Don’t miss this free, family-friendly Earth Day event!

Announcement from the NMC Green Team:

Don’t miss this free, family-friendly Earth Day event! 

Courtesy of Grand Traverse County RecycleSmart in cooperation with Grand Traverse County Parks & Recreation.

Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Medalie Park, 1910 S. Airport Road, Traverse City

The fun includes:

  • A scavenger hunt with prize drawings
  • Full size recycling truck
  • Make and take crafts
  • Backyard composting demo at 11 am and 1 pm

Click here for more information or download an Earth Day event flyer here.

President’s Update for April 12, 2017

Thank you all for everything you do in pursuit of “Keeping Learning at the Center.”

Notable Accomplishments provided by Faculty and Staff

This section recognizes the good work being done and linkages to the Strategic Directions (SD) and Institutional Effectiveness Criteria (IE) are provided where possible. (more…)

Second annual IT Olympics

TRAVERSE CITY —  NMC will host the second annual IT Academy Olympics from 9:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Friday, May 5 in the Parsons-Stulen Building on the Aero Park Campus.

About 80 students from the TBAISD Information Technology and Web & Game Programming programs will spend the day engaging in competitions created by NMC’s Computer Information Technology department, including network design, security, robot programming, and web design. Local IT industry representatives will judge the competition and sponsor prizes.

“This is a great opportunity for ISD Career Tech students to show off their skills and for employers to see the next crop of IT gurus raised right here in TC,” said NMC CIT instructor Keith Weber. 

Release date: april 17, 2017

For more information:

Keith Weber
CIT instructor
kweber@nmc.edu 
(231) 995-1908 

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

WRC Hiring for Fall 2017

The Writing and Reading Center is hiring for the 2017-2018 school year. This is a paid position carrying a load of 8-12+ hours per week. The schedule is flexible around your current obligations and includes training. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Contact Megan Ward (mward@nmc.edu) or stop by the WRC (Scholars Hall Room 221) for an application. Applications are due by April 28. 

Success story: Transfer student Maddy Jenner is Dean’s Research Scholar at MSU

April 12, 2017

Chelsea Cooper of NMC's Great Lakes Water Studies Institute tests water quality on a local lakeMSU Dean’s Research Scholar Maddy Jenner
Photo by Harley Seeley
You might say it was chemistry when Maddy Jenner sat down in NMC instructor Blake Key’s classroom in 2014.

The Traverse City West High School graduate hadn’t chosen a major and enrolled in Introductory Chemistry to fulfill a science requirement. She found a career calling.

“As soon as I had that fall semester done with, I knew for sure chemistry was it,” Jenner said. “(Key) was the one who inspired me to go into chemistry when I was in his class.”

She transferred to Michigan State University a year later and is now wrapping up a year as a Dean’s Research Scholar, a prestigious group of a dozen selected among 5,000 science and math majors in the College of Natural Sciences.

Undergraduates don’t often do research, but when Jenner heard about the opportunity she stepped right up.

“I want to do research as a career,” she said.

Her research in the field of aromatic compounds focuses on minimizing the side effects of drug interactions. The experiences of family and friends led her to the realm of pharmaceutical research.

“I know that I can make a difference in that kind of world,” she said.

The experience also required public speaking to alumni and donors, valuable to her future.

“I really enjoyed this experience because I have to talk about my research to a non-scientific audience,” she said. “Being able to explain it to other people is really important to me now and for my career in years to come.”

Jenner expects to graduate in 2018 and is considering graduate schools. Her top choice now is the University of North Carolina, home to highly-regarded pharmaceutical sciences program.

Key isn’t surprised by the achievements of his former student.

“It was apparent really early that she was turned on by what was going on in the class,” he said.

Jenner said her NMC years prepared her well for what lies ahead.

“The difference from community college to university was not as huge as I thought it would be,” she said.

One thing Jenner would like to see: more fellow female students.

“I do have a couple labs where I am the only girl out of 30 people,” she said. “Earlier on, when I was just declaring my major, I would have people, especially guys, tell me, ‘I don’t know, that’s a hard major.’”

That implicit doubt of her abilities used to bother her, but no longer.

“I’m way past that point now,” she said. “I know my capabilities, even if it means being the only girl in the lab.”

