.
NMC has been monitoring and preparing for the community spread of COVID-19 since February, with input from partners in the Grand Traverse County Health Department, Munson Healthcare and state and federal health and emergency response agencies. The move to suspend face-to-face classes supports Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order late Thursday to close all Michigan K-12 schools from March 16- April 5. The governor identified that this is not only to protect the students and their families, but overall public health. As of today there are 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan.
“We at NMC support these efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus in our community,” Nissley said. ”I am proud to see our faculty and staff work diligently together toward the goal of transitioning learning to distance education delivery where possible. There is still work to do and we will continue to keep you informed of changes.”
Given the highly fluid nature of the situation, the best place to find campus updates is nmc.edu/coronavirus. NMC plans to resume face-to-face classes on campus the week of April 27, in time for students to take final exams. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, however, this may change and NMC will continue to communicate via online messages, email and social media.
While classes are transitioning to distance education delivery, NMC’s four campuses: main, Great Lakes, University Center and Aero Park, are still open at this time. This includes all services and offices, the Dennos Museum Center and the Hagerty Center. Many services are available via phone, email and video conference, and staff are actively working to expand those options. Counseling services are available for students feeling overwhelmed or anxious. NMC’s two residence halls, East Hall and North Hall, as well as the NMC apartments will remain open and food service will be available for those students who want to remain on campus.
“While one of our goals is to limit the disruption to learning, this is an historic event. Our college community has always proven itself to be resourceful with a history of overcoming challenges, and I am confident that together we will continue that proud tradition now and into the future,” Nissley said.
Release date: MARCH 13, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 (direct)
231) 995-1020 (office)
(231) 392-6082 (mobile)
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
Mar 26, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Please read the following information regarding access to free screening for COVID-19, and virtual visit followup.
Priority Health recommends beginning your health screening with a free virtual screening through a phone call to (616) 391-2380 (Spectrum Health). Once you have discussed your symptoms and situation, it will be determined if you should be referred to a Virtual Visit Online.
- Who should call? Any one can call the screening hotline at (616) 391-2380 completely free.
- When should you call? Priority Health says- Fever-Cough-Breathing Difficulty.
- Who is covered for a Virtual Visit Online? Those employees who have NMC’s Priority Health coverage.
- What will the cost be for the Virtual Visit Online? The Virtual Visit Online will be covered at 100% for both the Core and High Deductible plans. You will have no out of pocket costs for this service during the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Why should I use this process to access primary care visits? The CDC, along with the health care system, are asking those who may need care due to possible coronavirus issues to follow these steps so you are not risking yourself or others to covid-19 exposure.
- How do I access the Virtual Online Visits? https://employees.nmc.edu/depts/human-resources/total-compensation/priority-virutal-visits.pdf
Please direct any questions to Hollie DeWalt at (231) 995-1350 or hdewalt@nmc.edu.
