Tech Tips – Students Getting Started Guide
New to NMC? Check out this Getting Started Guide for Technology.
NMC Magazine Student Art Reception
Celebrate the release of Creatures NMC Magazine’s Fall 2019 edition. Enjoy light refreshments and network with community members! Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/
NMC joins basic needs initiative to support students
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC this month joins a statewide initiative to help students connect with resources to support basic needs. The Michigan Community College Association was awarded a $442,000 grant to launch the initiative focused on improving student completion and success by addressing economic instability among students including access to food, housing, transportation, childcare and other basic needs.
The Michigan – Building Economic Stability Today (MI-BEST) effort is funded through June 2022 by a grant from the Los Angeles-based ECMC Foundation as part of its Basic Needs Initiative, designed to address and alleviate basic needs insecurity among students. National survey findings reported that 45 percent of respondents had been food insecure in the past 30 days, 56 percent had been housing insecure in the previous year and 17 percent had been homeless during that year.
NMC will begin by forming a team of college personnel and community leaders. Dean of Students Lisa Thomas, NMC’s project lead, said members will include executive leadership, advisers, faculty, development/fundraising staff, financial aid staff and community partners.
“What I would hope is we learn some ways to better structure or provide internal supports to our students,” Thomas said.
NMC has offered a food pantry since November 2017. It serves between 80 and 90 people per month. This year’s usage is on pace to equal the 2018 academic year, the first full year of operation, when 1,087 total people were served.
In addition to the food pantry, Thomas also has emergency textbook funds available, as well as gas cards and BATA passes for students with transportation issues. Now, accessing those resources is handled on a case by case basis, rather than systematically.
“We’re going to take a deep dive to see what are the structures and processes in place at NMC to see what is supporting or what is a barrier to students completing their education,” Thomas said.
The Michigan Center for Student Success is leading the initiative for the MCCA and will partner with nationally-recognized organizations including the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement and Trellis Research along with Michigan-based organizations including the Michigan Association of United Ways, MiBridges, and Public Policy Associates to support Michigan’s participating community colleges.
“We know that the lack of access to basic needs is frequently the reason that students leave college,” said Erica Lee Orians, executive director of the Michigan Center for Student Success at the MCCA. “NMC’s participation in this initiative is a critical component of our student success efforts.”
The Michigan Center for Student Success, founded in 2011, serves as a hub connecting leadership, administrators, faculty, and staff in their emerging and ongoing efforts to improve student outcomes, emphasizing linkages between practice, research, and policy. The Center has led statewide initiatives focused on reengaging adults, developmental education, transfer, veterans, and advising. The Center is part of the 16-state Student Success Center Network working with over half of the community colleges across the nation.
Release date: January 14, 2019
For more information:
Lisa Thomas
Dean of Students
lthomas@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1043
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-discriminationNational Hot Sauce Day – Instructor Challenge
Are your lectures the Hottest on Campus? You can handle the heat of student review! But can you handle the heat of the national hot sauce day challenge, on January 22 @ 11 a.m.?
The Hawk Owl cafe is looking for instructors to join our National Hot Sauce Day Challenge. We want 3 questions, (1 easy, one medium and one SUPER HARD) from the area you teach in; answer the question from the other instructors incorrectly and eat a wing with the appropriate hot sauce level on it. The last instructor standing wins lunch on us. The instructor who eats the hottest wings wins lunch on us. Basically, everyone who participates wins lunch on us!
Please email ptesner@nmc.edu, no later than January 17.
Student Success Fair – A chance to win textbooks!
Who: Tutoring, Personal counseling, Advising, Success Coaches, Student Government & more
What: A time to introduce yourself to the on-campus resources that are here to help you be successful. Also, stop by the success fair either or BOTH days to enter a drawing for free textbooks up to $250 value, 2 lucky students will be selected!
Location: Health & Science Building Lobby
Date: Tuesday, January 14th & Wednesday, January 15th
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Media Mentions for January 13, 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.
International Affairs Forum Sets Next Slate Of Speakers
The Ticker, Jan. 8 (more…)
Friday Faculty Forum
Q: What is neurodiversity and what does it mean for me in the classroom?
- We will have a panel of current and former students speaking to the benefits and burdens of neurodiversity in the classroom as well as the workplace.
- We will learn what we as instructors can consider as we work to support all of our students.
- We will get tips and resources for improving our outreach to all of our students.
Friday, Jan. 17, 12:30 – 2 p.m. FH110
Native American Student Organization Meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Osterlin Rm 204
Hope to see you all soon!
Questions? Email tparker@nmc.edu or call (231) 995-3025.
Festival of Foods
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 at the Hagerty Center. Learn new cooking skills and get fresh ideas from area chefs and gourmet food artisans. Enjoy tasty samplings in this learn-a-lot-quick experience. 16 total workshops; you choose 4. Workshop descriptions available at nmc.edu/festival-of-foods. Register soon to receive first-choice of workshops at this sellout event! $99 per person.
