Sep 20, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Do you have an idea or project that needs resources to reach its full potential? If so, the Office of Possibilities wants to hear from you! Pitch dates are set, so mark your calendars:
- Wednesday, Nov. 6, Noon–1:30 p.m., Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 106/107
- Wednesday, March 12, Noon–1:30 p.m., Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 106/107
- Wednesday, May 21, Noon–1:30 p.m., Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 106/107
Pitches are open to NMC students, faculty, and staff, so if you have a great idea or project that needs resources to reach its full potential, the Office of Possibilities wants to hear from you! Fill out this application to connect with an OOPs team member who will assist in planning your pitch. If you have any questions about the application or the process, please email oops@nmc.edu and someone will get back to you promptly. Meeting with an OOPs team member is required before entering a pitch so please plan accordingly.
The Office of Possibilities is grateful for the generous annual funding from the NMC Foundation that supports innovative projects across campus!
We look forward to the exciting year ahead and hope to see you at one of the pitch events!
Sep 20, 2024 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Room 106/107. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Sep 19, 2024 | Discovery Pier, Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, FRIC, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, Intercom, Student News
September 19, 2024
NMC President Nick Nissley and GVSU president Philomena Mantella sign the Direct Connect agreement. (Download a high-resolution version here.)
With health care occupations dominating Michigan’s latest Hot 50 job outlook, NMC’s new Direct Connect partnership with Grand Valley State University’s Allied Health Sciences bachelor’s degree creates an opportune, affordable pathway to careers with the strongest growth outlook.
Starting this fall, Direct Connect aims to double the number of NMC students transferring to GVSU, a longtime University Center partner, by guaranteeing admission to qualifying students. Credits earned toward their NMC associate degree count as freshman and sophomore year credits at GVSU.
“They’re earning the first half of their bachelor’s degree at an NMC price,” said NMC Director of Student Success & Retention Lindsey Dickinson.
Students concurrently enroll in GVSU and NMC classes their third semester, getting a jump start on their bachelor’s, then complete the junior and senior level GVSU curriculum entirely in Traverse City. The Allied Health Sciences bachelor’s degree is designed to meet the needs of health professionals from medical social workers to physical therapists to physician assistants.
All of those jobs are among Michigan’s latest Hot 50 job outlook, just released this week by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Updated every other year, the forecast shows the healthcare sector has the strongest job outlook of any In Michigan through 2032. Most healthcare jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, however, which NMC students must transfer to earn. NMC already offers a transfer path to a bachelor’s of nursing degree. Direct Connect expands that to other health care occupations.
“Students don’t always understand the transfer process,” said NMC advisor Katie Sommer-Ford. “We want them to know right from the start that they can go to Grand Valley.”
Beyond guaranteed admission and a more affordable path to a bachelor’s, Direct Connect will make transfer smoother through co-advising from both NMC and GVSU.
“It is a pioneering initiative in the region that creates a clear, streamlined pathway for NMC students to continue their education at GVSU,” said Shannon Owen, GVSU’s Director of the Northern Region. “We believe this program will help remove barriers in the transfer process and accelerate students’ entry into the workforce.”
Next year, NMC plans to expand the Direct Connect process to other University Center partner schools Davenport University, Ferris State University and Central Michigan University.
Sep 18, 2024 | Intercom, President Updates
Good afternoon NMC community,
I am writing to inform you about an important change in how Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) will manage its facilities operations moving forward. After careful consideration, NMC has decided to end its long-standing contract with Sodexo, which has provided facilities management services for our college since 2006. Effective November 30, 2024, we will transition to an internal facilities management model, with NMC directly hiring employees to fill these roles and oversee these essential operations.
Why are we making this change?
This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to agility, responsiveness, and alignment with NMC’s strategic goals. By bringing the facilities management team in-house, NMC will be better positioned to adapt to the evolving needs of our students, staff, and campus. This move will also allow us to focus more directly on professional development, ensure stronger alignment with our mission, vision, and values, and enhance communication across all levels of facilities operations.
Additionally, we are excited to announce that we will be hiring two new critical positions as part of this reorganization:
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Campus Safety Coordinator: This new full-time role will report directly to the Vice President for Finance and Administration and be responsible for safety, security, emergency management, occupational and environmental health and safety, and more. Previously, this position reported through facilities and was provided through our Sodexo contract in a half-time capacity.
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Facilities Project Manager: This new full-time role will report to the Director of Facilities and focus on the execution of our recently approved campus master plan, ensuring that we are prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
We are able to add these new positions with no additional costs to the college due to the savings we will realize from ending the Sodexo contract as well as savings from project management/owner’s representative consulting services that would otherwise be necessary for our large construction projects.
