Mar 4, 2021 | Intercom, Student Events
What interconnects us, across all borders, as much as the essentials of food and clean water? Our global climate may be the answer.
On March 18 at 5 p.m. IAF welcomes J. Carl Ganter, co-founder / director of Circle of Blue, whose “intense focus on water and its relationships to food, energy, and health has created a new model of front-line reporting, data collection, and convening.” Carl and colleagues at Circle of Blue are in conversation with researchers and citizens around the world, on the frontlines of an escalating global crisis that will shape our collective future.
Don’t miss an evening of stunning photojournalism and poignant revelations on climate change, its effects on food production, and on the fresh water that surrounds us.
IAF events are free to students and educators.
Broadcast livestream via Zoom, including Q & A.
More info at TCIAF.com.
Mar 3, 2021 | Intercom
For nearly a year, NMC has been engaged in a strategic project to address the PR, marketing and communications needs of the college and build stronger consumer-based brand equity for the entire institution. As we go through this process, all projects with branding implications need to be reviewed by PRMC, and all projects with new design and branding elements are on hold. This includes new logos, web designs, advertisements, swag, etc. All of NMC’s currently approved logos are on our Graphic Identity & Logos page at nmc.edu/logos.
This is a comprehensive process and we are currently in phase 1. Phase 3 includes a brand analysis and college-wide brand initiative. We need to coordinate this with information learned through the college’s upcoming strategic planning process, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. We’ve given updates on this work to President’s Council, Leadership Council and to all employees at the January conference, and we will continue to communicate updates and seek input from our stakeholders.
Enrollment for the college is our top priority and increasing consumer-based brand equity for the institution will help us advance that goal. We look forward to working with the college community during our college-wide brand initiative. This is a big undertaking but a necessary step in the process; thank you in advance for your assistance and patience. Please feel free to contact PRMC with any questions at publicrelations@nmc.edu.
Mar 2, 2021 | Student News
Are you experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?
- New congestion or runny nose that cannot be attributed to another health condition
- New cough that cannot be attributed to another health condition
- New sore throat that cannot be attributed to another health condition
- New fever of 100.4 F (or higher) or sense of having a fever
- New muscle aches that cannot be attributed to another health condition
- New shortness of breath that cannot be attributed to another health condition
- Loss of taste or smell
If so, please call Student Health Services at (231) 995-1255, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Mar 1, 2021 | Intercom
Saturday, March 6, 1–2:30 p.m. Want to learn Calligraphy? Join award-winning artist/designer Molly Suber Thorpe for a livestream class from her home studio in Athens, Greece! Taught via Zoom with a curated kit mailed to your home. Call EES at 995-1700 to register.
Two spots available! NMC tuition waiver applies. (Custom kit will be mailed to you for a material fee of $49).
Mar 1, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to NMC’s Academic & Career Advising Center and Northwest Michigan Works for reimagining the 2021 Career & Employment Fair as a virtual event. The three-day career fair, which starts tomorrow, includes over 70 employers and each day is dedicated to specific industries:
- March 2: Retail, Food Service & Hospitality
- March 3: Business, Healthcare & Other
- March 4: Automotive, Transportation, Manufacturing, Technical & Construction
The event follows three days of student prep workshops hosted by Employment Readiness specialist Lisa Baldyga, and students are also invited to join alumni and community members in networking events between 6–7 p.m. after each day’s sessions.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Mar 1, 2021 | Intercom
Thank you to everyone who attended Friday morning’s Town Hall mid-semester update, which drew 171 people. If you were unable to attend, or want to review what was discussed, you can view the video here.
If you were unable get your questions answered during the meeting, or if you have any followup questions or feedback, please email them to publicrelations@nmc.edu.
The Town Hall covered the following topics:
- Strategic Planning
- COVID
- Enrollment
- Budget
- DEI
- Be What’s Possible Campaign
- Reimagining Fall 2021
- Other Campus Announcements
Mar 1, 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.
NMC hires consultant for strategic planning
Record-Eagle, Feb. 25 (more…)
Feb 26, 2021 | Intercom, Student Events
Join Dr. Philip J. Deloria, Harvard University history professor and author of Becoming Mary Sully: Toward an American Indian Abstract, Friday, March 5 from 7 to 8 p.m. as he discusses his book on the Native American artist and answers audience questions. Dr. Deloria will be introduced by NMC history instructor Mindy Morton.
Dr. Deloria’s book was named a summer reading critics pick by the New York Times.
