May 28, 2020 | Intercom, Student Events
Want to improve your college success skills? This is the first in a series of eight Student Success Workshops offered by the Student Success Center on Wednesdays at 1 pm.
BALANCING YOUR LIFE
Life shouldn’t feel like a juggling act when taking college classes. Learn simple tips and tools to help you balance your life and school.
Other Student Success Workshops include:
- Succeeding in the Online Classroom (6/17)
- Navigating Unemployment 6/24)
- Goal Setting (7/1)
- Reducing Stress & Anxiety (7/8)
- Organization 101 (7/15)
- Interpersonal Communication (7/22)
- Team Work (7/29)
For workshop descriptions go to nmc.edu/success.
Register for all Student Success Workshops here: forms.gle/r2ECnQfkUjj6afAY9.
May 27, 2020 | Student News
Here are some answers from NMC’s Student Financial Services department to frequently asked questions about financial aid during the coronavirus crisis.
Q: If I drop a class, will I have to pay financial aid back?
A: If you attended the class at least once, and then dropped it after the 100% Refund Date, we do not need to adjust aid for the semester — as long as you were still in at least one other class to the end of the semester.
Q: If I drop all of my classes, will I have to pay aid back?
A: If you withdraw from all classes after attending through at least 60% of the semester (example: March 15 was 60% for spring 2020), aid for the semester does not need to be adjusted. If you drop or stop attending prior to 60%, we may need to return aid. If the withdrawal is COVID-19 related, you may qualify for a return waiver. We will reach out to you by NMC email to determine if the waiver applies. Please contact us prior to dropping so we can review how it will affect your aid. For more information, please see: NMC Withdrawals Policy for Financial Aid.
Q: Can I be refunded my tuition and fees if I had to drop classes due to COVID-19 complications after the 100% Refund Date?
A: You can make a refund exception request using this form. We have streamlined the process and will not require additional documentation for COVID-19 related issues. Where possible, NMC will give retake credit for a future semester.
Q: Will I lose my future financial aid if have to withdraw due to COVID-19 complications?
A: To continue financial aid, students need to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Read NMC’s SAP policy. If you were suspended for aid, you can appeal for reinstatement for COVID-19 related complications. If you are suspended from aid, you can then appeal: Here’s how to submit an SAP Appeal.
Q: My 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was based on 2018 income. Can my aid (Expected Family Contribution) be recalculated if I currently make less than 2018?
A: If your loss of income has been going on for at least 10 weeks, you can complete an appeal form and provide documentation: Instructions for appeals. Keep in mind that we need to count unemployment payments as income.
Q: How can I get help with expenses related to COVID-19 disruption?
A: Apply for emergency aid here: NMC Emergency Aid Application. Funds are now available for students attending Fall 2020 Semester. Applications must be made by Friday, August 28.
If you applied previously, but were not eligible, and you believe you are now eligible, please send an email to sfs@nmc.edu requesting that we reconsider your application.
Q: How can I get help with tuition and fees for the semester?
A: Apply now for scholarships: NMC General Scholarship Application.
- Completing a FAFSA at StudentAid.gov will help you maximize your aid options.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US:
May 26, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Dear NMC Community,
As our state continues efforts to mitigate the health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe order through June 12. To support this effort, and comply with the order, Northwestern Michigan College will extend the closure of all five of its campuses in Traverse City through June 12.
The Governor allowed some retail businesses and restaurants in northern Michigan to open May 22 as the state continues its phased approach to re-opening following a decline in new COVID-19 cases. This phased reopening also allows office work that cannot be done remotely to resume. If you have work that must be completed on campus please contact your supervisor and coordinate with Human Resources to ensure all safety protocols are followed. All work that can be done remotely, should be. Schools remain closed and there is no guidance for institutions of higher education.
NMC’s campuses will remain closed until further notice while the College continues to develop plans to return to campus work and face-to-face learning safely. Two committees are meeting regularly to assist with this effort. The College is also continuing to collaborate with the Grand Traverse County Joint Operations Center on a coordinated regional approach to managing the impact of COVID-19.
If you must come to campus, please wear a face mask, as specified in the Governor’s order. For more information and resources for working while campuses are closed, including instructions on campus mail pickup and delivery, please visit the “keep working” section of nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Following the Governor’s guidance, the college will begin taking a slow and deliberate approach to phased re-starting of some functions on campus. For the safety of our students, employees and community, it is essential that these guidelines are followed.