What does this mean for Sodexo employees?
Our contract with Sodexo will end on November 30, 2024, and with it, the roles of five Sodexo employees who have served NMC will conclude. We recognize and are grateful for their contributions to our college community over the years. These individuals have played a valuable role in keeping our campus running smoothly, and while their next steps will be managed by Sodexo, we wish them the very best in their future endeavors.
What’s next?
We understand that there may be some concerns about service disruption during this transition. While there may be some temporary slowdowns, we are working diligently to prioritize the hiring of these positions to ensure minimal disruption. Our facilities and security teams will continue to manage day-to-day operations, and we remain committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone on campus.
We appreciate the work that Sodexo and its employees have done for NMC over the years. However, as we look ahead, we are confident that this transition will position the college for long-term success, allowing for greater control, improved efficiency, and alignment with our strategic objectives.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work through this transition. I’d like to thank Troy Kierczynski and Hollie DeWalt for their leadership of this change. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Sep 17, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Flu season is upon us once again and Student Health Services will host at least three Flu Clinics this Fall. As a reminder, we are located in the Les Biederman Building, Room 106 on the Front Street Campus.
Our three clinics are as follows:
- Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 2–3 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 26 from 9–11 a.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 1–2 p.m.
If you can’t make these dates please call us at (231) 995-1255 to schedule an appointment; we have limited walk-in availability. We will also let everyone know of future clinics as we plan them.
For students the price of a flu shot is $15, and for staff without NMC insurance the cost is $20.
Sep 17, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
Our next Mobile Food Pantry distribution is Monday, Sept. 23 from 3–5 p.m. in the Maple Lot on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
The program is open to ALL STUDENTS and their families. Hop in the car line in the Maple Lot on the Front Street Campus and drive through the distribution loop. Food will be loaded into your trunk. Each recipient receives approximately 7–10 days of fresh fruit, produce and other foodstuff.
No car? No problem! You’re welcome to “walk through” and receive goods in a carry-able way. Feel free to bring a backpack or other reusable bags!
Worried about how you’ll afford snow tires this winter? Have some upcoming major bills? Use our Mobile Food Pantry program to free up the funds you would have spent on food to put towards your other upcoming expenses!
As a college, we recognize that so many students live paycheck to paycheck. Our mobile food pantry is specifically designed for students to supplement income with fresh, healthy foods and free up limited funds to go towards other expenses.
There are no financial requirements or means tests. We welcome everyone who can use an healthy boost to their diet (and budget!).
Sep 16, 2024 | EES Opportunities, Intercom
Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
Date Night: Malbec vs Malbec
Born in Bordeaux, Malbec has found its adopted home in Argentina. Through tasting exercises and food pairings, discover the similarities and differences between French and Argentinian Malbecs and their paired cuisine. Enjoy this unique tasting with a partner, perfect for date night!
Tuesday, October 1; 6 – 730p
Employee Price: $46 (public price $149)
Homeowners 101
Master essential DIY skills to tackle everyday home improvement projects, such as installing light fixtures, replacing switches and outlets, installing baseboards, and more. Plus, learn essential maintenance tasks to safely handle everyday repairs.
3 sessions; Fridays, October 11 – 25; 9a-12p
Employee Price: $75 (public price $249)
Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
Sep 16, 2024 | Intercom, Menu, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Monday, September 16
Orange Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with mandarin oranges and ramen served with rice & Bosco sticks
Tofu & Broccoli Bowl (V) with mandarin oranges and ramen served with rice & Bosco sticks
Tuesday, September 17
Asada Pulled Tacos, Chicken or Pork with cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa served with Mexican street corn & rice
Tofu Tacos (V) with cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa served with Mexican street corn & rice
Wednesday, September 18
Spaghetti & Meatballs with marinara sauce and parmesan served with garlic bread & broccoli
Roasted Vegetables (V) with marinara sauce and parmesan served with garlic bread & broccoli
Thursday, September 19
Breakfast for Dinner!
French Toast Sticks with Syrup
Sausage Patties
Veggie Egg Strata (V)
Fresh Fruit
Friday, September 20
Beer-Battered Cod Sandwich with tartar sauce served with creamy coleslaw & French fries
BBQ Jackfruit (V) with brioche bun served with creamy coleslaw & French fries
Sep 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
On Friday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Esports Room, we’ll hold an NCAA College Football 2025 Tournament on the Xbox Series X/S and Playstation 5 consoles. Prizes will be given to the top two winners on both consoles. Free to play and earn bragging rights for the year.
For more information please contact Marcus Bennett (mbennett@nmc.edu) or Andre Dean (adean@nmc.edu).