Feb 26, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
A Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet
This novel follows a group of children and their families on summer vacation at a lakeside mansion. The teenage narrator Eve and the other children are contemptuous of their parents, who spend the days and nights in drunken stupor. Named for a picture Bible given to Eve’s little brother Jack, A Children’s Bible is loosely structured around Bible stories intended for young readers. In A Children’s Bible, Millet offers brilliant commentary on the environment and human weakness. (more…)
Feb 24, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Dr. Nick Nissley (click for high-resolution version)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College President Nick Nissley has been named a winner of the Paragon award for new presidents by Phi Theta Kappa, the international community college honor society.
Nissley is among 22 recipients out of 500 eligible college presidents, and one of only two in Michigan. Paragon awards are bestowed upon college presidents in the first three years of their tenure who have shown strong support of student success by recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service among high-achieving students at their college. Recipients were nominated for the award by students on their campus. Nissley became president of NMC on Jan. 1, 2020.
In the nomination, NMC students commended Nissley for including all students, not just PTK members, in his work to instill a “possibilitarian” culture on campus, even amid the challenges of COVID-19.
“From our first in-person meeting, Dr. Nissley laid a foundation of open communication by sharing his very personal testimony with students.His inclusion of students in events, discussions, and decisions proves to us again and again, he is focused on our success. While we are thrilled with his support, similar support has been shared with other student groups. He is a champion for student success.”
Nissley and other Paragon winners will be recognized at the PTK annual convention, broadcast live from Orlando, Fla., April 8–10. NMC’s chapter, Alpha Rho Pi, will also receive a Reach award at the convention for its membership growth in 2020.
According to PTK, member students have a 91 percent student success rate, and research has shown that strong presidential leadership and support of PTK increases member success and the depth of their college experience.
Release date: FEBRUARY 24, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director 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
Feb 24, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Dr. Nick Nissley (click for high-resolution version)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College President Nick Nissley has been named a winner of the Paragon award for new presidents by Phi Theta Kappa, the international community college honor society.
Nissley is among 22 recipients out of 500 eligible college presidents, and one of only two in Michigan. Paragon awards are bestowed upon college presidents in the first three years of their tenure who have shown strong support of student success by recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service among high-achieving students at their college. Recipients were nominated for the award by students on their campus. Nissley became president of NMC on Jan. 1, 2020.
In the nomination, NMC students commended Nissley for including all students, not just PTK members, in his work to instill a “possibilitarian” culture on campus, even amid the challenges of COVID-19.
“From our first in-person meeting, Dr. Nissley laid a foundation of open communication by sharing his very personal testimony with students.His inclusion of students in events, discussions, and decisions proves to us again and again, he is focused on our success. While we are thrilled with his support, similar support has been shared with other student groups. He is a champion for student success.”
Nissley and other Paragon winners will be recognized at the PTK annual convention, broadcast live from Orlando, Fla., April 8–10. NMC’s chapter, Alpha Rho Pi, will also receive a Reach award at the convention for its membership growth in 2020.
According to PTK, member students have a 91 percent student success rate, and research has shown that strong presidential leadership and support of PTK increases member success and the depth of their college experience.
Release date: FEBRUARY 24, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director 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
Feb 23, 2021 | Intercom
Friday, March 19, 1 p.m.
This 1-hour info session will cover GVSU’s Masters of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program and criteria for application (as well as COVID-19’s impact on the application process), introduce viewers to the Traverse City Campus at the University Center and answer most commonly asked questions. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions.
Students are encouraged to register at gvsu.edu/traverse/mpas to receive the link.
Feb 23, 2021 | Student News
Students: please remember that Spring Break has been canceled this year and classes will be held Monday, March 29 through Thursday, April 1. Friday, April 2, remains a college holiday with no classes scheduled and the college closed for the day.
Spring semester classes will conclude on Monday, April 26. Instructors may use the rest of the week to meet with their students at the faculty’s discretion. Grade submission deadlines will remain as scheduled.
You can view the complete spring and summer course schedule here and view the Academic Calendar here.
Feb 22, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to Alpha Rho Pi, NMC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international community college honor society, and adviser Kari Kahler. Alpha Rho Pi was named a PTK Reach chapter for excelling in membership development in 2020.
Benefits of PTK membership include scholarships and increased opportunities for engagement with peers and faculty on campus, which leads to higher rates of completion. More than 90 percent of PTK members graduate or transfer from their community college.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Feb 22, 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.
NMC Receives $1 Million Gift From Kim Hagerty, Antonio Simao
The Ticker, Feb. 16
9&10 News, Feb. 16
UpNorthLive, Feb. 16 (more…)
Feb 22, 2021 | Intercom
March 16, 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Are you looking for answers for your students about transferring to a university? The Spring 2021 Virtual Transfer Fair is coming soon!
Each day, eight different Michigan universities will be available to provide information about their school, transfer process, and provide answers to questions. Each university will have its own one-hour time slot so there is time to meet with them all!
Visit the Virtual Transfer Events page for a calendar of events and virtual links: nmc.edu/transfer-fair.