Summer semester is being delivered virtually with no course/lab work permitted on campus except for the police academy and dental assisting classes, which are allowed under the Governor’s order. You can see a list of canceled events here. The College is currently planning several possible scenarios for fall delivery of instruction including face-to-face, hybrid and virtual options. The goal is to communicate the finalized plans with you in early June.
This is an unprecedented and rapidly-evolving situation. We will continue to communicate with you to keep you safe and limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your supervisor.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check here for the latest information.
Release date: May 26, 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
May 26, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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 Osterlin Library.
Northwestern Michigan College police academy, dental students return to class
UpNorthLive, May 20 (more…)
May 26, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom

Dennos Museum Center Director Craig Hadley responded to a call from the Michigan Museum Association to assist museums in Midland, Mich, damaged by the massive flooding that occurred there last week.
According to the MMA, widespread damage was done to collections and buildings in the city, including the Midland Center for the Arts/Midland Historical Society. It put out a call for volunteers with Collections/Curatorial training to lead small teams of volunteers with the removal of artifacts.
Hadley volunteered on Saturday, May 23. He de-framed waterlogged works on paper and packed oversize works on paper for transport to an offsite facility for further assessment and care.
“It was a challenge trying to do salvage work amidst a pandemic,” he said.
Volunteers worked in small, socially-distanced groups.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
May 26, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Dear NMC Community,
As our state continues efforts to mitigate the health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe order through June 12. To support this effort, and comply with the order, Northwestern Michigan College will extend the closure of all five of its campuses in Traverse City through June 12.
The Governor allowed some retail businesses and restaurants in northern Michigan to open May 22 as the state continues its phased approach to re-opening following a decline in new COVID-19 cases. This phased reopening also allows office work that cannot be done remotely to resume. If you have work that must be completed on campus please contact your supervisor and coordinate with Human Resources to ensure all safety protocols are followed. All work that can be done remotely, should be. Schools remain closed and there is no guidance for institutions of higher education.
NMC’s campuses will remain closed until further notice while the College continues to develop plans to return to campus work and face-to-face learning safely. Two committees are meeting regularly to assist with this effort. The College is also continuing to collaborate with the Grand Traverse County Joint Operations Center on a coordinated regional approach to managing the impact of COVID-19.
If you must come to campus, please wear a face mask, as specified in the Governor’s order. For more information and resources for working while campuses are closed, including instructions on campus mail pickup and delivery, please visit the “keep working” section of nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Following the Governor’s guidance, the college will begin taking a slow and deliberate approach to phased re-starting of some functions on campus. For the safety of our students, employees and community, it is essential that these guidelines are followed.
Summer semester is being delivered virtually with no course/lab work permitted on campus except for the police academy and dental assisting classes, which are allowed under the Governor’s order. You can see a list of canceled events here. The College is currently planning several possible scenarios for fall delivery of instruction including face-to-face, hybrid and virtual options. The goal is to communicate the finalized plans with you in early June.
This is an unprecedented and rapidly-evolving situation. We will continue to communicate with you to keep you safe and limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your supervisor.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check here for the latest information.
Release date: May 26, 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
May 22, 2020 | Intercom, Student Events
Thursday, May 28,⋅4:30–5 p.m.
Join Jason Slade, NMC’s Director of Technical Academic Area, as he talks about NMC’s Marine Technology and Engineering Technology programs as part of Newton Road’s STEM-related Career investigation for Grades 10-12. In addition to finding out more about local STEM-related careers, we’ll investigate pathways to try these jobs on for size and regional programs to obtain the skills needed.
Learn more here – facebook.com/NewtonsRoad/posts/3772006316207523
This program is broadcast on Traverse Area Community Network, Facebook Live, and Cable TV. For more information about this and other STEM at Home programming, go to newtonsroad.org/calendar/stem-at-home/.
May 20, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Success Story: College’s compassion shines during pandemic
May 20, 2020
It’s often said that college opens doors for students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, two NMC students have had actual doors opened for them, as faculty and staff have shared their homes to students stranded by circumstance.
NMC instructor Lisa Blackford (right) and international student Sarah Frankham’s story began in mid-March, when Frankham (far right), from Bath, England, got sick just as Michigan began locking down. It wasn’t COVID-19, but a pretty bad flu. At the time, she was living with a local family with children. Wanting to limit the exposure to others, Blackford invited Frankham, a student in her social work class, to move into her home.