Festival of Foods
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2020 at Hagerty Center. Learn new cooking skills and get fresh ideas from area chefs and gourmet food artisans. Enjoy tasty samplings in this learn-a-lot-quick experience. 16 total workshops; you choose 4. Workshop descriptions available at nmc.edu/festival-of-foods. Register soon to receive first-choice of workshops at this sellout event! $99 per person ($54 with 100% tuition waiver).
Intramural Basketball Sign-up
Intramural Basketball Sign-up
All players must be current NMC students, all teams must be co-ed, at least one female player must be on the court at all times or you will play short. female points count double.
Season starts Monday, January 27 for six weeks.
Two games per week played Monday–Thursday at 2:10, 3:10 or 4:10 p.m. or new time offering Sundays 9:10, 10:10 p.m.
Mandatory Captains’ meeting and Sign-up Deadline – Thursday, January 23 at 3 p.m. in the PE Lobby.
For more information or questions, please call Steve Dixon at (231) 995-1379.
** Registration forms are located throughout campus or you can pick one up at the fitness center in North Hall **
Financial Aid Fair
February 12, 4-7 p.m.
Osterlin Library, Room 113
Enrollment Services at Northwestern Michigan College is pleased to offer a financial aid fair for prospective college students, parents, alumni, and current NMC students. There will be half-hour workshop sessions and time for students to meet individually with a financial aid representative. Snacks will be provided!
Sign up for half-hour workshop sessions:
- Counting the Cost of College – comparing schools (4-4:30 p.m. & 5:30-6 p.m.)
- Waivers and Scholarships for Native American Students (4-4:30 p.m. & 5:30-6 p.m.)
- Types of Financial Aid (4:30-5 p.m. & 6-6:30 p.m.)
- How to Find and Apply for Scholarships (5-5:30 p.m. & 6:30-7 p.m.)
Before or after the workshops, get one-on-one help with:
- Completing the FAFSA by the March 1 State deadline
- Applying for Scholarships
- Completing financial aid requirements (for current NMC students)
- Comparing financial aid offers
- Student loan counseling
Priority Health Updates/Reminders
Link to Priority Health Approved Drug List- HERE
Link to updated Summaries-CORE and High Deductible
Link to Prior Authorization form for prescriptions (Traditional)- HERE
- 90-day prescription will be 2 co-pays
- Priority Health uses Express Scripts for mail order (same as Blue Cross)
- When you register as a new user on the website- Priorityhealth.com- you will be asked many questions about your history (old addresses, cars, relatives…) to verify your identity.
ADP Reminders (Life Insurance Beneficiaries)
- Please use ADP to update your address and personal phone numbers
- Check your time off balances
- Check-in on your life insurance beneficiaries:
ADP > Myself > Benefits > Enrollments > View Benefits
- Be sure the date is in 2020
- Scroll down to Employee Life section
- If you are satisfied with the beneficiaries, no action needed
- If you need to make a change- click on the green pencil icon to edit
- If you need to add a beneficiary who is not listed- contact Hollie DeWalt in HR
News from the Fitness Center
- Free NMC Fitness Center access for the month of January for NMC Staff and Faculty.
- One new employee will win a free membership to the NMC Fitness Center and a complimentary fitness center towel.
- Open Recreation, 12pm to 2pm in the Physical Education building.
- Certified trainers available to help you get started on your fitness journey.
- Snow shoes available for checkout in North Hall.
Employee Anniversaries
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Internal Promotions
The following employees were promoted internally. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Outstanding Alumni nominations due
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College alumni program is seeking nominations for the 2020 Outstanding Alumni award. Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 28.
Celebrated since 1988, the Outstanding Alumni award recognizes alumni for significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community. The award(s) will be presented at NMC’s annual Commencement ceremony May 2.
Nomination forms are available online. Nominations may also be e-mailed to Director of Alumni Relations, Cameron Penny, at alumni@nmc.edu or mailed to NMC Alumni Relations, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686.
The 2019 Outstanding Alumni recipients were Terry Beia, Frank Dituri and Marie Socha.
Release date: JANUARY 9, 2020
For more information:
Cameron Penny
Director of Alumni Relations
cpenny@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2825
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-discriminationPop-Up Scholarship & Financial-Aid Events!
Are you a current or prospective student looking for help with financial aid and searching for scholarship opportunities? Join us at Lobdell’s at NMC’s Great Lakes campus for one of two pop-up financial aid events:
- Tuesday, January 21st, 5 – 7 p.m.
- Friday, February 14th, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Questions? Call enrollment services (231)995-1052
Lobdell’s: A Teaching Restaurant
NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City
Fall 2020 Dean’s List released
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is pleased to announce its Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester.
Published at the end of each semester, the Dean’s List recognizes outstanding academic achievement based upon a student’s semester grade point average. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits in a semester.
RELEASE DATE: January 8, 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-discriminationSuccess Story: Listening, learning on Nick Nissley’s short-term agenda
January 8, 2020
Nick Nissley is diving into his tenure as NMC’s 11th president, immersing himself 24-7 on campus and in the region, from hiking at Empire Bluffs to dining at Front Street restaurants to a packed schedule of meetings with college stakeholders.
