New Books at the Library – February 2022
The library has recently purchased many new books. You can view a handful of them here along with descriptions or go to the library catalog to see the full listing.
Marine Tech program makes national list
Congratulations to Water Studies Institute Director Hans Van Sumeren and everyone else involved in making NMC’s Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology program the fourth most-focused ocean engineering program in the nation, according to CollegeFactual.com. Northwestern Michigan College is the only community college and the only non-coastal school to make the online ranking of the nation’s top ocean engineering programs. Read more about the ranking here.
Quiz winners earn lunch with the president!
Thanks to the more than 70 people who participated in the Town Hall trivia “Guess Who: PC Edition!” The winners will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at Lobdell’s with President Nick Nissley.
Congratulations to the top 4:
- Hannah Witte, Supplemental – Advising Center
- Katie Sommer-Ford, Office Manager – Department of Learning Services
- Amanda Gower, Resource Development Executive Assistant
- CJ Schneider, Residence Hall Manager
We had a 4-way tie for 5th place between:
- Terri Gustafson, Director of Educational Media Technologies
- Kristi Jackson, EES Program Coordinator
- Kari Kahler, Associate Dean of Learning Services
- Patrick Podolan, STCW Clerk & Sea Projects Specialist
Congratulations winners! Watch your emails for scheduling details.
In case you’re curious, here are the correct answers to the quiz!
- First-generation college students
- Nick Nissley
- Stephen Siciliano
- Diana Fairbanks
- Lynne Mortiz
- Attended community college
- Stephen Siciliano
- Diana Fairbanks
- Rebecca Teahen
- Teachers (This was the question with the most correct answers)
- Nick Nissley
- Stephen Siciliano*
- Jason Slade
- Todd Neibauer*
- Lynne Moritz*
(* history teachers)
- Traverse City natives
- Troy Kierczynski
- Rebecca Teahen
- Attended college thanks on the GI Bill®
- Todd Neibauer (This was the question missed most often. Apparently folks think Jason seems like he was in the service.)
- MSU Spartan fans
- Todd Neibauer
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Workplace Readiness Series Aims to Fill Skills Gap
This month, NMC will introduce its Workplace Readiness Series aimed at filling the technical and workplace skills gap faced by many northern Michigan employers. This new series of online training will equip workers with skills in areas ranging from computer literacy to business communications to project management fundamentals.
Through the Workplace Readiness Series, workers can achieve professional certificates and micro-credentials. Specific programs will include:
- Certificate in Customer Service
- Certificate in Workplace Communication
- Certificate in Computer Literacy
- Micro-credentials will be available for Programmable Logic Controllers and Electronics
Employers across the Grand Traverse Region continue to face vast challenges related to attracting and retaining talent. In Spring 2021, Traverse Connect surveyed regional employers to uncover the reasons behind these challenges and to propose recommendations. The Workplace Readiness Series is a response to the 2021 Grand Traverse Region Skills Gap Study.
Sessions will be bite-sized — brief in length, but thorough in content — allowing participants already in the workplace to gain and/or enhance their skills and apply them to their jobs in short order.
“NMC is thrilled to partner with Traverse Connect to deliver this new series to the community. It is our vision to provide educational opportunities to transform lives, and play a part in addressing this unprecedented challenge for employers’ workforce needs,” said NMC Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Jason Slade.
“NMC’s new certificate and micro-credential programs showcase the college’s flexibility and responsiveness to the business community’s urgent needs. After we reported the findings from the 2021 Grand Traverse Region Skills Gap Study in September, our regional employers and workforce already have new programs available locally to help advance the skillsets of regional employees,” said Traverse Connect CEO Warren Call.
Online classes start Feb. 7 with subsequent sessions later in the spring. For more information on the Workplace Readiness Series, visit nmc.augusoft.net, or contact Ed Bailey (ebailey@nmc.edu) or Elizabeth Sonnabend (esonnabend@nmc.edu).
Media Mentions for February 7, 2022
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.