Meanwhile, Library Services Director Kerrey Woughter invited student Liz Biehl (left) and her two children, ages 6 and 7, into her Traverse City home in March. Biehl had been living in Cadillac, working in Lake City and attending classes at NMC. Woughter got to know her as adviser to a student parent group Biehl started, and wanted to help her establish a better arrangement.
As the lockdowns continued, so did the living arrangements. Now it looks like Christmas before Frankham, who’s studying social work, can get home to England. In the meantime, the housemates by happenstance couldn’t be happier at how it’s worked out.
“She’s made this quarantine livable for me,” Blackford said.
When Frankham celebrated her 37th birthday April 8, Blackford procured her requested ice cream cake, and even decorated it like the Union Jack flag. She’s also introduced Frankham to up north customs like grilling out and morel hunting. Frankham, meanwhile, cooked shepherd’s pie for Blackford and her husband, provided tech tips to Blackford as both finished the semester online, and has endeared herself to the couple’s three dogs.
“It’s really turned my time in the States around,” said Frankham, who found the adjustment to life abroad difficult when she first moved last fall. Beyond Blackford’s hosting, NMC loaned Frankham a laptop when hers broke. The NMC Health Services office helped her renew prescriptions when the pandemic forced her to extend her stay.
“NMC was brilliant with it all,” Frankham said.
Blackford said having a student around to discuss class material helped ease the sudden transition to remote learning for her.
“I felt like I was back in the classroom a couple times, so that made me excited,” she said.
At the Woughter home, Biehl and her daughters all stayed for about a month before Biehl found her own home in Traverse City as well as a new job at a Traverse City assisted living facility. Because Biehl works overnight shifts, her daughters stay at Woughter’s four nights a week, an arrangement they expects to continue through the summer due to the lack of daycare options in the area. Woughter agreed the situation has presented a silver lining to the pandemic.
“We fell in love with the girls,” said Woughter. And Biehl has already been asked to apply for management at her new job.
“There’s some really good momentum in her life,” said Woughter.
There’s one final bit of sparkle to the silver linings: Both Biehl and Frankham finished the spring semester on the dean’s list.
May 20, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Success Story: College’s compassion shines during pandemic
May 20, 2020
It’s often said that college opens doors for students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, two NMC students have had actual doors opened for them, as faculty and staff have shared their homes to students stranded by circumstance.
NMC instructor Lisa Blackford (right) and international student Sarah Frankham’s story began in mid-March, when Frankham (far right), from Bath, England, got sick just as Michigan began locking down. It wasn’t COVID-19, but a pretty bad flu. At the time, she was living with a local family with children. Wanting to limit the exposure to others, Blackford invited Frankham, a student in her social work class, to move into her home.
Meanwhile, Library Services Director Kerrey Woughter invited student Liz Biehl (left) and her two children, ages 6 and 7, into her Traverse City home in March. Biehl had been living in Cadillac, working in Lake City and attending classes at NMC. Woughter got to know her as adviser to a student parent group Biehl started, and wanted to help her establish a better arrangement.
As the lockdowns continued, so did the living arrangements. Now it looks like Christmas before Frankham, who’s studying social work, can get home to England. In the meantime, the housemates by happenstance couldn’t be happier at how it’s worked out.
“She’s made this quarantine livable for me,” Blackford said.
When Frankham celebrated her 37th birthday April 8, Blackford procured her requested ice cream cake, and even decorated it like the Union Jack flag. She’s also introduced Frankham to up north customs like grilling out and morel hunting. Frankham, meanwhile, cooked shepherd’s pie for Blackford and her husband, provided tech tips to Blackford as both finished the semester online, and has endeared herself to the couple’s three dogs.
“It’s really turned my time in the States around,” said Frankham, who found the adjustment to life abroad difficult when she first moved last fall. Beyond Blackford’s hosting, NMC loaned Frankham a laptop when hers broke. The NMC Health Services office helped her renew prescriptions when the pandemic forced her to extend her stay.
“NMC was brilliant with it all,” Frankham said.
Blackford said having a student around to discuss class material helped ease the sudden transition to remote learning for her.
“I felt like I was back in the classroom a couple times, so that made me excited,” she said.
