Jun 22, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College will begin construction in 2018 on its new multi-million-dollar 21st Century Innovation Center after receiving final funding approval today in the Michigan legislature’s FY18 Omnibus Budget, which now goes to Governor Snyder for his signature.
Once complete, the center will combine state investments of more than seven million dollars for important renovations and modernizations of the 50-year-old West Hall with NMC-funded investments of more than seven million dollars for a new multi-story library and learning space.
“We are extremely thankful for the support that our state legislative leaders have shown NMC and the 21st Century Innovation Center,” said Timothy J. Nelson, President of Northwestern Michigan College. “Especially the support of Representative Inman and Senator Booher who both serve on the Joint Capital Outlay Committee and Senator Schmidt who has been a strong supporter in the Senate.”
The approved project received input from faculty and staff, including 270 comments during a campus-wide opening conference and 17 user group workshops led by architectural firm Stantec. The new center will encompass an approximately 54,000-square-foot facility, including both state and NMC self-funding portions. It will incorporate innovative and transformative learning environments, a new library and multiple academic and simulation spaces.
“As a result of extensive campus and community input, our program planning team agreed that for the 21st Century Innovation Center to be a success it must complement all NMC facilities, replicate none; be agile in space and technology to meet changing learning needs and encourage users to be curious, experiment, take thoughtful risks and create,” said Nelson. “As a result, once complete, this project will not only help meet our strategic direction of ensuring that NMC learners are prepared for success in a global society and economy, but also will help to enhance our ability to deliver learning through a networked workforce.”
Since 2005, among Michigan’s 28 community colleges, NMC ranks 23rd in capital outlay appropriations, having received only $650,000 in state investment. In addition, the project was one of only five community college projects to receive construction approval by the House and Senate Joint Capital Outlay Committee this year. President Nelson says, “Creating this centralized space on campus is critical for the new community college model of providing competency-based, content-based knowledge application in the pursuit of social, economic and talent development. Over the last six years, we have invested significant time and effort in requesting funding for this project. We are pleased our legislators have recognized our dedication and commitment and are helping to make this investment a reality, for our learners now and into the future.”
“Among my top priorities as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee and vice-chair of the Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee on Appropriations was to fight for this capital outlay funding for Northwestern Michigan College,” said State Representative Larry Inman, 104th district, Grand Traverse County. “I am so pleased as a past NMC Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, along with Senator Schmidt and Senator Booher, that we were able to bring this project across the finish line, among the many other capital outlay projects that were considered. This is a huge win for NMC and students in our area, and to attract more students to NMC, having one of the most innovative community college campuses and learning centers in the state. I am so proud I was part of the team to get this project awarded to NMC.”
“As a longstanding supporter of Northwestern Michigan College, I am very pleased to have played a role in helping to secure resources for this significant project,” said State Senator Wayne Schmidt, who represents the 37th State Senate District in Northern Michigan. “This investment by the state will not only benefit learners in my community, but will also support innovative spaces for learners from around the state and world who are attracted to NMC for its diverse educational opportunities. I am proud of NMC for their work on this and am glad I was able to push this project across the finish line.”
State Senator Darwin Booher, representing the 35th State Senate District, said, “The 21st Century Innovation Center project expands the educational opportunities that NMC offers and helps continue to make NMC a leader in higher education in our region. As senate chair of the Capital Outlay Subcommittee, I have reviewed all of the projects submitted and know that this is one of the best projects for equipping people for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Release Date: June 22, 2017
For more information:
Vicki Cook
Vice President of Finance and Administration
vcook@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1144
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
Jun 21, 2017 | Intercom, President Updates
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…)
Jun 20, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
Summer Hours:
- Mondays and Wednesdays – Noon to 2 p.m.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays – 8 to 10 p.m.
Fees:
- CURRENT NMC Students and Employees = Free
- Adult Community Members = $6.00/play
- Punch card available = $4.00/play
Jun 16, 2017 | Intercom
The leaderboard results will be posted under the News For Employees section on the left side of the Employee Home Page!
News from Blue Cross regarding syncing your step counter
There is often a lag time in the sync between your fitness tracker and WebMD (Blue Cross site), so if your steps do not show up immediately, please give it some time!
Raising Awareness at the University Center for MEN’S HEALTH on Friday with shades of BLUE!
Jun 16, 2017 | Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
(more…)
Jun 16, 2017 | Intercom
Are you looking for career opportunities? Find them here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:
Position Vacancies
- Assistant-Training and Research
- Clinical Nursing Adjunct Faculty
- Engineering Instructor
- Groundskeeper
- Payroll and Leave Specialist
- Physics Adjunct Faculty
- Plumbing Adjunct Faculty
Supplemental Employment
- Banquet Server – Hagerty Center
- Kitchen Steward
- Office Pool
Jun 12, 2017 | Student News
Wednesday, June 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
NMC University Center – Room 219
Join us to learn more about how you can attain your Masters in Social Work right here in Traverse City through Grand Valley State University. Chalice Kopacki, LMSW, MPA , Site Coordinator will be on hand to talk to prospective students about the application process, important dates, financial aid opportunities and GVSU’s Master of Social Work program as a whole.
