Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees – Nov. 4

Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.

CPR/AED/Basic First Aid
This interactive class combines video with hands-on practical experience on the latest CPR skills, AED use, and basic first aid knowledge – ideal for schools, child care providers, youth sports coaches, and others.
Sat., Nov. 9; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Employee price: $39 per person (public price: $149)

 

Artisan Bread Masterclass: Holiday Breads
Chef Les Eckert leads this two-and-a-half day intensive course that will take your holiday baking to the next level! Learn how to make beautiful and tasty holiday breads that have been around for centuries: Stollen, Challah, Panneton, and more!
3 sessions; Fri. – Sun., Nov. 8-10; 5-9 p.m. (Fri.) and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.)
Employee Price: $149 includes lunch Sat. & Sun. (public price: $499)

 

Adult & Child: Dessert for Breakfast (2 spots left!)
Forget boring breakfasts! Let’s ditch the cereal and whip up incredible breakfast treats that are both fun and functional. Imagine protein-packed cookies, creamy “nice cream,” muffins bursting with flavor, and healthy banana splits – all before noon!
Sat., Nov. 9; 10 a.m. to noon
Employee price: $46 for two people (public price: $125)

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
EES Help Desk

Welcome our newest hires

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Sterling Adaline, supplemental — Food Service (Front of House)
    • Tyrel Stott, supplemental — Technology Support Assistant
    • Jada Hinterman, student employee – Lobdell’s Purchasing & Receiving Assistant

Holiday Artist Market

Dennos Museum Holiday Artist MarketThe Dennos Museum Center warmly invites visitors to wander a festive marketplace and meet 30 talented juried artists at the 25th annual Holiday Artist Market on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.. Come discover a unique variety of artful gifts and get a head start on your holiday shopping. 

Admission and parking is free to all. Remember to bring a little cash for our beloved raffle benefiting children’s educational programming at the museum.

Treat yourself to something delicious from Merlyn’s Asian-French Patisserie which will be on site during the market.

More information including a list of participating artistis is available on the Museum Store Website.

NMC staff, faculty and students get 10% off in the Museum Store! Be sure to mention you’re an NMC employee or student at checkout.

Thanks-for-Giving 2024

Dear NMC Students, Faculty and Staff:

I hope you are having a successful fall semester! As we welcome November, I look forward to spending time with friends and family over a Thanksgiving meal. I am asking for your help to ensure we can all share in this important tradition.

Recently, instructor Kristy McDonald invited me to a business communications class to see their experiential learning project in action. These students are improving their professional communication skills while making a real difference in the lives of others in our community, helping feed the hungry (and affording a bit of Thanksgiving joy).

They believe everyone should experience Thanksgiving, and with our help, we can help make this come true. They are asking us – the NMC family – to join in the efforts and fill the red bins by November 20. You can donate individually or join with your classmates or co-workers to share in the spirit of gratitude! Red collection bins are located in the lobby of the following buildings: Osterlin Building, Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Parsons-Stulen, and the Great Lakes Campus.  The class aims to collect:

    • Cans of Sweet Potatoes (29 oz)
    • Granola Bars (boxes)

Community members can help by donating $10 or more to win a variety of prizes, including a Cheese Lady gift basket, a one-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge with water park passes and a $250 gift card, a one-night stay at the Delamar Resort, a $50 gift certificate to Lobdell’s, and other local prizes.

Donations can be made online at nmc.edu/give (Choose the amount, select “designate my gift to others,” and type in “Thanks-for-Giving”). Any additional local companies interested in becoming sponsors of this project are encouraged to contact the students. Employees can also help students apply for a free meal by completing this Google Form (NMC Thanks-for-Giving).

Students are hosting a glow skate event on November 8 at the Howe Ice Arena located in the Traverse City Civic Center from 7 to 9 p.m. Entry is $10 with a $5 skate rental fee. 

Having experienced homelessness and food insecurity in my life, I know firsthand what a difference your donation can make for a family in need. I admire these students’ desire to help others this Thanksgiving. Please join me in supporting this effort. For more information or if you have any questions, please email Lily Moon at moon35@mail.nmc.edu or Kristy McDonald at kmcdonald@nmc.edu

Thank you for your help. Together, we can ensure all Hawk Owls have a memorable Thanksgiving!

Nick 

Title IX responsibilities

You have a responsibility as an NMC employee under the new Title IX regulations!