NMC Ranks Among Top Ocean Engineering Schools In The Country
The Ticker, February 3 (more…)
International Affairs Forum to discuss U.S.-China Business Dynamics
The International Affairs Forum at Northwestern Michigan College presents “China: Is Détente Possible” featuring Kenneth Jarrett, Thursday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. Eastern. Jarrett’s 26-year diplomatic career includes postings in Beijing, Chengdu and Singapore. He served as Consul General in Shanghai, and as Deputy Consul General in Hong Kong. In the private sector, Jarrett served five years as president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.
Jarrett is a frequent commentator on the business environment in China, and he has been quoted in outlets including Bloomberg, the Economist, the Financial Times, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal, among others. In addition to commenting on recent headlines involving China, Jarrett will share his nuanced understanding of Chinese business dynamics and their political underpinnings, illuminated by historical and cultural context.
Kenneth Jarrett will connect from Shanghai. The moderator for this conversation will be Steve Fisher, IAF co-chair and a former executive who worked 15 years in Asia with Korn/Ferry, KPMG and A.T. Kearney.
This is a virtual event via Zoom with a suggested donation of $10. All IAF events are free to current students and educators. Learn more at TCIAF.com.
Register here to the livestream with public Q&A: tciaf.com/event-2-
What’s Next? Career Counseling Workshop
The Academic & Career Advising department is hosting our Career Counseling Workshop again this semester & have combined it into one day!
What’s Next? Is an interactive workshop that guides students through career and education decision making to ultimately help explore interests that can connect to future career choices. The workshop will be face-to-face in West Hall Rm 123 on Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 4–5:30 p.m. Pre-registration is open here.
Best for last, attendees will get some free pizza to go along with their professional exploration!
Welcome our newest hires
Welcome to NMC!
- Zander Drost — Fitness Center Staff
- Jim Gullen — Automotive Lab Assistant
Kudos!
Kudos to Kailey Rubinas: Kailey has been an amazing leader to our students and her team. Over the past month, she has stepped up as a supplemental and taken on a leadership role, helping organize both her colleagues and classmates. With her supervisor out for medical reasons, she stepped in and helped the coaching team get connected with students and faculty at the beginning of the semester. Kailey has collaborated with multiple departments on campus to make sure coaching and events were being taken care of. She is our rockstar and we’re so grateful for all that she does for our students and team!
Kudos to Lori Hodek: Lori has been the Queen of Organization & Leadership for the newly launched Embrace the Dream Initiative. Lori stepped in and orchestrated a cross-campus, college-wide event that is ongoing and happening despite us being in the middle of the pandemic. Despite uncertainties, she continued to push our team forward and lead with enthusiasm. She scheduled meetings, created spreadsheets, lists, follow-up items, and more for multiple groups and sub-groups. We always knew where to find minutes and knew what was expected of us. Great project management! This is the first year of many of these to come, and I’m so grateful that we had Lori as our leader! Thank you!
Kudos to Ryan Bernstein, Ali Thornton, Lisa Boike, and Paul Martin: These fine folks are working extra hard to devise a way to pull our EES Moodle students into Moodle behind the scenes. With our new system, Lumens, we are still working on the integration to Moodle process. Thank you, Ryan, Ali, Lisa, and Paul!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Employee Anniversaries – February
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
NMC Voices Meetings
Voices meetings will be held Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in West Hall 15. Can’t make it in person? Email Brittany at bhanbury@nmc.edu for a zoom link to join us virtually.
Voices is the sexual assault awareness and advocacy group for both survivors and allies.
COVID-19: Important mask updates
Good afternoon NMC community,
We have some important updates and reminders on NMC’s masking policy and resources as we continue to respond to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic:
- NMC now has 19 locations offering FREE N95 respirators across its five campuses.
- N95 and KN95 respirators provide the best filtration and protection against the virus; the college recommends you wear this option whenever possible; surgical masks offer the next best level of protection and are available at all entrances to our buildings. Cloth masks provide the least protection.
- Cloth masks, if used, should be washed daily after each use according to CDC recommendations. If cloth masks are visibly soiled, users will be asked to replace it with a clean mask or a college provided N95 respirator or surgical mask.
- Masks and respirators must cover both the nose and mouth with no gaps, unless you are eating or drinking.
