The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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.
Happy holidays and congratulations on a successful fall semester! I hope soon you will have time to rest, relax and recharge. This year, that will be even more important than ever. That’s why we’ve prioritized closing the college between Christmas and New Year’s. I am looking forward to spending some time with my wife and daughters, and also some time outdoors hiking and reflecting on all we’ve faced this year. We’ve been so busy reacting to the urgency of the historic events, that we haven’t truly been able to understand the magnitude of what we’ve been through, and all we have accomplished for our learners and with each other.
As you know, I am a people person. I get my energy and my inspiration from seeing and talking with all of you, hearing your stories, learning about your families, your hobbies, your students and your team members. Your challenges make me want to break down hurdles so you have a smoother path ahead, your successes I want to shout from the rooftops! But even more than that, it’s the determination I see in your eyes when you are focused on how to make our college better and improve the lives of our students.
I see that same glint of determination in the eyes of our students as they’ve also been faced with incredible challenges this year. Whether it’s students from SGA, the commitment scholars program, Phi Theta Kappa, North Hall, Lobell’s or Parsons Stulen, they all have been so honest and heartfelt when they share with me how hard this year has been, and how much they miss things they used to take for granted. But the conversation never ends there. They always take a breath, their eyes focus in and they tell me how they remain committed to continuing toward their goals. I see that same look in your eyes. I am so proud of this spirit our students have, I also know they get that from each of you. It is part of who we are as a college community. That’s what has allowed us to not only rise to the challenges of this year, but I know will continue to propel us forward no matter how our world keeps changing. It is because of you that our students are successful, that our college is successful. And we must take the time to recognize and celebrate that, especially this year. We have more reasons than ever to be proud of who we are. I am so very proud of you.
Thank you, sincerely, for everything you do everyday. I am proud of what we have done together this year, and am excited to see what we can accomplish together in the new year and beyond!
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Anyone having difficulties navigating life during the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has a mental health hotline you can access for free and confidential access to counselors 24/7. Language translation is available for non-English-speaking residents who call the counseling line. MDHHS COVID-19 Help Hotline: (888) 535-6136, choose prompt 8. To access other mental health resources for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Michigan.gov/StayWell.
Honoree’s Names: Donna Palmer and Cathy Brown Reason for Kudos: Kudos to Donna and Cathy for helping orchestrate the Foundation personnel and furniture move from Founders Hall to the University Center. There are a lot of moving parts to these endeavors and we thank Donna and Cathy for being on top of the project.
Honoree’s Name: Grounds Department Reason for Kudos: Kudos to the Grounds crew for helping move the Foundation staff’s personal effects and furniture from Founders Hall to the University Center. You guys are great!
Honoree’s Name: Amanda Gower Honoree’s Dept./Division: Foundation Reason for Kudos: Kudos to Amanda Gower for her detailed planning for the Foundation personnel and furniture move from Founders Hall to the University Center. Your planning upfront helped everyone involved with the move.
Honoree’s Name: Vicki Cook Honoree’s Dept./Division: Administrative Services Reason for Kudos: Kudos to Vicki Cook for securing payment for the ATLAS video library. This library will allow the Introduction to Teaching course to run during the Spring and Fall semesters by enabling students to observe K-12 classrooms virtually.
Honoree’s Name: Hollie DeWalt Honoree’s Dept./Division: HR Reason for Kudos: Hollie was so helpful throughout the whole employee enrollment process. She promptly answered all questions, even following up with suggestions, and the added bonus of having all of our data from last year roll over into this year’s plan was so incredibly helpful. I really appreciate the extra help Hollie!!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. During our “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive, please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Mark your calendars for the 2020 Mini Holiday Artist Market!
Please join us online this year for a mini version of the annual Holiday Artist Market.
This year has been far from normal, but the staff at the DMC is working hard to continue this yearly tradition. We’ve continued to rework our plans in response to the pandemic and the guidelines in place for the safety of our students, staff and community.
