Nov 23, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
November 23, 2016
Students are to NMC as turkey is to Thanksgiving — front and center. On this Thanksgiving eve, we talked to a past and present student a decade apart to find out how NMC figures in what they’re thankful for.
Matt Harting, 2006 alumnus, composer living in Los Angeles
Matt Harting and Allyson NelsonHarting, 30, can trace his livelihood, marriage and financial well-being back to NMC.
After graduating Traverse City Central High School in 2004, he attended NMC with a plan to transfer to Columbia College-Chicago. Cast in the NMC production of Bye Bye, Birdie, he met a student named Allyson Nelson, from Bellaire. She wound up transferring to Columbia, too, and there the couple began dating. Harting graduated with a degree in audio arts and engineering, and got a job at Earhole, a Chicago sound studio (first assignment: Obama campaign.)
When career opportunities led Nelson to LA in 2010, Harting followed. He kept his job at Earhole, working on campaigns for commercial clients like Dodge, Jeep, Olive Garden and Red Lobster. Small talk among his professional peers led him to realize a third dimension of gratitude, for NMC’s affordability.
“They still have more (debt) than I started with,” he said. Moreover, there was no sacrifice in quality. Instructors like the late Jim Valovick and music instructor Dorothy Vogel were top-tier, he said, and able to provide the personal attention that he needed.
“She straightened me out and made me see that music was truly something that needed to be studied and respected,” Harting said of Vogel.
Harting and Nelson got married just last month, and where it all began is still fresh.
“I loved the campus, I made great friends, I had great teachers,” he said.
Alex Briggs, 20, Commitment Scholarship recipient
Alex Briggs speaks at the 2016 Commitment Scholarship induction“I didn’t really think I was going to go to college,” said the first-generation Computer Information Technology student. “I didn’t see myself affording college. Now, I’ve paid for it all with scholarships.”
It started with the Commitment Scholarship, a full-tuition promise Briggs received in 2011 as a ninth grader at Elk Rapids High School. Now in her second year at NMC, she’s received two merit-based scholarships, two Elk Rapids scholarships and federal grants, which combined also enable her to live on campus.
Besides living in East Hall, Briggs works in the Advising Center, is an officer in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and a member of the Women in STEM student group.
“I wanted the well-rounded college experience,” she said. “I live, sleep, breathe and eat NMC.”
She’s also provided an example to her brother Zack, a fellow Commitment Scholar, who started at NMC this fall. They’re believed to be the first sibling recipients of the Commitment Scholarship.
Nov 23, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
November 23, 2016
Students are to NMC as turkey is to Thanksgiving — front and center. On this Thanksgiving eve, we talked to a past and present student a decade apart to find out how NMC figures in what they’re thankful for.
Matt Harting, 2006 alumnus, composer living in Los Angeles
Matt Harting and Allyson NelsonHarting, 30, can trace his livelihood, marriage and financial well-being back to NMC.
After graduating Traverse City Central High School in 2004, he attended NMC with a plan to transfer to Columbia College-Chicago. Cast in the NMC production of Bye Bye, Birdie, he met a student named Allyson Nelson, from Bellaire. She wound up transferring to Columbia, too, and there the couple began dating. Harting graduated with a degree in audio arts and engineering, and got a job at Earhole, a Chicago sound studio (first assignment: Obama campaign.)
When career opportunities led Nelson to LA in 2010, Harting followed. He kept his job at Earhole, working on campaigns for commercial clients like Dodge, Jeep, Olive Garden and Red Lobster. Small talk among his professional peers led him to realize a third dimension of gratitude, for NMC’s affordability.
“They still have more (debt) than I started with,” he said. Moreover, there was no sacrifice in quality. Instructors like the late Jim Valovick and music instructor Dorothy Vogel were top-tier, he said, and able to provide the personal attention that he needed.
“She straightened me out and made me see that music was truly something that needed to be studied and respected,” Harting said of Vogel.
Harting and Nelson got married just last month, and where it all began is still fresh.
“I loved the campus, I made great friends, I had great teachers,” he said.
