President’s Update for June 21, 2017

Jun 21, 2017 | Intercom, President Updates

Thank you all for everything you do in pursuit of “Keeping Learning at the Center.”

Notable Accomplishments provided by Faculty and Staff

This section recognizes the good work being done and linkages to the Strategic Directions (SD) and Institutional Effectiveness Criteria (IE) are provided where possible.

  • NMC’s Aviation Division provided an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Agriculture Training for 8 students enrolled in the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology. The training began in January 2017 with a 1-week UAS Build and Flight Training, followed by an online training specific to the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Exam and concluded with a 2-week UAS Applications in Agriculture training that took place in May 2017. Students enrolled matriculated 4 credits through Michigan State University, while training and instruction was provided by NMC’s UAS instructors. MSU will be sending their second cohort of students for a 2-week UAS in Agriculture – Turfgrass training in August 2017. The turfgrass training will focus on specific UAS applications for the golf turf industry and much it will take place at LochenHeath Golf Club. The UAS in Agriculture training provides an excellent example of institutional partnership and collaboration between NMC and MSU. MSU intends to continue the partnership with NMC’s Aviation division by increasing the number of trainings and students enrolled for 2018. (IE2, IE3)
  • CIE partnered with EMT to continue building LearningCommunities@NMC. We had five active learning communities this year where faculty and staff came together to explore a topic of interest. This year’s learning communities focused on e-portfolios, creating a sense of belongingness for students, new faculty, coaching, and universal design. (IE1)
  • CIE and EMT created the Sharing Showcase, a collection of professional development videos celebrating best practices of faculty and staff at NMC. Videos include Jason Slade explaining how he uses GoPro cameras for assessment, Tom Gordon talking about “chunky quizzes,” and Gwen Tafelsky creating real-world experiences with simulations. (IE1)
  • The Osterlin Library, EMT and CIE organized the Long Night of Grading the Thursday of finals week to bring faculty together as they tackled their final grading. EMT provided Moodle and outcomes scoring help, the librarians offered help checking research and citations, and CIE was available for consultation on any questions about teaching and learning. (IE1)
  • Using NMC’s video communications tool, Zoom.us, Mark DeLonge and Ryan Bernstein from Educational Media Technologies hosted several virtual training sessions for faculty throughout spring semester on new Moodle tools, installed during the December semester break, and on setting up outcomes in Moodle courses. EMT will continue to offer virtual training to faculty through the summer. (IE3)
  • During the 2016-2017 academic year, Technology Support Services provided 14 – 1 hr. Quick Bytes sessions to more than 80 attendees. These sessions covered many Google topics, as well as other software used on campus (e.g., 25Live). (IE3, IE4)
  • Alison Thornton, Coordinator of Technology Support Services, worked with a West Senior High intern to evaluate accessibility on NMC software packages including Self-Service, Technology Help Desk, MAP, Bomgar Chat, and others. The intern then presented the findings to a group of 10 from technology and student services. (IE3, IE4)
  • Terri Gustafson, Director of Educational Media Technologies, and Alison Thornton visited academic department meetings during spring 2017 to share information and updates on Google G Suite offerings, learning resources, pedagogical applications, and upcoming training events. (IE4, IE5)
  • This year saw many changes and enhancements pertaining to information technology security. A new data security training program was launched to help educate all employees about online security, with special emphasis placed on phishing awareness. Afterwards, several simulated phishing messages were sent out to the entire NMC population in order to see what areas of IT Security needs further attention. On the heels of this testing, we encountered both WannaCrypt ransomware and a large scale Google Doc phishing attempt. Neither of these worldwide attacks had any significant impact on our systems due to employee awareness. (IE5)
  • In addition to employee education, we have added several other technology-based security enhancements to our existing infrastructure. Systems have been implemented that provide deeper auditing and logging of our network systems, as well as tighter controls on firewalls and intrusion systems and computer scanning to identify potential areas of concern before a problem can occur. (IE5)
  • Kaplan testing for nursing students was held several times during the Fall and Spring semesters. Wireless laptops were successfully used for the first time to administer testing, with two carts of computers providing the ability to turn any regular classroom into a secure testing location, rather than restricting one specific room that was unable to be used by anyone else. Additionally, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) computer labs at the University Center were successfully used when cart scheduling conflicts occurred. Previously, VDI had never been used in a testing environment here at NMC. (IE5)
