Nov 15, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
To faculty members Brandon Everest, Lisa Blackford and Melissa Sprenkle, whose students in sociology, social work and communications, respectively, will participate in the Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them, departing from NMC’s Great Lakes campus parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17.
The sixth annual walk, open to the public, is an example of Experiential Learning at NMC and held as a part of National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, observed the week before Thanksgiving.
Nov 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Andrew Robitshek of Traverse City to fill a vacant trustee slot on Monday. He will serve through the November 2022 election.
Robitshek, 54, cited his love of the community, business knowledge and past board experience as driving his interest in serving on the board. “Now, as a local business owner of Bay Motor Products, I’ve had the opportunity to encourage many others on my team to enroll in classes at NMC and discover how education can change the trajectory of their life. Nothing is more rewarding than being a part of helping others realize their full potential through education and hard work! I hope to make an even bigger impact by working as part of NMC’s Board of Trustees,” Robitshek said in his application materials.
Trustees thanked all the applicants and noted the high caliber of the applicant pool. Eleven eligible candidates applied to fill the vacancy created by Michael Estes’ resignation October 17, 2021. Per Michigan law, Robitshek will fill the term Estes was elected to in 2016 until the next regular community college election in November 2022.
Release date: NOVEMBER 15, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
Nov 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student Events
A swinging evening of music with the Lab Band and Big Band featuring the music of Adderly, Basie, Kenton, Jobim, Hammerstein, Ellington and Strayhorn. Laurie Sears-Director with Bill Sears-Guest Soloist
Saturday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Milliken Auditorium
Tickets at MyNorthTickets.com, $12 adults/$7 students and seniors (+ processing fee)
At the Door: $15 adults/ $10 students and seniors
FREE to NMC students with ID
Nov 15, 2021 | Student News
NMC’s student group dedicated to sexual assault awareness and advocacy for both survivors and allies will hold our first meeting Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. in LB207. Beiderman is building #6 on the main campus map; it’s attached to the Health & Science Building.
We will be giving away the self-care gift basket mentioned at Pine Palooza at this meeting.
Reminder: NMC is requiring masks while indoors, if you forget your mask or if you need one, we have extras located at the main entrances of all buildings.
Nov 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Hello fellow Hawk Owls! We at Student Health Services wanted to remind you that we do have flu shots available. This time of year it’s especially important to keep yourself healthy so that you can enjoy the holidays with family and friends.
Please give us a call at (231) 995-1255 to schedule a flu shot. We do accept walk-ins, however we encourage making an appointment so you don’t have to wait.
The cost is $15/student and $20/staff (if you don’t have NMC insurance). So please give us a call or stop in before Thanksgiving to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.
Nov 15, 2021 | DEI Insights and Conversations, Intercom
Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. Check out this one-page pictograph from the National Alliance on Mental Illness to learn about who is impacted.
Please fill out this DEI Intercom Post Feedback Form to be part of our conversation and offer feedback or suggestions on what is being shared.
Nov 15, 2021 | 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.
Industry 4.0 on display
Record-Eagle, November 14
(more…)
Nov 15, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
- Open Enrollment closes at midnight on Thursday, Nov. 18!
- If you missed the meetings on the 9th, here are links to the recording and the slides.
- If you don’t want to make any changes for 2022, no action is needed, EXCEPT for Flexible Spending and Health Savings Account contributions.
- Individual appointments are available if you need additional support on Tuesday, Nov. 16 between 9 a.m–3 p.m. Email Hollie DeWalt, hdewalt@nmc.edu for available time slots.
- Updated plan rates for medical and dental plans- HERE.
- NY Life (previously Cigna) is offering a onetime offering to employees to increase their voluntary life insurance up to $150,000 for self and up to $30,000 for spouse with no medical paperwork required.
- NMC’s Open Enrollment Website, which covers all benefit options- HERE.
Nov 15, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
We look forward to seeing you on the Wellbeing Hub, at the virtual lunch and learns, and for our next program challenge Hold It for the Holidays! Weigh in will be open November 17–21 and the challenge begins on Monday, Nov. 22.
Questions on the NMC wellness program? Contact Priority Health Wellbeing at (877) 689-3161 or Wellness@priorityhealth.com.