- Scarves, bandanas, and neck gaiters are no longer considered acceptable. Users will be asked to replace these with a college provided respirator or mask.
- Please dispose of any surgical masks in one of our many campus trash receptacles to reduce littering on campus grounds. The polypropylene material used for surgical masks is not biodegradable.
Thank you for your commitment to keeping NMC’s learning environments safe. For more information and resources on NMC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the case dashboard, please visit the Keep Safe hub. If you have any questions related to these issues please contact us through the COVID-19 feedback form.
COVID-19: Important mask updates
Good afternoon NMC community,
We have some important updates and reminders on NMC’s masking policy and resources as we continue to respond to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic:
- NMC now has 19 locations offering FREE N95 respirators across its five campuses.
- N95 and KN95 respirators provide the best filtration and protection against the virus; the college recommends you wear this option whenever possible; surgical masks offer the next best level of protection and are available at all entrances to our buildings. Cloth masks provide the least protection.
- Cloth masks, if used, should be washed daily after each use according to CDC recommendations. If cloth masks are visibly soiled, users will be asked to replace it with a clean mask or a college provided N95 respirator or surgical mask.
- Masks and respirators must cover both the nose and mouth with no gaps, unless you are eating or drinking.
- Scarves, bandanas, and neck gaiters are no longer considered acceptable. Users will be asked to replace these with a college provided respirator or mask.
- Please dispose of any surgical masks in one of our many campus trash receptacles to reduce littering on campus grounds. The polypropylene material used for surgical masks is not biodegradable.
Thank you for your commitment to keeping NMC’s learning environments safe. For more information and resources on NMC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the case dashboard, please visit the Keep Safe hub.
BS Marine Technology ranks as top ocean engineering program
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is the only community college and the only non-coastal school to make an online ranking of the top ocean engineering programs in the nation.
CollegeFactual.com lists NMC’s Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology program as the fourth most-focused ocean engineering program in the country, behind only the U.S. Naval Academy, Florida Institute of Technology and the University of Rhode Island.
“The bachelor’s of science in Marine Technology at NMC is directly focused on developing the global workforce in support of the new blue economy. Our program is unique in that it provides the applied skills and competencies directly required by businesses and industries,” said Hans Van Sumeren, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute. “NMC BSMT graduates work throughout the Great Lakes, United States, and around the world. They are highly competitive in the job market and bring a diverse set of skills to their employers.”
NMC’s bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology offers students the opportunity to gain technical skills and competencies leading toward a better understanding of the world’s dynamic water resources. Graduates of the program have 100-percent employment in the marine industry. (Read about one successful student here.) Associate degrees in Engineering Technology-Marine and Freshwater Studies are also available. Find out more at nmc.edu/marine-tech.
Release date: February 2, 2022
For more information:
Hans Van Sumeren
Director, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute
(231) 995-1793
hvansumeren@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-discriminationBS Marine Technology ranks as top ocean engineering program
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is the only community college and the only non-coastal school to make an online ranking of the top ocean engineering programs in the nation.
CollegeFactual.com lists NMC’s Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology program as the fourth most-focused ocean engineering program in the country, behind only the U.S. Naval Academy, Florida Institute of Technology and the University of Rhode Island.
“The bachelor’s of science in Marine Technology at NMC is directly focused on developing the global workforce in support of the new blue economy. Our program is unique in that it provides the applied skills and competencies directly required by businesses and industries,” said Hans Van Sumeren, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute. “NMC BSMT graduates work throughout the Great Lakes, United States, and around the world. They are highly competitive in the job market and bring a diverse set of skills to their employers.”
NMC’s bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology offers students the opportunity to gain technical skills and competencies leading toward a better understanding of the world’s dynamic water resources. Graduates of the program have 100-percent employment in the marine industry. (Read about one successful student here.) Associate degrees in Engineering Technology-Marine and Freshwater Studies are also available. Find out more at nmc.edu/marine-tech.