Sep 16, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
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Sep 16, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Natalie Vanden Berg – Student – Fitness Center Staff
- Moriah Jacobson – Student – Fitness Center Staff
- Brandon Palmer – Supplemental – Food Service Back Of House
- William Pappas – Student – GLCI Purchasing & Receiving Assistant
Sep 16, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Alyssa Irani; Alyssa has worked diligently to submit documentation and complete the required tasks for the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, helping NMC achieve Gold level status as a Veteran Friendly School for the 2024-2025 academic year. The Michigan Veteran-Friendly Schools Program recognizes academic institutions committed to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students. Institutions are awarded Gold-, Silver-, and Bronze-level status based on their veteran-centric services and programs. The Gold level is the highest designation awarded and the Gold level status not only recognizes the excellence of these institutions but also serves as a benchmark for others to aspire to in their efforts to support veterans and military-connected students. Congrats to Alyssa and the Veteran Services team!
Kudos to Robin Maloney; We are thankful for Robin Maloney’s professionalism and attention to detail. She regularly communicates with the library staff about the cleanliness of the library– which looks great, by the way!
Even though facilities is down four custodial positions and has been for quite some time, Robin cleaned a very difficult to access area that had been bothering us all (pesky flies on the high stairway window ledge). She thinks about the campus as the students’ home away from home and makes it welcoming. Robin exemplifies the NMC value of quality stewardship.
Kudos to Denny Nguyen; Denny has an amazing capacity for processing data and having it make sense for the rest of us! He recently was charged with a request that required extensive research, years and years of compiled data, and an eye for accuracy. He rose to the challenge, did the hard work (which was in addition to all of his other workload),produced an excellent end product and all the while with a gracious smile on his face. NMC is so fortunate to have someone like Denny holding up the NMC Values of Integrity, Collaboration, Respect, Stewardship and Excellence. THANK YOU Denny!
Kudos to Danielle Quinlan; Danielle Quinlan has been in her role as the Office Manager for NMC Extended Education & Training now for almost a year. Danielle very successfully took on the project of planning and conducting our first formal instructor meeting at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Danielle worked with the Extended Education team to put together an instructor handbook and assembled instructor folders and name tags for each Extended Education instructor. We had a full house of instructors (over 20) and received excellent feedback, mostly around how much a sense of belonging this meeting created for them. They also reported how much they enjoyed hearing what other instructors were teaching this fall, from The Origin & Meaning of the Second Amendment, to the Art of Crossword Construction, to Functional Fitness (Kyle Morrison!) to Digital Essentials (Ali Thornton) – it was wonderful to see our instructors get to know each other a bit (and be interested in each other’s classes!). At Extended Education & Training, as the Office Manager & Registration Specialist, Danielle has made it her mission to ensure that every student, instructor, and staff member feels informed and welcome, and a sense of belonging. Thank you, Danielle!
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!
Sep 16, 2024 | Intercom
Join us to celebrate Jennifer Hricik and everything she has done for NMC and the Foundation. We will miss her, but looking forward to her new adventure and celebrating!
Join us at the Dennos Museum Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 4–6 p.m. with remarks around 4:45 p.m. Light appetizers and beverages will be served.
Sep 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
The Young Vote, a film that follows a diverse group of students and activists during the 2020 election, will be screened Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 7–8:30 p.m. with facilitated discussion to follow, for students, staff and faculty. This event, in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center’s Room 106, is part of the Constitution Day celebration and intended to promote voter registration among our student population. Free Detroit style deep dish pizza and cheese sticks will be served. The event is sponsored by NMC’s Student Government Association and the NMC Library.
Sep 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
NMC’s Student Government Association is celebrating Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus, and at the Great Lakes and Aero Park campuses. Come enjoy Vote 2024 cake and get Vote 2024 buttons and voter registration information along with the opportunity to register to vote. SGA is working with the Grand Traverse Area League of Women Voters to offer this event.
Events will be held at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center between 10 a.m.–1 p.m., at the Parsons-Stulen Building between 1–3 p.m., and at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy between 2–4 p.m.
Sep 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Get ready for fall with a storewide hoodie sale! Take $10 off all regularly priced hoodies September 23–26. Sale applies to regular priced merchandise only.
Sep 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
Register now for a unique simulation game confronting the plight of refugees!
Passages will be held on Friday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. (30 students max). Register here or using the registration link on nmc.edu/international-services.
Experience what forces people into refugee situations and the train of events that brings them to refugee camps and beyond. Consider possible solutions to refugee problems, particularly with regards to integration within the country of asylum and repatriation to the country of origin. This role-playing game will take place on the NMC’s Front Street Campus, the Eastern Avenue property and East Bay.