November Lunch and Learn will review the Hold it for the Holidays Challenge- please join Chrissie on November 17 at 12noon. You should have received a calendar invite to attend!
Nov 15, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Jeff Cobb and the Chamber singers — What a great concert last weekend and we loved the poetry in between set changes. We appreciate the community that the choir brings together.
Kudos to Chris Hanna and Dennis Shultz: Dennis and Chris went above and beyond for our Industry 4.0 event. They transformed the Great Hall of Technology in Parsons Stulen into an interactive event space hosting 40 people from 13 different manufacturers. We were able to have a guest speaker, national anthem singer, and a technology showcase all in a 2 hr window thanks to their efforts. This occurred on the same day as NMC’s Veterans Day ceremonies so EMT was pulled in many different directions. Thank you, Chris and Dennis, for stepping in and lending Tech and MMTC a hand!
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!
Nov 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Andrew Robitshek of Traverse City to fill a vacant trustee slot on Monday. He will serve through the November 2022 election.
Robitshek, 54, cited his love of the community, business knowledge and past board experience as driving his interest in serving on the board. “Now, as a local business owner of Bay Motor Products, I’ve had the opportunity to encourage many others on my team to enroll in classes at NMC and discover how education can change the trajectory of their life. Nothing is more rewarding than being a part of helping others realize their full potential through education and hard work! I hope to make an even bigger impact by working as part of NMC’s Board of Trustees,” Robitshek said in his application materials.
Trustees thanked all the applicants and noted the high caliber of the applicant pool. Eleven eligible candidates applied to fill the vacancy created by Michael Estes’ resignation October 17, 2021. Per Michigan law, Robitshek will fill the term Estes was elected to in 2016 until the next regular community college election in November 2022.
Release date: NOVEMBER 15, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
Nov 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Andrew Robitshek of Traverse City to fill a vacant trustee slot on Monday. He will serve through the November 2022 election.
Robitshek, 54, cited his love of the community, business knowledge and past board experience as driving his interest in serving on the board. “Now, as a local business owner of Bay Motor Products, I’ve had the opportunity to encourage many others on my team to enroll in classes at NMC and discover how education can change the trajectory of their life. Nothing is more rewarding than being a part of helping others realize their full potential through education and hard work! I hope to make an even bigger impact by working as part of NMC’s Board of Trustees,” Robitshek said in his application materials.
Trustees thanked all the applicants and noted the high caliber of the applicant pool. Eleven eligible candidates applied to fill the vacancy created by Michael Estes’ resignation October 17, 2021. Per Michigan law, Robitshek will fill the term Estes was elected to in 2016 until the next regular community college election in November 2022.
Release date: NOVEMBER 15, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
Nov 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
To support our organization’s DEI efforts, NMC has acquired 100 tickets to the virtual Diversity & Inclusion Research Conference (DIRC) on November 17–19, 2021! The DIRC21 virtual event brings together diversity and inclusion practitioners and researchers to explore the role of D&I research in building a more inclusive and equitable world. You can learn more on their website, DIRC.info.
This opportunity includes workshops, pre-recorded panels and talks, live Q&A sessions, interactive, and networking opportunities. You will join professionals of all backgrounds and be able to explore content and experiences that best serve your interests and level of familiarity with D&I. To accommodate everyone’s schedule, most of the content will also be recorded and made available to registered attendees after the live event dates.
If you are interested in attending, please complete this form and we will register you for the event.
Thank you,
Craig Hadley and Lisa Thomas, DEI Co-chairs
Nov 15, 2021 | Student News
NMC students are encouraged to participate in the NMC Student Government Association (SGA) officer elections for the 2021/2022 academic year.
Voting will open at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18 and will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19.
In order to vote, go to the student homepage at students.nmc.edu. On the top of the homepage will be a banner prompting students to vote for officer elections!
And don’t forget — voting is open for only 24 hours beginning on Thursday at 1 p.m.!
Please cast your vote, and exercise your student voice as a part of the NMC campus community!
Any questions? Please contact Lisa Thomas at lthomas@nmc.edu or Paul Kolak at pkolak@nmc.edu.
