To reduce stress for instructors and those supporting the shift to online classes, NMC required compliance training is now due on April 30, 2020. Please complete these trainings as soon as you have capacity in your workload.
Click here to access your training modules (MyNMC > Talent Portal > Learning tile)
*Note: Use the Google Chrome or Firefox browser.
For assistance, please create a HelpDesk ticket by going to helpdesk.nmc.edu or calling 995-3020.
Thank you for keeping NMC legally compliant, for keeping our campus safe, and for making NMC a great community!
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the Osterlin Library.
NMC cancels barbecue, closes all campuses
Record-Eagle, March 17
UpNorthLive
9&10 News (more…)
Dear students — Thank you for your flexibility and patience this week, as we have transitioned face-to-face classes to online to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). As you know, NMC has closed all campuses through the end of March.
By the end of today, you should have heard from all of your instructors as to how they will deliver their coursework through the end of the semester. If you have not heard from them, first please reach out to the instructor directly. Second, let us know using the feedback form.
We understand that the conversion to online coursework is challenging for many of you. Our primary goal is to help you be successful in your current courses and earn the credits you have worked toward so far this semester. In addition, we are currently working on adjusting policies and procedures to help you complete the coursework. This includes an extension of the final date to drop to May 2, 2020. Up to this date you can Drop with Record, which means it will not count in your grade point average calculation. It will show on your transcript as a W – Withdrawal. Please talk with your instructor about the concerns you have for the class, and wait a week or two before taking any action. The college will be providing a variety of options to help reduce the financial and academic effects of this interruption. Let us know if you have other suggestions using the feedback form.
Available Resources:
NMC has also compiled a list of resources to help you succeed in your studies during this challenging time. These include:
Throughout this public health crisis, NMC’s goal is to keep you, our students, our faculty and staff healthy and safe while minimizing the disruption to learning. This is an unprecedented situation for all of us and there will likely be more changes ahead. We will continue to communicate with you along the way. As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please check here for the latest information.
Thank you for your commitment to NMC and your commitment to your own education. We remain committed to you. We hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.
Dear faculty and staff — Thank you for your flexibility and patience this week as we transition face-to-face classes to online, shift most college operations to remote work, and help make sure our essential functions can continue as we all try to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19.) As you know, NMC has closed all campuses through March. We are monitoring the pandemic and meeting daily with the Grand Traverse County Joint Operations Center. We will continue to update you on the public health situation as it evolves.
NMC’s values are our guiding principles and they are on full display at this time, especially trust, agility and valuing all people. NMC’s goal is to keep students, faculty and staff healthy and safe while minimizing the disruption to learning.
FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
During this planned closure through the end of March, the college committed to making sure all employees will be paid. Thank you to supervisors for communicating the details from Human Resources with your employees about their specific circumstances.
To help keep our employees and students safe while all campuses are closed:
We recognize that this is an anxious and stressful time and want to remind you that we have free, confidential counseling available through our Employee Assistance Program. Cheryl Rogers at our partner agency, Catholic Human Services, can be contacted at (231) 947-8387.
FOR INSTRUCTORS
Thank you for committing to communicate with your students by the end of today as to how they will deliver their coursework through the end of the semester. We recognize this is a major undertaking in an extremely tight timeframe. Many students — and perhaps faculty too — are nervous about their ability to succeed in an online environment. If you need help, submitting a help desk ticket to the EMT team is the most efficient way to get assistance.
For more faculty information, click “Keep Teaching” on nmc.edu/coronavirus. This includes resources like:
MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
This public health crisis is an unprecedented situation for all of us and there will likely be more changes ahead. We will continue to communicate with you along the way. As we get updates and changes, we post them first on nmc.edu/coronavirus. Please check here for the latest information.
Thank you for your commitment to NMC. We remain committed to you. We hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.
Dear NMC Family,
This week we saw the COVID-19 virus continue to spread and the health consequences reach heightened levels. With the shelter-in-place order in the San Francisco Bay Area and the closing of the US-Canada border, the world surely seems a little darker. But, we’ve also seen numerous executive orders designed to keep us safe, and a federal stimulus package that’s designed to fuel an economic recovery. It is also the end of our first week of transitioning from face-to-face to online learning. While everyone might expect that to be an incredible hurdle, our faculty and staff have boldly accepted the challenge. Departments like our Educational Media Technologies have been there to aid our faculty, and Student Success Coaches have continued to support student success by shifting to virtual coaching. Of course it’s not perfect. And, truth be told, we will experience challenges and conflict as we move ahead. But, that’s the good news. That’s a sign that we care deeply and want to get it right for our students.