At the Woughter home, Biehl and her daughters all stayed for about a month before Biehl found her own home in Traverse City as well as a new job at a Traverse City assisted living facility. Because Biehl works overnight shifts, her daughters stay at Woughter’s four nights a week, an arrangement they expects to continue through the summer due to the lack of daycare options in the area. Woughter agreed the situation has presented a silver lining to the pandemic.
“We fell in love with the girls,” said Woughter. And Biehl has already been asked to apply for management at her new job.
“There’s some really good momentum in her life,” said Woughter.
There’s one final bit of sparkle to the silver linings: Both Biehl and Frankham finished the spring semester on the dean’s list.
May 18, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Dear NMC Community,
This afternoon Governor Whitmer announced some businesses in northern Michigan will be allowed to re-open Friday as the state continues its phased approach to opening the state following a decline in new COVID-19 cases.
This order is primarily aimed at retail and restaurant businesses and offices where work cannot be done remotely. Work that can be done remotely, should be. Schools remain closed and there is no guidance for institutions of higher education. NMC’s campuses will remain closed until further notice while the College continues to develop plans to return to campus work and face-to-face learning safely. Two committees are meeting regularly to assist with this effort. The College is also continuing to collaborate with the Grand Traverse County Joint Operations Center on a coordinated regional approach to managing the impact of COVID-19.
If you must come to campus, please wear a face mask, as specified in the Governor’s order. For more information and resources for working while campuses are closed, including instructions on campus mail pickup and delivery for NMC employees and information for NMC students, please visit the “keep learning” and “keep working”sections of nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Following the Governor’s guidance, the College will begin taking a slow and deliberate approach to phased re-starting of some functions on campus. For the safety of our students, employees and community it is essential that these guidelines are followed.
Summer semester will be delivered virtually, as announced on April 8. You can see a list of canceled events here. The College is currently planning several possible scenarios for fall delivery of instruction including face-to-face, hybrid and virtual options. The goal is to communicate the finalized plans with you in early June.
This is an unprecedented and rapidly-evolving situation. We will continue to communicate with you to keep you safe and limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your supervisor.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check here for the latest information.
Release date: May 18, 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
May 18, 2020 | Announcements & News, Intercom
Administrative Coordinator Lynne Moritz and her husband Chris welcomed Evelyn Rita Moritz to the world April 14, while Assistant Jeff Linsell and his wife Dessa welcomed Taylor Rey and Jackson Dean on May 7.
“A big congratulations to Jeff and Lynne,” NMC President Nick Nissley said. “Amidst this time of darkness, to invite such light into the world; it’s extra joyful and beautiful to share this part of your journeys with you. Appreciative of your possibilitarian attitude!”
May 18, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Linda Berlin and the Student Financial Services staff have moved quickly to distribute federal CARES Act dollars as well as scholarship dollars to students affected by COVID-19. As of May 15, they had distributed $168,175 in federal emergency relief funding and $47,600 in scholarship funds to 355 students. Awards averaged $608 per student. Some students commented it was the first income they had received since mid-March, when Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order forced many businesses to close.
“The emergency aid from NMC came just in time,” said visual communications student Randi Upton, 33.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
May 18, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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 Osterlin Library.
NMC Seeks $1 Million In Donations For Students, College
The Ticker, May 14
9&10 News, May 13 (more…)
May 18, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Police Academy recruit Monte White takes a defensive driving course at Camp Grayling May 18 (download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — Following strict health and safety protocols, police academy and dental assisting students resumed face-to-face training at Northwestern Michigan College this week in accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s latest executive order, which amends the scope of previous orders to allow training for first responders and healthcare workers.
This instructional delivery began today and will allow 13 police academy recruits to complete their training in time for a state licensing exam on June 9, after which they will be eligible to go to work, increasing the ranks of first responders in communities across Michigan.
“I’m thrilled that we’re reopening,” said Police Academy Director Gail Kurowski “Most of these recruits have jobs waiting. A lot of area law enforcement agencies are hurting for new hires.”
Dental assisting students, meanwhile, began to make up 30 hours of chairside lab time lost when NMC shifted classes from face-to-face to online formats in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Divided into two five-hour shifts, the 13 students will complete their lab time by May 26. They will then have one clinical class remaining in June, in addition to summer internships, before taking board exams, now set for August.
