Dear faculty and staff — Thank you for your flexibility and patience this week as we transition face-to-face classes to online, shift most college operations to remote work, and help make sure our essential functions can continue as we all try to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19.) As you know, NMC has closed all campuses through March. We are monitoring the pandemic and meeting daily with the Grand Traverse County Joint Operations Center. We will continue to update you on the public health situation as it evolves.
NMC’s values are our guiding principles and they are on full display at this time, especially trust, agility and valuing all people. NMC’s goal is to keep students, faculty and staff healthy and safe while minimizing the disruption to learning.
FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
During this planned closure through the end of March, the college committed to making sure all employees will be paid. Thank you to supervisors for communicating the details from Human Resources with your employees about their specific circumstances.
To help keep our employees and students safe while all campuses are closed:
- NMC Facilities personnel continue to clean classrooms, offices and common areas in accordance with protocols from health officials
- Security continues to monitor campus for safety
- Screening criteria for essential employees to enter buildings to retrieve equipment or supplies is posted at building entrances
- Students are not allowed in any buildings and can call security if they need something from inside
We recognize that this is an anxious and stressful time and want to remind you that we have free, confidential counseling available through our Employee Assistance Program. Cheryl Rogers at our partner agency, Catholic Human Services, can be contacted at (231) 947-8387.
FOR INSTRUCTORS
Thank you for committing to communicate with your students by the end of today as to how they will deliver their coursework through the end of the semester. We recognize this is a major undertaking in an extremely tight timeframe. Many students — and perhaps faculty too — are nervous about their ability to succeed in an online environment. If you need help, submitting a help desk ticket to the EMT team is the most efficient way to get assistance.
For more faculty information, click “Keep Teaching” on nmc.edu/coronavirus. This includes resources like:
- Hosting virtual classes or office hours through Zoom or Google Meet (formerly Hangouts)
- Online Library Services
- Proctored Exam Alternatives
MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
This public health crisis is an unprecedented situation for all of us and there will likely be more changes ahead. We will continue to communicate with you along the way. As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please check here for the latest information.
Thank you for your commitment to NMC. We remain committed to you. We hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.