When the founders of NMC created our college, it was to meet a need. They didn’t have a set of directions, but had to customize our college to serve our community. We share that same entrepreneurial spirit in our DNA today. The characteristic that defines the NMC family, which I am seeing so clearly during this time of unprecedented stress, is our resourcefulness and our possibilitarian nature. We believe that together, we can achieve more than was originally imagined. That has been the role of community colleges in our society – to serve as epicenters of hope. I’d like to share with you how the NMC Family is doing that. Some examples that I’ve seen this past week, that make me so proud.
Yes, it’s easy to see the darkness that surrounds us this week. But, I’d counter, it’s also easy to see the truly ‘above and beyond’ efforts of our NMC family. Our faculty/staff/students are proving that the possibilitarian spirit is alive and well at NMC. Our campus community is being resourceful, flexible, creative, and compassionate as they seek to serve our students and community during this time of great challenge.
I am a believer of the leadership maxim, begin with the end in mind. A staff member reminded me this week, as she looks ahead, asking herself what might come of this, she suggested, “I really think that this time has bigger gifts that will emerge for us all in how we care for each other.” I also believe that we will grow stronger and closer through this experience. So, let’s keep pulling together.
We will overcome.
Nick
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Click HERE for more information from TIAA on TIAA’s perspective on the U.S. economy and recent market volatility.
Accessing Online (virtual) Visits
Log into your Priority Health Account > Go To My Health Care on the top ribbon > Video Visit with a doctor
COVID-19 Preparations
If you need to prepare for extra medication (beyond a 30 day refill) please contact Priority Health to see how they can assist- 800-956-1954.
See Priority Health’s COVID-19 public information page HERE.
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
KUDOS- (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com
To all hourly staff employees, supplemental employees, and student employees,
As President Nissley stated in his message yesterday, the college is closed for all but essential functions through March 28, 2020. During this period you will be paid for your scheduled hours whether or not you are working.
In ADP, please report the hours you were scheduled to work. You will be paid according to your schedule.
For the weeks ending 3/21 and 3/28:
If you are able to work remotely, and your supervisor has identified work for you during this two-week closure, your supervisor will be contacting you regarding arrangements and expectations for this work. Social distancing is recommended by community health experts to slow the spread of this disease. We strongly encourage you to practice social distancing at all times.
Please do not come to campus during this period.
We will be communicating again soon about our plans for the period after this two-week closure (Monday, March 30 and on).
Please check our information hub for regular updates and FAQs: NMC.EDU/CORONAVIRUS
Please continue to watch your email for further notifications. Your questions are welcomed and should be addressed either to your direct supervisor or to the HR team.
Thank you,
Mark
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
TRAVERSE CITY — Due to the confirmation of two COVID-19 cases in the region, Northwestern Michigan College today closed all five of its campuses in Traverse City to all but essential employees for two weeks, through at least March 31.
“Local cases are a trigger event we identified that would necessitate the closing of the college, to be consistent with public health protocols and to ensure campus and community health and safety,” President Nick Nissley said. “All staff, except ‘essential employees’ will be sent home at noon today.”
Faculty are essential employees and will continue teaching their classes virtually, with no course/lab work permitted on campus. On March 13 NMC announced it would shift face-to-face classes to distance learning beginning March 16. That transition is expected to be complete by Friday, March 20. Virtual learning will continue through April 27.
Non-essential employees are considered non-reporting /on call. Nissley assured college employees the closure will not affect compensation.
“No matter how you are categorized, you will be compensated. This includes all part-time and student workers. We will be monitoring the situation and will reassess at the end of March,” he said.
Today’s decision expands steps already taken. The Dennos Museum Center closed March 14 through April 6. Major NMC events for the next two months are canceled, including the NMC Barbecue originally scheduled for May 17. See a complete list of canceled events here.
“This is an extraordinary step, but working with our partners in health care and public safety, we are convinced it is necessary,” Nissley said.
Stay informed of the latest updates at nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 (o)
(231) 392-6082 (mobile)
Good Morning NMC Family,
There is again some breaking news relating to the coronavirus issue here in Michigan. Late last night we learned of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Traverse City. This is a trigger event we identified that would necessitate the closing of the College, to be consistent with public health protocols and to ensure campus and community health and safety. Following the Governor’s executive orders we have made the decision to close the College, effective at noon, today for a two-week period. This includes Main Campus, as well as all campuses and University Center. Additionally, while we will continue to deliver classes via virtual learning, we are cancelling all face-to-face labs. Faculty will communicate directly with their students on how they will deal with such classes. However, they cannot meet face-to-face. All staff, except ‘essential employees’ will be sent home at noon today. While campus is closed and doors will be locked, limited access will be available with your employee ID card if you need equipment or supplies.