Sponsored by NMC International Services and Service Learning, Multicultural Club, International Affairs Forum, Student Life, and the Special Assistant to the President for DEIB. For more information, contact Jim Bensley at jbensley@nmc.edu.
Sep 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC will host Applying to College 101, an event for high school students beginning their college search, from 6–7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7.
Admissions representatives will guide participants through the college application process, focusing on what to expect and time frames to be aware of. The event will be held in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Room 106/107 on NMC’s Front Street campus. Food is provided. Students should RSVP online for food count at nmc.edu/applying-101
Event takeaways:
- Understanding application basics: Types of applications, fees, and other requirements like essays and letters of recommendation
- Understanding application decisions: Early, regular and rolling
- How transfer agreements and the Michigan Transfer Association can help you
- How to find scholarships
- What questions to ask a college representative
- What to look for in a college
- Student panel: Hear students’ personal experiences
Applying to College 101 precedes and prepares students for the annual College Night, set for Oct. 9 from 6–8 p.m., also in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. More than 40 colleges, universities and military branches will be represented at College Night, offering northern Michigan high school students a one-stop shop to evaluate their post graduation options.
Release date: September 10, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
cnoga@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Sep 16, 2024 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to NMC’s Dental Assistant program, which earlier this month was officially notified of its accreditation through 2030 following a site visit last December. Curriculum revisions and a new pathway offering students another route to success were also approved.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Sep 16, 2024 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
Forum: Tax Increment Financing: Just the facts about TIF
Record-Eagle, Sept. 15 (more…)
Sep 13, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
Join NMC & Versiti Blood in helping your community! The Versiti Blood Bus will be in the Cedar Lot on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to gather blood donations. Walk-ins will be accepted but to ensure a quick in-and-out stop it’s best to sign up for a specific time slot here.
Please be sure to hydrate and eat before donating blood. Versiti is once again giving out $10 e-gift cards so if you were unsure before, how about making a few bucks while doing good for those around you?
If you have any questions, please reach out to Kate from Versiti at kshapkaroff@versiti.org.
Sep 11, 2024 | Student Events
The Experiential Learning Institute and the Traverse Area Human Resources Association present Coffee & Careers Tuesday, Sept. 17 from noon to 1 p.m. in the TJNIC 103 (ELI Office). Meet Kayla Francis from Hospitality Restaurant Group, Inc. for career conversations and networking.
Sep 11, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Building Tomorrow is a hands-on construction and automotive career and college readiness event for high school students.
During this unique experience, students will find out what it’s like to be a project manager, an automotive technician, an electrician, a welder and more — direct from the people who do these jobs every day!
Building Tomorrow will expose students to exciting careers in the construction industry and get them inspired about their futures!
Building Tomorrow students are able to:
- Talk one-on-one with experts in the field
- Touch, feel and work with actual workplace equipment, tools, and technology
- Connect what they’re learning in the classroom to the real world
- Discover workplace opportunities available to students like internships, job shadows, and apprenticeships
- Learn about the related certificate and degree programs that Northwestern Michigan College has to offer
Sep 10, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College will celebrate Voter Registration Day and commemorate Constitution Day on Tuesday, September 17 with activities for students, staff, faculty and the public.
Voter Registration Day event:
Register to vote, learn about the voting process, and enjoy cake and refreshments. NMC’s Student Government Association is partnering with the Grand Traverse Area League of Women Voters to offer voter registration opportunities at the following locations:
Constitution Day discussion: Toleration and Engagement in American Democracy: Building Social Capital through Dialogue and Debate
Dr. John Zachman, instructor of political science and philosophy, will lead an interactive discussion on the importance of diversity, toleration, and engagement in American democracy from 3–4:15 p.m. in Scholars Hall Room 101 on NMC’s Front Street campus. Participants will be asked to critically analyze the role of dialogue in our political and social communities in the United States. Each participant will receive a free pocket-size copy of the U.S. Constitution, which was signed on Sept. 17, 1787.
Release date: September 10, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
cnoga@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Sep 10, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
Screenshot
Join NMC’s Student Success team for a comprehensive workshop designed to help you navigate key resources for your academic journey. We’ll cover essential topics like:
- MAP (My Academic Plan)
- SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress)
- Tutoring Services
- Moodle & Canvas
Our expert panel includes:
- Bridget Munroe – Academic Advisor
- Ben Post – Instructional Technology Specialist
- Maggie West – Tutoring Services Coordinator
- Skylar Berry – Financial Aid Specialist
- Tait Ricks – College Completion Corps Coach
Date: September 11th
Time: Noon–1 P.M.
Location: TJNIC 106/107
Enjoy a free lunch from Olive Garden and drinks while learning how to make the most of the tools available to you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your success!