Success story: Transfer student Maddy Jenner is Dean’s Research Scholar at MSU

April 12, 2017

Chelsea Cooper of NMC's Great Lakes Water Studies Institute tests water quality on a local lakeMSU Dean’s Research Scholar Maddy Jenner
Photo by Harley Seeley
You might say it was chemistry when Maddy Jenner sat down in NMC instructor Blake Key’s classroom in 2014.

The Traverse City West High School graduate hadn’t chosen a major and enrolled in Introductory Chemistry to fulfill a science requirement. She found a career calling.

“As soon as I had that fall semester done with, I knew for sure chemistry was it,” Jenner said. “(Key) was the one who inspired me to go into chemistry when I was in his class.”

She transferred to Michigan State University a year later and is now wrapping up a year as a Dean’s Research Scholar, a prestigious group of a dozen selected among 5,000 science and math majors in the College of Natural Sciences.

Undergraduates don’t often do research, but when Jenner heard about the opportunity she stepped right up.

“I want to do research as a career,” she said.

Her research in the field of aromatic compounds focuses on minimizing the side effects of drug interactions. The experiences of family and friends led her to the realm of pharmaceutical research.

“I know that I can make a difference in that kind of world,” she said.

The experience also required public speaking to alumni and donors, valuable to her future.

“I really enjoyed this experience because I have to talk about my research to a non-scientific audience,” she said. “Being able to explain it to other people is really important to me now and for my career in years to come.”

Jenner expects to graduate in 2018 and is considering graduate schools. Her top choice now is the University of North Carolina, home to highly-regarded pharmaceutical sciences program.

Key isn’t surprised by the achievements of his former student.

“It was apparent really early that she was turned on by what was going on in the class,” he said.

Jenner said her NMC years prepared her well for what lies ahead.

“The difference from community college to university was not as huge as I thought it would be,” she said.

One thing Jenner would like to see: more fellow female students.

“I do have a couple labs where I am the only girl out of 30 people,” she said. “Earlier on, when I was just declaring my major, I would have people, especially guys, tell me, ‘I don’t know, that’s a hard major.’”

That implicit doubt of her abilities used to bother her, but no longer.

“I’m way past that point now,” she said. “I know my capabilities, even if it means being the only girl in the lab.”

Webinar for faculty and staff: Title IX reporting for distance study

Title IX/Clery and VAWA & University Travel: Master the Complex Reporting Requirements for Distance and Overseas Study to Safeguard Your Institution.

Wednesday, April 12 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in Founders Hall Room 110.

The compliance requirements of the Clery Act, VAWA and Title IX don’t end at the nation’s shores. There are requirements for distance and overseas study that can be complex, but when laid out and explained, can be manageable for institutions of any size.

If you have students participating in institutional sponsored travel through…

  • Study Abroad
  • Athletic Competitions
  • Service Trips
  • Immersion Trips
  • Any college/university sponsored travel beyond campus borders

 …this webinar is for you!

Join our expert presenter, Joseph Storch, a seasoned thought leader on this topic, as he provides you with a comprehensive overview of the international program and travel implications of the Clery Act, Violence Against Women Act amendments to the Clery Act and Title IX.

Learn how to access additional resources and develop policies that comply with the law, but most importantly, that will protect and serve your students.

Student Spring Formal Dance

Res-Life Council and Phi Theta Kappa are hosting a Spring Formal! Join us for a night under the stars at the West Bay Beach Resort & Hotel, located next to the Great Lakes Campus.

A fun filled night with a great DJ and photo booth. Come early and enjoy appetizers and drinks from 7-8 p.m. This is an alcohol-free dance, no one will be admitted with alcohol or allowed back in after consuming alcohol.

Students not attending NMC may go as long as they are with an NMC Student and have their ticket purchased by an NMC Student. It is a spring formal, so go all out and dress to the nines! There are limited tickets, so get them while they last. You can purchase tickets at the Advising Office in the Osterlin Building or the East Hall Building on campus.

Details: The Spring Formal is April 22, 7-11 p.m. at West Bay Beach Resort & Hotel (615 E Front St. Traverse City, MI 49686)

Summer book reservation

Summer book reservations are now available online! Visit bookstore.nmc.edu to reserve your books today. Reservations will be available now through May 31; all online reservations must be picked up by June 9.

Kudos!

KUDOS- (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com

Submit a Kudos here.