Among the first is a community welcome reception set for 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lakes campus.
Nissley, 53, comes from Cincinnati and says there’s no place he’d rather be than NMC. His first day was Jan. 2, but the education executive with 25 years of leadership experience said he’s been doing his homework on the college since his contract was finalized in October 2019.
“It’s obvious to me, NMC is a strong college in a strong community – it has a proud history and a future of possibilities,” said Nissley, who describes himself as a “possibilitarian.”
Determining which possibilities the college pursues means using this onboarding time to listen and learn. With the NMC Board and executive staff, Nissley intends to orient himself to NMC and northern Michigan by gathering information and building relationships in order to develop an understanding of what requires immediate attention; beginning an inventory of perceived organizational strengths and weaknesses and identifying key strategic challenges and opportunities.
“Ultimately, the listening and learning will help inform our ‘next steps’ as we seek to advance the College mission, together,” Nissley said, adding he considers it a privilege to be at NMC, the beneficiary of strong leadership and community support throughout its history.
“I believe in NMC’s role, that we have played historically, and that we must imagine together as we look to the future – our role in improving the lives of people and strengthening the fabric of our community.
Success Story: Listening, learning on Nick Nissley’s short-term agenda
January 8, 2020
Nick Nissley is diving into his tenure as NMC’s 11th president, immersing himself 24-7 on campus and in the region, from hiking at Empire Bluffs to dining at Front Street restaurants to a packed schedule of meetings with college stakeholders.
Among the first is a community welcome reception set for 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lakes campus.
Nissley, 53, comes from Cincinnati and says there’s no place he’d rather be than NMC. His first day was Jan. 2, but the education executive with 25 years of leadership experience said he’s been doing his homework on the college since his contract was finalized in October 2019.
“It’s obvious to me, NMC is a strong college in a strong community – it has a proud history and a future of possibilities,” said Nissley, who describes himself as a “possibilitarian.”
Determining which possibilities the college pursues means using this onboarding time to listen and learn. With the NMC Board and executive staff, Nissley intends to orient himself to NMC and northern Michigan by gathering information and building relationships in order to develop an understanding of what requires immediate attention; beginning an inventory of perceived organizational strengths and weaknesses and identifying key strategic challenges and opportunities.
“Ultimately, the listening and learning will help inform our ‘next steps’ as we seek to advance the College mission, together,” Nissley said, adding he considers it a privilege to be at NMC, the beneficiary of strong leadership and community support throughout its history.
“I believe in NMC’s role, that we have played historically, and that we must imagine together as we look to the future – our role in improving the lives of people and strengthening the fabric of our community.
Community invited to new president reception
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College invites the community to meet its 11th president, Nick Nissley, at a welcome reception from 5–7 p.m. Friday Jan. 17, at the Hagerty Center at NMC’s Great Lakes campus.
Nissley, an education executive with more than 25 years of experience, says there’s no place he’d rather be than NMC. While his first day in the office was Jan. 2, Nissley said he’s been doing his homework on the college since his contract was finalized in October 2019.
“It’s obvious to me, NMC is a strong college in a strong community – it has a proud history and a future of possibilities,” he said. “Being here at NMC is a calling. It’s a calling for me to share my strengths.”
Those strengths are broad and diverse. Nissley’s career includes experience in K-12, community college and university settings. He has leadership experience in fundraising, professional development, human resources, teaching and the arts. His areas of focus include helping build individual and organization capabilities that support organizational effectiveness and innovation cultures in support of educational excellence. Nissley describes himself as a collaborative servant leader and “possibilitarian.”
“I believe in NMC’s role that we have played historically, and that we must imagine together as we look to the future – our role in improving the lives of people and strengthening the fabric of our community. Together, let’s be driven to think and act beyond boundaries, and to achieve more than was originally imagined. That’s the possibilitarian spirit of NMC,” he said.
RSVPs are not required and there is no cost to attend the reception, which will include hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
Nissley’s most recent position was Executive Director of Cincinnati’s School for Creative & Performing Arts (SCPA) — the first K-12 public creative and performing arts magnet school in the country, recognized as a model magnet arts school and a crown jewel of Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS). He previously served as Dean of the Business Division of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, one of Ohio’s largest community colleges.
Release date: January 7, 2019
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-discriminationGVSU Scholarship Success Workshop
Need help finding scholarship dollars? Grand Valley State University in Traverse City is offering a one-hour workshop on university and local scholarships available to you. This is a great asset for both current students as well as people thinking about going back to school! Learn Tips and Tricks on how to write a winning essay and what committees are looking for.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM, NMC University Center Room 204 (upstairs)
RSVP today, seats limited: https://www.gvsu.edu/traverse/
Media Mentions for January 6, 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.
Newsmaker: NMC president retires, new president named
Record-Eagle, Jan 6 (more…)