Can’t make this event? Many universities are providing additional virtual information sessions both before and after the Virtual Transfer Fair. Save gas, time, money, and stay healthy while you get answers to all of your and your students’ questions about transfer!
Feb 22, 2021 | Student Events
March 16, 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Are you looking for answers about transferring to a university? The Spring 2021 Virtual Transfer Fair is coming soon!
Each day, eight different Michigan universities will be available to provide information about their school, transfer process, and provide answers to questions. Each university will have its own one-hour time slot so there is time to meet with them all!
Visit the Virtual Transfer Events page for a calendar of events and virtual links: nmc.edu/transfer-fair.
Can’t make this event? Many universities are providing additional virtual information sessions both before and after the Virtual Transfer Fair. Save gas, time, money, and stay healthy while you get answers to all your questions about your future transfer plans!
Feb 22, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Reason for Kudos to Madelyn Ek: Maddie completed Experiential Learning 101 and met with the Experiential Learning Institute to work on her capstone Experiential Learning project! Maddie, thank you for your dedication to engaging your students in high-impact learning! We look forward to working with you as you “ELize” your course! Thank you for being a part of our outstanding education team at NMC!
Reason for Kudos to Mary Beeker, Dave Gates, and Dan Wasson: Mary Beeker had the idea to pilot a Wi-Fi hotspot checkout program in the library back in the summer of 2019. Little did we know that demand for these would skyrocket less than a year later due to COVID-19. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge Mary’s foresight in researching and implementing a process for providing this much needed service, with 165 circulations in the past year providing internet service to students learning from home. Thanks to her work, the library already had the necessary infrastructure in place in March 2020 to meet increasing demand for these devices, and we were able to simply boost our inventory. Dave Gates and Dan Wasson have also been instrumental in quickly increasing our fleet and providing continued support for the library’s Wi-Fi hotspots.
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. During our “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive, please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Feb 22, 2021 | Intercom
Read about upcoming professional development opportunities in the Professional Development Institute February Newsletter.
Feb 22, 2021 | Intercom
Bring your lunch and reconnect with your long-lost colleagues Friday, Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. Let’s break the isolation and regain the sense of community that makes NMC such a great place to work. This is an informal virtual event to bring us together and help us reconnect with each other. Join us for the conversation and reconnect across the NMC community.
Feb 22, 2021 | Intercom
Nominations are being accepted for the NMC Staff and Team Excellence Awards. Choose the links below to nominate your deserving colleagues!
Nominations must be received by Friday, March 19.
Please nominate colleagues whose work serves to inspire us, and who:
- Demonstrate NMC’s Values
- Exhibit a consistent commitment ‘above and beyond’ to the NMC mission, vision, and strategic directions
- Made a difference at NMC over the past year (2020-2021)
Recipients will receive both a monetary and a commemorative award which will be conferred at the April 2021 virtual NMC Retirement and Recognition Reception. Watch for your invitation coming soon!
Thank you for helping us value our colleagues!
NMC Employee Recognition Committee
Feb 19, 2021 | Student News
In partnership with Northwest Michigan Works, NMC’s 15th annual Career Fair will be held virtually March 2–4, 2021 from 3–6 p.m. each day.
The Career Fair is a great place to meet employers. Representatives from 70 companies across the region will be in attendance to meet potential employees and increase awareness of their organization. The event is open to students, alumni and community members.
Each day is broken down by industry: March 2nd is Retail, Food Service & Hospitality, March 3rd is Healthcare, Business & Other, March 4th is Construction, Automotive, Technical, Transportation & Manufacturing. Following each event daily, alumni and students can take part in a networking hour from 6–7 p.m. via zoom.
Feb 19, 2021 | Student News
Good morning NMC students,
We hope you’re having a successful semester and staying healthy. Despite the recent cold and snow, we are busy planning ahead for the summer and fall semesters at NMC and want to help you be prepared.
Based on feedback from students, the college will expand its offerings of face-to-face classes. NMC will offer some sections of developmental education courses face-to-face, in addition to hybrid and livestream formats. For the new face-to-face sections, classrooms will be equipped with plexiglass dividers so group work can also be done safely. NMC will also continue to offer select occupational courses and labs face-to-face, as we have since last summer. For all face-to-face classes students must still follow all safety protocols including wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
NMC is also exploring the use of new camera technology to offer hybrid classes in the HyFlex model. In HyFlex, a class is split into two groups that alternate between on-campus and zoom formats to reduce in-person class size.
These adjustments continue NMC’s commitment to keeping our students and employees safe, while limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible. One of the most important factors in achieving this goal is hearing from you. We recently emailed you a course format survey to better understand how you prefer to learn. The short survey is open until Sunday evening. Please take a few minutes to complete it so we can work to meet your needs. Based on your input and safety guidelines, changes may be made to the schedule. We ask that you monitor your NMC email and the schedule throughout the summer.
