Message from the President: NMC Foundation seeking $1 million emergency funds

Good evening NMC family,

I want you to be among the first to know that the NMC Foundation Board has taken a bold step to commit $1 million to help meet the immediate emergency needs of both students and the college in response to challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

These are challenges that you are engaged in and working to solve every day. I have seen your incredible fortitude. You have stepped up to provide support to our students in new and unprecedented ways.

Yet the need is still great. (more…)

IMPORTANT: Deactivation of COVID-19 Leave Code

Dear all,

The last several weeks have been unprecedented in many ways due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including how we perform our work to meet the needs of the College and our learners. Thank you for your flexibility during this time. As we continue to respond to the evolving health and economic effects of the pandemic, NMC must also begin implementing measures to ensure the College can continue to meet the needs of our learners, both now and into the future, while limiting the long-term impact on the College’s financial stability. The current pandemic situation has impacted NMC’s operations significantly, and as a result, we find that we must re-adjust our approach to how we pay employees to remain fiscally responsible.

Early in the College’s response to the pandemic, NMC chose to make the commitment to pay employees through the end of the spring semester, even if the work could not be carried out as usual. In doing so, you have been paid for all of the hours you were scheduled since the first “stay at home order” went into place on March 16, 2020. We hope that the flexible approach taken by NMC has provided you with some financial stability during these uncertain times. As the College moves into a new phase of responding to this health and economic crisis, NMC must also take steps to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability so we can continue to serve our learners. Effective May 17, 2020, the COVID-19 leave code will no longer be used for leave reporting.

Please use the appropriate leave code for any hours that you are not able to work. Available leave code descriptions are vacation, sick time, and other types of leave including those available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). To use the expanded FFCRA leaves, please use the request form which can be found HERE. As you review the form, please note that some leave codes pay at ⅔ of your wages. Under that scenario you will be able to use your accrued sick/vacation time to supplement the (⅓) difference so that you can receive full pay for that time. In a situation where no leave policies fit your circumstance, you will be able to take time off without pay. As usual, all leave requests must be approved by your supervisor.

We know we have all been asked to make changes and adjustments as we respond to the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. Thank you for your continued flexibility, patience and effort during this time. We look forward to seeing you on campus soon and hope you stay well.

Mark

Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342

Artist Talk with Karen Bondarchuk

Wednesday, May 20, 2 p.m.

Join the Dennos Museum Center for a live conversation on Zoom and Facebook with Karen Bondarchuk, the artist who created Ergo Sum: A Crow a Day, now on exhibit at the Dennos Museum Center. In 2014, Canadian-born Karen set out to mark the passing time that her mother – diagnosed with dementia in 2010 – no longer could. For 365 days, she produced a crow a day on a hand-cut, hand-gessoed panel, remembering her mother as she once was and grieving her loss. The resulting work explores communication and an artist’s relationship to the world; it resonates for its depth, beauty, and elegiac and potent whimsy.

Our guest host for this interactive conversation is Kathy Kelsey Foley, Director of the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum which organized the traveling exhibition.

Learn more here.

How to Care for Artwork and Family Treasures

Wednesday, May 13, 2 p.m.

Presented by Dennos Museum Center Executive Director Craig Hadley in partnership with NMC Extended Education

All of us have family treasures that we have inherited or collected over the years. In this live webinar session, you will learn how museum professionals take care of a wide range of artworks and objects, from sculptures and paintings to photographs and precious news clippings.

We will discuss the different ways in which objects deteriorate, tips for mitigating loss, and what you can do to protect your precious belongings. Bring your questions! Free and open to the public. You can also watch the session live on our Facebook page!

Celebrate Wednesday’s Museum Week theme #TogetherMW with us by joining us for this online event.

Learn more here.

Media Mentions for May 11, 2020

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.

Local Governments, Schools Brace For Budget Blows From Pandemic
The Ticker, May 8 (more…)

Reassuring Residence Life Director

Director of Residence Life Marcus Bennett oversaw the mid-semester move of East Hall residents to North Hall, where about 50 remained quarantined until the end of the semester. As a resident of campus himself, Bennett was a constant reassurance for students and their families.

As one parent said, “He’s been an absolute blessing, even meeting my son on campus to retrieve his belongings when it was a holiday and campus was closed. Living hundreds of miles away makes things extremely difficult and I’m not sure we would’ve made it through this tough time without Marcus.”

Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!

Tutoring Options for Early Summer Semester 2020

Tutoring Services available to help you in your online learning.  We are offering a couple of options:

  • NetTutor Online Tutoring: Tutoring is available 24/7 in most subject areas. Visit this NetTutor link to access the subject list. Access NetTutor through Moodle:  Go to the online tutoring tab at the top of Moodle then choose the NetTutor link provided for log in access. This is a free service to NMC students.
  • ZOOM Tutoring meetings with NMC tutors: Drop in tutoring available during scheduled hours. We will offer assistance in MTH 131 and Chem 101-151 for May 11–June 12.

ZOOM Drop in hours for May 11–June 12:

  • Mondays: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Tuesdays: 2–4 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 2–4 p.m. and 5–6 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Fridays: Noon-1 p.m.

Join Tutoring ZOOM Meetings at this link: nmc.ZOOM.us/j/2558122576 during the designated times above.

  • 1*1 Virtual scheduled meetings – Meet virtually with a tutor one-on-one during a scheduled time. To arrange this option, please email the Tutoring office at tutoring@nmc.edu. Please provide your name, the NMC class you need help with, and when you are available to meet. Please allow 24–48 hours for appointment to be arranged.
  • For additional help, check out the many other resources located on the Tutoring Resource page on Moodle under the Online Tutoring tab.

NMC’s rapid response relieves students’ financial pinch

TRAVERSE CITY — Moving rapidly to support students harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwestern Michigan College in three weeks distributed $142,800 in federal emergency relief funding and supplemented it with $43,000 in scholarship funds.

In late April, NMC received $1 million in federal funds designated for emergency student relief through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which must be spent by May 2021. NMC supplemented the federal money with $250,000 in scholarship dollars. Through May 8, 305 students had received an average of $608 each in combined federal and community-supported scholarship dollars.

Emergency relief funding has been awarded to 97 percent of applicants. Disbursements were made April 24, May 1 and May 8. 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. Both she and her partner were laid off from their jobs in mid-March. Despite applying immediately, delays in unemployment benefits left their household of three, including Upton’s six-year-old son, without income for several weeks.

They have also taken advantage of other NMC services.

“I appreciate the help from the NMC food pantry and their efforts to give us food that is tasty and fun, like baked goods and fresh fruit. I am happy to be part of a college community that takes care of us,” said Upton, who also has received scholarships for student veterans.

“Seeing NMC reach out and do all they can to help has amazed me and has made me all that much more grateful to be a student here,” agreed student Kathryn Hockin, 21.

A 2019 culinary graduate, Hockin is now working towards her baking certificate and bachelor’s degree in business and lives with her husband and fellow student in an NMC apartment. She lost her job March 16 and her husband’s employer shut down before the month was out. Even though both worked, they were initially denied unemployment since they were full-time students. They have not received stimulus checks, either, and were draining their savings to cover monthly bills.

“I would like to reach out and give a huge ‘thank you’ to all that took part in deciding on this aid for me and my family. It’s such a huge help right now,” said psychology student Brandee Sasser-Drone, 35.

A mother of two, Sasser-Drone said she has been pursuing her degree for 10 years. This semester she and her wife have the added challenges of homeschooling and unsteady employment.

“I’ve fought my way here, and I never stopped trying. I’ve not had one semester that wasn’t a challenge for me due to something happening in my personal life,” she said. “This opportunity came at such a critical time for us and we’re so very grateful.”

Funds are available for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care, while scholarship dollars can be used to cover tuition. Aid amounts are based on type of emergency financial need, prior known financial need, enrollment level, and availability of funds.

 

RELEASE DATE: MAY 11, 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

NMC’s rapid response relieves students’ financial pinch

TRAVERSE CITY — Moving rapidly to support students harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwestern Michigan College in three weeks distributed $142,800 in federal emergency relief funding and supplemented it with $43,000 in scholarship funds.

In late April, NMC received $1 million in federal funds designated for emergency student relief through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which must be spent by May 2021. NMC supplemented the federal money with $250,000 in scholarship dollars. Through May 8, 305 students had received an average of $608 each in combined federal and community-supported scholarship dollars.