Alex Briggs, 20, Commitment Scholarship recipient
Alex Briggs speaks at the 2016 Commitment Scholarship induction“I didn’t really think I was going to go to college,” said the first-generation Computer Information Technology student. “I didn’t see myself affording college. Now, I’ve paid for it all with scholarships.”
It started with the Commitment Scholarship, a full-tuition promise Briggs received in 2011 as a ninth grader at Elk Rapids High School. Now in her second year at NMC, she’s received two merit-based scholarships, two Elk Rapids scholarships and federal grants, which combined also enable her to live on campus.
Besides living in East Hall, Briggs works in the Advising Center, is an officer in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and a member of the Women in STEM student group.
“I wanted the well-rounded college experience,” she said. “I live, sleep, breathe and eat NMC.”
She’s also provided an example to her brother Zack, a fellow Commitment Scholar, who started at NMC this fall. They’re believed to be the first sibling recipients of the Commitment Scholarship.
Nov 22, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s performance ensembles will present the following holiday concerts in December.
Friday, December 2: The NMC Chamber Singers and NMC Canticum Novum present “Sounds of the Season” featuring holiday music for voices and brass. 7:30 p.m., Central United Methodist Church. Suggested donations of $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors will be taken at the door. (231) 995-1338.
Saturday, December 3: The NMC Jazz Bands and Vocal Jazz Ensemble present Winter Jazz Ensemble Showcase. 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $12 for adults, $7 for students and seniors at MyNorthTickets.com and at the door. (800) 836-0717.
Saturday, December 10: The NMC Choirs join the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for “Home for the Holidays.” 7:30 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. MyNorthTickets.com. (231) 947-7120.
Sunday, December 11: The NMC Choirs join the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for “Home for the Holidays.” 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. MyNorthTickets.com. (231) 947-7120.
Friday, December 16: The NMC Concert Band presents: “A Salute to Home Grown Heroes” 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $12 for adults, $7 for students and seniors at MyNorthTickets.com and at the door. (800) 836-0717
Release date: November 22, 2016
For more information:
Jeff Cobb
Director of Music Programs
(231) 995-1338
jecobb@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
Nov 21, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) administrators and faculty members today approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement. The ratification vote followed a series of negotiating sessions last week in which progress was made on several key issues including salary, faculty evaluations and participation in campus decisions.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that achieves our goal of securing a contract that supports our faculty and is responsible to the region’s taxpayers,” said NMC President Tim Nelson. “I am proud to say we resolved this contract because members of the faculty and administration sat down together, talked through the remaining issues and found common ground. Representatives of the NMC and union negotiating teams deserve credit for pushing through the complex issues involved with a first contract, leading to today’s vote.”
Social Sciences Instructor Brandon Everest said, “Faculty continue to stand together to do what is best for our students, the college and the community.”
Over the past two weeks, members of the faculty and faculty chairs’ bargaining units met with the administration to resolve outstanding contract terms without attorneys present. After multiple bargaining sessions, the college submitted a new contract proposal for consideration. Key sections of the proposal include the following:
- A 20-step salary plan that maintains the current 3.71% step increase for faculty moving along the plan. It will also include a 1% annual payment for faculty at step 20. In January 2017, there will be a 0.3% scale adjustment to the salary plan.
- An enhanced formal evaluation process
- Reinstating a faculty report to the Board of Trustees agenda.
“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement that is fair and serves the college, faculty, students and the community into the future,” said NMC Board Chair Kennard Weaver. “Our focus throughout the negotiations was to create a contract that ensures a continuing harmonious and constructive relationship between the parties.”
Release date: November 21, 2016
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
Nov 21, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
SUGR (Students United for Gender Rights) will be hosting a diversity training titled “Privilege Walk” in the lower level of East Hall on Wednesday, November 30th at 8:00 pm.
The event is free and open to the campus and community. Free food will be provided. Join us for a fun night of discussion and self-discovery.
Nov 21, 2016 | Intercom
Announcement from the NMC Green Team: Best Buy is helping residents make recycling of tech equipment easy, no matter where you bought it or how old it is. Customers can get rid of their old or unwanted appliances and electronics in several ways with Best Buy:
- Recycling kiosks – Every U.S. Best Buy store has kiosks, just inside the front doors, to drop off rechargeable batteries, wires, cords, cables and plastic bags.