“There are lots of safety protocols before they even come in the door,” said Health Occupations Academic Chair and Dental Assisting Instructor Beckie Wooters, who plans to work at least 12-hour days in order to compress the lab training into one week.
Dental students will use an app to check their symptoms at home. On campus, their temperatures will be taken and documented. They will be given masks, gloves, safety glasses and shields. Students would normally practice some procedures on each other, but not this year.
“We are only working on mannequins,” Wooters said. She said it’s important for students to make up the lab time now in order to be prepared for internships required this summer. Some students already are working at offices on the emergency procedures now allowed by the state. Wooters expects more to begin once elective dental procedures resume.
Police Academy recruits resumed their training at Camp Grayling, and will complete a four-day defensive driving class by Thursday. As with dental assisting, safety protocols include basic symptom screening for each recruit and instructor, and temperature readings using a no-touch digital infrared thermometer. In driving courses, recruits must also wear masks and gloves.
“I followed both OSHA and CDC guidelines and recommendations in forming my COVID-19 preparedness plan,” said Kurowski.
On May 26 recruits will return to NMC’s main campus for two more weeks of training in three areas: speed measurement, defensive tactics and criminal investigation. Some class days will stretch as long as 11 or 12 hours in order to complete the training as efficiently as possible.
For Defensive Tactics, where keeping a six-foot social distance is not possible, an N-95 mask will be required, as well as gloves and goggles. Except for that course and when in a vehicle, recruits and instructors must remain six feet apart during all training, including at meals and during breaks. They will occupy the same seats every day and work with the same partners to further minimize the opportunity for spread. Instructors will stagger break times to ensure the hallway and restrooms are not overcrowded.
“We are fortunate that the Governor’s order allowed these two programs to resume their activities,” said Stephen Siciliano, NMC Vice President for Educational Services. “Our Law Enforcement and Dental Assisting program students will be able to safely complete their course work, stay on track to complete their certificates and degrees, and fill needed professional positions in our communities.”
For more information on NMC’s Police Academy, visit nmc.edu/police.
For more information on NMC’s Dental Assisting program, visit nmc.edu/dental.
Release date: may 18, 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
May 18, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Dear NMC Community,
This afternoon Governor Whitmer announced some businesses in northern Michigan will be allowed to re-open Friday as the state continues its phased approach to opening the state following a decline in new COVID-19 cases.
This order is primarily aimed at retail and restaurant businesses and offices where work cannot be done remotely. Work that can be done remotely, should be. Schools remain closed and there is no guidance for institutions of higher education. NMC’s campuses will remain closed until further notice while the College continues to develop plans to return to campus work and face-to-face learning safely. Two committees are meeting regularly to assist with this effort. The College is also continuing to collaborate with the Grand Traverse County Joint Operations Center on a coordinated regional approach to managing the impact of COVID-19.
If you must come to campus, please wear a face mask, as specified in the Governor’s order. For more information and resources for working while campuses are closed, including instructions on campus mail pickup and delivery for NMC employees and information for NMC students, please visit the “keep learning” and “keep working”sections of nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Following the Governor’s guidance, the College will begin taking a slow and deliberate approach to phased re-starting of some functions on campus. For the safety of our students, employees and community it is essential that these guidelines are followed.
Summer semester will be delivered virtually, as announced on April 8. You can see a list of canceled events here. The College is currently planning several possible scenarios for fall delivery of instruction including face-to-face, hybrid and virtual options. The goal is to communicate the finalized plans with you in early June.
This is an unprecedented and rapidly-evolving situation. We will continue to communicate with you to keep you safe and limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your supervisor.
As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check here for the latest information.
Release date: May 18, 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
May 18, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Police Academy recruit Monte White takes a defensive driving course at Camp Grayling May 18 (download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — Following strict health and safety protocols, police academy and dental assisting students resumed face-to-face training at Northwestern Michigan College this week in accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s latest executive order, which amends the scope of previous orders to allow training for first responders and healthcare workers.
This instructional delivery began today and will allow 13 police academy recruits to complete their training in time for a state licensing exam on June 9, after which they will be eligible to go to work, increasing the ranks of first responders in communities across Michigan.
“I’m thrilled that we’re reopening,” said Police Academy Director Gail Kurowski “Most of these recruits have jobs waiting. A lot of area law enforcement agencies are hurting for new hires.”