Emergency relief funding has been awarded to 97 percent of applicants. Disbursements were made April 24, May 1 and May 8. 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. Both she and her partner were laid off from their jobs in mid-March. Despite applying immediately, delays in unemployment benefits left their household of three, including Upton’s six-year-old son, without income for several weeks.

They have also taken advantage of other NMC services.

“I appreciate the help from the NMC food pantry and their efforts to give us food that is tasty and fun, like baked goods and fresh fruit. I am happy to be part of a college community that takes care of us,” said Upton, who also has received scholarships for student veterans.

“Seeing NMC reach out and do all they can to help has amazed me and has made me all that much more grateful to be a student here,” agreed student Kathryn Hockin, 21.

A 2019 culinary graduate, Hockin is now working towards her baking certificate and bachelor’s degree in business and lives with her husband and fellow student in an NMC apartment. She lost her job March 16 and her husband’s employer shut down before the month was out. Even though both worked, they were initially denied unemployment since they were full-time students. They have not received stimulus checks, either, and were draining their savings to cover monthly bills.

“I would like to reach out and give a huge ‘thank you’ to all that took part in deciding on this aid for me and my family. It’s such a huge help right now,” said psychology student Brandee Sasser-Drone, 35.

A mother of two, Sasser-Drone said she has been pursuing her degree for 10 years. This semester she and her wife have the added challenges of homeschooling and unsteady employment.

“I’ve fought my way here, and I never stopped trying. I’ve not had one semester that wasn’t a challenge for me due to something happening in my personal life,” she said. “This opportunity came at such a critical time for us and we’re so very grateful.”

Funds are available for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care, while scholarship dollars can be used to cover tuition. Aid amounts are based on type of emergency financial need, prior known financial need, enrollment level, and availability of funds.

 

RELEASE DATE: MAY 11, 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

Extension of Stay Home, Stay Safe Order to May 28

Dear employees:

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 to May 28. 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 May 28.

College employees are already categorized into essential and non-reporting/on call classifications. 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. 

New to this order, training of first responders is allowed. At NMC this will mean the resumption of the Law Enforcement program. The college is finalizing plans to deliver learning to these students in a way that also meets important health and safety guidelines.

Previous orders from the governor allow lawn care and construction work to resume. At NMC, that work includes work on the new West Hall Innovation Center and annual spring lawn care with our grounds crews. 

For those who do not need to report to campus at this time, please follow these stay at home safety guidelines:

  • Don’t leave the house unless you absolutely have to.
  • Don’t socialize with people outside your family.
  • You are allowed to go outside for essentials like groceries or prescriptions, but you should limit those trips to no more than once a week if possible.
  • You can visit someone if you are their caregiver.
  • You can walk the dog or exercise outside (for brief periods) as long as you keep a six-foot distance from others.
  • Avoid face to face contact, especially in close-up and confined spaces.
  • Who should do this? Everyone who lives in an area with a mandatory stay home, stay safe order.

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.

NMC Public Relations

IAF hosts discussion on climate change

FROM PENGUINS TO PLANKTON:
The dramatic impact of a changing climate in the Antarctic

Thursday, May 21 @ 4 p.m. via ZOOM

“We can’t solve this problem if we won’t even talk about it.” – James McClintock

Join the International Affairs Forum for a timely climate crisis discussion. This virtual event will include a presentation and Q&A session with Dr. James B. McClintock, Endowed Professor of Polar and Marine Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. (more…)

Food assistance for students in career or technical education

Low-income college students in Michigan enrolled in career or technical education programs are eligible to receive food assistance benefits through a new State of Michigan initiative announced in early May. College students will now be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if they meet income and other program requirements and are enrolled at least half-time in an occupational program that leads to employment under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the Twenty-First Century Act of 2018 known as Perkins V.

Students interested in applying for food assistance can go to michigan.gov/MIBridges. Verification of enrollment in a Perkins program must be provided by the student or may be requested from the postsecondary institution. Learn more about the Perkins Postsecondary CTE Program at michigan.gov/LEO-Perkins.

Success Story: Comprehensive college response

May 7, 2020

Just 50 days ago, Northwestern Michigan College closed its campuses to all but essential employees and shifted the last six weeks of spring semester classes from face-to-face to online. Here’s a look at the diverse and comprehensive response NMC has made to the pandemic, measured in people, dollars and time.

