Register now for Big Little Hero Race April 22

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College professional communications students are organizing and hosting the eighth annual Big Little Hero Race and the Future Generation Celebration Music Festival on NMC’s main campus on Saturday, April 22.

Both events are an experiential learning project to raise funds towards NMC College for Kids scholarships for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan. Last year’s event raised $5,000 for scholarships. Participants are encouraged to come in their favorite superhero costumes. Following the races there will be children’s games, a silent auction, food, and new this year, the Future Generation Celebration music festival.

The Big Little Hero Race includes three races which all start on NMC’s main campus:

  • 1 mile fun run/walk: Free entry, includes a free superhero cape for kids
  • 5K run/walk: $20 for students, $25 for adults
  • 10K run: $25 for students, $30 for adults
  • Virtual race: $20

Every year, the Big Little Hero Race selects a local hero to honor during the race. This year’s race will honor Kari Kahler, NMC’s associate dean of Learning Services. Kahler has championed student success via mentorship throughout her lengthy NMC career. Kahler has created a program in which NMC students mentor Blair Elementary School students in an effort to support positive change in the students’ lives.

This year, the Big Little Hero Race is collaborating with NMC Audio Technology students to create the Future Generation Celebration, a free music festival organized and run by NMC students. Acts include Brotha James, Breathe Owl Breathe, and Dixon’s Violin.

Register for the Big Little Hero Race before March 20 to receive a $5 early bird discount, and before April 10 to guarantee a free event T-shirt. For more information, or to register for the race, visit biglittleherorace.com.

Release date: MARCH 7, 2023

For more information:

Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059

Alex Grassa
BLHR Marketing Team
grassaa@mail.nmc.edu
(231) 883-8055

 

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

NMC Magazine seeking submissions

Flying cars, Beyond Burgers and clean energy. The universe contains all possibilities. How does the past lead into the present? What will happen to old polyester clothing and to-go containers? How far will our interstellar journeys carry us? Boldly take your imagination where no one has gone before. The NMC Magazine is seeking your ideas on what the future holds!

Visit nmc.edu/nmcmagazine to complete a submission form for each entry and email the entry to nmcmag@mail.nmc.edu. Hard copies can be delivered to the Fine Arts department (attn: Caroline Schaefer-Hills) or Scholars Hall 214 (attn: Alissia Lingaur). The deadline to enter is Friday, March 17, 2023.

Accepted mediums include:

    • Photography, fine art, design, and video
    • Flash fiction/nonfiction (500 word limit)
    • Poetry/lyrics (20 line limit)
    • Comics (15 panels/2 page limit)
    • Essay (800 word limit)

AI submissions are also welcome. Please see the submission form for additional guidelines.

March Madness basketball tournament

NMC March Madness basketball tournament

NMC Campus Life will be hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Thursday, March 16, at 7 p.m. This tournament is open to all NMC staff, students, and faculty and will be held in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building. 

Rules:

    • All players must sign a waiver before play.
    • Rock/Paper/Scissors To Start.
    • One timeout per game.
    • Ball must be checked by opposing team player before each possession.
    • No more than 3 team members from each team on a court at a time, substitutions can only be done during a stoppage of play.
    • Change of possession must begin at top of key (three point line).  Ball must be returned to 3-point line in a change of possession following missed basket.
    • Self-officiated contests, no free throws. Defense calls the fouls.
    • Made shots inside the arc will count as 2 points, outside the arc will count as 3 points. 
    • No more than 4 persons max on each team. Once on a team, you are on that team for the duration of the tournament.
    • No profanity or fighting will be allowed. Student Rights and Responsibilities policies apply.  
    • Poor sportsmanship will mark with opponent free shot; second leads to disqualification.
    • The first team to 21 wins.

Prizes:

    • First Place: $25 Gift Card for each team member (maximum of 4 team members)
    • Second Place:  $10 Gift Card for each team member (maximum of 4 team members)

 

If you have any questions please reach out to Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1401. 

Help us improve the Intercom by taking the survey!

Public Relations, Marketing & Communications would like your feedback regarding the weekly Intercom email newsletter. Its purpose is to help inform employees of what is happening at NMC and feel connected to the college, and PRMC is assessing how well it achieves this goal. Your input is important to that process.

All NMC employees should have received an email linking to a short 11-question survey to help us gather that input and assess and improve the Intercom. Please complete the survey no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 17.  It should take about five minutes to complete and your individual results are confidential. Five respondents will be chosen at random to receive a $20 gift certificate to the NMC Bookstore.