New this year, you can also shop the market online! Our redesigned website will offer free curbside pickup and $5 shipping. NMC staff and students get a 10% discount by using the code NMC10.
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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.
Santa will be riding Traverse City’s antique fire engine through NMC’s campus and neighborhoods at the base of Old Mission Peninsula this Thursday, Dec. 10.
He will be traveling between 3 and 5 p.m. so be prepared for your Santa sighting then!
Join us on Thursday, Dec. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. to celebrate the end of the semester. Ornament kits with cocoa are available. Contact Student Success at (231) 995-3021 to arrange picking up a kit.
As of fall 2020, NMC instructors have saved students an estimated $2 million by switching to open educational resources — free, open and low-cost textbooks beginning in 2015. The amount saved and number of courses taught by these textbook heroes has risen each fall and spring semester. And now, more than 50 NMC classes have no accompanying textbook costs.
Our Priority Health Wellness Consultant, Chrissie Gonzales, will be opening up virtual office hours for NMC wellness members. If you have questions about the Wellbeing Hub, upcoming programs, or general wellness questions or concerns, please schedule a time to meet HERE Appointments are 15 minutes long, additional time can be scheduled if needed.
Also, don’t forget to complete your Health Assessment on the Wellbeing Hub! It’s not too late — log in through your priorityhealth.com member portal and complete the short Health Assessment to unlock personalized health and wellness programs geared toward helping you meet your goals and improve your overall wellbeing. Complete four rewardable programs on the Hub to be entered in the final prize drawing when the program year wraps up in the spring!
Honoree’s Name: Jay Smith
Honoree’s Dept./Division: Engineering Reason for Kudos: Jay did a great job presenting “Experiential Learning in Intro to Engineering” at the Board of Trustees meeting Monday night! The presentation showcased his commitment to whole person learning by using Experiential Learning and his focus on career exploration. Jay is giving his students the skills, traits, and content needed to succeed in the 21st century! NMC is lucky to have such a caring, professional, and excellent instructor! Thank you for sharing your real-world project, Jay!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. During our “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive, please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
TRAVERSE CITY —NMC’s Music Department, in collaboration with the NMC Audio Tech and Visual Communications programs, is pleased to announce the December 4 premiere of “The Lesson of the Lark” — a new concert work celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights hosted by Jeffrey Cobb, Director of Music Programs. The piece, which is meant to uplift and unify us during these challenging times, is a multi-movement work composed for narrator, soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, chorus, and jazz orchestra. The work takes its inspiration from the language of Jazz, including elements of Swing, Blues, Bossa Nova ,Gospel, Salsa, and improvisation.
“The Lesson of the Lark,” is based on local author Laura Knight Cobb’s recently published book of the same name. The book, written to celebrate this year’s 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights, is a dramatic interpretation of the struggle for women’s voting rights, told through the characters of a Girl, a Lark, and a Gardener, in beautiful prose and stunning artwork. A portion of the proceeds from the book’s sales go to the Equal Means Equal organization whose goal is to complete the ratification of the original Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution.
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
TRAVERSE CITY —NMC’s Music Department, in collaboration with the NMC Audio Tech and Visual Communications programs, is pleased to announce the December 4 premiere of “The Lesson of the Lark” — a new concert work celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights hosted by Jeffrey Cobb, Director of Music Programs. The piece, which is meant to uplift and unify us during these challenging times, is a multi-movement work composed for narrator, soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, chorus, and jazz orchestra. The work takes its inspiration from the language of Jazz, including elements of Swing, Blues, Bossa Nova ,Gospel, Salsa, and improvisation.
“The Lesson of the Lark,” is based on local author Laura Knight Cobb’s recently published book of the same name. The book, written to celebrate this year’s 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights, is a dramatic interpretation of the struggle for women’s voting rights, told through the characters of a Girl, a Lark, and a Gardener, in beautiful prose and stunning artwork. A portion of the proceeds from the book’s sales go to the Equal Means Equal organization whose goal is to complete the ratification of the original Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution.