Kudos to Ann Ghet and Osterlin Librarian for working again this year with our first-year writing students. The librarians make information literacy relevant and engaging, and students are surprised to learn how much support and kindness the library makes available to them.

Benefits

If you have Blue Cross Medical with NMC you have access to a 24-Hour Nurse Line. You can call the nurse line at 1-800-775-BLUE (2583)

  • Health information

Nurses are available to answer your healthcare questions, whether they’re as simple as how to take an infant’s temperature or as complex as learning about a surgical procedure.

  • Symptom management

The nurses will review your symptoms to determine the appropriate level of care and medical follow-up needed.

  • Audio health library

Our audio library covers topics about preventing and managing illnesses. Each audio presentation is two to five minutes long. A nurse can suggest the topics appropriate for you.

Wellness

April Wellness Newsletter Find out what your colleagues are learning!

April is Stress Awareness Month

  • Monday, April 17, 2017- Bring your LUNCH and LEARN how mindfulness can help manage your stress. 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. in Osterlin Room 205, with Kristy McDonald
  • April Wellness Challenge- Attend any of the mindfulness sessions led by Kristy McDonald in the month of April, sign the attendance sheet, and receive an entry into a drawing for every time you attend to win a Fitbit Alta! Tuesdays- noon Health & Science Building 101/ Wednesdays- 9:00 a.m. University Center Room 214.

Position Vacancies & Supplemental Employment

Are you looking for career opportunities? Find them here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:

Position Vacancies

  • Part Time Student Health Nurse

  • Clinical Nursing Instructor – Medical Surgical (Part-Time)

  • Geography Adjunct Faculty

Supplemental Employment

  • Enrollment Services Assistant

#LNAP 2017: The Library’s Long Night Against Procrastination

It’s back! On April 20, the NMC Osterlin Library and Student Success Center will be open until 2:00 a.m. Writing and Reading Center readers, librarians, and tutors from the NMC Tutoring Center will be available until LATE to help with final papers and assignments.

Free pizza, free snacks, free coffee & drinks, and multiple raffle drawings for prizes will help keep you inspired to CRUSH your finals! See you there.

Great Lakes Maritime Academy hosts open ship

Training Ship State of MichiganTRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s open “ship” showcasing the training ship State of Michigan from noon to 3 p.m. April 22. The day will include:

  • Guided tours of the T/S State of Michigan
  • Interaction with current Maritime cadets
  • An opportunity to learn more about the Maritime Academy and the maritime industry

Tours will begin at the pier security gate entrance on the north side of NMC’s Great Lakes campus, 715 E. Front St. Low-heel, closed-toe, soft-soled shoes are highly recommended. The event will occur rain or shine.

Release date: April 11, 2017

For more information:

Scott Fairbank
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
sfairbank@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1200

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

Spring performances

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s performance ensembles will offer a full slate of spring concerts during April and May. 

Friday, April 21 NMC Concert Band presents “Dance The Night Away” 7:30 p.m.,  Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $12 adults, $7 students and seniors. Admission for NMC students with student ID is free.

Saturday, April 22 NMC Jazz Bands and NMC Vocal Jazz Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium.  Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students and seniors in advance; $12 & $7 at the door. Admission for NMC students with student ID is free. 

Sunday, April 23 NMC Grand Traverse Chorale and NMC Chamber Singers share the stage with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. 3 p.m., Corson Auditorium, Interlochen Arts Academy. Ticket prices vary.

Sunday, April 23 NMC Dance Department presents A Spring Dance Showcase, 7 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $7.

Sunday, April 30 NMC Children’s Choirs 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. Tickets $15 adults, $10 for students and seniors.

Saturday May 13 NMC Canticum Novum presents choral music by masters old and new.  7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Elk Rapids. Suggested donations of $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, will be taken at the door.

Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20 NMC’s Canticum Novum presents a “A Spring Evening of Wine, Sweets and Song.” 7:30 p.m., Dennos Museum Sculpture Court.

 
Tickets for all events except the May 13 donation concert are available at mynorthtickets.com.  Call (800) 836-0717

Release date: april 5, 2017

For more information:

Jeffrey Cobb
NMC Director of Music Programs
jecobb@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1338 

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 Dance Department presents A Spring Dance Showcase

The Northwestern Michigan College Dance Department will present A Spring Dance Showcase on Sunday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at Milliken Auditorium on the campus of NMC. The showcase performance will feature solo and group dances under the direction of Dorothy Eisenstein.