Thank you,
NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications

A Night of Stars talent show

The Democratic Party Club and the Audio Tech Club are hosting a talent show featuring NMC students on Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m. in Scholars Hall, room 217.

Talent Show

Join us for entertainment, food and beverages! It is free and a fun time for all who show up!

 

Mid-Semester Reset

2023 Mid-Semester Reset

Need to unwind and de-stress after midterms? Join the Student Success Team for activities that will help you reset and recharge to finish the semester strong!

study bunniesStudy Bunnies

March 12, 1-4 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107

Join us to get a jumpstart on studying for the second half of the spring semester! Student volunteers will be facilitating children’s activities. Backyard Bunch 4-H club will have live bunnies to hold, pet, and cuddle. Light refreshments will be available.

zen garden

 

Zen Garden

March 13, 12-2 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center hallway

Create your very own Zen Garden! A Zen Garden is a way of life and is associated with stress reduction. It can produce feelings of calmness and peace and has mental as well as psychological health benefits.

succulents

Succulents

March 14, 12-2 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center hallway

Plant a Succulent as part of our Mid Semester Reset! Succulents are known to have many health benefits including improving air quality and boosting mental focus. 

 

sound bath

Sound Bath

March 15, 12-1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107

Relax while immersing yourself in a sound bath. Sound baths incorporate musical instruments to create a meditation experience. Benefits of sound baths include relaxation, stress reduction and improved sleep. Feel free to come and go during this experience or stay for as long as you wish.

self-care workshop

Self-Care Workshop

March 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107

Join us right after the Sound Bath for light refreshments and a casual discussion about what self-care looks like in college. Taking care of yourself is the best way to ensure that you can show up for yourself and others! It helps with focus, motivation, and resilience!
 

sip and paint

Sip and Paint

March 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107

No artistic talent necessary, just a desire to create and celebrate your accomplishments this semester. All art supplies are provided and beverages are non-alcoholic. Stop by anytime between 6:30 and 8:30.

 

guided meditation

Mid Semester Guided Meditation

March 17, 12-1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104

State lawmakers deliver clearance for aviation program expansion

The college is in line to receive $3.75 million in state funds to expand its aviation facilities and help address the nation’s pilot shortage. 

“We are grateful for the support and advocacy from our state lawmakers, like Sen. John Damoose, who was a key champion of this project, as well as support from members of the house including Rep. Betsy Coffia and Rep. Curt VanderWall,” said NMC President Dr. Nick Nissley. “They see the value in investing in NMC to meet the region’s workforce needs. This is a powerful example of what we can achieve together for northern Michigan through collaboration.”

The critical investment was approved in the state’s supplemental budget last Wednesday. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign it in the coming days.


Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!

Media mentions for March 6, 2023

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.

Adapted in TC: The fullness of human sexuality
Instructor Susan Odgers’ monthly column on living with disability, Record-Eagle, March 5
(more…)

Kudos!

Kudos to Katie Sommer-Ford, Bridget Sova and Lisa Baldyga for providing assistance to NMC students preparing for the Career Fair at their navigating event in the Innovation Center beforehand. Thanks for all you do!


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!

Welcome our newest hires

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Traci Heidbreder – Admissions Office Assistant

Nominations open for Staff and Team Excellence Awards

Make a difference in the lives of your colleagues. Nominate them for a Staff Excellence Award or Team Excellence Award.

We are seeking nominations for staff colleagues (full-time, part-time, or supplemental) whose work serves to inspire us all, and who:

  • Demonstrate NMC’s Values
  • Exhibit commitment ‘above and beyond’ to the NMC mission, vision, values and strategic directions,
  • Made a difference at NMC over the past year (2022–2023).

Nominations must be received by April 4, 2023.

Recipients will receive a monetary award and an engraved plaque to be awarded on May 11, 2023 at the NMC You Made It Possible Celebration.

Thank you for appreciating and valuing each other.

The NMC Employee Recognition Committee:

  • Marcus Bennett
  • Hollie DeWalt
  • Les Eckert
  • Kim Gourlay
  • Craig Hadley
  • Lori Hodek, Chair
  • Mark Liebling
  • Carly McCall
  • Taylor Nash
  • Susan Odgers
  • Nancy Parshall

NMC Aviation slated for $3.75 M in state funds for new hangar and planes

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is in line to receive $3.75 million in state funds to expand its Aviation facilities and help address the nation’s pilot shortage. The critical investment was approved in the state’s supplemental budget Wednesday. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign it in the coming days.