- Recycling in store at the Customer Service counter – Best Buy stores accept most electronics, with a few exceptions.
- Appliance and TV haul-away and recycling options – Best Buy will remove an appliance or a TV from a customer’s home for a fee of $14.99 when a new product is purchased and delivered by Best Buy. Or, a product can be removed from a customer’s home for a fee, even if no product was purchased.
- Reclaimed product from trade-in – If products cannot be refurbished or resold, Best Buy will ensure the products are responsibly recycled.
For more information about Best Buy’s recycling program, click here.
Nov 21, 2016 | Intercom
Do you and your team have the style, swagger and seasonal spirit to rock an ugly sweater? Will last year’s champs, the Student Life office win the coveted trophy, and the bragging rights again this year? Send a group selfie wearing your best/worst/tackiest and totally over-the-top sweaters.
Email your entries to publicrelations@nmc.edu by 5 p.m. Thursday, December 15.
We will announce the winning team at the NMC Employee holiday party December 16. Good luck and may the ugliest sweaters WIN!
Nov 21, 2016 | Intercom, Welcome to NMC
Please join us in welcoming these new additions to our NMC staff! (more…)
Nov 21, 2016 | Intercom
Did you miss the FLSA overview meetings, or need a reminder of the rules? If so, please find the information on the HR employee page under PAY.
Nov 21, 2016 | Intercom
NMC has a renewed wellness program lifting off in the next couple of months. Please access the November Newsletter here to find out more. Chris Barr (Blue Cross On-Site Wellness Coordinator) will be at the Open Enrollment meetings on December 1 to share more about the program!
Nov 21, 2016 | Student News
Important dates to know at the Bookstore:
- December 12 to January 27: Financial aid will be available in the bookstore
- January 9 to 27: gas cards will be available to charge to financial aid; limit two $25 cards per day per student.
Nov 21, 2016 | Student News
Need a little bit more cash for Christmas this year? Bring your textbooks back to the bookstore December 12-16 for book buyback. Guaranteed $1 minimum for every book, no matter how old the book, during the week of book buyback.
Getting $20 or more for your buyback books? Put your money on a gift card and we’ll give you 15% more for your books!
Take advantage of a great time to clear out and make some extra cash!
Nov 21, 2016 | Student News
Did you rent a book this fall from the NMC bookstore? Fall rentals are due back on December 16, 2016. Do not remember if your book is a rental? Contact us at bookstore@mail.nmc.edu with questions.
Nov 18, 2016 | 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 Scott Herzberg and everyone involved in NMC’s Veteran’s Day events. What a great way to honor our veterans! Beautiful weather only added to this special event. Thanks to all vets for their service!
Kudos to Cathryn Claerhout and Heather Robinson for organizing the very successful Girl Tech 2016 held on Friday, November 11th. The event introduces 10th grade high school women to technical careers and was well attended by over 150 girls.
Kudos to Sherry Trier who took a leadership role helping to organize many of the events for NMC’s Veterans Day ceremony and appreciation efforts. Her dedication to our student veterans was on full display as she coordinated the collection and display of artwork from local K-12 schools, the participation of the TC Central drum core and band, the display of service flags, ordering and picking up a special cake for the veterans service dogs, and many more efforts.
And BIG kudos to my entire EMT team who supported the events of the day by collecting and mounting the artwork from area schools, setting up video and poster displays at West Hall, recording the ceremony, handing out flags, taking pictures, directing people where to line up, and serving cake and coffee at West Hall. Thank you!!
Nov 18, 2016 | Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
(more…)
Nov 15, 2016 | Intercom
To my friends at NMC,
The flowers you sent for Tom’s service were among my favorites, so colorful and full of life — like Tom. It meant a lot to me that so many of you came to the service, and many more sent kind words of support.
Hagerty Center was the perfect place to gather. Special thanks to Holly, who said “I’ll call for you,” and Crystal and Chad, who were so patient with my “kids,” who knew what they wanted and managed the details to reflect the man who was their father — warts and all.
Thank you, NMC. I am blessed.