Jun 12, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
NMC had a great showing for Traverse City’s 23rd Annual Smart Commute Week—a record 141 commuters enjoyed breakfast in the beautiful Health & Science Building atrium!
A special thanks to the Wellness Team for providing day-of volunteers as well as sponsoring Sodexo’s beautifully catered breakfast. It was a great success! Thanks, too, to The Dennos and NMC Extended Education for generously donating prizes for Friday’s finale celebration at Oryana.
NMC’s 17-member team included Alan Beer, Ann Geht, Brian Sweeney, Cari Noga, Craig Mulder, Dave Weaver, Dennis Schultz, Hillary Voight, Jason Dake, Judy Druskovich, Lisa Molmen, Lynn Geiger, Mary Beeker, Meg Young, Michele Howard (team captain), Rochelle Hammontree and Shayrrl McCready.
Thanks to TART Trails, and the Smart Commute planning committee, for organizing another great week of events and congratulations to all of the teams involved!
For a complete list of team rankings, visit traversetrails.org/smart-commute/team-rankings. Hope to see you next year!
Jun 10, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Dr. David Shambaugh, director of the China Policy Program at George Washington University will speak at a June 28 International Affairs Forum global hot spot event on the current state of U.S.-China relations.
Shambaugh opened a 2014 conference convened by IAF, bringing together 40 experts on foreign policy, business, education, art and culture to debate what China’s emergence would mean for northern Michigan. Since then, China’s economic, military and political clout has grown enormously. Shambaugh has just returned from an extended study tour of key Asian countries and will discuss how the continuing growth of China’s influence is shifting the dynamics of U.S. and China relations.
In addition, NMC President Tim Nelson will provide an update on connections between northern Michigan and China. What has grown? What has withered? And what are the “next big things” between our region and Asia.
The presentation is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Hagerty Center. Reception begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 for IAF members and $20 for non-members and available at MyNorthTickets.com.
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
Jun 8, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
NMC student Taylor McLain’s ten-page one-act play Evilla recently was one of the 5 winning submissions to Oakton Community College’s Playwriting Festival: Play On 2017, in Des Plaine, Ill. The play is currently in production and will be performed July 24, 25 and 26. Taylor hopes to be in attendance and will receive a $200 award at that time. He created the play to fit the requirements for a fractured fairy tale in ENG 210.
Jun 8, 2017 | Intercom
Find out what’s coming in the June Wellness Newsletter.
Jun 8, 2017 | Intercom
Check out the “News For Employees” section on the left of the NMC Employee page. If it’s information only relevant to NMC employees it will be there instead of the Intercom.
Currently you will find information on My PDCA Staff Reviews, the Step Challenge, and Wellness dates.
Jun 8, 2017 | Intercom
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 the Health Occupations Team– for doing a great job on the problem solving escape routes and team building exercise – it was a lot of fun!
Kudos to Vicki Cook- Thanks for providing the Budget Update campus wide meetings. They were very informative and encouraged a lot of good questions and discussions.
Jun 8, 2017 | Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
(more…)
Jun 8, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Les and Anne Biederman Foundation and Ross and Brenda Biederman have announced a $1 million gift commitment to Northwestern Michigan College.
The Biederman Foundation’s $500,000 gift, the largest single grant in its history, will support NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, helping ensure that students are prepared for future careers in water-related fields, train industry professionals, and cultivate generations of Great Lakes stewards.
The balance of the gift includes $250,000 toward scholarships for accounting, business, nursing, and maritime students from the foundation, and a $250,000 personal gift from Ross and Brenda Biederman to the NMC Annual Fund, providing unrestricted support to meet the college’s greatest needs. The gift was announced Wednesday at the 2017 NMC Fellows dinner, where the Biedermans were presented with NMC’s highest honor, in recognition of their decades of philanthropy and support of the college.
“Making the gift was an easy decision,” said Ross Biederman. “The college is important to our whole community.”
President Timothy J. Nelson said, “The Biedermans have always been supportive of what’s going on here at the college and in the community, especially when it comes to water. We are grateful for this gift and all that it will make possible for NMC and our students.”
The Biederman family’s connection to Northwestern Michigan College dates back to Ross Biederman’s father Les, a leader in the effort to found the college in 1951 until his retirement from the Board of Trustees in 1981.