The funding from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will be used to renovate and expand NMC’s 47-year-old Aviation hangar and purchase additional aircraft. This will allow NMC Aviation to increase its capacity to train more pilots, as identified in the college’s strategic plan.

“This effort has been more than a year in the making. We are grateful for the support and advocacy from our state lawmakers, like Sen. John Damoose, who was a key champion of this project, as well as support from members of the house including Rep. Betsy Coffia and Rep. Curt VanderWall. They see the value in investing in NMC to meet the region’s workforce needs,” said NMC President Dr. Nick Nissley. “This is a powerful example of what we can achieve together for northern Michigan through collaboration.”

NMC must provide a 50 percent match to the state investment. The total project cost is $5 million for the hangar renovation and $2 million for the acquisition of four new, technically advanced aircraft for flight training.

“Northwestern Michigan College has a very well-respected and in-demand aviation program from both the industry and student perspectives. Our biggest challenge has been not being able to expand,” said NMC Aviation Director Alex Bloye. “Now, thanks to this investment, we can train even more exceptional pilots.”

NMC Aviation enrolls 50 students per year, but has a two-year waitlist. Graduates experience 100 percent job placement. According to Bloye, airlines are poised for their busiest year of pilot hiring in more than three decades. Airlines are reducing flights and services due to the current labor shortage. During the pandemic, 5,000 U.S. pilots took early retirement. Nearly a third of pilots are expected to retire by 2035.

The current NMC hangar, built in 1976, does not functionally support the program’s demand. This renovation project will transform the hangar into a thriving Student Aviation Center. The renovated hangar will be an innovative, functional, and secure facility to store and maintain NMC’s growing fleet of technically-advanced aircraft. It also provides for expanded simulation lab space and other student spaces for testing, studying and collaboration.

Release date: MARCH 2, 2023

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020

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

GVSU Physician Assistant program preview day

GVSU physician assistant photoAre you interested in finding out more about GVSU’s Physician Assistant program? Come to the PA program preview event in Traverse City on Friday, March 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to meet with the PA program director, the chair of admissions for the PA program, a representative from the College of Health Professions Student Service office and current GVSU PA students. We will answer any of your admission and/or program-related questions and provide a tour of the facilities used by the PA program.

This event is open to anyone interested or curious about the PA program and will be held at the NMC University Center in room UC 09.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend.

Guiding students to career success

On Thursday, the Academic & Career Advising Center is hosting the 17th annual Career & Employment Fair from 3-6 p.m. in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works! and Networks Northwest.

Later this month, the Experiential Learning Institute has arranged for students to have a professional headshot taken and is hosting two workshops that give insight on how to use LinkedIn to enhance job searches. 

Thanks to the efforts of both departments for offering resources and support leading up to and following the Career Fair. Their work helps our students take the next step after NMC and lead successful careers.


Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!

Media mentions for February 27, 2023

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.

What the doctor ordered: Meet Traverse City’s next generation of healthcare leaders
TC Business News March issue
(more…)

HLC Accreditation Update

Good morning NMC community,

I am pleased to share an important update regarding the college’s accreditation cycle, including results from the recent mid-cycle assurance review.

As you know, in 2019 NMC started on an Open Pathway to maintain accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC.) This is a 10-year cycle focused on quality assurance and institutional improvement. The Open Pathway option includes regular monitoring, a mid cycle Assurance Review, a Quality Initiative project and an end of cycle Comprehensive Evaluation for Reaffirmation.

We are now on the other side of our Mid-Cycle Assurance Review point. I am pleased to share that HLC formally notified us in January that NMC “Met” all Core Components of the Criteria for Accreditation. This result indicates the strength of the college in meeting the HLC expectations in all areas. The next step along the pathway is for NMC to propose a Quality Initiative project between September 1, 2023 and June 2025. Once the proposal is approved by the HLC, we will begin work on our project. The completed project is due no later than June 1, 2028. Stay tuned for more information as we co-create this important college project.

While our accreditation truly takes a college-wide effort, I want to specifically thank Joy Goodchild, NMC’s Accreditation Liaison Officer, for her leadership and role in authoring the Assurance Argument, as well as Lisa Balbach and Nick Roster in their significant contributions in authorship. I also want to thank those who provided their support leading to our successful review: Shelly Grant, Stephen Siciliano, Wayne Moody, and Michael Anderson.

I look forward to engaging our college community around the next phase of this important work!