Gratefully,
Karen Sabin
Nov 15, 2016 | Student News
Please join us Wednesday, November 30 to learn about our Freshwater Sciences Program offered at WMU-Traverse City. You can transfer to WMU to complete this bachelor’s degree in Traverse City.
Register and learn more at wmich.edu/traversecity/infosession or call (231) 995-1846.
Date, time and location: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 5 p.m. at the Great Lakes Campus, Room 101
Nov 15, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — At a special board meeting Monday, Nov. 14, Northwestern Michigan College trustees unanimously appointed former college instructor Rachel Johnson to fill a trustee position vacated last week when Steven Rawlings resigned.
Johnson received the next highest number of votes in the recent election behind Michael Estes and Chris Bott, who were elected.
Rawlings announced his resignation Nov. 10, citing increased responsibilities and travel for his job.
Board Chair Kennard Weaver said, “The six people who ran for trustee in the election last week nominated themselves for the positions, showing a strong interest in serving. In the election campaign, we gathered a great deal of information about them and the voters of Grand Traverse County also know them. This is a good panel from which to appoint the trustee to fill the current vacancy, and we also have the votes ranking them.”
In a recent letter to trustees, Johnson reiterated her desire to serve, saying, “I believe deeply in the college and the role it plays in enriching our community, supporting our local economy, and preparing students for future success. I would very much like the opportunity to support that endeavor as a trustee.”
Johnson was an adjunct instructor in the NMC’s communications department in 2012 after serving as an instructor and administrator at Penn State University and Pepperdine University. She is currently the Member Relations Manager at Cherryland Electric Cooperative.
Johnson will serve as trustee through December 31, 2018.
She will be eligible to run for election for the remainder of Rawlings’ term in the November 2018 election.
Release date: November 15, 2016
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
Nov 14, 2016 | Intercom
As many of you may have heard, Heather Hess, Talent Acquisition Specialist, will be taking a six month leave starting sometime in December. In order to ensure continuity and support of hiring initiatives we have a few changes for you to be aware of:
- Will Pearce will provide Talent Acquisition Support while Heather is out. He will manage full-time recruitment of faculty and staff.
- Tricia Stevens and Brandie Heeres, our Supplemental HR Assistants, will share a schedule and support hiring of adjunct faculty, student and supplemental employees.
- We have developed the following internal website to help answer many of your recruiting questions and provide resources. See the website here.
Heather is available until about the end of December, please reach out to her at 995-1148 or hhess@nmc.edu if you have any questions or concerns in the mean time.
We may not always have someone available at our front desk during this time. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding!
-The Human Resources Team
Nov 14, 2016 | Intercom
Announcement from the NMC Green Team:
Brush drop-off site closing for the season November 19.
Grand Traverse County Brush Drop-Off Site:
2471 N. Keystone Road, Traverse City
Tuesdays: noon-dusk
Thursdays and Saturdays: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The sites accepts brush, grass clippings, leaves, stumps and untreated construction wood. For more information on the brush drop-off site, visit: recyclesmart.info/905/Brush-Drop-Off-Site
Nov 11, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
Students Mackenzie Campbell and Dustin Leppert from NMC’s Audio Technology program composed a song in honor of Veterans Day, illustrated by posters done by students from local schools including TCAPS, TCAPS Montessori and Long Lake Elementary. The song was played in West Hall during NMC’s Veterans Day ceremonies. Check it out below or at ensemble.nmc.edu/Watch/b7QDi5k3!
Nov 11, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
A variety of student-led activities will highlight National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (NHHAW) from November 12 until November 19. Events will be hosted by NMC students in Composition and Sociology courses. Join us to support student research, service and engagement.
NMC NHHAW STUDENT RESEARCH CONFERENCE – NOVEMBER 16:
On November 16, from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm in Scholars Hall on NMC Main Campus, NMC students will share their learning with the community, giving presentations and sharing research posters. Students’ research will debunk myths of poverty as well as highlight areas critical to these like housing policy, economic inequality, low-income dynamics, homelessness and food insecurity. Students’ research posters will be left on display through the month of November. Come see what all of this is about!