The 2024 regulations mandate that all employees of NMC share the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information with all pregnant students. This is to assure they are aware how to access resources if accommodations are necessary so they have equitable access to education, and are free from any discrimination because of pregnancy related conditions.

The Student Service Title IX webpage is a resource for students as well, and lists the Title IX Coordinator.

Locate NMC’s Title IX Coordinator information on the Employee Home Page- Campus Security & Safety / Red Flag section.

Swingin’ for the Season with the NMC Jazz Bands

Swingin' for the Season NMC Jazz BandsThe NMC Jazz Bands, a conglomerate of talented NMC students and community musicians, is partnering with Toys for Tots for our Swingin’ For The Season concert on Saturday, December 7 that will leave your heart ready to leap into the Holidays! We have music from Glenn Miller (Sleigh Ride), Sammy Nestico arrangements for the Count Basie Orchestra (Good Swing Wenceslas, Jingle Bells), a Charles Mingus-style arrangement of Go Tell It on the Mountain, Hanukkah favorites (variations on Ma’oz Tzur, The Funky Dreidel), and more including a Sammy Nestico medley of tunes for you to sing along with!

Each TOY DONATION for Toys for Tots gives you one free admission to the concert. You don’t need to purchase a ticket with a toy donation and it’s a great opportunity to spread some holiday cheer for those less fortunate! Your new, unwrapped toy can be donated at the door and we will have people collecting those toys in the lobby. Our event will take place in the Milliken Auditorium at the Dennos Museum Center. 

NO TOY? NO PROBLEM!

Tickets are available in advance for a discount at . Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors. NMC Students can attend for FREE with their student ID. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. with a very brief intermission between groups! Contact the NMC Box Office line at (231) 995-1340 for questions or assistance purchasing tickets.

The Energy Landscape Amidst Climate Change

IAF NMC John PournoorOn November 14, Northwestern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum presents a vital exploration of global energy trends with John Pournoor, Ph.D., CEO of Government Analytica and former VP of governmental affairs at 3M. The event is sponsored by Mercantile Bank.

Dr. Pournoor will “explore global energy developments through the lens of key geopolitical megatrends that are shaping our future,” with an emphasis on Michigan’s role. With “44 natural gas storage fields” and extensive renewable resources, Michigan has the potential to “recharge our future electric vehicles” and strengthen energy security for industries statewide. Dr. Pournoor will address the “increasing segmentation of global supply and demand” and “geopolitical events which jeopardize and limit supply.” Additionally, the talk will highlight “how environmental policy increasingly drives industrial policy and economic transformation” and provide insights on U.S. energy policy influenced by public perceptions. Registered attendees receive a complimentary digital copy of 12 Global Megatrends: 2025 Edition.

The November 14 hybrid event at the Dennos Museum Center is open to the public and available to watch online. Admission is free for students, educators, and all NMC employees. Tickets are $15 per person for the general public. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with the program at 6:30 p.m. For in-person tickets, online tickets, and all event details, visit TCIAF.com.

 

IAF logo

Media mentions for October 28, 2024

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.

Forum: Right to vote on TIF plans
Recored-Eagle, Oct. 27
(more…)

On the menu: Hawk Owl Café specials for Oct. 28–Nov. 1

The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.

Monday, October 28

Italian Pasta Bake with meatballs served with garlic crostini & roasted Brussels sprouts

Italian Pasta Bake (V) with roasted vegetables served with garlic crostini & roasted Brussels sprouts

Tuesday, October 29

Beef Tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco & refried beans

Tofu Tacos (V) with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco & refried beans

Wednesday, October 30

Chicken Coconut Curry with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread

Tofu Coconut Curry (V) with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread

Thursday, October 31

Tandoori Grilled Chicken with rice served with broccoli & naan bread

Tandoori Tofu (V) with rice served with broccoli & naan bread

Friday, November 1

Crispy Chicken with buffalo sauce served with mac and cheese & asparagus

Roasted Cauliflower Steak (V) with chimichurri sauce served with mac and cheese & asparagus

Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees – Oct. 28

Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.