We have now divided all staff into one of two categories: ‘Essential’ and ‘Non-Reporting/ On-Call’. If you are an ‘Essential’ employee, you will be told by noon today. Vice Presidents will communicate with supervisors on identifying essential and non-reporting/on-call employees. Supervisors will communicate the way forward reporting schedule and safety protocols for essential employees. A team will then work to develop further details and will communicate with all other employees (‘Non-Reporting/On-call’) on how you will be considered moving forward. The College reserves the right to change or modify your classification at any time based on changing circumstances and need. Be sure to monitor your NMC email for further information.
No matter how you are categorized, you will be compensated. This includes all part-time and student workers. We will be monitoring the situation and will reassess at the end of March. We are trying our best to not impact those who may be least able to endure that financial burden. Should the period of closing go beyond the end of the semester, the College reserves the right to modify this plan. We will be assessing our supplemental staffing levels and will communicate with those employees directly later this week.
For those who are Essential and Non-reporting/On-Call, further information will be shared as to how your work will continue during the days the College is closed. Look for those details over the next 48 hours and respond accordingly.
Faculty are essential employees and will continue teaching their classes virtually, with no course/lab work permitted on campus. In order to continue serving faculty in their transitioning from face-to-face instruction to virtual teaching and learning, essential employees (e.g., Educational Media Technologies) will still be available. However, we ask that you severely limit your need to be on campus and follow social distancing and other CDC health protocols, if you must visit campus, in order to plan for and deliver your teaching online.
I would like to thank our staff, faculty, and students for the cooperation that has been displayed during the unprecedented situation we are facing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The presence of the first case here in Traverse City has changed our plans yet again. However, we are resilient and will continue to plan for the days ahead with our employees and students in mind.
Stay safe. Together we will overcome.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
TRAVERSE CITY — Due to the confirmation of two COVID-19 cases in the region, Northwestern Michigan College today closed all five of its campuses in Traverse City to all but essential employees for two weeks, through at least March 31.
“Local cases are a trigger event we identified that would necessitate the closing of the college, to be consistent with public health protocols and to ensure campus and community health and safety,” President Nick Nissley said. “All staff, except ‘essential employees’ will be sent home at noon today.”
Faculty are essential employees and will continue teaching their classes virtually, with no course/lab work permitted on campus. On March 13 NMC announced it would shift face-to-face classes to distance learning beginning March 16. That transition is expected to be complete by Friday, March 20. Virtual learning will continue through April 27.
Non-essential employees are considered non-reporting /on call. Nissley assured college employees the closure will not affect compensation.
“No matter how you are categorized, you will be compensated. This includes all part-time and student workers. We will be monitoring the situation and will reassess at the end of March,” he said.
Today’s decision expands steps already taken. The Dennos Museum Center closed March 14 through April 6. Major NMC events for the next two months are canceled, including the NMC Barbecue originally scheduled for May 17. See a complete list of canceled events here.
“This is an extraordinary step, but working with our partners in health care and public safety, we are convinced it is necessary,” Nissley said.
Stay informed of the latest updates at nmc.edu/coronavirus.
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 (o)
(231) 392-6082 (mobile)
Dear NMC Family,
As you are well aware, our world has changed dramatically in the matter of a couple of months, since the start of the semester; since COVID-19 entered our daily newsfeed and conversations, affecting our wider world, our country, and even right here in Michigan and at NMC.
In an effort to more effectively support student and campus safety, last week we decided to transition from face-to-face classes to virtual; to afford us social distancing precaution, while also seeking to minimize disruption to student learning. After sharing this decision with our campus community last Friday, I spent the rest of the morning and Saturday meeting one-on-one with students, to listen to their reactions, and to better understand their concerns about such a transition. I heard three consistent themes from them: (more…)
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the Osterlin Library.
NMC taking precautions as coronavirus spreads
UpNorthLive, March 12 (more…)
TRAVERSE CITY — As our state continues efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe order through June 12. To support this effort, and comply with the order, Northwestern Michigan College extended the closure of all five of its campuses in Traverse City through June 12.