The summer and fall schedules are available to help you plan. Registration for summer is open, and fall registration begins March 10th. Our Academic and Career Advising Center team is ready to help you. Watch your NMC email for information about your assigned advisor and to schedule a virtual advising appointment.
Thank you to the NMC faculty and staff on the “Reimagining Committee” for their work in helping address these complex issues and thank you for remaining committed to achieving your goals. We can now see a future beyond the pandemic and we will get there together.
—
NMC Public Relations
Feb 18, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
NMC has received emergency funds for students as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) to provide emergency help with educational costs (tuition, fees, housing, food, transportation, books, supplies, or loan fees) or emergency costs due to coronavirus, such as health care (including mental health), technology, or child care.
Who Is Eligible?
- Students who did not already receive an automatic CRRSAA award the week of February 8, 2021 (if unsure, check NMC Self-Service / Student Billing / Account Summary)
- Students who are currently enrolled in Spring semester
- Students with expenses related to the coronavirus pandemic, including educational costs (tuition, fees, housing, food, transportation, books, supplies, or loan fees) or emergency costs due to coronavirus, such as health care (including mental health), technology, or child care.
- For CRRSAA funds, you must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen; however, we have NMC emergency funds available for non-citizens. Please apply if you have need.
What Should I Do?
If you qualify based on the above criteria: Apply for Emergency Aid here.
Aid will be awarded in the order of application.
The amount will be based on:
- number of credits enrolled
- availability of funds
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Student Financial Services at sfs@nmc.edu.
As always we are here to assist you to make sure you are able to benefit from all aid that you are eligible for.
Feb 17, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
February 17, 2021
After investing more than 10 years in pursuit of her associate degree, the pandemic almost brought psychology student Brandee Sasser-Drone (left) to her breaking point, but federal aid distributed by NMC has kept her on track to graduate this semester and continue toward a bachelor’s degree.
The 35-year-old mother of two has twice received emergency financial assistance, in the spring of 2020 and again just this month. This second round of COVID-19 aid is part of the $22.7 billion Congress allocated to higher education in the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) passed in December 2020. NMC received $4.1 million total, of which $1 million was earmarked for direct student aid.
Sasser-Drone received $1,200 of that, one of more than 900 NMC students who received funds this month based on financial need and enrollment status. The average award was $964.
“This last little bit of money, I paid bills that have been on the back burner since summer,” she said. “We’ve been living off of one cell phone, one car. I had to let car insurance lapse. Really vital, important things that NMC has helped us get back to a secure place.”
Nursing student Shelby Hansard, 26, who also received assistance in both rounds, agreed. She too juggles parenthood of an 18-month-old daughter with work as an LPN and school.
“The funds were helpful and allowed me to buy groceries for my family this month as well as a textbook that I really needed,” Hansard said.
The pandemic upset all Sasser-Drone’s financial security, from a paycheck to child support for her 11- and 8-year-old, and added demands like supervising their virtual education at home.
“All of our usual, consistent financial securities, as small as they were, they weren’t coming in,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d be able to finish school.”
The dean’s list student credits NMC psychology instructor Shiloh Smith for providing emotional support during the last semester.
“Shiloh kept me so motivated, so driven,” Sasser-Drone said. “I’m four-pointing my classes, which gives me a lot of pride.”
It’s also given her admission to Central Michigan University to finish her bachelor’s degree. She found out this week she was accepted to an online program starting this fall. She hopes to eventually work in mental health services within a law enforcement or correctional setting.
“I wouldn’t have been able to continue if it wasn’t for this help this year, and the NMC staff,” she said. “I highly recommend NMC to anyone who’s thinking about going to school.”
NMC developed a system to quickly and automatically distribute 85 percent of this round of student aid to those who qualified. An application process opens Thursday to award the remaining funds. Students will be notified directly how to apply, and the entire $1 million is expected to be distributed by mid-March.
The NMC Foundation’s Be What’s Possible campaign also has supported the emergency needs of students during the pandemic through the Fund for NMC. Give to the campaign here.
The $3 million NMC will receive in institutional funds this round must be used for expenses that are directly related to COVID. NMC will look at infrastructure improvements related to health and safety in buildings, and technology improvements.
“This financial support is critical to helping NMC meet the needs of the learners of our region” said Nick Nissley, NMC president. “In 2020, we pivoted quickly and made major changes to keep delivering education, while also keeping our students and employees safe, all without raising tuition. While we are proud of the work we’ve done to balance the budget so far, we know that some of those adjustments are one-time fixes. The pandemic will have a longer lasting impact on many industries, including higher education and we need to continue to look for ways to right the ship.”