Dental assisting students, meanwhile, began to make up 30 hours of chairside lab time lost when NMC shifted classes from face-to-face to online formats in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Divided into two five-hour shifts, the 13 students will complete their lab time by May 26. They will then have one clinical class remaining in June, in addition to summer internships, before taking board exams, now set for August.
“There are lots of safety protocols before they even come in the door,” said Health Occupations Academic Chair and Dental Assisting Instructor Beckie Wooters, who plans to work at least 12-hour days in order to compress the lab training into one week.
Dental students will use an app to check their symptoms at home. On campus, their temperatures will be taken and documented. They will be given masks, gloves, safety glasses and shields. Students would normally practice some procedures on each other, but not this year.
“We are only working on mannequins,” Wooters said. She said it’s important for students to make up the lab time now in order to be prepared for internships required this summer. Some students already are working at offices on the emergency procedures now allowed by the state. Wooters expects more to begin once elective dental procedures resume.
Police Academy recruits resumed their training at Camp Grayling, and will complete a four-day defensive driving class by Thursday. As with dental assisting, safety protocols include basic symptom screening for each recruit and instructor, and temperature readings using a no-touch digital infrared thermometer. In driving courses, recruits must also wear masks and gloves.
“I followed both OSHA and CDC guidelines and recommendations in forming my COVID-19 preparedness plan,” said Kurowski.
On May 26 recruits will return to NMC’s main campus for two more weeks of training in three areas: speed measurement, defensive tactics and criminal investigation. Some class days will stretch as long as 11 or 12 hours in order to complete the training as efficiently as possible.
For Defensive Tactics, where keeping a six-foot social distance is not possible, an N-95 mask will be required, as well as gloves and goggles. Except for that course and when in a vehicle, recruits and instructors must remain six feet apart during all training, including at meals and during breaks. They will occupy the same seats every day and work with the same partners to further minimize the opportunity for spread. Instructors will stagger break times to ensure the hallway and restrooms are not overcrowded.
“We are fortunate that the Governor’s order allowed these two programs to resume their activities,” said Stephen Siciliano, NMC Vice President for Educational Services. “Our Law Enforcement and Dental Assisting program students will be able to safely complete their course work, stay on track to complete their certificates and degrees, and fill needed professional positions in our communities.”
For more information on NMC’s Police Academy, visit nmc.edu/police.
For more information on NMC’s Dental Assisting program, visit nmc.edu/dental.
Release date: may 18, 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
May 15, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
TIAA offers live webinars – please use this link to register.
Upcoming June topics:
- Managing Income and Debt 6/16, 3 p.m.
- Retiring in the new normal 6/17, 12 p.m.
- The Power of Saving 6/25, 12 p.m.
May 15, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
You may be permitted to change your dependent care contributions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If your daycare costs have changed due to the closure of your child’s care provider, then you may be eligible to stop or significantly reduce your contributions. Please reach out to Hollie in HR to discuss your situation.
May 15, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
May 15, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — For 64 years, community members, alumni and employees have gathered on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College every spring to celebrate and support the college at the NMC Barbecue.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NMC will hold the 2020 event as a “Virtual Barbecue” with a full slate of activities and programs usually offered at the on-campus event.
Virtual visitors will find numerous activities, including:
- Puzzles and activities to download
- The Dennos Museum’s first-ever virtual gallery show
- Performances from NMC music ensembles
- Special barbecue recipes
- Opportunities to show NMC pride via social media and email.
The NMC Barbecue, started in 1956 by Gerald Oleson and his wife Frances, the founders of Oleson’s Food Stores, has played an important role in the life of Northwestern Michigan College. It has raised more than $1.5 million s over the years, supporting nearly every program at the college and generations of students.
Proceeds from each year’s event go to support college programs. Virtual visitors will have the opportunity to make an online donation. Funds raised will support student needs, which have increased due to the pandemic and subsequent economic fallout.
The 2020 NMC Virtual Barbecue will run through May 30.
Release date: May 15, 2020
For more information:
Rebecca Teahen
Executive Director, NMC Foundation
rteahen@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1855
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
May 15, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — For 64 years, community members, alumni and employees have gathered on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College every spring to celebrate and support the college at the NMC Barbecue.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NMC will hold the 2020 event as a “Virtual Barbecue” with a full slate of activities and programs usually offered at the on-campus event.