  • Upgrades and changes to NMC computing infrastructure this year include the purchase and replacement of 230+ desktop computers, a complete replacement of the network switch infrastructure in each building on all campuses (approximately 80 hardware devices), the relocation of fiber optic cabling that connects NMC with the outside world due to the Dennos remodeling project, and the replacement/upgrade of our central data storage system for all NMC computing operations. Some migration projects will continue into the next year. (IE5)
  • An updated storage system called Workspace, replaced the previous antiquated NetStorage system, to provide more user-friendly access from off-campus to retrieve and modify data files from any computer or device quickly and easily. (IE5)
  • Hagerty Center increased the total number of off season events (January through March) in FY17 by three; and the total number of weddings in FY17 by two. (IE5)
  • The Hagerty Center culinary team introduced a new banquet menu with updated pricing for the upcoming prime season, and created a new format for the appetizer menu to better serve client needs. The team also updated recipes to accommodate a broader range of dietary restrictions without the need for customization. Other improvements implemented by the collaboration of the culinary team and event supervisors included standardized buffet setups, a diagram to better layout the food displays and equipment needs that will allow for more efficient setup times and streamlined communications. (IE5)
  • NMC will begin offering aviation classes this summer in Howell, Michigan, through a new partnership with Crosswinds Aviation called the Taking Flight Initiative. The agreement is expected to help meet demand for flight training in the region between Lansing and Detroit as well as provide a pipeline to NMC’s aviation program. The private Crosswinds Aviation flight school currently offers a number of high school aviation courses in cooperation with the Howell Public Schools, the Livingston Educational Services Agency, and the Capital Area Career Center, but reached enrollment capacity in 2015. More information is available on NMC’s website at https://www.nmc.edu/news/2017/03/aviation-crosswinds.html (IE1, IE2)
  • NMC graduated its first BSMT – Marine Technology student during the 2017 spring commencement. This major started approximately two years ago. (IE1)
  • NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute (GLWSI) received international credentialing for its ROV School from the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI). NMC is the only school in the world to hold this credential. ADCI’s member organization is in 40+ countries worldwide. (IE2)
  • NMC’s GLWSI instructors are delivering our first round of courses at Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute in China in support of our marine technology partnership. (IE1, IE2)
  • The NMC Freshwater Studies and the WMU Freshwater Science and Sustainability partnership is at capacity (~ 60 students). This is approximately 2.5 years after this partnership degree opportunity began. (IE1, IE2)
  • NMC’s formal MOU with the Marine Technology Society has led us to offering the second year of marine “summer camps” that engage students (both college and high school) from across the country in formal training of NMC’s marine technology specialties. (IE2)
  • NMC hosted the second “Building Tomorrow” event May 11 – 13. The objective of this event is to showcase careers in the construction industry by exposing students to the multiple career paths in the field. This year’s event targeted middle school students with over 150 students attending. On Saturday, May 13, the event was open to the public giving students the opportunity to return with their parents and further explore specific areas within the construction industry. The event is an outstanding partnership between the construction industry, trade organization, and the College. (IE2)
  • NMC sponsored the recent spring 2017 Michigan Educators’ Apprentice & Training Association (MEATA) meeting held in Mt. Pleasant. Amy Burns serves as secretary on the Board of this organization and represents NMC at the state level on apprenticeship based training. (IE1, IE2)
  • The Automotive program hosted their annual end of year BBQ and for the first time used this event to reach out to program alumni. The event was a great success and highly attended by past graduates. As part of this event, students in the automotive program renovated a vehicle and donated the car to an organization that provides cars to families in need of transportation. This outstanding community service is the highlight of the event. (IE1, IE3)
  • NMC showcased our unmanned systems programs and equipment at the Charlevoix-Emmet ISD on May 13. Students had an opportunity to see demonstrations of our UAVs and ROVs and talk with faculty and staff about degrees and careers in these fields. The objective of the event is to introduce students to the unique and highly specialized programs at NMC. (IE2, IE3)
  • Steve Kellman and Dave Dalquist added a new class registration system to the Extended Education Services website, greatly increasing online registrations to EES classes. The new section is styled to match the NMC brand and academic course listings, and work across device types. (IE2, IE5)