A 1959 NMC alumnus, Ross Biederman has continued that support both with his wife Brenda and through the family’s namesake foundation. The Biederman family has helped establish a culture of generosity in the Grand Traverse region—particularly in support of natural resources and higher education. The Water Studies portion of the gift combines those passions. In recognition, the Water Studies labs, both inside the Great Lakes Campus and aboard the research vessel Northwestern, will be named for the Biederman Family Foundation.
Release date: June 8, 2017
For more information:
Rebecca Teahen
NMC Foundation
(231) 995-1855
rteahen@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Jun 7, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
June 7, 2017
NMC officials tour the Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute campus in 2014NMC instructors will pioneer NMC courses in Chinese classrooms next week, the culmination of a partnership five years in the making.
They’ll teach two Water Studies courses and two basic construction courses to about 40 students at the Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute in Kaifeng, China. The two-week courses are the first in a sequence to be completed later this year. Scott Swan and Brian Sweeney will teach in English with interpreter support.
“We are delivering our courses there for the ability to augment their training with our coursework,” said Hans Van Sumeren, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, who’s traveled to China twice since 2015 as NMC has nurtured the partnership with the three-year technical school. Van Sumeren and Construction Technology director Dan Goodchild will round out the NMC contingent to plan delivery of the second part of the sequence, set for late fall or early winter.
“They’re very well positioned to do the terrestrial mapping,” Van Sumeren said. “We bring the competencies needed to work in and under the water.”
The June courses are Blueprint Reading, basic carpentry, Underwater Acoustics and Sonar and Great Lakes Research Technologies. Besides connecting with a school with a growing enrollment – Yellow River’s surveying program enrolls about 1,800 students – Van Sumeren said the partnership could afford NMC students both a study abroad opportunity and a chance to apply their coursework in a completely different geographic environment.
China’s large, fast-flowing rivers flood frequently and catastrophically, Van Sumeren said. The Yellow River alone has flooded 1,500 times in last 2,500 years, wiping out millions of people. NMC students could study what the Chinese have done to turn floodplains into protected cities.
“Those are things we can’t show students in Grand Traverse Bay or other Great Lakes waters,” Van Sumeren said.
Both instructors, who are making their first trip to China, said they’re looking forward to the teaching experience.
“It’s going to be incredibly different,” Sweeney said. “I thought it’d be a fun adventure.”
“It’s an opportunity that not only can further the goals of the college, but for me to expand as an instructor, branch out beyond the comfort zone,” Swan said.
Jun 7, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
June 7, 2017
NMC officials tour the Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute campus in 2014NMC instructors will pioneer NMC courses in Chinese classrooms next week, the culmination of a partnership five years in the making.
They’ll teach two Water Studies courses and two basic construction courses to about 40 students at the Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute in Kaifeng, China. The two-week courses are the first in a sequence to be completed later this year. Scott Swan and Brian Sweeney will teach in English with interpreter support.
“We are delivering our courses there for the ability to augment their training with our coursework,” said Hans Van Sumeren, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, who’s traveled to China twice since 2015 as NMC has nurtured the partnership with the three-year technical school. Van Sumeren and Construction Technology director Dan Goodchild will round out the NMC contingent to plan delivery of the second part of the sequence, set for late fall or early winter.
“They’re very well positioned to do the terrestrial mapping,” Van Sumeren said. “We bring the competencies needed to work in and under the water.”
The June courses are Blueprint Reading, basic carpentry, Underwater Acoustics and Sonar and Great Lakes Research Technologies. Besides connecting with a school with a growing enrollment – Yellow River’s surveying program enrolls about 1,800 students – Van Sumeren said the partnership could afford NMC students both a study abroad opportunity and a chance to apply their coursework in a completely different geographic environment.
China’s large, fast-flowing rivers flood frequently and catastrophically, Van Sumeren said. The Yellow River alone has flooded 1,500 times in last 2,500 years, wiping out millions of people. NMC students could study what the Chinese have done to turn floodplains into protected cities.
“Those are things we can’t show students in Grand Traverse Bay or other Great Lakes waters,” Van Sumeren said.
Both instructors, who are making their first trip to China, said they’re looking forward to the teaching experience.
“It’s going to be incredibly different,” Sweeney said. “I thought it’d be a fun adventure.”
“It’s an opportunity that not only can further the goals of the college, but for me to expand as an instructor, branch out beyond the comfort zone,” Swan said.
Jun 5, 2017 | Intercom
Hit Your Stride- Step Challenge Starts June 8
- Who is Eligible?
All NMC Employees. Those who have access to Blue Cross Health & Wellness will participate through the Blue Cross website and all others will report manually through a shared google document.
- Challenge Details
Your team will compete against others to accumulate the highest number of steps over the 5 weeks of the challenge.