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Photo credit: FulfillamentKnown to thousands in northern Michigan as a longtime voice in local radio, Christal Frost Anderson (right) is poised to take on another identity: NMC student.
In January, Anderson, 41, will be among more than 400 students enrolled so far in classes at NMC through Futures for Frontliners, a statewide program offering free in-district tuition to community colleges to Michiganders who worked in essential industries between April 1 and June 30 but do not have a college degree. (The deadline to apply is Dec. 31 and eligible applicants can enroll anytime in 2021.)
Anderson’s job in media — she’s worked on air for 15 years, most recently at WTCM’s AM and FM stations— qualifies. As she was interviewing someone on the air about the program, she realized it, and that after a couple “false starts” in college, the time was ripe for her.
“That’s what I love about NMC. It’s always there when you’re ready. That’s a big, big thing. It took me a long time to be ready,” said Anderson, a 1998 Benzie Central High School graduate who attended NMC immediately after high school and again in 2002 and 2006.
“I would go back, try to do a class or two, and life would happen,” she said.
But with her son now 20 and deployed in the military and her younger child in high school, it seemed like perhaps she could finish what she started. Futures for Frontliners, whose application period runs through Dec. 31, sealed the deal.
“It’s about actually accomplishing it,” said Anderson.
Eligible workers include those who worked in financial services, food and agriculture, health care, law enforcement, transportation and public works. They may pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate while they continue to work. Among NMC’s 1,450 Frontliner applicants, 445 have been determined as eligible and nearly all have registered for spring semester, which begins Jan. 11. Just over half are new students while the remainder are currently enrolled but will gain the Frontliners scholarship. Most of the 1,000 who have applied but not yet been declared eligible have outstanding paperwork and could still take advantage of the scholarship.
Anderson is considering studying either criminal justice or psychology and plans to stay on the air.
“I probably won’t leave my job, I love my job,” she said. “Even if I never use the field of study, there’s something to be said about always learning.”
The bite-size approach that Frontliners offers also appeals to Anderson. Students need only enroll in six credits, or two classes, to maintain scholarship eligibility. Anderson will take her classes online, a convenience that didn’t exist when she last attended.
“You had to fit your schedule around the school. That’s not how it is now, and that has made all the difference,” she said.
She also plans to take full advantage of NMC’s many student support services. Advising, success coaching and tutoring are just a few available. Attempting to go solo factored into her previous false starts.
“I didn’t reach out for help, and therefore I ended up dropping out,” she said. “I know I need the support.”
This time, she’s already taking practice tests and practicing writing samples to prepare for an exam that would allow her to test out of an English course.
NMC’s in-district tuition rates apply to Grand Traverse County residents. Those who qualify for Futures for Frontliners but live outside the district may still take advantage of the scholarship by paying the difference.
Photo credit: FulfillamentKnown to thousands in northern Michigan as a longtime voice in local radio, Christal Frost Anderson (right) is poised to take on another identity: NMC student.
In January, Anderson, 41, will be among more than 400 students enrolled so far in classes at NMC through Futures for Frontliners, a statewide program offering free in-district tuition to community colleges to Michiganders who worked in essential industries between April 1 and June 30 but do not have a college degree. (The deadline to apply is Dec. 31 and eligible applicants can enroll anytime in 2021.)
Anderson’s job in media — she’s worked on air for 15 years, most recently at WTCM’s AM and FM stations— qualifies. As she was interviewing someone on the air about the program, she realized it, and that after a couple “false starts” in college, the time was ripe for her.
“That’s what I love about NMC. It’s always there when you’re ready. That’s a big, big thing. It took me a long time to be ready,” said Anderson, a 1998 Benzie Central High School graduate who attended NMC immediately after high school and again in 2002 and 2006.
“I would go back, try to do a class or two, and life would happen,” she said.
But with her son now 20 and deployed in the military and her younger child in high school, it seemed like perhaps she could finish what she started. Futures for Frontliners, whose application period runs through Dec. 31, sealed the deal.
“It’s about actually accomplishing it,” said Anderson.
Eligible workers include those who worked in financial services, food and agriculture, health care, law enforcement, transportation and public works. They may pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate while they continue to work. Among NMC’s 1,450 Frontliner applicants, 445 have been determined as eligible and nearly all have registered for spring semester, which begins Jan. 11. Just over half are new students while the remainder are currently enrolled but will gain the Frontliners scholarship. Most of the 1,000 who have applied but not yet been declared eligible have outstanding paperwork and could still take advantage of the scholarship.
Anderson is considering studying either criminal justice or psychology and plans to stay on the air.
“I probably won’t leave my job, I love my job,” she said. “Even if I never use the field of study, there’s something to be said about always learning.”
The bite-size approach that Frontliners offers also appeals to Anderson. Students need only enroll in six credits, or two classes, to maintain scholarship eligibility. Anderson will take her classes online, a convenience that didn’t exist when she last attended.
“You had to fit your schedule around the school. That’s not how it is now, and that has made all the difference,” she said.
She also plans to take full advantage of NMC’s many student support services. Advising, success coaching and tutoring are just a few available. Attempting to go solo factored into her previous false starts.
“I didn’t reach out for help, and therefore I ended up dropping out,” she said. “I know I need the support.”
This time, she’s already taking practice tests and practicing writing samples to prepare for an exam that would allow her to test out of an English course.
NMC’s in-district tuition rates apply to Grand Traverse County residents. Those who qualify for Futures for Frontliners but live outside the district may still take advantage of the scholarship by paying the difference.
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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.
NMC’s Alpha Rho Pi proudly presents a screening of “John Lewis: Good Trouble” — an intimate account of legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis’s life, from his teenage years on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement, to becoming a legislative powerhouse.
The screening will take place Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., followed by a panel discussion.
NMC’s Music Department, in collaboration with the NMC Audio Tech and Visual Communications programs, is pleased to announce the premiere of “The Lesson of the Lark” — a new concert work celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights hosted by Jeffrey Cobb, Director of Music Programs. The piece, which is meant to uplift and unify us during these challenging times, is a multi-movement work composed for narrator, soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, chorus, and jazz orchestra. The work takes its inspiration from the language of Jazz, including elements of Swing, Blues, Bossa Nova ,Gospel, Salsa, and improvisation.
“The Lesson of the Lark,” is based on local author Laura Knight Cobb’s recently published book of the same name. The book, written to celebrate this year’s 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights, is a dramatic interpretation of the struggle for women’s voting rights, told through the characters of a Girl, a Lark, and a Gardener, in beautiful prose and stunning artwork. A portion of the proceeds from the book’s sales go to the Equal Means Equal organization whose goal is to complete the ratification of the original Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, NMC’s Educational Technologies team has been increasing its knowledgebase of online teaching tips and tools. New statistics show just how heavily their expertise is recognized and utilized. Between July 1 and Nov. 15, 2019, the teaching@nmc.edu page had 3,000 users. The same period this year saw 266,000 users — an 8,792% increase.
Page views rose from just over 17,000 in the 2019 period to more than 1 million in 2020. The top three pages visited were changing your name in a Zoom meeting (NMC’s explainer even ranks near the top in Google searches), downloading and setting up the Moodle mobile app and the teaching.nmc.edu homepage.
Have you had instructors this semester who you feel really excelled?
NMC has a way for you to recognize those instructors: nominate them for a Faculty Excellence Award! These awards celebrate instructors who demonstrate teaching excellence, rapport with students, and innovation in the classroom.
Thank you for your continued work to keep our students, co-workers and community safe during the pandemic. Most of you are now working remotely after the Governor last week required all work that can be done remotely, must be.
For those of you whose work requires you to come to campus, please continue to closely monitor your health. Early in our response we had asked you to monitor your symptoms through these self-screening questions and communicate with your supervisor before coming to campus as part of NMC’s Keep Safe Plan.
As the pandemic has intensified our compliance obligations have also increased. Rather than simply a ‘self-check,’ we are now required by the state of Michigan to have all employees check in with their manager every day before the employee may come on-site to any of our campuses. Please note: this applies to ALL EMPLOYEE groups and contractors.
If you have no symptoms, and have had no close contact with anyone who has COVID-19, as identified in the self-screening questions, a brief email stating “no symptoms” to your manager will be sufficient.
If you have any symptoms or have close contact, please let your manager know and do not come to campus. Please contact Hollie DeWalt in Human Resources, via email hdewalt@nmc.edu, or via phone call at (231) 995-1350
Managers must maintain a record of symptom checks for each employee who comes to campus or reports symptoms, each day. A spreadsheet format will be sufficient, and may be needed by HR to confirm recordkeeping for MIOSHA compliance.
NMC will soon launch a smart phone-based application so that employees can report their symptom check results through their phone or the web. Employees who do not have an appropriate device will continue to report their results to their manager each day via phone call or email before they come to campus.
Our continued goal is to keep employees and students safe with the least disruption to learning as possible. Our entire NMC community thanks you for your help in limiting the spread of the virus on our campuses. If you have questions or concerns on any of our COVID-19 protocol please reach out to your supervisor or myself.
Mark
— Mark Liebling
Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
Kudos to Dean of Students Lisa Thomas and Marcus Bennett, Associate Dean of Campus & Residence Life, and other college staff at NMC who work to ease the transition for students coming out of the foster care system. As detailed in a recent Traverse City Record-Eagle story, their efforts — from waiving fees to providing emotional support — help assure that the students find success in their college careers.
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past two weeks. 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.
Anyone having difficulties navigating life during the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has a mental health hotline you can access for free and confidential access to counselors 24/7. Language translation is available for non-English-speaking residents who call the counseling line. MDHHS COVID-19 Help Hotline: (888) 535-6136, choose prompt 8. To access other mental health resources for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, visit 
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. During our “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive, please encourage your colleagues by 
Mark your calendars for the 2020 Mini Holiday Artist Market!
Santa will be riding Traverse City’s antique fire engine through NMC’s campus and neighborhoods at the base of Old Mission Peninsula this Thursday, Dec. 10.
Let’s get together online for some holiday fun!
As of fall 2020, NMC instructors have saved students an estimated $2 million by switching to 
TRAVERSE CITY —NMC’s Music Department, in collaboration with the NMC Audio Tech and Visual Communications programs, is pleased to announce the December 4 premiere of “The Lesson of the Lark” — a new concert work celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights hosted by Jeffrey Cobb, Director of Music Programs. The piece, which is meant to uplift and unify us during these challenging times, is a multi-movement work composed for narrator, soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, chorus, and jazz orchestra. The work takes its inspiration from the language of Jazz, including elements of Swing, Blues, Bossa Nova ,Gospel, Salsa, and improvisation.
TRAVERSE CITY —NMC’s Music Department, in collaboration with the NMC Audio Tech and Visual Communications programs, is pleased to announce the December 4 premiere of “The Lesson of the Lark” — a new concert work celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights hosted by Jeffrey Cobb, Director of Music Programs. The piece, which is meant to uplift and unify us during these challenging times, is a multi-movement work composed for narrator, soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, chorus, and jazz orchestra. The work takes its inspiration from the language of Jazz, including elements of Swing, Blues, Bossa Nova ,Gospel, Salsa, and improvisation.
NMC’s Alpha Rho Pi proudly presents a screening of “John Lewis: Good Trouble” — an intimate account of legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis’s life, from his teenage years on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement, to becoming a legislative powerhouse.