Virtual visitors will find numerous activities, including:
- Puzzles and activities to download
- The Dennos Museum’s first-ever virtual gallery show
- Performances from NMC music ensembles
- Special barbecue recipes
- Opportunities to show NMC pride via social media and email.
The NMC Barbecue, started in 1956 by Gerald Oleson and his wife Frances, the founders of Oleson’s Food Stores, has played an important role in the life of Northwestern Michigan College. It has raised more than $1.5 million s over the years, supporting nearly every program at the college and generations of students.
Proceeds from each year’s event go to support college programs. Virtual visitors will have the opportunity to make an online donation. Funds raised will support student needs, which have increased due to the pandemic and subsequent economic fallout.
The 2020 NMC Virtual Barbecue will run through May 30.
Release date: May 15, 2020
For more information:
Rebecca Teahen
Executive Director, NMC Foundation
rteahen@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1855
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
May 14, 2020 | Intercom
Register now through June 4
GRASP is a popular at-home program that helps students (grades K-8) stay on top of math and language skills over the summer. Students complete one lesson a week for 9 weeks, June 20-Aug. 22 (about 5-6 pages per lesson) and mail it to the teachers who review, score, and mail them back to your child with encouraging guidance.
At a virtual Parent Start-Up Session, you’ll get an orientation and meet the teachers. All materials are mailed to your home at the start of the summer. Cost is $89 for either Reading or Math ($49 with employee tuition waiver) or $139 for a child taking both subjects ($59 with tuition waiver). Registration details at nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/college-for-kids/grasp-details.html
May 14, 2020 | Student News
Register now through June 4
GRASP is a popular at-home program that helps students (grades K-8) stay on top of math and language skills over the summer. Students complete one lesson a week for 9 weeks, June 20-Aug. 22 (about 5-6 pages per lesson) and mail it to the teachers who review, score, and mail them back to your child with encouraging guidance.
At a virtual Parent Start-Up Session, you’ll get an orientation and meet the teachers. All materials are mailed to your home at the start of the summer. Cost is $89 for either Reading or Math or $139 for a child taking both subjects. Registration details at nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/college-for-kids/grasp-details.html
May 14, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Have you listened to the new podcast from NMC Extended Education? Two cars. Two mics. One driveway… Stories of the Northwestern Michigan College community.
Recent interviews include Dan Zassick of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Lindsey Dickinson, Director of Advising, and Craig Hadley, Executive Director of the Dennos Museum Center.
May 13, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Foundation will seek to raise $1 million to meet the emergency needs of both students and the college in response to challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These funds will come from donor support and enable student success by meeting immediate needs in three categories:
- Student support, including scholarships, food pantry access and flexible funding for emergency needs;
- Academic support, increasing capacity of key areas including the Writing & Reading Center and Educational Media Technology;
- Program stabilization, including flexible funds to ensure programs will be able to continue to operate for the benefit of students and the greater community.
Since mid-March, when COVID-19 closed campuses and shifted spring semester classes from face-to-face to online, NMC has received more than 350 requests for emergency support from students. NMC has increased critical academic support and programs that benefit students — from lending computers and Wi-Fi hotspots to stocking the NMC Food Pantry.
“I have seen the incredible fortitude of our NMC community. The faculty and staff have stepped up to provide support to our students in new and unprecedented ways. Yet the need is still great,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “Emergency funding will ensure the continuity of education for students facing tremendous adversity during these challenging times.”
Northwestern Michigan College has received some emergency funding that will be distributed to students through the federal CARES Act. However, this funding is significantly restricted. For example, CARES Act funding cannot cover tuition expenses.
“NMC has a longstanding history of being supported by the community. This college exists because the community decided that education is important to the well-being of the region,” said Rebecca Teahen, Executive Director of the NMC Foundation. “I am hopeful that our community will once again step up to ensure that an NMC education will remain accessible for all.”
All gifts to this effort will be included as part of the $35 million Be What’s Possible campaign launched publicly by the NMC Foundation in October 2019. To date, over $29 million has been raised.
The NMC Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Northwestern Michigan College. To help meet the immediate, emergency needs of NMC students and the college, make a gift at nmc.edu/give.
Release date: May 13, 2020
For more information:
Rebecca Teahen
Executive Director, NMC Foundation
rteahen@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1855
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