President’s Update for October 23, 2017

Oct 23, 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.

  • Great Lakes Maritime Academy had three cruises aboard the State of Michigan in summer 2017.
    • Phase 1: Started May 8 and completed June 23—70 sea days. Visited Traverse City, Port Huron, Detroit, Cleveland, Sault Ste. Marie and Mackinac Island. Carried 31 GLMA cadets and 10 cadets from Texas A&M. For pilot training accomplished 1 Lake Huron trip, 10 St. Mary’s River trips, 11 Detroit River trips, and 11 St. Clair River trips.
    • Phase 2: Started June 24 and finished August 8—69 sea days. Visited all phase one ports plus Buffalo, NY and Duluth, MN. Carried 28 GLMA cadets, 11 Texas A&M cadets, and 10 Massachusetts Maritime Academy cadets. For pilot training, accomplished 3 lake trips, 10 St. Mary’s trips, 11 St. Clair trips, and 11 Detroit River trips.
    • Phase 3: (“Pre-Fall”) Started August 13 and finished August 25—13 in-port sea days. Carried 63 new GLMA cadets. Hosted barbecue with alumni to welcome new cadets and parents on the first evening. (IE1, IE2, IE3)
    • In addition, on the summer cruises GLMA reports that they:
      • prepared 3 able seamen for pilot exams in a continuing cooperative effort with the American Maritime Officers union,
      • consumed ~ $180,000 of food and food service,
      • provided 3 internships for Great Lakes Culinary Institute interns, and
      • consumed 67,000 gallons of diesel. Thanks to MARAD for the funds to refuel after the cruises, we are full again. (IE1, IE2, IE3)
  • GLMA reports that the State of Michigan ran well throughout season, all known problems were either resolved or have long-term fixes in progress. MARAD continues to provide timely help when problems occur to keep the ship moving. Of note are the following:
    • The crew and cadet mess area improvements proved functional and pleasant.
    • The new voyage data recorder kept track of all inputs throughout the cruises.
    • The winter maintenance projects such as new sea chest vents greatly improved operational safety and consistency—thanks MARAD for the contracting and funding to do these.
    • Began using new Safety Management System. (IE1, IE2, IE3)
  • Jim Bensley, Director of International Services and Service Learning, accepted an award on behalf of the college at this year’s Institute of International Education (IIE) Summit Conference in Washington, DC, held October 1 – 3. NMC is one of approximately 20 IHEs out of 800 Generation Study Abroad partners this year who have reached their commitment to double student participation in study abroad before the end of the decade. For more info visit https://www.iie.org/Programs/Generation-Study-Abroad (IE1, IE2, IE5)
  • Jim Bensley’s article, titled “Connecting with Islam,” was published in the recent Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) Quarterly Newsletter. To read the article, visit http://pub.lucidpress.com/402a8e43-75c1-4d85-8c14-c8d678b51471/#E_lu6pv6LJc1. (IE1, IE2)
  • In August, NMC Aviation, in partnership with MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology (MSU IAT), offered an unmanned aircraft systems course for MSU Turfgrass Management students. This unique for-credit MSU course was taught by NMC staff during an intensive 2- week module. In week 1, students assembled and programmed an unmanned aircraft and developed their basic pilot skills at Yuba Intergalactic. In week 2, students participated as teams in flight scenarios during live play at Lochenheath Golf Club. They collected data about sprinkler irrigation efficacy, created 3-D “fly-throughs” for marketing, and learned how to use UAS to create course maps. Lochenheath leadership really enjoyed partnering with both schools, and are looking forward to doing it again. The feedback from both students and institutional partners was extremely positive. MSU Turfgrass Management, MSU IAT, and MSU Ag Industries departments would like to offer variations of this course in 2018. This type of course is the vision of the UAS department as an academic service provider to other partner schools. Content was developed and delivered collaboratively between Brian Matchett of MSU IAT and NMC’s UAS staff. (IE2)
  • This fall semester NMC Aviation welcomed their largest class of incoming freshmen in recent decades. 50 students make up the 50th fall class! Demand for collegiate flight programs has grown exponentially with the demand for pilots. However, our success is due largely in-part to our Aviation Recruiters and Advisers, and the “Taking Flight Initiative” through our partner school Crosswinds Aviation. http://crosswindsaviation.com/taking-flight- initiative/ (IE2, IE3, IE5)
  • PRMC’s Steve Kellman set up a new text-to-speech service on the public NMC website in response to a request from Disability Support Services Specialist Leanne Baumeler, who won an innovation grant to cover the cost of the service. Steve also spent time with a blind high school student at Leanne Baumeler’s suggestion, reviewing the site from his perspective and watching him navigate it with screen reader software, making improvements to dozens of pages on the site in response to his feedback. Steve also worked with NMC’s web CMS consultant to make improvements to that system, and updated accessibility guidelines and instructions on the CMS tutorial pages. In addition, he tested the top 100 most visited pages on the site to correct all accessibility errors flagged by the web accessibility evaluation tool at http:// wave.webaim.org, resulting in accessibility improvements to the entire site. (IE1, IE2, IE3, IE5)
  • 60 students attended CIT Industry Night Out at Microline Technology Corporation on September 21. Industry Night Out is a chance for current CIT students to visit a local company for a tour and to learn about business opportunities in the field of computer information technology, as well as expose the students to career options that they might not have otherwise considered. Students in CIT classes are invited to Industry Night Out three to four times each semester. (IE1, IE2, IE5)