Fitness Conditioning (2 spots left!)
Condition your entire body by using a variety of modalities like Pilates, yoga, strength training, and cardio. By using many different types of exercises that incorporate flexibility, strength, and resistance, you will build strength, agility, and power.
13 sessions; Mon/Wed, Nov. 4 – Dec. 18; 5:30-6:30p
Employee Price: $35 (public price: $225)

 

CPR/AED/Basic First Aid
This interactive class combines video with hands-on practical experience on the latest CPR skills, AED use, and basic first aid knowledge – ideal for schools, child care providers, youth sports coaches, and others.
Saturday, November 9; 9a – 2p
Employee price: $39 per person (public price: $149)

 

Artisan Bread Masterclass: Holiday Breads
Chef Les Ekert leads this two-and-a-half day intensive course that will take your holiday baking to the next level! Learn how to make beautiful and tasty holiday breads that have been around for centuries: Stollen, Challah, Panneton, and more!
3 sessions; Fri – Sun, Nov. 8-10; 5-9p (Fri) and 9a-3p (Sa & Su)
Employee Price: $149 includes lunch Sa & Su (public price: $499)

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
EES Help Desk

Happy Halloween!

Thanks to all those who shared the Halloween spirit with campus. From last week’s Trunk or Treat and Spooky Pride movie night to the Spooky Silent Disco and Halloween for All events at the Dennos, the festivities emphasized belongingness and inclusivity for all on campus. It’s not over yet — wear a costume to the bookstore Thursday and get spooky savings on NMC apparel!


Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!

Kudos!

Jim Bensley and Marina Call; Thank you to Jim Bensley and Marina Call for sharing the Study Abroad 2024 picture awards at the TJNIC. What a wonderful opportunity for our NMC students and the pictures were amazing!

Amber Marsh and Tait Ricks; I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Amber Marsh and Tait Ricks for their outstanding contributions to NMC through the Americorp MCAN program. Over the past two years, their dedication and hard work have significantly impacted the lives of our students. Through their efforts, our coaching team has been able to reach more students, offer additional workshops, provide invaluable support at the Neurodiversity Center, and collaborate with other departments to create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment. As their time with us comes to an end in November, we will greatly miss their presence and wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Thank you, Amber and Tait, for your exceptional service to NMC!

Dan Wasson; Dan recently facilitated an Extended Education & Training Tabletop Exercise on College for Kids procedures. Thank you Dan for providing a safe space for us to dissect and deliberate our procedures and processes. Your leadership helped us to uncover processes that need refining and procedures that need clarification. We are continuously improving our programming, and your facilitation of this meeting ensures that our College for Kids program will continue to grow and evolve with great success and with a focus on safety.


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!

Welcome our newest hires

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

  • Cale Markham – Student – Aviation Line Crew
  • Chuck Cleghorn – Supplemental – Neurodiversity Peer Mentor
  • Alexandria Devol – Supplemental – Writing Center Reader
  • Helena Thomason – Supplemental – Banquet Server
  • Kirk Rose – Student – Engineering Technology Lab Assistant
  • Namith Kennedy – Student – Engineering Technology Lab Assistant
  • Chloe Boeve – Supplemental – Food Service Back Of House

October Conference kudos and information

Kudos to everyone who made the NMC October Conference a great success! From our presenters and panelists to our volunteers and working staff, we are grateful for all your support and commitment to each other to connect, share and engage in meaningful learning and conversations.

October Conference presentation slides are available for viewing on the October Conference Google Drive in the 2024 Presentations folder. We will add more presentations as they are received.

Kudos to all of our colleagues and community presenters, facilitators, and panelists who did a fabulous job sharing the knowledge and expertise with us:

  • Alison Thornton (3)
  • Ann Ronayne, CFC
  • Brandon Everest (2)
  • Bridget Munroe
  • Chief Jim Tuller, TCFD
  • Christine Mac
  • Craig Hadley
  • Craig Saunders, MI Rehab Svcs/MI LEO (2)
  • Denny Nguyen
  • Esther Triggs, IAA
  • Gary Holik, MI Rehab Svcs/MI LEO (2)
  • Hannah Krohn
  • Hannah Rodriguez
  • Heidi Davidson (parent)
  • Javon Brame (2+keynote)
  • Jenna McQueer
  • Jennifer Stoll
  • Jim Smielewski, Chief Jim Tuller & Team, TCFD
  • Jim White
  • John Zachman
  • Katie Sommer-Ford
  • Koleen Kerlin-Spigarelli
  • Kristen Salathiel
  • Kristy McDonald
  • Laura Blanchard
  • Leanne Baumeler (2)
  • Linda Berlin
  • Lindsey Dickinson (2)
  • Lisa Blackford
  • Lisa Thomas (3)
  • Marcus Bennett (2)
  • Nancy Gray (2)
  • Nick Roster
  • Rachel Wilczewski
  • Ryan Wilson
  • Sarah Montgomery-Richards
  • Sherry Trier
  • Tammy Coleman
  • Terri Gustafson (2)
  • Kim Dobek
  • Jim Patterson
  • Aryi Nortena

Kudos to the NMC Food Services Team for an outstanding job with delicious food and enough coffee to keep us going!