Activities of Note: Tim

  • NMC hosted another successful TEDxTC on May 17, for which I provided a pre-recorded welcome, as I out of town attending an annual planning meeting of the Executive Committee for the Continuous Quality Improvement Network (CQIN).
  • Six budget update sessions were held across all four campuses in mid-May to provide faculty and staff an opportunity to hear about the FY18 budget and address questions and concerns. Over 140 people attended these sessions.
  • Thank you to all of you who were able to attend the NMC BBQ on May 21. 5,748 meals were served as the rain held off and made for a beautiful afternoon under the pines.
  • The final report of the 21st Century Economy Commission was released on May 31. I have been serving on the commission since November and traveled throughout the state to meet with regional stakeholders and fellow commissioners. Governor Snyder created the commission to establish a comprehensive vision for Michigan’s economic future, leveraging the state’s strengths and encouraging development.
  • Ross and Brenda Biederman were inducted as NMC Fellows at a dinner in their honor on June 7 at the Hagerty Center. The Biederman Foundation’s generous $1 million gift to the college was also announced at the event. Thank you to trustees Kennard Weaver, Chris Bott, Ross Childs, Doug Bishop, and Rachel Johnson for joining us for the event to celebrate the Biedermans and their decades of support to NMC.

Legislative Issues

State

Capital Outlay—West Hall 21st Century Innovation Center

On May 24, the state Joint Capital Outlay Committee met and approved our FY18 Construction Authorization, which is an important step forward with the construction of the West Hall 21st Century Innovation Center. Following this committee approval, we now need the authorization to be included in the final FY18 omnibus budget bill that will hopefully pass the legislature soon, before we move forward with construction plans. We would like to thank Representative Inman and Senator Booher, who both serve on the Joint Capital Outlay Committee as well as Senator Schmidt for their support of this important project for NMC learners.

FY State Budget

The legislature is moving closer to wrapping up its bills and sending them to Governor Snyder for approval. After some disagreement and delay, the governor and Republican legislative the FY18 budget. Of note for NMC is that the community college budget conference committee met and approved their bill which included the following provisions:

  • A 1% increase in traditional formula funding for all 28 community colleges
  • For NMC this would increase funding by 2% or $190,000
  • $1 million general fund dollars for the Michigan Transfer Network website

Unfortunately, the conference report did not include:

  • $3.2 million for the increase from the School Aid Fund instead of the General Fund as the Senate-passed bill contained
  • $2 million general fund for the pilot program aiding part-time adult students

We will continue to monitor this process as it continues to move forward.

MPSERS Reform

As part of their negotiations over the FY18 budget with the Governor, legislative leaders tied final passage of the budget to reforming the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS). After releasing MPSERS reform legislation (SB 401 and HB 4647) at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14, the Senate Education Committee and the House Education Reform Committees held concurrent hearings on these bills at 8:00 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. respectfully. The Senate committee approved their bill at noon and the House committee approved their bill at 1:00 p.m., setting the stage for full Senate and House action on these bills soon. Given the short time frame to review and analyze these pieces of legislation, we did not take a position on these bills. However, we will continue to analyze and review this legislation to determine what impact there might be on NMC.

Federal

Gabe Schneider and I traveled to Washington, DC, this week to meet with federal legislators about the President’s proposed FY18 budget and our other 2017 federal advocacy issues. This included discussions with staff from Senator Peters, Senator Stabenow, Congressman Bergman and Congressman Moolenaar’s offices about the impact the President’s FY18 budget would have on NMC learners, including its proposal to cut the Pell Grant Surplus by $3.9 billion dollars and eliminate the Stafford Loan and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Programs. We were able to provide the number and percentage of NMC students who would be impacted by these decisions and staff thanked us for providing this detailed analysis. We also shared information about other federal priorities including healthcare reform, which we believe would not only harm our partner Munson Healthcare, but would also negatively impact state budgets, and thus, impact community college budgets in the years ahead.

Miscellaneous

  • MCCA Summer Institute—Tuesday, July 25 through Friday, July 28
  • NMC Scholarship Open—Thursday, August 3