Thank you all for everything you do in pursuit of “Keeping Learning at the Center.”
Activities of Note: Faculty and Staff
This section recognizes the good work being done and linkages to the Strategic Agenda, Strategic Directions and Goals are provided where possible.
- Military Sealift Command (MSC) conducted interviews at GLMA on November 10. MSC is a division of the U.S. Navy that operates Navy owned, civilian manned vessels such as fleet oilers. MSC interviewed 14 GLMA cadets and offered permanent positions as merchant marine officers to 12. At this time, 30% of the GLMA cadets who will graduate on April 30, 2016, already have job offers. (IE3)
- On December 4, 2015, our Applied Plant Science program hosted a luncheon for 32 NMC faculty & staff as well as 9 MSU adjunct faculty who teach courses required in our Applied Plant Science programs. The luncheon provided a platform for our NMC & MSU faculty and staff to build collaborative relationships and to gain a deeper understanding of the operations of our Applied Plant Science programs. A meeting with faculty following the luncheon allowed for instructors to communicate regarding the specific curricula of their respective courses and plan for future improvements of course required within our Applied Plant Science program (IE2, IE5)
- In November, a partnership with Traverse City High School’s Students in Transition Empowerment Program (STEP) was developed to better capture NMC Commitment Scholars throughout their high school careers. Many of the scholars struggle to participate during their time in the program due to loss of housing, which requires the student to change schools. Tracking students has become very difficult, but the STEP program is now working closely with the Commitment program to help ensure students are continuing to participate in activities by providing updated and accurate contact information. This allows the students to feel connected to their fellow scholars through challenging times for their families. (IE2, IE5)
- CIE is coordinating the development of learning communities focused on issues fundamental to learning. During their first meeting the following areas were discussed as possibilities: Writing in the Disciplines, Reading Apprenticeship, 3D Gaming, Coaching, New Faculty, Active Learning, General Education Outcomes, Light Board, Museum Book Club and Nursing Across the Disciplines. Thanks to CIE and to all involved. (IE1, IE2, IE5)
- In an effort to increase retention rates across campus, the Advising Center has begun daily reviews of continuing student registration via the Digital Dashboard and has implemented new communication strategies. During the month of November, Advising Center staff made more than 1,000 phone calls to continuing students to remind them about registration and began focused efforts to get all students living in East Hall and Hawk’s Nest registered prior to final exam week. These efforts resulted in 700 additional students registering for classes for Spring 2016 during the month of November. (IE3, IE5)
- In cooperation with Residence Life staff and Student Financial Services, the Advising Center planned and organized Express Advising Days in the Residence Halls to encourage continuing registration of East Hall and Hawk’s Nest residents. Students were able to talk with an academic advisor about their short and long term academic plans and meet with Student Financial Services to make a plan for the coming semester. These cooperative sessions were offered for students during the regular business day, as well as after hours to meet their needs. A special session was offered for students on academic probation to provide specific guidance on course withdrawals and the impact on students’ academic and financial aid status. (IE3, IE5)
- To aid in campus-wide retention efforts, the Advising Center Academic/Career Advisors completed follow up phone calls to all students who attended new student orientation in November to answer outstanding questions, help with reminders for the upcoming semester, and gain feedback regarding students’ orientation experience. The response was extremely positive with students saying, “Oh my gosh, I am so impressed! I attended a large university and they would have never done this!” and “Oh gosh, thanks so much for calling!” Advisors will continue to build these crucial relationships with students after each new student orientation. (IE3, IE5)
- Jim White, Campus Security Director, attended the Critical Asset Risk Management two- day class in Traverse City given by Texas A & M. Several meetings were also held with Grant Traverse Emergency Management in preparation for the December table-top drill for NMC’s Emergency Management Team. (IE2, IE3, IE4, IE5)
- Our Grounds Crew completed cleanup of the large areas of damage throughout campus and near neighbors from August 27, 2015, windstorm. There was good customer service during cleanup efforts, both on campus and off campus. (IE3, IE4, IE5)
- NMC grounds and custodial staff have actively continued support and assistance with recycling efforts at NMC, including representation on the NMC Environmental Sustainability Committee. (IE2, IE3, IE4, IE5)
Activities of Note: Tim
- I hosted a meeting with Grand Traverse County planners and leadership in many of our regional taxing agencies to learn about various tax related economic development practices. All parties were thankful for the opportunity to learn and have agreed that we will meet again.
- I attended a meeting hosted by Rotary Charities on November 20 for an informal discussion regarding financing community development and workforce housing in our region with Deborah Kasemeyer, Senior Vice President at Northern Trust. Debby serves as the Bank’s Community Reinvestment Officer and Director of Community Development and Investments, which has a portfolio of close to $600 million. She was eager to share her expertise and learn more about the housing and community development challenges and opportunities in our region. Ideas were shared and good suggestions made regarding potential next steps.
- NMC administration and Nursing Department folks met with Munson Administrators on November 20 to discuss the collaborative learning center concept between our two organizations. A subset of that group held a separate meeting following regarding nursing recruitment.
- I had the pleasure of attending the final student convocation performances of the semester. Performances included dance, instrumental and voice. We have very talented students and faculty and staff that created an outstanding program. My thanks to Jeff Cobb and the dance and music faculty and staff.
Legislative Issues
- The legislatively charged Performance Funding Task Force completed its work on December 10. The committee of four legislators and four college presidents agreed with the proposal our MCCA work group presented. A final report is being prepared. Once completed, I will distribute it. A significant change is more focus on student completion metrics.
Miscellaneous
- The annual Board retreat is scheduled for February 1, 2016, at the NMC Hagerty Center. It will be full, one-day session with dinner at a local restaurant following. We are also trying to schedule in a couple of short tours during morning and afternoon breaks.