Nov 12, 2021 | Intercom, Tech Tips
Join Alison Thornton for these one-hour Quick Bytes training sessions to up your skills on new and basic technology!
All courses are offered via Zoom. The Zoom link will appear as a calendar appointment after you enroll.
Nov 12, 2021 | Student News
Faculty Excellence Award nominations are due by Friday, Dec. 17.
Award criteria includes teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom, and a sense of dedication.
Nominate your favorite instructor now!
Nov 12, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
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.
(more…)
Nov 12, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join NMC students in the Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them, departing from NMC’s Great Lakes campus parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17.
Ryan Hannon, street outreach coordinator for Goodwill Northern Michigan, leads the sixth annual walk and will highlight stories both tragic and triumphant at stops along the downtown route. Participants will hear from service providers, police officers and elected officials about their concerns and hopes for the future. This experience is part of an interdisciplinary study of health and housing issues by sociology, social work and communications students and open to the public. It is part of National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, held the week before Thanksgiving.
The walk is an example of Experiential Learning at NMC. EL actively engages the learner through relevant and ongoing experiences, critical problem solving and reflective practices.
Release date: November 12, 2021
For more information:
Brandon Everest
Faculty, Social Sciences Area
Director, Experiential Learning Institute
beverest@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1985
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
Nov 12, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join NMC students in the Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them, departing from NMC’s Great Lakes campus parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17.
Ryan Hannon, street outreach coordinator for Goodwill Northern Michigan, leads the sixth annual walk and will highlight stories both tragic and triumphant at stops along the downtown route. Participants will hear from service providers, police officers and elected officials about their concerns and hopes for the future. This experience is part of an interdisciplinary study of health and housing issues by sociology, social work and communications students and open to the public. It is part of National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, held the week before Thanksgiving.
The walk is an example of Experiential Learning at NMC. EL actively engages the learner through relevant and ongoing experiences, critical problem solving and reflective practices.
Release date: November 12, 2021
For more information:
Brandon Everest
Faculty, Social Sciences Area
Director, Experiential Learning Institute
beverest@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1985
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
Nov 12, 2021 | Intercom
Good morning NMC community,
We continue to monitor developments with the OSHA requirement of mandatory vaccination or testing of employees. While the Emergency Temporary Standard that was issued by OSHA has been stayed, we have been advised to anticipate that it will take effect. The HR team, Vicki Cook and the President’s Council are developing a policy and a detailed procedure for ensuring compliance. Effective January 4, 2022, employees who have not provided proof that they’ve been vaccinated will be required to submit a negative COVID test weekly in order to continue working at NMC. The policy will clarify what forms of proof or of test results are acceptable, and what consequences will exist for employees who do not comply. Our top priorities continue to be the health and safety of our community, and minimal disruption to those served by the college while also complying with the legal requirements.
Look for more information in the coming days as the legal status of this order becomes clearer.
A reminder – staying safe and limiting the spread of COVID-19 on NMC’s campuses is a shared responsibility.
NMC’s commitment:
- Safety protocols include mandatory masks indoors on all campuses. Comprehensive information at nmc.edu/covid-19.
- Work with county health departments to monitor the spread of COVID-19.
- Communication with you about cases on our campuses. You can also check the Cases on Campus Dashboard for additional information.
Student /employee responsibilities:
- Any student who believes they may be positive for COVID-19 should contact NMC’s Health Services at (231) 995-1255.
- Any employee who believes they may be positive for COVID-19 should contact Human Resources at (231) 995-1350.
- Students and employees who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should follow these guidelines. If you have questions you can call Health Services or Human Resources.
- Take advantage of free, safe, COVID-19 vaccines now widely available for those ages 5 and up. To find a vaccine near you, please visit nmc.edu/vaccines.
- Find a list of local testing sites here.
Thank you for helping to keep our campuses safe.
—
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
Nov 11, 2021 | Intercom
Thank you for continuing to demonstrate your dedication to our learners and college, especially during another year of uncertainty because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You truly live our NMC values and are literally helping shape our future values through the strategic planning process.