NMC began a limited reopening of its campuses June 15 in accordance with the college’s 4-stage Reopening Plan and Exposure Control Plan. Learn more here »
NMC’s five campuses include:
In an ongoing effort to ensure public safety, please see the following list of event cancellations and closures:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 (direct)
231) 995-1020 (office)
(231) 392-6082 (mobile)
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College will suspend face-to-face classes starting Monday, March 16, 2020 until Monday, April 27, in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and keep students, faculty and staff safe.
All NMC classes will be delivered via distance education if possible. Some courses may not be able to be delivered via distance education, including some occupational and lab classes (e.g. culinary and welding.) Detailed information and instructions pertaining to each individual class will be communicated to students directly from the instructor. Students should regularly monitor e-mail for updates.
“NMC is committed to keeping our communities safe, while working to limit the disruption to learning as much as possible,” NMC President Nick Nissley said.
NMC has been monitoring and preparing for the community spread of COVID-19 since February, with input from partners in the Grand Traverse County Health Department, Munson Healthcare and state and federal health and emergency response agencies. The move to suspend face-to-face classes supports Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order late Thursday to close all Michigan K-12 schools from March 16- April 5. The governor identified that this is not only to protect the students and their families, but overall public health. As of today there are 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan.
“We at NMC support these efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus in our community,” Nissley said. ”I am proud to see our faculty and staff work diligently together toward the goal of transitioning learning to distance education delivery where possible. There is still work to do and we will continue to keep you informed of changes.”
Given the highly fluid nature of the situation, the best place to find campus updates is nmc.edu/coronavirus. NMC plans to resume face-to-face classes on campus the week of April 27, in time for students to take final exams. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, however, this may change and NMC will continue to communicate via online messages, email and social media.
While classes are transitioning to distance education delivery, NMC’s four campuses: main, Great Lakes, University Center and Aero Park, are still open at this time. This includes all services and offices, the Dennos Museum Center and the Hagerty Center. Many services are available via phone, email and video conference, and staff are actively working to expand those options. Counseling services are available for students feeling overwhelmed or anxious. NMC’s two residence halls, East Hall and North Hall, as well as the NMC apartments will remain open and food service will be available for those students who want to remain on campus.
“While one of our goals is to limit the disruption to learning, this is an historic event. Our college community has always proven itself to be resourceful with a history of overcoming challenges, and I am confident that together we will continue that proud tradition now and into the future,” Nissley said.
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 (direct)
231) 995-1020 (office)
(231) 392-6082 (mobile)
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Foundation will seek to raise $1 million to meet the emergency needs of both students and the college in response to challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These funds will come from donor support and enable student success by meeting immediate needs in three categories:
Since mid-March, when COVID-19 closed campuses and shifted spring semester classes from face-to-face to online, NMC has received more than 350 requests for emergency support from students. NMC has increased critical academic support and programs that benefit students — from lending computers and Wi-Fi hotspots to stocking the NMC Food Pantry.
“I have seen the incredible fortitude of our NMC community. The faculty and staff have stepped up to provide support to our students in new and unprecedented ways. Yet the need is still great,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “Emergency funding will ensure the continuity of education for students facing tremendous adversity during these challenging times.”
Northwestern Michigan College has received some emergency funding that will be distributed to students through the federal CARES Act. However, this funding is significantly restricted. For example, CARES Act funding cannot cover tuition expenses.
“NMC has a longstanding history of being supported by the community. This college exists because the community decided that education is important to the well-being of the region,” said Rebecca Teahen, Executive Director of the NMC Foundation. “I am hopeful that our community will once again step up to ensure that an NMC education will remain accessible for all.”
All gifts to this effort will be included as part of the $35 million Be What’s Possible campaign launched publicly by the NMC Foundation in October 2019. To date, over $29 million has been raised.
The NMC Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Northwestern Michigan College. To help meet the immediate, emergency needs of NMC students and the college, make a gift at nmc.edu/give.
Rebecca Teahen
Executive Director, NMC Foundation
rteahen@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1855
Good morning NMC community,
As you know, we have been monitoring the rapidly changing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and are committed to keeping you safe, while working to limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. After careful consideration, with input from our partners in the Grand Traverse County Health Department, Munson Healthcare and state and federal health and emergency response agencies, NMC will suspend face-to-face classes starting Monday, March 16, 2020.
Late last night Governor Whitmer announced the closure of all Michigan K-12 schools to students starting March 16 in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Governor identified that this is not only to protect the students and their families, but overall public health. We at NMC support these efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus in our community.