PEOPLE

2 Percent increase in summer enrollment vs. 2019, as of today. Summer classes begin next week and registration continues.

Callie Leaman2 Alumni traveled to work as nurses in New York City, the U.S. epidemic’s epicenter, including Callie Leaman (right)

15 Student families helped per week by the NMC Food Pantry

50 North Hall residents chose to quarantine there

61 Musicians played and sang in the NMC Virtual Choir’s production of Amazing Grace

79 Faculty and staff enrolled in NMC Teaching Solutions course to improve their skills in online instruction

115 Attendees at the International Affairs Forum virtual April lecture by Frank Langfitt of NPR

210 Students attended a virtual orientation for summer semester

227 Student requests for emergency aid (as of May 1)

291 People — alumni, friends, faculty and staff — donated to the NMC Foundation to help students with emergency needs like tuition, housing and groceries

600 Graduates in the Class of 2020

962 Current headcount for summer 2020 session, which will also be held online

3,000 Postcards sent to students to inform them of resources available remotely

DOLLARS

$634 Average amount awarded to students from both NMC scholarship funds and federal CARES Act dollars

$100,000+ Amount raised for culinary scholarships despite cancellation of A Taste of Success fundraiser in April

TIME

7 Days for faculty to shift face-to-face classes to virtual learning

30 Hours per week Educational Media Technologies (EMT) team spent on Zoom videoconference calls

40 Minutes average completion time for EMT to resolve a help request

TECHNOLOGY/OTHER

20 Wifi hotspots loaned to students to access online instruction

51 New online course sections added in the summer semester to offset the loss of the same number of face-to-face classes

70 Laptop computers loaned to students to access online instruction

400+ Technology Help Desk calls answered

Culinary Institute No. 8 in new, national earnings-to-debt rankings

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute has been ranked the No. 8 culinary program in the nation by GradReports in a first-of-its kind ranking based on median early career salary data from the U.S. Department of Education.

“We’ve always known GLCI offered a fantastic value proposition to our students,” said Culinary Institute director Les Eckert. “It’s gratifying to see that validated by these national rankings.”

GLCI was one of only two culinary programs in Michigan to make the top 25. GradReports rankings are the first to incorporate the Department of Education’s recently-released College Scorecard data on median alumni salary and median alumni debt by college major. This allows students to make a cost-to-benefit analysis before choosing a school and major.

GLCI offers both degrees and certificate programs, including its newest baking certificate. Kathryn Hockin is a 2019 culinary associate degree recipient who is now pursuing the baking certificate and a bachelor’s degree in business. She said that NMC scholarships have helped make her education even more affordable.

“NMC scholarships have played a tremendous role in allowing me to chase after my dreams without accumulating an overwhelming amount of debt. They have given me the courage and opportunity to take my education further than I could have ever hoped,” Hockin said.

Previously, in 2016, GLCI was named the No. 11 culinary school in the country by BestChoiceSchools.

GLCI is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated areas of study for students planning careers in the hospitality and food-service industry. Many of the Institute’s programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation. In 2004 GLCI moved to its current location on NMC’s Great Lakes campus, where facilities include Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant. Find out more at nmc.edu/culinary.

 

RELEASE DATE: MAY 6, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Les Eckert, MBA, CEPC, CCE, AAC
Director, Great Lakes Culinary Institute at
Northwestern Michigan College
231-995-1197
leckert@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

Culinary Institute No. 8 in new, national earnings-to-debt rankings

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute has been ranked the No. 8 culinary program in the nation by GradReports in a first-of-its kind ranking based on median early career salary data from the U.S. Department of Education.

“We’ve always known GLCI offered a fantastic value proposition to our students,” said Culinary Institute director Les Eckert. “It’s gratifying to see that validated by these national rankings.”

GLCI was one of only two culinary programs in Michigan to make the top 25. GradReports rankings are the first to incorporate the Department of Education’s recently-released College Scorecard data on median alumni salary and median alumni debt by college major. This allows students to make a cost-to-benefit analysis before choosing a school and major.

GLCI offers both degrees and certificate programs, including its newest baking certificate. Kathryn Hockin is a 2019 culinary associate degree recipient who is now pursuing the baking certificate and a bachelor’s degree in business. She said that NMC scholarships have helped make her education even more affordable.