- Team Size
Minimum of 1 person, and a Maximum of 3 people
- Incentive
- The team with the overall highest number of steps (averaged between number of team members) will each receive a $100 Visa Gift Card.
- Every individual that meets an average of 4,000 steps per day (148,000 steps over the 37 days) will have a chance to win a Fitbit Alta.
- How do I Register?
- If you elect NMC Blue Cross Coverage you will register through the Blue Cross Health & Wellness Site. You will also track your steps through this site and instructions are included on how to sync your personal device to the website for automatic tracking. Access the instructions here.
- If you do not have NMC Blue Cross Coverage you will register with Hollie DeWalt in HR and report your steps through a shared google doc. Once registration opens on June 1, email Hollie (hdewalt@nmc.edu).
- How often do I need to report my steps?
If you are not using one of the automatic tracking methods, please report your total steps by the Friday of each week. The top teams and individuals will be posted in the Intercom each week.
- Challenge Dates/Deadlines
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Registration Opens
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June 1, 2017
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Registration Closes
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June 16, 2017
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Challenge Start Date
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June 8, 2017
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Challenge End Date
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July 14, 2017
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Last Date to Enter Data
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July 21, 2017
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- NMC Wellness Site for more information.
Do you need assistance with registration for Hit Your Stride?
Chris Barr will be available on June 5 to help you enroll or answer your questions- stop by and see him:
- University Center 106- 9–10:30 a.m.
- West Hall Conference Room- 12:30–2 p.m.
- Great Lakes Campus Room 102- 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Please check with Hollie before joining an already existing team in the Blue Cross Health & Wellness site as they may already be full with employees who don’t have Blue Cross!
**June is Men’s Health Month**
June 16, 2017 is Wear Blue Day in honor of Men’s Health.
Check out this Website for more information.
Jun 5, 2017 | Intercom
KUDOS- (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com
Submit a Kudos here.
Jun 5, 2017 | Intercom
Are you looking for career opportunities? Find them here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:
Position Vacancies
- Assistant-Training and Research
- Clinical Nursing Adjunct Faculty
- Engineering Instructor
- Manufacturing/Engineering Adjunct Faculty
- Payroll and Leave Specialist
- Physics Adjunct Faculty
- Plumbing Adjunct Faculty
Supplemental Employment
- Banquet Server – Hagerty Center
- Kitchen Steward
- Office Pool
Jun 5, 2017 | Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
(more…)
Jun 5, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Board of Trustees from Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is beginning the process of replacing Trustee Marilyn Gordon Dresser after she resigned from her position late last week.
Gordon Dresser submitted a written resignation to the Board June 1, 2017, citing personal reasons.
Board Chair Kennard Weaver said, “We at NMC are appreciative of the service of Ms.Gordon Dresser, and we wish her well.”
Marilyn Gordon Dresser was elected to a six-year term to the NMC Board of Trustees in 2014. She served on several board committees during her tenure including the Barbecue Board, Policy Committee, Fellows Nomination Committee, and the Presidential Performance & Compensation Committee.
Trustees will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at 12:00 p.m. to decide the next steps to fill the vacancy until the next NMC Board of Trustees election in November 2018, where voters will choose a candidate to serve the remainder of the term held by Marilyn Gordon Dresser which expires December 31, 2020.
Michigan law gives the college 30 days to fill this position.
Release date: June 5, 2017
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Jun 1, 2017 | Intercom
Read about what our Training Services team is up to including upcoming classes that you may be able to take for free using the tuition reimbursement benefit: mailchi.mp/nmc/nmc-training-services-june-2017-newsletter
This month’s topics include manufacturing future and automation, a new class to improve sales, an August lean conference in Traverse City, and upcoming public workshops.
Jun 1, 2017 | Intercom
Effective May 15th, Admissions Front Desk was relocated across the hallway in Tanis 141. This is phase one of the creation of a shared services (one stop) model for students.
At this time, all phone numbers for Admissions (51054), Records/Registration (51049), and Student Financial Services (51035) remain the same – as well as departmental emails. The front door to Admissions is closed, but not locked, and there is signage directing students across the hall.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if there are any questions, if any issues arise, and if you “see” good things happening for students and staff!
Pam Palermo
ppalermo@nmc.edu
995-1533
Jun 1, 2017 | Intercom
You are cordially invited to play in the 2017 NMC Scholarship Open on Thursday, August 3, at Grand Traverse Resort. This day of fun and friendly competition provides vital support for Honors, Presidential, Founders, and Academic Area Merit Scholarships at NMC.
Golfer fees are $225 per golfer for the public, but NMC employees and retirees will receive a special price of $200!
Registration fees may be paid through payroll deduction. Contact the NMC Foundation at 995-1021 to learn more or to register.