All NMC classes will be delivered via distance education if possible. Some courses may not be able to be delivered via distance education, including some occupational and lab classes (e.g. culinary and welding.) Detailed information and instructions pertaining to each individual class will be communicated to students directly from the instructor. Please regularly monitor your email for updates.
I am proud to see our faculty and staff work diligently together toward the goal of transitioning learning to distance education delivery where possible. There is still work to do and we will continue to keep you informed of changes. Given the highly fluid nature of the situation, the best place to find updates is nmc.edu/coronavirus.
While classes are transitioning to distance education delivery, please note that campus is still open at this time. This includes all services and offices. We have many services available via phone, email and video conference, and are actively working to expand those options. We also have counseling services available, if you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious at this time. NMC’s two residence halls, East Hall and North Hall, as well as the NMC apartments, will remain open and food service will be available for those students who want to remain on campus.
Our plan is to resume face-to-face classes on campus the week of April 27. Given the highly volatile nature of the pandemic, we recognize this situation may change and we will continue to communicate with you.
While one of our goals is to limit the disruption to learning, I recognize this is an historic event. Our college community has always proven itself to be resourceful with a history of overcoming challenges, and I am confident that together we will continue that proud tradition now and into the future.
Nick Nissley, President
For the latest information on NMC’s response to the coronavirus crisis as well as updated lists of frequently asked questions for NMC students, employees and the community, visit nmc.edu/coronavirus.
The NMC Foundation Student Phone-a-Thon will be held this Thursday March 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.! Students will make calls to community members, donors, and alumni to raise money for scholarships & programs here at NMC. Volunteers will be paid $10 an hour to their student group! No experience is necessary and training and dinner will be provided.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/
If you have any questions please contact Jill Prior, Annual Giving Assistant, at jiprior@nmc.edu or 231-995-1814.
More than a year’s worth of efforts to ramp up student employment readiness and meet area employer needs will debut at a retooled Career Fair Thursday.
It’s the first fair since Employment Readiness Specialist Lisa Baldyga (right) joined NMC’s Academic and Career Advising Center last fall. Her addition to the advising staff — and her shared employment status with Michigan Works — was an intentional step to enable NMC to offer more comprehensive career preparation services.
“We are here to serve our community, not just community members but employers,” said director of advising Lindsey Dickinson. “Part of that is helping students become employed after they’re finished with us.”
Baldyga, who had five years of connections and contact with regional employers through Michigan Works, was the ideal person to take employment readiness to the next level, Dickinson said. Her work is on top of college-wide efforts to ensure students have the skills and credentials they need to become employed.
In her first semester Baldyga conducted more than 150 mock interviews with students, helping to prepare them for the real thing, which is expected to occur on-site Thursday, when more than 80 employers gather. For students with limited work experience, she also helps them translate skills learned in the classroom, such as time management or communication, onto a resume.
“It’s the soft skills the employer is looking for. They’re looking for that you’re going to work well in their work culture, that you’re going to be polite, prompt and on time,” Baldyga said.
Other changes to the 14th annual fair, to be held at the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lakes campus from 3-6 p.m., are aimed at benefiting employers:
Also new at the fair: Students can get professional photos taken to use on a LinkedIn account. Baldyga, NMC advisers and student success coaches will staff an on-site resource room where students can get pep talks, print resumes or practice pitches before approaching an employer.
The fair is open to community members as well as students.
“Everybody we’re putting together is hiring right now,” Baldyga said.
The Health & Science Building atrium on NMC’s main campus will be used as a city polling place for Precinct 9 voters again this year, including on Tuesday, March 10. Some parking in the Cedar lot will be set aside for voters at those times.
(The NMC Bookstore will be closed that day as well, and will reopen with normal hours Wednesday, March 11.)
The Office of Residence Life is looking for student leaders to be Resident Assistants during the 2020-21 school year. If interested, please apply online at nmc.edu/jobs and attend one of the RA information Nights listed below.
The deadline for this semester’s round of Innovation Grant applications is April 3, 2020. Applications must be submitted to your area Vice President by this date. It is strongly recommended that you discuss your proposal idea with your Vice President before developing the full proposal. VPs do have the authority to reject an application, but can also provide valuable feedback to help develop great proposals that are more likely to be successful! More information about Innovation grants can be found on the employee site under Forms>Resource Development & Foundation.
Please note that ALL applicants are required to do a 5-minute presentation for the committee plus plan 5 minutes for Q&A.