“NMC scholarships have played a tremendous role in allowing me to chase after my dreams without accumulating an overwhelming amount of debt. They have given me the courage and opportunity to take my education further than I could have ever hoped,” Hockin said.

Previously, in 2016, GLCI was named the No. 11 culinary school in the country by BestChoiceSchools.

GLCI is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated areas of study for students planning careers in the hospitality and food-service industry. Many of the Institute’s programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation. In 2004 GLCI moved to its current location on NMC’s Great Lakes campus, where facilities include Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant. Find out more at nmc.edu/culinary.

 

RELEASE DATE: MAY 6, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Les Eckert, MBA, CEPC, CCE, AAC
Director, Great Lakes Culinary Institute at
Northwestern Michigan College
231-995-1197
leckert@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

Dennos K-12 Virtual Pet Exhibit

Virtual Tour and Opening Reception
Wednesday, May 6 at 1 p.m.

On Facebook Live: facebook.com/thedennos

Following the call for art for the Dennos Museum Center’s first ever totally virtual exhibit, you’re invited to visit the gallery and chat with the artists and their families from the comfort of your home.

The museum asked for digital photo entries of kids’ pets — real, imaginary, or even stuffed. All of the entries were included alongside a few digital versions of art from the Dennos collection, and now everyone is invited to a reception for our young artists and the community on Facebook Live!

The exhibition can be viewed at artsteps.com/view/5e9b51aa43b9f255b0512710.

Join the Facebook Live reception at facebook.com/thedennos.

EMT Rock Stars

My team, the Educational Media Technology rock stars, have gone above and beyond to support instructors, staff and students since the work-from-home order loomed over campus in mid-March. From answering tickets on evenings/weekends to being online for live Zoom support every weekday to managing the Virtual Town Hall or the virtual International Affairs Forum, my team has been one of the bedrocks for our NMC family to lean on. Between March 16th and April 17th, my team has answered 273 tickets with an average open ticket time just over 40 minutes. They have also averaged 30+ hours a week on Zoom. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such dedicated professionals, many who are juggling young children as well as work/family responsibilities and spouses/partners sharing bandwidth for their jobs too. If you happen to be on a Zoom meeting with Ryan Bernstein, Justin Guillard, Ben Post, Sherry Trier, Mark DeLonge, Kyle Morrison, Chris Hanna, or Dennis Schultz, please say thank you.

– Terri Gustafson

NMC earns gold-level distinction for service to veterans

Veteran friendly school logoTRAVERSE CITY — For the third year in a row, Northwestern Michigan College has been named a gold-level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

The designation was awarded for the 2019–2020 academic year.

“Your commitment to helping student veterans succeed was evident in your application,” said Sarah M. Mellon of the Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. “We commend your institution on its hard work and dedication to student veterans and dependents.”

To earn the gold designation, an institution must meet at least six of seven criteria. NMC met all seven:

  • Established process for identification of current student veterans
  • Veteran-specific website
  • Active student veteran organization or club
  • Veteran-specific career services, resources, advising, and/or outcome monitoring
  • On-campus veterans’ coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact
  • System to evaluate and award academic credit based on prior military training and experience
  • Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress, and graduation rates

Scott Herzberg, POC, Military & Veteran Services, credited the broader NMC campus community for the distinction.

“This standard of excellence is a reflection of their endless contributions that reach far beyond my efforts,” Herzberg said.

About 5 percent of NMC’s student body are veterans or active duty military. Serving those who have served the nation has long been a priority for NMC, which established the office of Military & Veterans Services in 2012. For the last two years, Military Times has ranked NMC second in the nation among community colleges for its service to veterans.

 

RELEASE DATE: MAY 4, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Scott Herzberg
POC, Military & Veteran Services/Advisor
(231) 995-2526
sherzberg@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

NMC earns gold-level distinction for service to veterans

Veteran friendly school logoTRAVERSE CITY — For the third year in a row, Northwestern Michigan College has been named a gold-level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

The designation was awarded for the 2019–2020 academic year.

“Your commitment to helping student veterans succeed was evident in your application,” said Sarah M. Mellon of the Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. “We commend your institution on its hard work and dedication to student veterans and dependents.”