The concert will celebrate four historical figures of dance through innovative choreography performed by faculty and students. Various styles of dance will be featured including modern dance, jazz, improvisation, and hip hop.

General admission tickets are $7.00. Tickets are available in advance at mynorthtickets.com or by calling (800) 836-0717.

Benefits Corner: This Month, “Save Your Vision”

Most of us work at a computer these days. Unfortunately, too much computer work can harm our vision. Computer-related vision problems are so common, the American Optometric Association has determined that many computer users suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Are you one of them?

CVS is comprised of eye and vision problems related to frequent and extensive computer use. Eye strain, blurred vision, dry eyes and a stiff neck are some of the symptoms of CVS. The good news is, a few easy changes can help most issues.

This month, simply take the following small steps for healthy computer vision:

Make smart screen adjustments.

The resolution, contrast and glare on your computer screen can wreak havoc on your eyes. You can prevent eye strain and squinting by adjusting your monitor for the highest resolution possible.

  • Contrast is the difference in light and dark between the characters and the background—and intense contrast is alarming to your eyes. You should select a contrast that is a comfortable midpoint between bright and dark.
  • Glare doesn’t help much, either. If overhead lights or nearby windows are causing glare and reflections that decrease your screen visibility, this can make your eyes tired. To reduce glare, use dimmer switches or window shades. You can also move your computer screen so it’s out of direct sunshine or bright lights.

Just blink.

It might sound silly, but while you’re busy concentrating on your computer task at hand, you may forget to blink. This can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated. “Artificial tear” eye drops can help—just be sure to choose the appropriate kind if you wear contact lenses. If you work from home, you may want to use a humidifier near your desk.

Back away from the computer.

Short, frequent breaks during computer tasks are important to relieve your eye stress. This is especially important if you’re intensely focused on a challenging task. Every 20–30 minutes, it’s important to get up and walk away. Also, allow your eyes to look into the distance (at least 20 feet away) to give them a rest from close-up work.

Check your prescription.

If you wear glasses (especially bifocals) or contact lenses, your prescription may not be quite right for a computer-related reading task. The distance and angle of a computer screen is usually higher up and farther away than when you’re reading a book or newspaper. Simply check with your eye doctor.

Don’t skip your annual eye exam!

It’s important to keep up to date on eye exams. Your eye doctor may recognize symptoms and give pointers for good eye health. Let him or her know if you work frequently with computers to make sure the contact lenses or glasses you wear are the best for computer tasks.

It’s important to take precautions for wellness! By keeping your eyes and body in good health, you’ll be able to continue to perform at your best, without discomfort or injury.

Provided by Meritain Health, Benefits and Wellness Journal, March 27, 2017.

Wellness

What is clean eating?

Clean eating is a balanced diet that focuses on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fats and protein. It also encourages you to control portion sizes. It doesn’t ban any food groups.

The Eat-Clean principles are:

  • Eat six small meals a day.
  • Eat breakfast every day, within an hour of getting up.
  • Eat lean protein and complex carbohydrates at every meal.
  • Have two or three servings of healthy fats every day.
  • Get fiber, vitamins, nutrients and enzymes from fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Control your portions.
  • Drink two to three liters of water (about 13 8-ounce cups) every day.

This may seem like a lot. Chris recommends picking one principle a week. For example, choose to drink two to three liters of water per day, each day, beginning April 3 and ending April 7. To be successful, track your water consumption in an app such as myfitnesspal or Fitbit.

Find healthy recipes and informative videos on the Blue Cross® Health & Wellness website, powered by WebMD®, to help you improve or add variety to your diet. You can contact our Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan wellness coordinator, Chris Barr, for help locating these resources. He can be reached at cbarr@bcbsm.com, cbarr@nmc.edu,  or 313-969-8753. Be well.

Last Day to Drop- Friday, April 7

This Friday, April 7 is the LAST DAY for your students to drop regular 15-week classes. Please encourage those students in your classes who may benefit from exercising this option to check with Student Financial Services prior to dropping. Dropping by Friday means the student receives a ‘W’ on their academic transcript instead of a grade for the class. Questions? Contact a professional advisor in the Advising Center at 5-1040. Thank you!