  • Great Lakes Culinary Institute (GLCI) faculty and students participated in a three-day Culinary Medical Conference September 22-24, 2017, titled “Think like a chef, cook like a dietitian, eat like a local farmer.” The event, hosted by the GLCI in partnership with Munson Medical Center and Groundwork Organization, highlighted healthy cooking techniques and ingredients to area medical professionals. Over 45 health-care providers attended this conference, which was approved for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. The conference was well received by the attendees and the organizers. The overall goals of the conference are listed below:
    • Enhance the provider’s confidence to discuss and guide patients’ food and nutrition selections to improve or prevent disease symptoms or progressions and overall improve health outcomes.
    • Translate current dietary guidelines into clear food and meal planning recommendations using peer review research articles, lecture, and hands-on cooking in a teaching kitchen atmosphere.
    • Apply food and cooking techniques to solve food access and nutrition-related health disparity using demonstration, lecture, and case study evaluation.
    • Experiment with recipe modification to enhance or reduce food or nutrient components as needed to prevent, reduce or eliminate health disparities via cooking demonstration, pre- and post-testing, and case study evaluation. (IE2, IE4, IE5)
  • Laura Schmidt, Director of Nursing & Allied Health, was elected to a two-year term to the Board of Directors for the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). She is also the co-chairperson for the OADN Academic Progression in Nursing Task Force and the board liaison for the Education & Research Task Force. (IE1)
  • Scott Herzberg, POC Military & Veteran Services/Advisor, participated in the 6th Annual TC Patriot Game, northern Michigan’s biggest football game. It was held Friday, September 8, 2017, to honor Veterans, active duty military, first responders, and those who have died in service to our country. Honorary Captains were the family of Dennis Finch, a Traverse City police officer killed in the line of duty, and the family of Joshua Miller, a Veteran who took his own life last year. Student Senators selected 22 to None, a local organization dedicated to help Veterans transition from military life to civilian life and attack the suicide triggers, to receive the proceeds from the sale of commemorative shirts. It is estimated that on average 22 Veterans a day commit suicide. Veterans, active duty military and first responders were invited to attend the game at no charge. (IE1, IE2, IE3, IE4)
  • NMC faculty and staff were among more than 300 competitors at the DK 5K Tough Run on September 9 in memory of Drew Kostic, a student veteran who died in December 2016. Faculty and staff that contributed to the day included Writing and Reading Center coordinator Megan Ward, librarian Michelle Howard, Military and Veterans Services POC Scott Herzberg, librarian Ann Geht, communications instructor Judy Chu, and math instructor Mary Burget. NMC’s Construction Technology department built the race obstacles and the Visual Communications department designed the event logo. The DK 5K benefited NMC Student Veterans Association and 22 to None. (IE1, IE2, IE3, IE4)
  • Enrollment Services/Student Financial Services and Admissions started their regional Financial Aid 101 evening presentations. Staff presented to over 50 people between the three locations in September—Cadillac, Leelanau, and Kalkaska. These events are geared toward high school juniors and seniors and their families to discuss the ins and outs of the financial aid process. Starting this month they will be going directly to the high schools and meeting with the seniors to start the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (IE1, IE2, IE3, IE4, IE5)
  • Federal regulations for Title IV Federal Student Aid eligibility state that students can only receive aid for courses that apply to their degree at the institution paying their aid (NMC). Last year, the State of Michigan stated this as a requirement for the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP). Student Financial Services, with the assistance of many departments on campus, successfully launched a process to ensure proper payment of federal and state funds to students. Many students needed to adjust their schedules or change their programs to be eligible for student aid. Advisers, Records and Registration, office managers and others throughout the college helped students with necessary changes. If they chose to take additional courses not covered by state or federal aid payment plans are offered and encouragement to apply for scholarships. This requirement will help students make education decisions toward degree completion. (IE1, IE2, IE3, IE4, IE5)
  • Kim Schultz, of the Advising Center, and Lisa Wilmeth, of Records & Registration and Enrollment Services, conducted training sessions for faculty on the use of MAP (My Academic Plan) and Plans. MAP is our web-based degree tracking system for students that help them successfully navigate their degree/certificate requirements at NMC. Rolled out in Fall 2016, Plans is a tool that students use with the guidance of an academic advisor to form a semester-by-semester schedule of classes needed for their educational goal at NMC. Used to enhance advising and planning, these tools are part of our overall retention strategy related to the Guided Pathways initiative to help students track their progress toward completion. (IE1, IE3)
  • Advising Center academic and career advisors met with academic areas at the start of the fall semester to give advising updates to faculty. The Advising Center assigns an advisor to each academic department area as a liaison to enhance communication and leverage opportunities for collaboration whenever possible. These positive working relationships contribute to better overall student experiences with consistent information and messaging. (IE2, IE3)
  • NMC Facilities completed tours of North Hall with the Traverse City Police Department and all three squads of the Traverse City Fire Department for orientation/key and card access and roof access on all NMC buildings in the event of an emergency. They also completed training on the new card access and camera systems. (IE3, IE4, IE5)
  • NMC Facilities assisted with North Hall furniture move in, post construction clean up, prep for North Hall open house, and student move in. (IE3, IE4, IE5)