To earn the gold designation, an institution must meet at least six of seven criteria. NMC met all seven:

  • Established process for identification of current student veterans
  • Veteran-specific website
  • Active student veteran organization or club
  • Veteran-specific career services, resources, advising, and/or outcome monitoring
  • On-campus veterans’ coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact
  • System to evaluate and award academic credit based on prior military training and experience
  • Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress, and graduation rates

Scott Herzberg, POC, Military & Veteran Services, credited the broader NMC campus community for the distinction.

“This standard of excellence is a reflection of their endless contributions that reach far beyond my efforts,” Herzberg said.

About 5 percent of NMC’s student body are veterans or active duty military. Serving those who have served the nation has long been a priority for NMC, which established the office of Military & Veterans Services in 2012. For the last two years, Military Times has ranked NMC second in the nation among community colleges for its service to veterans.

 

RELEASE DATE: MAY 4, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Scott Herzberg
POC, Military & Veteran Services/Advisor
(231) 995-2526
sherzberg@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

Media Mentions for May 4, 2020

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 Celebrates Graduates With Virtual Commencement
9&10 News, May 2 (more…)

Kudos!

Kudos to the Technical Division Instructors: This was a total team effort to go online with what are usually hands-on occupational and technical courses. (more…)

Priority Health Members- free virtual mental health help available

Fear and anxiety related to COVID-19 are normal. We want to remain a supportive partner by offering you real solutions to help you cope during this time.

Virtual mental wellness resource

We encourage you to try this free virtual mental wellness tool now available to all members. myStrength offers easy activities to help you manage stress and social isolation. You can learn relationship and parenting tips, and much more.

Topics focus specifically on the emotional effects of the COVID-19 crisis:

  • Inner calm in turbulent times
  • Parenting in challenging times
  • Staying connected while social distancing
  • And more

A few important things to know:

  • It’s free to Priority Health members (13 and older) until June 30, 2020.
  • Signing up is simple. Just answer a few questions.

Immediate support is available

If you or a loved one need immediate support for severe emotional distress, contact our behavioral health team. Confidential help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 800.673.8043. Or, log in to your online member account.

Coverage options and other helpful resources

For the latest information on COVID-19, see our updated COVID-19 resources and information page for answers to your questions about testing, treatment, coverage options and more. Also included:

  • Virtual care as a first step if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Our online member FAQs, for the latest on prescription delivery, coverage details and more.

White Pine Press wins 10 awards from Michigan Community College Press Association

Please join in applauding the inspiring and award-winning work of our White Pine Press staff, a talented and committed group that received 10 awards from the Michigan Community College Press Association this year. As Faculty Advisor Jacob Wheeler says, “This is a pretty good haul.”

  • Micah Mabey: Serious Column – FIRST PLACE – “The Unfortunate Truth of Anti-Semitism” (Jan. 24, 2020)
  • Winter Swamp: Original Cartoon – SECOND PLACE – “Different Names, Different Horrors” (Sept. 20, 2019)
  • Nick Moug: Critical Review – SECOND PLACE – “Reading Dante in Chaotic Times” (Dec. 6, 2019)
  • Ann Hosler: Critical Review – THIRD PLACE – “Shady Lady Book Review: Beyond the Limit” (Oct. 4, 2019)
  • Hannah Krohn: Original Comic, Entertainment – SECOND PLACE – “The Spooky Tale of the Directionally Dead” (Oct. 18, 2019)
  • Ann Hosler: Headline Writing – SECOND PLACE – “This Path is Paved in Words” (Nov. 15, 2019)
  • Ann Hosler: Photo Essay – HONORABLE MENTION – “Sushi Train” (March 22, 2019)
  • Stephanie Jones: Sports News Story – HONORABLE MENTION – “NMC Students Conquer Winter Baja Track” (Feb. 21, 2020)
  • General Excellence, Division 2 – SECOND PLACE – “Can I Kiss You?” (March 22, 2019)
  • Front Page Design – SECOND PLACE – “Can I Kiss You?” (March 22, 2019)

More information is located here:
The WPP Facebook page: facebook.com/thewhitepinepress/photos/a.289211801197141/2990463527738608
WPP Archive: whitepinepresstc.com/archive
Awards website: mccpa2020.wixsite.com/conference/categories