Nick

Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010

Northwestern Michigan College

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Welcome our newest hires

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Casey Doyle, supplemental – Banquet Server
    • Christopher White. student employee – Tutor
    • Hannah Ramsby, supplemental – Lobdells

Save your goals and performance reviews

SilkRoad Performance is going away! NMC is going live with NeoEd Perform soon! Save your goals and performance reviews before March 31 by following the step-by-step instructions are listed below. The college will maintain all performance reviews from SilkRoad as part of your personnel file.  You will be able to enter your goals for this year’s review in NeoEd Perform when it goes live in April.

Faculty/Staff:

Adjunct Faculty

Provisional Faculty/ Learning Plan Staff:

    • All Performance Evaluations have already been added to your Google Shared Drive folder.
    • All current goals have been added to your Google Shared Drive folder.
    • You may add your Learning transcript training history report any time before 6/30/2023.

Need help? Email helpdesk@nmc.edu and enter a ticket under “SilkRoad” or register to attend one of the following open lab sessions and receive assistance downloading your documents. 

Friday, March 3, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 8, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 9, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Friday, March 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Those who register for an upcoming lab session will receive a calendar invitation with a Zoom link via email.

If you have any questions, contact Human Resources at hr@nmc.edu.

Drop-in tutoring for GLMA deck courses

sailboatDrop-in tutoring sessions for GLMA cadets enrolled in deck courses  are available in the GLMA student enclave.

Cadets can stop by during these times and receive assistance:

    • Mondays: 0945-1145
    • Wednesdays: 1345-1545
    • Fridays: 1500-1700

Please call (231) 995-1138 or email tutoring@nmc.edu if you have any questions.

Career Fair – Students and community welcome

TRAVERSE CITY — Current students, alumni, and the community are invited to attend Northwestern Michigan College’s 17th annual Career Fair on Thursday, March 2 at the Hagerty Center on the Great Lakes Campus.

Held in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest, the Career Fair runs from 3–6 p.m. (Veterans are invited to arrive at 2:30 p.m.) Nearly 70 participating employers will be recruiting for career-track, seasonal and entry-level positions as well as internships and service learning. See the list at nmc.edu/career-fair.

In preparation for the event, NMC has planned two free “Navigating the Career Fair” workshops. These will be held Feb. 27 and 28 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center lobby on main campus. These sessions will offer assistance with resume preparation, an elevator pitch and projecting confidence at the fair.

Following the Career Fair, NMC will also host two sessions on using the LinkedIn social network in a job search. These will be held March 16.

  • LinkedIn 101: 10–11 a.m. For beginning users.
  • Maximized LinkedIn: 1–2 p.m. For advanced users.

Both sessions will be held on main campus in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, rooms 106/107. Shapiro is the director of the Office for Student Success at Touro College in New York, a freelance writer, public speaker, LinkedIn consultant and a board-certified coach specializing in career coaching. Call (231) 995-1170 or email twelch@nmc.edu or aburns@nmc.edu.

 

Release date: FEBRUARY 23, 2023

For more information:

Katie Sommer-Ford
NMC Advising Center
ksommer@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1040

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

Career Fair March 2

NMC Career Fair

Students and community members are invited to the 17th annual NMC Career & Employment Fair, in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest. The event will be held on March 2 from 3-6 p.m. (2:30 p.m. opening for veterans). 80 regional businesses will be looking to fill seasonal, part-time, full-time and internship positions, as well as network with the community. Resources will be on site the day of the event to assist with career counseling, veteran services and resumes. Attendees will also be entered to win raffle prizes!

A Taste of Success to go – tickets on sale now

TRAVERSE CITY — Tickets are now on sale for A Taste of Success to go on April 28, the premier annual fundraiser for students at NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute.

Patrons will take home a delicious around-the-world cuisine tour from charcuterie through dessert. Each to-go package, prepared by Great Lakes Culinary Institute students, generously serves two and includes:

  • Charcuterie box
  • Soup
  • Global tour box with samplings of cuisines from around the world
  • Dessert box

Packages are $250 and available for pick up between 4 and 6 p.m. Friday, April 28 at NMC’s Great Lakes campus, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City. The 2022 event raised more than $130,000 for student scholarships. The event was first held at the Park Place Hotel in 1994.

The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College offers both degree and certificates. Its newest Culinary-Maritime certificate will debut this fall. It is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation.

Boxes are $250 each. Call (231) 995-1021 or buy online. More information is available at nmc.edu/taste-of-success.

Release date: February 22, 2023

For more information:

Chef Les Eckert
Director, Great Lakes Culinary Institute

231-995-1197
leckert@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