Activities of Note: Tim

  • Last month Nancy and I traveled to the United Kingdom to visit one our international aviation partners, the University of Hertfordshire. We had dinner with the Associate Dean of the School of Engineering Technology Ray Wilkinson and his wife the evening of our arrival. Ray used to oversee all the aerospace degree courses and has been a main contact for our partnership with the University of Hertfordshire. The following day I had an excellent tour of the University with Associate Dean for Academic Quality Assurance David Germany. The visit was a wonderful opportunity to meet many of the great people who work with NMC to create this successful partnership, the first of our global partnerships. Thank you to our Steve Ursell for his coordination of this visit.
  • Trustees Kennard Weaver, Chris Bott, Doug Bishop, Ross Childs, and Janie McNabb, along with myself and other executive staff, attended the ACCT Leadership Congress in Las Vegas the last week of September. Among the conference events, Trustee Bott, Vice President Marguerite Cotto, and myself presented a session on “The College as an Investor in its Mission.” Trustees will report on their sessions during the October 23, 2017, Board meeting.
  • The NMC Aviation Program’s 50th Anniversary was celebrated with multiple events over the past few weeks. A symposium was held at our Aero Park campus on Thursday, September 28, featuring a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and student panel discussion on Recruiting and Advising; keynote speaker Major Benjamin A. Donberg on State of the Industry from the D.C. and Military Perspective; and a guided discussion on Impacting the Pilot Shortage and Supporting Talent Development, facilitated by Linda Lindquist-Bishop. Later that evening, students, alumni, employees, retirees, trustees, and community members celebrated at the Aviation Gala at the Grand Traverse Resort. A generous $1 million gift commitment from Sallie and Kerm Campbell was announced at the event. The gift will support a program fund for innovation and excellence at NMC Aviation.
  • Just this past Friday, October 13, a luncheon and community open house was held the Aero Park campus in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Aviation Program. Tributes to the program were offered by the Board of Trustees and state and federal representatives (see more in Legislative section). Tours of the aviation facility were also offered throughout the afternoon.
  • The Lobdell Culinary Scholarship Dinner was held on September 29. Now in its thirteenth year, the dinner event has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to NMC culinary students.
  • On Saturday, September 30, NMC Student Life and Voices, one of our student groups, hosted the Walk, Run, Empower 5K on campus. The run/walk served to raise awareness and to help end sexual violence. First Lady Sue Snyder was the keynote speaker and both she and Governor Rick Snyder participated in the 5K. I also participated and was able to walk with the Governor and First Lady to have some meaningful conversation.
  • The MCCA Fall Board of Directors meeting was held on Friday, October 6 at Alpena Community College. Vice Chair Chris Bott and I both attended the meeting. There were good sessions including a very informative Michigan’s State Budget and Revenue Forecast by Mary Ann Cleary, Director of the House Fiscal Agency.
  • NMC faculty and staff participated in the Fall Conference on Tuesday, October 10, with a full day of professional development sessions held on main campus. Sessions were well attended and contained a wide range of topics that included technology, financial aid, free speech, experiential learning, and gender inclusion, among many that heard great remarks about. A special thank you to Kristin Salathiel and Lori Hodek for planning such a great day with such a multitude of topics that I was told made it a difficult choice of which sessions to attend.
  • We are in the middle of hosting Small Group Forums across all four campuses to give faculty and staff an opportunity to receive a brief update and discuss any topics of choice. The sessions have been well attended with good feedback and discussion.