Kudos to the Facilities Team for all their work setting up for and cleaning up after the event. You make our campus sparkle and create spaces for connection. We appreciate you!

Kudos to Megan Holtrey and the Dennos Team for scheduling and hosting the opening session; to Maria Ulrich for her masterful technical skills managing slides, microphones, sound, and lighting. You made October Conference run flawlessly!

Kudos to our volunteers who created a welcoming presence for everyone, including:

  • Linda Berlin, Christa Abdul-Karim, Hollianne McHugh, Lisa Blackford, Mark DeLonge, Marcus Bennett, and CJ Schneider.
  • Kyle Morrison, Alison Thornton, Ricky Hagberg and Michelle Beckett for putting on their capes to ensure guest logins worked before the sessions began and for troubleshooting to alleviate stress during technical issues. We appreciate your standard of excellence.
  • Jim White and the security team for providing NMC training equipment for the TC Fire Department to use in their sessions. We appreciate your support.
  • Marcus Bennett for planning a fun kickball event, even though weather postponed the game and we weren’t able to play.

Kudos to all of our colleagues who participated in each of the sessions, creating connection and a great space to learn about our topics!

 

Employee appreciation sale

We appreciate the faculty and staff at NMC! Stop by the campus bookstore or the Dennos Museum Store November 19–21 for 25% off your entire purchase!

Discounts only apply to full price merchandise and do not include consignment.

Neurodiversity Support Center open house

TRAVERSE CITY — As NMC’s Neurodiversity Support Center prepares to expand services to more students, the community is invited to see what’s available at an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, in the lower level of Scholars Hall on NMC’s Front Street campus.

The NSC debuted in January and served a pilot cohort of seven students with a range of learning differences, including but not limited to anxiety, autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. This fall 10 students are enrolled in NSC services, which are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and expand upon what is provided by the college’s office of Disability Support Services.

Of the students in the original pilot, 100 percent succeeded in passing all their classes. Five of them are still enrolled at NMC. One graduated, and another transferred to a four-year university.

In the spring 2025 semester, NSC Coordinator Nancy Gray expects to more than double the number of students served to 15, and increase to 20 by fall 2025 semester.

“Neurodiverse students may need more than the accommodations offered through Disability Support Services, which address primarily academic needs. They may need help and support, in communication, advocacy, socialization and meeting their sensory needs,” Gray said.

“When I came to NMC I was very shy and wasn’t very talkative. The neurodiversity support has helped me with social skills in my everyday life,” said student Freya Simone. “Everyone is very welcoming here, especially the students. It’s a very positive environment.”

An English faculty member, Gray proposed the NSC after spending her 2022-23 sabbatical year researching neurodiversity support services provided by many other colleges and universities. A key component of the NSC, located in Scholars Hall on NMC’s Front Street campus, is training staff how to meet the specific needs of these learners.

An advisory body including neurodiverse students, NMC employees and community partners such as Michigan Rehabilitative Services and Northwest Educational Services assisted Gray in planning and implementing the NSC.

The prevalence of neurodiversity has increased significantly worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate autism spectrum disorder occurs in 1 of every 36 U.S. children, or 2.8 percent. In 2000 the prevalence was 1 in 150. About 11 percent of children have received an ADHD diagnosis, also per the CDC. Both are significantly more prevalent among boys. Anxiety prevalence is estimated at 31.9 percent among adolescents, with females more commonly affected. Co-occurrence of multiple conditions is also common.

“More neurodivergent students are attending college than ever before which is why this type of programming is necessary,” Gray said.

Release date: October 24, 2024

For more information:

Nancy Gray
Neurodiversity Support Center Coordinator
ngray@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2091
(505) 501-3258 (mobile)

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE

Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination