Oct 14, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
October 14, 2020
Adapting to the challenges of COVID-19 has led NMC’s flagship Freshwater Studies program to a triple win: improving student learning, community collaboration and career exploration in a single course.
Introduction to Freshwater Studies is the first course in NMC’s first-in-the-nation Freshwater Studies associate degree program. This fall, instructor Constanza Hazelwood reimagined the 20-student course to conform to group size restrictions and distancing requirements necessitated by the coronavirus. She divided it into three tracks that allow students to experience project research, management and communications in areas that align with their interests, from water quality monitoring to habitat restoration to laboratory testing.
“We didn’t want large groups gathering anywhere,” said Hazelwood, who has taught the class for the past 11 years on NMC’s Great Lakes campus. “That’s what got me thinking we must have students outdoors. We cannot teach this on a screen.”
Field work and community partnerships have been part of the course in the past, but this time, it’s a much deeper dive. Hazelwood tapped nine community organizations, many non-profit. Each student works with three as they go through their tracks.
“This time the students are really engaged in the work of the organizations,” said Hazelwood.
Groups like the Grand Traverse Conservation District, where students planted trees to help restore the Boardman River Watershed (photos, courtesy Alan Newton) and the Glen Lake Association in Leelanau County, where students worked on a project to eradicate invasive yellow iris in Big Fisher Lake, part of the Glen Lake/Crystal River watershed.
‘We’re so grateful, not just for the manual labor but the opportunity to work alongside these really incredible students,” said GLA’s Tricia Denton. “These are the future caretakers of our precious water resources.”
Other groups participating include For Love of Water, Circle of Blue, Freshwater Solutions and Fish Pass. (Watch a TV 9 & 10 story on the Fish Pass project.)
“A big component is career exploration,” Hazelwood said. “It’s very much immersion in the professional world.”
“They’re working with master’s and PhD-level professionals, some of them who have been in the field for over 40 years, which is so different from reading about something online or in a textbook,” said Denton, who is also eyeing the group of nine students she worked with for future association interns.
2019 graduate Abbey Hull, now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Freshwater Science and Sustainability from Western Michigan University, a partnership with NMC, returned to mentor current students in a project using state-of-the-art technology to test water for E. coli.
Traverse City’s Freshwater Solutions is the partner for the project using qPCR technology, which extracts DNA from water samples. Also being deployed to monitor for COVID-19, for E. coli, results are available in two hours instead of the 24 hours it would take using the traditional method of sampling and then attempting to grow cultures.
Drilling down further, qPCR can determine the source of the bacteria — septic tanks, or waterfowl?— which guides appropriate mitigation.
“This was a great way for students to get hands-on, and meet people in the field and network from there,” Hull said.
Hazelwood points out that it’s another opportunity for alumni like Hull, too.
“Even after graduating, they’re still learning from NMC,” she said.
Oct 14, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
October 14, 2020
Adapting to the challenges of COVID-19 has led NMC’s flagship Freshwater Studies program to a triple win: improving student learning, community collaboration and career exploration in a single course.
Introduction to Freshwater Studies is the first course in NMC’s first-in-the-nation Freshwater Studies associate degree program. This fall, instructor Constanza Hazelwood reimagined the 20-student course to conform to group size restrictions and distancing requirements necessitated by the coronavirus. She divided it into three tracks that allow students to experience project research, management and communications in areas that align with their interests, from water quality monitoring to habitat restoration to laboratory testing.
“We didn’t want large groups gathering anywhere,” said Hazelwood, who has taught the class for the past 11 years on NMC’s Great Lakes campus. “That’s what got me thinking we must have students outdoors. We cannot teach this on a screen.”
Field work and community partnerships have been part of the course in the past, but this time, it’s a much deeper dive. Hazelwood tapped nine community organizations, many non-profit. Each student works with three as they go through their tracks.
“This time the students are really engaged in the work of the organizations,” said Hazelwood.
Groups like the Grand Traverse Conservation District, where students planted trees to help restore the Boardman River Watershed (photos, courtesy Alan Newton) and the Glen Lake Association in Leelanau County, where students worked on a project to eradicate invasive yellow iris in Big Fisher Lake, part of the Glen Lake/Crystal River watershed.
‘We’re so grateful, not just for the manual labor but the opportunity to work alongside these really incredible students,” said GLA’s Tricia Denton. “These are the future caretakers of our precious water resources.”
Other groups participating include For Love of Water, Circle of Blue, Freshwater Solutions and Fish Pass.
“A big component is career exploration,” Hazelwood said. “It’s very much immersion in the professional world.”
“They’re working with master’s and PhD-level professionals, some of them who have been in the field for over 40 years, which is so different from reading about something online or in a textbook,” said Denton, who is also eyeing the group of nine students she worked with for future association interns.
2019 graduate Abbey Hull, now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Freshwater Science and Sustainability from Western Michigan University, a partnership with NMC, returned to mentor current students in a project using state-of-the-art technology to test water for E. coli.
Traverse City’s Freshwater Solutions is the partner for the project using qPCR technology, which extracts DNA from water samples. Also being deployed to monitor for COVID-19, for E. coli, results are available in two hours instead of the 24 hours it would take using the traditional method of sampling and then attempting to grow cultures.
Drilling down further, qPCR can determine the source of the bacteria — septic tanks, or waterfowl?— which guides appropriate mitigation.
“This was a great way for students to get hands-on, and meet people in the field and network from there,” Hull said.
Hazelwood points out that it’s another opportunity for alumni like Hull, too.
“Even after graduating, they’re still learning from NMC,” she said.
Oct 9, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
November 11, 2020
Support Great Lakes Culinary Institute students while enjoying a delicious spread of charcuterie. For this one-time event, you are invited to purchase charcuterie boxes delightfully prepared by the garde manger class. Boxes will include a variety of delicacies and each item is handcrafted from scratch. Choose between four different themes (pork, poultry/duck, fish/seafood, and vegetable/foraging) or purchase all four! Each box costs $40 and generously serves one person.
To purchase your box, visit nmc.edu/glci-togo. Call the NMC Foundation at (231) 995-1021 with questions.
Oct 9, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Step Challenge (access the flyer here)
- Challenge 9/21/2020 – 10/18/2020
- Last day to enter your steps is October 18. If you are not someone who accesses the portal on the weekend, feel free to project what you anticipate stepping so you have your totals included!
Oct 9, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Mary Jo Elliott in the Science and Math Academic Area and the Human Resources department are being honored with kudos this week. Read the reasons below!
Honoree’s Name: Mary Jo Elliott
Honoree’s Dept./Division: Science and Math Academic Area
Reason for Kudos: Mary Jo recorded a presentation for the Board of Trustees on how student engagement is encouraged through online chemistry! The presentation was thoughtful, inspiring, and a wonderful example of how innovative and talented our faculty are! Thank you, Mary Jo, for taking the time to educate and share your expertise around chemistry and online learning!
Honoree’s Name: Human Resources Dept.
Reason for Kudos: From March to May, Human Resources and the Business Office collaborated to utilize our agile new payroll software to responsibly track employee leave time related to the pandemic (Covid-19 time, Paid Sick Leaves, etc.) This required a thoughtful setup, designing ADP’s leave banks, earnings codes, and other parameters and guidelines for employees on how to track this time. That administrative work has reaped major benefits for NMC. Because HR clearly communicated and employees effectively tracked the Covid-19 time, NMC is eligible for grant funding and will recover the wages they paid employees during this time which otherwise may not have been fully recovered.
Honoree’s Name: Human Resources Dept.
Reason for Kudos: Human Resources assessed and streamlined an onboarding task requiring employees to sign up for direct deposit upon hire. Employees who do not enroll in direct deposit in time for their 1st pay are issued a pay card through ADP. In the first six months using ADP, Payroll issued 96 pay cards. In the last six months, Payroll has not issued any pay cards (zero), meaning 100% of newly hired employees signed up for direct deposit timely. Thank you for looking at a process and finding ways to ensure our employees are paid timely and effectively! This also reduces Payroll’s processing time each pay.
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!
Oct 9, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
During COVID-19 times, Freshwater Studies students are taking part in a community-based course to immerse themselves in local freshwater projects. Students in Intro to Freshwater Studies are rotating in small groups to contribute to exemplary freshwater projects in the Grand Traverse area. Community partners like the Grand Traverse Conservation District, The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay, and the Glen Lake Association are hosting students for three weeks giving them opportunities to use sophisticated equipment and learn from top scientists and researchers.
Check out what our local 9&10 news channel had to say about our 2020 Freshwater Studies students and the role they are playing learning about remote sensing equipment and collecting data for the Fish Pass project.
Oct 8, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — FAFSA gotcha frustrated? Confused? Stuck?
NMC’s Office of Student Financial Services will offer five virtual information sessions on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, the first step to receive any kind of federal financial aid. About 80 percent of scholarships require the FAFSA as well.
Dates are Oct. 20 at 10 a.m., Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 7 at 10 a.m., Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Register online for each 30-minute session. Applicants can also schedule a one-on-one FAFSA completion appointment.
Student Financial Services will also hold two virtual scholarship workshops: Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Register online for these as well.
Release date: October 8, 2020
For more information:
Student Financial Services
sfs@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1035
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
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
Oct 8, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — FAFSA gotcha frustrated? Confused? Stuck?
NMC’s Office of Student Financial Services will offer five virtual information sessions on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, the first step to receive any kind of federal financial aid. About 80 percent of scholarships require the FAFSA as well.
Dates are Oct. 20 at 10 a.m., Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 7 at 10 a.m., Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Register online for each 30-minute session. Applicants can also schedule a one-on-one FAFSA completion appointment.
Student Financial Services will also hold two virtual scholarship workshops: Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Register online for these as well.
Release date: October 8, 2020
For more information:
Student Financial Services
sfs@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1035
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
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
Oct 6, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Good afternoon NMC community,
Thank you for your work to follow NMC’s keep safe guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of your adherence to these measures, we have had only a few cases on campus, all with minimal risk of possible exposure.
Recently, discussions and decisions around masks and other safety requirements have been at the forefront of state government. Please note that NMC continues to require masks and social distancing on its campuses. The college remains committed to student and employee safety and limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible. To meet those goals, NMC will continue to follow its Keep Safe Plan at this time.
Thank you again for your work in supporting this shared responsibility. For more information on NMC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic including resources and feedback form please visit nmc.edu/covid-19.
Oct 6, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 1,000 frontline workers have applied to NMC in the three weeks since the free tuition program was announced.
Futures for Frontliners offers 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. They may pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate on a full-time or part-time basis while they continue to work. NMC’s in-district tuition rates apply to Grand Traverse County residents. Those who qualify but live outside the district may still take advantage of the scholarship by paying the difference.
NMC Director of Admissions Cathryn Claerhout said 1,038 applicants had been filed as of Sept. 30. Many of those still need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, if conversion from application to enrollment conforms to NMC’s patterns (79 percent this fall) it could translate into a significant enrollment increase in January.
“We’re delighted,” Claerhout said. “There’s a huge surge we could be seeing.”
Essential industries include health care, financial services, food and agriculture, law enforcement and first responders, water and wastewater, transportation and more. NMC is also offering virtual information sessions on completing the FAFSA Oct. 20, Nov. 7 and 20 and Dec. 10. Applicants can also schedule a one-on-one FAFSA completion appointment.
Announced Sept. 10 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Futures for Frontliners has drawn more than 60,000 applicants statewide. The application period runs through December 31, 2020, with enrollment available beginning in January of 2021. Scholarship recipients may also choose to start in the summer or fall 2021 semesters.
In addition, NMC is also participating in Michigan Reconnect, another statewide program aimed at filling the state’s skills gap by helping adults over age 25 earn a degree or certificate. Beyond these two programs, NMC has more than 650 institutional scholarships available.
Claerhout said in the Grand Traverse region there are 19,000 adults over age 25 who do not have a degree. “We’ve got pockets of students, typically older students, that we have great potential (aid) for,” she said.
Those without a high school diploma or equivalency are eligible for services to help them prepare for and complete this credential and go on to a community college or job training program.
To apply and learn more about Futures for Frontliners, visit nmc.edu/frontliners.
Release date: October 6, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
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
Oct 6, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 1,000 frontline workers have applied to NMC in the three weeks since the free tuition program was announced.
Futures for Frontliners offers 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. They may pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate on a full-time or part-time basis while they continue to work. NMC’s in-district tuition rates apply to Grand Traverse County residents. Those who qualify but live outside the district may still take advantage of the scholarship by paying the difference.
NMC Director of Admissions Cathryn Claerhout said 1,038 applicants had been filed as of Sept. 30. Many of those still need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, if conversion from application to enrollment conforms to NMC’s patterns (79 percent this fall) it could translate into a significant enrollment increase in January.
“We’re delighted,” Claerhout said. “There’s a huge surge we could be seeing.”
Essential industries include health care, financial services, food and agriculture, law enforcement and first responders, water and wastewater, transportation and more. NMC is also offering virtual information sessions on completing the FAFSA Oct. 20, Nov. 7 and 20 and Dec. 10. Applicants can also schedule a one-on-one FAFSA completion appointment.
Announced Sept. 10 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Futures for Frontliners has drawn more than 60,000 applicants statewide. The application period runs through December 31, 2020, with enrollment available beginning in January of 2021. Scholarship recipients may also choose to start in the summer or fall 2021 semesters.
In addition, NMC is also participating in Michigan Reconnect, another statewide program aimed at filling the state’s skills gap by helping adults over age 25 earn a degree or certificate. Beyond these two programs, NMC has more than 650 institutional scholarships available.
Claerhout said in the Grand Traverse region there are 19,000 adults over age 25 who do not have a degree. “We’ve got pockets of students, typically older students, that we have great potential (aid) for,” she said.
Those without a high school diploma or equivalency are eligible for services to help them prepare for and complete this credential and go on to a community college or job training program.
To apply and learn more about Futures for Frontliners, visit nmc.edu/frontliners.
Release date: October 6, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
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
Oct 5, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
NMC inks agreement with Michigan Tech
Record-Eagle, September 29
9&10 News, September 30 (more…)
Oct 5, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Culinary student Elyce Newcomb (right, on the right) found many helpers and heroes in her first month at NMC, from Chef Les Eckert at the Great Lakes Culinary Institute to the Office of Student Life.
Newcomb, 19, needed short-term temporary housing in September. After an arrangement with a friend fell through, she feared she might have to leave her classes or live in her vehicle until her apartment was available. Eckert and and the Student Life office got her gas cards to go home to Sault Ste Marie for Labor Day weekend. When Newcomb returned, they had found a room at the Sierra Motel, a stone’s throw from main campus. Tom’s gift cards helped with groceries.
Newcomb stayed there for 18 days. As a thank-you, she brought lunch from her classes to the motel owners. (Motel co-owner Conie Duimstra, with Elyce in the photo, asked if she could come to Elyce’s graduation.) Now settled in her apartment, Newcomb is focused on her goal of graduating and working as a cook aboard a ship.
“I’m really thankful for NMC and my chefs, and the Student Life Center; they’ve literally changed my life,” Newcomb said.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Oct 5, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The League of Women Voters – Grand Traverse Area will hold a virtual forum for the seven candidates running for the NMC Board of Trustees from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. Questions for the candidates may be submitted to info@lwvgta.org.
Links to watch the forum are available here.
Read a Q&A with the candidates here.
Oct 2, 2020 | Intercom
Thank you to everyone who attended Thursday afternoon’s Virtual Town Hall, which drew 195 people. If you were unable to attend, or want to review what was discussed, you can view the video here.
If you were unable get your questions answered during the meeting, or if you have any followup questions or feedback, please email them to publicrelations@nmc.edu.
The Virtual Town Hall covered the following topics:
- Welcome & Update from President Nick Nissley
- COVID Update
- Enrollment Update
- Budget Update
- Fall/Spring Schedule
- DEI Team Announcement
Oct 1, 2020 | Intercom
Hello all!
Recently NMC made the commitment to our students, employees and our community to make meaningful change in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI.) As part of that work, our new DEI Team has been exploring ways to build engagement and awareness in this area. We are pleased to announce a new opportunity to deepen our understanding of these important issues through a partnership with United Way of Northwest Michigan called the 21-Day Equity Challenge.
The recent release of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and Black Households Data clearly illustrates the inequities that are deeply rooted in our national, state, and local systems and institutions. Over the 21-day Challenge, you will take a self-guided learning journey that examines the history and impacts of racism and how it shapes people’s lived experience in Northwest Michigan.
The Challenge is simple: you commit to deepening your understanding of and willingness to confront racism for twenty-one consecutive days. The Challenge will raise your awareness, advance your understanding, and potentially shift the way you behave. Along the way, you’ll also receive examples and tools on how to undo racism and build racial equity and justice.
Participants who register for this challenge will receive one email per day with a prompt that includes readings, videos, and/or podcasts. It is recommended that participants take an average of 20-25 minutes per day to absorb each day’s information as they reflect on what is learned each new day. Participants will have an opportunity to have check-ins with other employees to process and discuss the information, along with an opportunity at the conclusion of The Challenge to learn from one another as we reflect on the last 21 days.
The Challenge was originally developed by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., Dr. Marguerite Penick-Parks and Debby Irving, who are nationally recognized experts on racial and social injustice. The Michigan Association of United Ways has committed to adapt The Challenge with the support of leaders across our Michigan United Way network. A special thank you to the United Way of Washtenaw County for their leadership and guidance.
We believe it benefits us all to have greater collective capacity and courage to identify and address the different ways that bias, prejudice, privilege, and oppression show up in our work and lives. We hope you will consider joining with NMC in this invitation to this self-guided journey towards a greater understanding of ourselves, our community, and those we impact on a daily basis, including our colleagues and students.
Registration for this Equity Challenge will be open from October 1 through October 10. The Challenge will run from October 12 through November 1. Please sign up before 5 p.m. on October 10.
Register here: unitedwaynwmi.org/nmcequitychallenge.
—
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
Sep 30, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College announces new concert programs offered virtually in coordination with the cancelation of its annual concert series for the 2020-2021 season. Due to the ongoing risks to the health and safety of performers and audiences, concert programs will remain virtual for the foreseeable future.
The Live & Local Concert Series, which began in April 2020, will continue this October with four additional programs featuring performances by and conversations with musicians from Northern Michigan and beyond. The goal of this series is to present entertaining concerts in a safe and interactive format, including both performance and Q&A sessions with each program.
The Live & Local Concert Series is supported by a grant from Art Bridges, with funds paid to every performer.
“It’s difficult for a virtual format to fully replace the energy and community of a concert hall,” says Dennos curator of education Jason Dake, “So we’re trying to promote the positive aspects of a virtual concert, mainly that audience members can ask questions and make requests as if the musician is sitting in their home.”
The Live & Local Concerts will be offered via Zoom on a “pay what you can” model, free to $15 for the one-hour performance and conversation. Tickets can be purchased by visiting dennosmuseum.org.
CONCERT LINEUP
LIVE & LOCAL WITH SETH BERNARD
Thursday, October 8, 2020 — 7:00 p.m. EST
LIVE & LOCAL WITH BLAKE ELLIOT
Thursday, October 15, 2020 — 7:00 p.m. EST
LIVE & LOCAL WITH JORDAN HAMILTON
Monday, October 19, 2020 — 7:00 p.m. EST
LIVE & LOCAL WITH BLAIR MILLER
Thursday, October 29, 2020 — 7:00 p.m. EST
Sep 30, 2020 | Student Events
This Friday, Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m., we will be learning how to make brigadeiro from Brazil over zoom. This can be done in the microwave or on the stove top if you choose to follow along. Rayssa (Hi-ee-sah) from Brazil will be teaching us. Please feel free to reach out to bhanbury@nmc.edu or message us on Facebook if you have any questions about this! Scan our QR code to the right to find us on Facebook and follow us to stay up with all of our latest events.
The needed ingredients are:
- Butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate sprinkles (Optional)
Join the Zoom Meeting here:
https://nmc.zoom.us/j/93845756624?pwd=OTl0bHZiUkMrbHFuK3VESE1zVW5aZz09
Meeting ID: 938 4575 6624
Passcode: Brazil
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,93845756624# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,93845756624# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
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Meeting ID: 938 4575 6624
Find your local number: https://nmc.zoom.us/u/adI5eJBV8y
Sep 30, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
September 30, 2020
Six newcomers and one incumbent are vying for three seats on NMC’s Board of Trustees this November, the largest field in 30 years. The top three vote-getters will serve six-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2021. We asked each candidate to answer two questions in 100 words or less:
- Why are you running?
- As an NMC trustee, what would your priorities be?
Below, in alphabetical order, are their responses. For those seeking further information, the Grand Traverse League of Women Voters will hold a virtual candidate forum from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, October 9. Links to watch are available here.
Vincent Cornellier: Serving as Trustee at NMC would round out a lifetime of educational experience and hopefully allow me to “pay forward “ some of the many benefits I have enjoyed along the way. While I have no specific agenda or platform, I would continue to strengthen partnerships with the business and medical community and of course do whatever I can to help maintain the outstanding record NMC has achieved in preparing students for further educational advancement.
Larry Johnson: I am running for NMC trustee to be of service to the students, faculty and staff at NMC, and to the Grand Traverse community. As an NMC trustee, my priorities would be to determine the needs of the college and how I could best serve its constituents; to help insure the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors to the campus; and to explore ways in which funds could be made available to NMC, and programs developed that continue the movement toward future growth and relevance to students needs now, and in the future.
Rachel Johnson (incumbent): I’m running for re-election because communities with healthy cradle-to-grave education opportunities have a more engaged citizenry, higher average income, and greater resiliency. That’s the kind of community I want to live in, and that’s why I am invested in NMC. My priorities:
- Promote innovative, experiential and flexible educational models.
- Prioritize industry collaboration to create innovative, technology-driven programs that fill gaps in our local workforce.
- Grow globally-relevant programs like freshwater studies that train our students for in-demand jobs and attract entrepreneurial investments to our community.
- Keep tuition affordable for local families.
- Emphasize NMC’s role in promoting diversity and understanding through our lifelong learning opportunities.
Daniel Lathrop: Did not respond. He formerly served on the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners and is a podiatrist.
Laura Oblinger: Our community college has a tremendous responsibility to our region and to our learners, and now is a pivotal moment in its history. The road ahead promises incredible things to come, and this thriving organization needs leaders at the helm — leaders with the skills, passion, and integrity to assist in its growth. I believe I am one of these leaders. I am aligned to be an amazing asset to this team. It will be my priority to support President Nissley with the governance guidance he needs as well as be a genuine advocate in our region.
James Perra: With a passion for supporting student leadership and service, alongside a comprehensive viewpoint, having been a teacher, student, and a member of professional communities in the trades, medical, professional, and academic arenas, I look forward to bringing my diverse experiences, deep skill set, and fresh ideas to the NMC board. Priorities include cultivating hands-on learning where students are treated by instructors as colleagues in training, and imparted not just technical skills, but values and cultural competencies that lead to success, and to expand NMC’s role as a cultural gem for the greater community through the Dennos Museum and arts opportunities.
Kenneth Warner: With 45 years as a U-M professor, including 15 as a department chair and School of Public Health dean, I’m motivated to run by my passion for higher education and, specifically, my deep admiration for NMC’s many contributions to our community. My top priority is to maintain an excellent, affordable education for NMC’s students, necessitating a great work environment for faculty and staff and a sustained foundation of fiscal integrity. To achieve these objectives, I would encourage even closer interaction with the business, nonprofit, and arts communities to address the region’s needs and enhance programmatic innovation, a hallmark of NMC.
Sep 29, 2020 | Intercom, Student Events
THURSDAY, OCT. 15 @ 5 PM ET via ZOOM
Are the goals of profit and climate solutions incompatible? What roles can government and business play in addressing climate change? And how has industry abroad worked to tackle these challenges? Join us for a case study discussion on Indonesia with former US Ambassador Robert Blake.
Amb. Blake served 31 years in the U.S. State Department including as Ambassador to Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Maldives, and as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia. He is currently Executive Director at McLarty Associates, a Washington-based international trade advisory group.
This event is open to the public, and “pay what you can” for non-members. Broadcast livestream via Zoom, including Q&A. Submit questions during the webinar or email ahead to iaf@nmc.edu.
Sep 29, 2020 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — Thank you for all of your work to keep our NMC community safe during the pandemic. While the safety protocols and scheduling changes are very different than a normal fall semester, with your support we have been able to greatly limit the spread of COVID-19 on NMC’s campuses.
As we look ahead to spring semester, our goals remain the same—to keep our students and employees safe and to limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. To meet these goals we have some important updates to help you plan your spring schedule as you prepare to register for spring classes this week.
- Course format options will remain the same including, lecture, hybrid, livestream and on-demand. We have worked to refine the definitions to make it easier for you to find your best option.
- The spring semester start and end dates will remain as scheduled (unchanged).
- Spring Break will be cancelled and classes will be held March 28–April 1.
- Friday, April 2, will remain a college holiday. NMC will be closed and there will be no classes.
- Spring semester classes will conclude Monday, April 26. Instructors may use the rest of the week to meet with their students at the faculty’s discretion.
- Grades Submission deadlines will remain as scheduled.
- The dates for events such as Honors Convocation and Commencement will remain as scheduled, but may need to be changed depending on safety protocols.
You can view the complete spring (and summer) course schedule here. Registration for both semesters begins this week.
You have done good work in limiting the spread of the coronavirus on our campuses. We believe that, by making these changes to the spring semester, we can continue to stay safe and keep learning. While we hope to not have to return to 100% virtual instruction like last spring, we are better prepared to make the shift, if necessary. We will continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19 at NMC and in our region. Limiting the spread of the virus is a shared responsibility. Thank you for doing your part. For more information regarding NMC’s response to COVID-19 visit nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Release date: September 29, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
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
Sep 29, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Good morning NMC students,
Thank you for all of your work to keep our NMC community safe during the pandemic. While the safety protocols and scheduling changes are very different than a normal fall semester, with your support we have been able to greatly limit the spread of COVID-19 on NMC’s campuses.
As we look ahead to spring semester, our goals remain the same—to keep our students and employees safe and to limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. To meet these goals we have some important updates to help you plan your spring schedule as you prepare to register for spring classes this week.
- Course format options will remain the same including, lecture, hybrid, livestream and on-demand. We have worked to refine the definitions to make it easier for you to find your best option.
- The spring semester start and end dates will remain as scheduled (unchanged).
- Spring Break will be cancelled and classes will be held March 28 – April 1.
- Friday, April 2, will remain a college holiday. NMC will be closed and there will be no classes.
- Spring semester classes will conclude Monday, April 26. Instructors may use the rest of the week to meet with their students at the faculty’s discretion.
- Grades Submission deadlines will remain as scheduled.
- The dates for events such as Honors Convocation and Commencement will remain as scheduled, but may need to be changed depending on safety protocols.
You can view the complete spring (and summer) course schedule here. Registration for both semesters begins this week.
You have done good work in limiting the spread of the coronavirus on our campuses. We believe that, by making these changes to the spring semester, we can continue to stay safe and keep learning. While we hope to not have to return to 100% virtual instruction like last spring, we are better prepared to make the shift, if necessary. We will continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19 at NMC and in our region. Limiting the spread of the virus is a shared responsibility. Thank you for doing your part. For more information regarding NMC’s response to COVID-19 visit nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Sep 28, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
In conjunction with the Marine Technology Society, NMC will host Great Lakes TechSurge: Lakebed 2030 Sept. 30–Oct. 2. This major international virtual conference brings together scientists and researchers, policy makers and government officials and industry professionals. Register for the event here and view the event schedule here.
Sep 28, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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 Osterlin Library.
Building Back The Trades, One Student At A Time
Northern Express, September 25 (more…)
Sep 28, 2020 | Announcements & News, Intercom
Longtime NMC instructor John Pahl passed away on September 20, 2020.
Pahl was hired to teach in NMC’s Communications department in 1966 and remained an instructor at the college for 48 years, while also coaching NMC’s cross country and tennis teams and taking part in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program, where he spent a year Germany and had sabbaticals at Cambridge University and Oxford University. He also wrote stories, articles and poems and served on the board of Michigan Writers.
One former NMC student, regional historian and author Kathleen Firestone, established the John Pahl Literary Prize at NMC in honor of her teacher and mentor, and to inspire and reward NMC students for good writing.
Visitation and a Celebration of Live will be held Oct. 3. Read more here.