NMC FOOD FOR THOUGHT & HYGIENE DRIVE – OCTOBER 29 UNTIL NOVEMBER 18:
Students in Composition and Sociology courses are supporting Kristy McDonald’s BUS-231 NMC Food for Thought Drive, putting an emphasis on the importance of hygiene and personal care products. These items are often overlooked by donors to food pantries, and, as such, this need goes unfilled. Access to personal care products can affect employability, self-esteem and children’s school relationships and performance. Students will be setting up stations at Tom’s Grocery Stores, Walmart, and at NMC’s Tech Expo and elsewhere to encourage donations. In addition to the many connections already established by business students, our students are also coordinating with area schools, including TC West, Grand Traverse Academy and TC St. Francis to scale up the project. Contact Brandon Everest at beverest@nmc.edu to learn more or to donate.
WALK FOR HEALTH & HOUSING – NOVEMBER 14:
Join us in a Walk for Health & Housing on November 14 at 5:30 pm to bring awareness to the challenges of unhoused people in our region. Ryan Hannon, Goodwill Street Outreach Coordinator, will take participants on a guided walk and tour of downtown Traverse City bringing attention to the sorts of situations and challenges faced by homeless people. There will be speeches by other participants as well. We will begin and end at the Great Lakes Campus for this one-hour tour to make the invisible problem of homelessness visible to area residents. Students are making signs, banners, info sheets and pamphlets to distribute to passers-by and onlookers in this effort. We will stop by the Government Center to highlight ways area citizens can provide input to City and County Commission Meetings and elsewhere. We need “All Hands on Deck” for this event to be as successful as possible. We hope to see you there!
NMC SNAP CHALLENGE:
Click here for information about the SNAP Challenge. In short, the SNAP Challenge is an awareness raising activity where participants live off of a SNAP/Food Stamp budget for a week ($29) and document their experiences, sharing those with the community in some way. For us, we hope that participants will share video recordings on their social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others with the hashtags: #nmcsnap and #snapchallenge). We have a growing number of participants, and we hope you will consider joining us in that effort and spreading the word. We are asking participants to pick a week in the month of November to take the challenge. Further “rules” information will be distributed to participants upon their agreement to take the challenge.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:
- Donate non-perishable food, hygiene and personal care items to the drive.
- Attend NHHAW activities here on campus to show your support of student engagement.
- Accept the SNAP Challenge and share your experiences and insights.
- Walk with us for our Walk for Health and Housing during NHHAW on November 14.
- Attend the NHHAW Student Research Conference on November 16 to support student engagement and service.
Nov 11, 2016 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Board of Trustees from Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is beginning the process of replacing Vice-Chair Steven Rawlings after he resigned from his position this week.
Rawlings announced Thursday he is stepping down from the board, citing increased responsibilities and travel for his job, but added he remains dedicated to the college.
In a letter to Board Chair Kennard Weaver, Rawlings said, “I am hopeful that one day I will serve the college community again in some capacity. But in the meantime, I will forever remain in awe of NMC, its inspiring students, devoted faculty, committed staff and administration, fellow board members and donors alike- each of whom, dedicate so much time, treasure and talent to the betterment of our community.”
Trustee Weaver said, “We at NMC are appreciative of the service of Mr. Rawlings. His perspective, insight and willingness to engage in thoughtful discourse have been of great benefit to our communities of learners. We wish him well.”
Trustees will hold a special meeting on Monday, November 14, 2016, at 5 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 Rawlings which expires December 31, 2020.
Michigan law gives the college 30 days to fill this position.
Release date: November 11, 2016
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
Nov 10, 2016 | Intercom
Are you looking for career opportunities? Find it here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:
- TCAPS Early College/Commitment Scholarship Coordinator
- Part-Time Student Health Services Nurse
- Hagerty Center – Server, Bartender and Dishwasher
- Visual Communications – Web Design Adjunct Instructor
- Construction/Carpentry Adjunct Instructor
Nov 10, 2016 | 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 Amanda Gower- For coordinating the Commitment Scholarship Induction Ceremony. Amanda took on this new task and ensured the students, families, and colleagues all felt welcomed, well informed. It was truly made to be a special event to celebrate the lives that will be changed and the people who make it possible. Thanks to Amanda for all her effort to make it happen beautifully and for the enthusiasm and support of Pam Palermo and others who were involved with the event and support the program.