Release date: February 2, 2022
For more information:
Hans Van Sumeren
Director, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute
(231) 995-1793
hvansumeren@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-discriminationBe Our Valentine – create cards for local heroes Feb. 8, 9
Join the NMC Student Success coaches in the West Hall Innovation Center lobby Tuesday, Feb. 8 and Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to decorate Valentines for local heroes. Supplies will be available to create a card for local healthcare workers, nursing home or rehabilitation residents.
Not able to complete a card on campus? We will also have to-go packs available for students to decorate later and drop off in the Student Success Center.
Create a winning LinkedIn profile: webinar Feb. 17
Join Experiential Learning Program Coordinator Amy Burns Bailey, the host for this LinkedIn 101 webinar 1–2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17. Social media consultant Chaim Shapiro, who specializes in LinkedIn, will offer information on:
- Creating a LinkedIn profile that stands out and gets you noticed
- Finding and engaging the people that can make all the difference for your job search
- How to create and amplify your personal brand.
Shapiro is also Director of the Office for Student Success at Touro College in New York City and has more than 18 years of experience working in college administration. The webinar is free for students, staff and community and is funded by an Experiential Learning Grant.
Keeping the campus community safe
Thank you to everyone who’s pitching in to help keep the campus community safe through the latest wave of COVID-19: Instructors reporting cases, Health Services assisting with contact tracing, testing, tracking and and last week’s vaccination clinic, Human Resources and the business office with tracking and supplies, including KN95 masks, and the Reimagining Committee for working on guidelines for class safety.
Visit nmc.edu/covid-19 for links to the COVID-19 Case Dashboard and other safety information, including a printable version of the proper face mask wearing poster that’s posted around campus.
Lunch & Learns: Prep for the NMC Career Fair
Join Employment Readiness Specialist Lisa Baldyga to prepare for the upcoming NMC Career Fair. Sponsored by the Experiential Learning Institute and Northwest Michigan Works, these events will help make sure you make the best impression while looking for that next opportunity.
- Tuesday, Feb. 22, 12:30 p.m., Lunch & Learn: How to Prepare for a Career Fair
- Available face-to-face and virtually
- Thursday, Feb. 24, 12:30 p.m., Lunch & Learn: Resume Workshop
- Available face-to-face and virtually
- Tuesday, March 1, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 2–3:30 p.m.: Career Fair Prep: Open Office Hours with Lisa Baldyga, West Hall Experiential Learning Institute (ELI) Office
Register here!
Media Mentions for January 31, 2022
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.
Board approves ‘NMC Next’ strategic plan
Record-Eagle, January 25
9&10 News, January 25 (more…)
Town Hall recording now available
Thank you to everyone who attended the Spring 2022 Town Hall Friday, Jan. 28. A recording is now available here.
The program included updates regarding enrollment, COVID-19, the NMC NEXT Strategic Plan and other topics, including a quiz with a chance to win lunch at Lobdell’s with NMC President Nick Nissley.
Quiz time! Win a chance for lunch at Lobdell’s with President Nissley!
Guess Who? (PC edition)
President Nick Nissley reintroduced President’s Council at this morning’s Town Hall. To add a little fun, he shared a trivia challenge to see who knows what about PC members. This short quiz is open until 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31. We will choose five of the top entries to join President Nissley at Lobdell’s for lunch!
(Please note: We ARE offering partial credit for answers and don’t worry, quiz results will not impact your GPA or your permanent record.)
Thanks for playing, and watch the Intercom for answers and winners!
Tech Bytes – Videos and posts to keep you up to date on technology
Using bookmarks in a browser makes it easy to return to web pages that are important to you.
Check out this brief 5-minute video on using Bookmarks in a Chrome Browser.
Welcome to Tech Bytes!
Check out these quick posts and videos that keep you up-to-date on technology.
Take a look at the following videos to get help with the Technology Help Desk, Moodle Forums and Zoom.
Passport to Russia
The Passport Student Talk Series is a chance to explore other cultures through the experiences of NMC students.
Please join us Friday, Feb. 11 from 12:15–1 p.m. in West Hall Room 106 to hear one of our NMC students, Olesya Nikolaeva, talk about her home country of Russia.
Feel free to bring your lunch along as we relax and learn about this fascinating country.
Global Endorsement students, please bring your GE passport so that it can be stamped to earn your GE event points!