Legislative Issues

We recently hosted a commemorative luncheon for the Aviation Program’s 50th Anniversary, which was attended by our state legislative delegation including Senator Wayne Schmidt, Representative Larry Inman, and a staff representative for Representative Curt VanderWall. We also had staff representatives from Senator Stabenow’s office, Senator Peters’ office and Congressman Bergman’s office. Governor Snyder sent a tribute letter and we had incoming Board Chair of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Kevin Schlueter present congratulatory remarks as well. It was a tremendous chance to showcase our aviation program with our elected officials and thank our leaders for their support.

State

There continues to be movement on several pieces of legislation that we are monitoring including data sharing legislation (HB 4545), which would enhance the ability for community colleges to access important wage data. Following passage in the House earlier this year, the legislation now moves to the Senate where a hearing was held by the Senate Commerce Committee, chaired by Sen. Wayne Schmidt. However, there was no vote on the bill at that hearing. To urge movement by the Committee, we sent a letter to Senator Schmidt and Senator Booher asking that they advance this bill in the Senate.

Despite recent national events, concerning legislation was recently introduced in the Senate (SB 584) by the Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, which would allow individuals to apply for an exemption that would allow them to carry a concealed weapon in an area where it is otherwise not allowed, such as on the grounds of a community college. It would also take away local control to regulate the use of weapons on a community college’s campus. We continue to monitor this legislation and expect that there will be a hearing on it in the Government Operations committee at some point in the near future.

Federal

Congressman Bergman visited campus this month for a tour of our unmanned systems programs (both air and water). This included a tour of the Parsons-Stulen building where the Congressman piloted a ROV in our indoor water tank, as well as interacted with robotics students in the Makers Space. Congressman Bergman then visited our Great Lakes Campus and met with Maritime Technology students and had a hands-on experience with an ROV in West Grand Traverse Bay. It was an important chance to highlight the work that we are doing with unmanned systems and the Congressman greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn more about our work.

We continue to monitor FY18 budget deliberations and their potential impact on programs that support community colleges and our learners. Right now, Congress is operating under a short term bill that will expire on December 8. Unfortunately, this short term funding measure included an across the board cut to keep overall spending within the required budget caps for the year. Because of the way Perkins funds are budgeted and dispersed, the cut impacted the Perkins Basic State Grant advance funding that began rolling out to states on October 1. For Michigan, this was a $261,771 dollar cut. However, it is often the case that these funds are retroactively restored in the final full year budget and we are hopeful that Congress will do that again this year.

Miscellaneous

  • Women on the Water Conference—October 26-28
  • Monday, October 30—Board of Trustees Study Session
  • Friday, November 10—MCCA Fall Trustee Institute
  • Friday, November 10—Mariners Memorial with Doug Bishop as the guest speaker
  • Monday, November 13—Veterans Day Activities at NMC