As a gesture of appreciation, and to give you the opportunity to rest and recharge, the President’s Council has decided to close the college again this year during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Specifically the following days will be treated as additional holidays in 2021:
- Tuesday, December 28
- Wednesday, December 29
- Thursday, December 30
- The remaining (non-annual holiday ) half day on Friday, December 31
We are also exploring how to best connect as a college community for our annual holiday celebration in December. We will continue to communicate these plans as we confirm details.
Thank you again for all you have done to help our learners and our college community this year. We hope you have a successful fall semester.
—
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
Nov 10, 2021 | Intercom, Student Events
The Passport Student Talk Series is a chance to explore other cultures through the experiences of NMC students.
Shakirah Lieffers, a student from Uganda studying pre-medicine at NMC, became a U.S. citizen last month and will talk about life and culture in Uganda on Wednesday, Dec. 1 between 12:15–1 p.m. in West Hall Rm. 107.
Global Endorsement students, please bring your GE passport so that it can be stamped to earn your GE event points!
Nov 9, 2021 | Intercom, International Affairs Forum, Student News
The International Affairs Forum remotely welcomes Ambassador Anthony Wayne Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. to dissect the border policies, trade, and migration dynamics that shape our relationship with Central America. Wayne is the former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Argentina, and Deputy Ambassador to Afghanistan. He is currently Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer and Distinguished Diplomat in Residence
at the American University School of International Service, as well as Public Policy Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and Co-Chair of its Mexico Institute Advisory Board. The program is presented as a joint event with the National Writers Series.
In-person event at the City Opera House, remote speaker, livestream available:
- 5 p.m. reception with cash bar
- 6 p.m. presentation followed by public Q & A
In-person tickets and livestream access: tciaf.com/nov-16-2021
Free to current student and educators
Then on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., in another joint event with IAF, NWS hosts a conversation with bestselling author Omar El Akkad about his newest book, What Strange Paradise, which looks at the global refugee crisis through the lens of children. As an international journalist, El Akkad has reported from Afghanistan, Guantánamo Bay, and many other locations around the world, and brings his experience to the page in a book that the New York Times says “deserves to be an instant classic.”
Learn more and sign up for the virtual event here.
IAF and NWS are proud to partner on these events which will highlight the ways that international stories and circumstances have a local impact, and how global policies impact the lives of real people right here in northern Michigan.
Nov 9, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College invites the campus and community to attend its annual Veterans Day ceremonies either in person (between the Tanis and Osterlin buildings on NMC’s main campus) or virtually (via Zoom at nmc.zoom.us/j/99338087545) beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will include:
- Welcome remarks by Kevin D’Alessandro, NMC Enrollment Services
- Student veteran remarks by Brandon Williams, U.S. Navy veteran and current NMC student
- Flag raising ceremony presented by the VFW, Post 2780 Honor Guard
* Star Spangled Banner performed by the Traverse City Central Marching Band
* Three Volleys/Taps and a rifle salute in honor of the fallen will be performed
- Closing remarks by Doug Bishop, NMC Trustee
All remarks will be delivered from the flagpole area.
Serving those who have served is a year-round priority for NMC. About 5 percent of students are either veterans or active-duty military. NMC has many services specifically designed for veteran student success, including veteran-specific scholarships and opportunities to convert military service to academic credit. Find out more at nmc.edu/veterans.
Release date: November 9, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
Nov 9, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College invites the campus and community to attend its annual Veterans Day ceremonies either in person (between the Tanis and Osterlin buildings on NMC’s main campus) or virtually (via Zoom at https://nmc.zoom.us/j/99338087545) beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will include:
- Welcome remarks by Kevin D’Alessandro, NMC Enrollment Services
- Student veteran remarks by Brandon Williams, U.S. Navy veteran and current NMC student
- Flag raising ceremony presented by the VFW, Post 2780 Honor Guard
* Star Spangled Banner performed by the Traverse City Central Marching Band
* Three Volleys/Taps and a rifle salute in honor of the fallen will be performed
- Closing remarks by Doug Bishop, NMC Trustee
All remarks will be delivered from the flagpole area.
Serving those who have served is a year-round priority for NMC. About 5 percent of students are either veterans or active-duty military. NMC has many services specifically designed for veteran student success, including veteran-specific scholarships and opportunities to convert military service to academic credit. Find out more at nmc.edu/veterans.
Release date: NOVEMBER 9, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
