Hawk Owl Health wellness program
NMC’s wellness program, Hawk Owl Health, includes a number of features to help employees lead a healthy lifestyle. Visit the wellness page to learn more.
Important changes to the Employee Assistance Program
The need to access mental health support and wellness has increased and we recognize that supporting employees in this area is critical.
NMC is excited to share that we have worked with Ulliance and upgraded the number of visits for counseling and coaching per topic to meet the needs of our employees.
With this upgrade, you will receive:
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- A flexible number of visits (e.g. no fixed number) for counseling and coaching per topic and you can call in for as many topics as needed
- Continued support for partners, spouses, dependents up to the age of 26 with the same flexibility of visits as the employee
- More access to resources on www.lifeadvisor.com , offered by Ulliance
- Continued access to a free 30 minute consultation for Legal and Financial consultations, plus discounted hourly rates for beyond the 30 minute consultation.
Ulliance Central Number: 1-800-448-8326
2024 Benefits Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment for 2024 is Nov. 6–17. Please plan to attend one of the two Zoom meetings that are scheduled for Nov. 6, 2023, at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. All employees should have received a calendar invite for these open enrollment meetings. If you did not, please contact Hollie DeWalt.
A recorded session will be available on the benefits webpage for those who are unable to attend.
Success Story: Younger adults now eligible as state seeks a better-educated workforce
October 4, 2023
Reconnect students David Hipolito, Computer Information Technology, and Hannah Ramsby, Culinary
This week, Michiganders ages 21–24 who don’t already have a college degree got a limited time opportunity to increase their lifetime earning power at potentially no cost to them.
For just over a year, Michigan Reconnect, which began offering free in-district tuition to adults 25 and older without a degree in 2021, is being extended to 21- to 24-year-olds. The only other eligibility requirements are a minimum of one year’s residency in Michigan, and a high school diploma or equivalent. The application deadline is Nov. 15, 2024 and students must start classes by the fall 2024 semester.
NMC estimates between 400–450 current students will be eligible, and the expansion could also draw in new students.
“NMC is so excited that the opportunity Michigan Reconnect presents is now available to younger adults,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “We know from decades of data that education beyond high school is the surest way people can improve their future incomes. Michigan Reconnect now makes that education much more affordable for many more people.”
A 2021 study by Traverse Connect, the region’s economic development agency, showed that the largest chunk of northwest Michigan’s jobs, 43 percent, require more than a high school diploma but less than a bachelor’s degree. 2021 Georgetown University research shows that over an earning lifetime, associate degree graduates earn an average of $400,000 more than high school or GED graduates.
At NMC, Grand Traverse County residents are considered in-district. Those who live elsewhere still receive significant discounts, paying only the difference between the in district and out of district rates. Other aid can also offset some of those costs.
This fall, NMC saw a 20 percent jump in Reconnector enrollment by the original 25+ population. Some 278 students are receiving the Reconnect scholarship, with an average award of $1,561. Nearly 80 percent of those students have tuition and fees covered in full between Reconnect and Pell grants.
Students have used Reconnect to enroll in virtually all of NMC’s 60 programs.
David Hipolito, 25, is enrolled in Computer Information Technology. Many of the courses he takes in the CIT program are online and he appreciates that format because it allows him to balance school and a full-time job. Hipolito also endorses NMC’s instructors, substantial student support services, and campus vibe. “NMC is a small community; you feel like you’re at home,” he said.
Hannah Ramsby, 28, is enrolled in Culinary Arts. Reconnect is a huge relief because it means she doesn’t have to take out loans. She encourages others to take advantage of it: “I often struggle asking for help. The money is there to help. I love that it is helping those who may think that they’re too old to go to school or don’t deserve it.”
The Reconnect expansion to 21–24 is funded by a $70 million appropriation from the Michigan Legislature.
In 2019, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer established Michigan’s 60 by 30 goal of having 60 percent of adults have a college degree or skills certificate by 2030. It’s now 50.5 percent.
NMC hosts Building Tomorrow Oct. 5, 6
Event gets students hands-on with skilled trades career opportunities
TRAVERSE CITY –Some 450 area middle and high school students will have a chance to “try a trade” when NMC hosts the annual Building Tomorrow event Thursday Oct. 5 and Friday, Oct. 6 at the Aero Park Laboratories building.
Set for 9 a.m.–2 p.m. both days, the event is a hands-on experience for students to explore a career in the skilled trades. Students will rotate through several stations including carpentry, electrical, HVAC, automotive, welding and excavation site work.
Aero Park Laboratories is located at 2525 Aero Park Dr. on NMC’s Aero Park campus.
There is strong employer demand for skilled trades workers. A 2021 regional skills gap study found that it faced the greatest hiring challenges of any labor segment, with a third of northwest Michigan employers reporting difficulty hiring people with necessary skills.
NMC offers both degrees and certificates in automotive technology, construction technology, engineering technology, manufacturing technology, renewable energy technology, surveying and welding technology. In all technical programs, enrollments are limited to maximize students’ access to the most current technology and industry-knowledgeable instructors. Technical curriculum is reviewed and approved by local advisory committees.
Release Date: October 3, 2023
For more information:
Carolyn Andrews
NMC Technical Division
(231) 995-2803
candrews@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discriminationStudent Connect: International Tea
Join the International Services and Service Learning Department as we sample unique teas from around the world while getting together in a casual setting to make connections.
The event is Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 9:15–10 a.m., in the Student Lounge outside the O100 offices in the Osterlin Building (#3 on the Main Campus Map).
Student and immigrant success grant awarded to NMC
Congratulations to the Student Success team for receiving a $193,600 grant from Michigan’s Sixty by 30 Adult Student Success Grant program. The funds, to be received over two years, will be spent to improve adult student onboarding, based on the results of data and evidence on the current adult student experience.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Media mentions for October 2, 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.
Preserving a place for refuge and reflection
Cleburne Times-Review, Oct. 1
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Helping Our Students through the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Institutionalization (DEII) Survey
Dear Students,
I am pleased to inform you of an important opportunity you will be offered in the coming days to participate in a survey of the institutionalization of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belongingness on our campus. Participation will entail completing a 15-minute web-based survey; your unique link to the survey will be emailed to you from Surveys@srs.brooklyn.cuny.edu in the coming days.
This survey was designed to determine the state of your sense of belonging on our campus. Your views are especially important to us as we strive to increase the satisfaction of all students and to make NMC a great place to learn.
The survey is completely confidential and will be handled through the survey provider’s project team.
We welcome this opportunity to learn from an independent and research-driven study. We believe that NMC has the potential to be one of the best places for our students to thrive. However, data from the DEII study will be meaningful only if we have broad participation.
Within a week, you will receive an email from surveys@srs.brooklyn.edu, directing you to the online survey. The survey is easy to complete. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Dr. Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu or Surveys@brooklyn.cuny.edu.
Thank you in advance for helping us through participation in this study.
Sincerely,
Drs. Nick Nissley and Marcus Bennett
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
NMC Jazz Bands join the Jeff Haas Trio at The Alluvion
The NMC Jazz Bands will join the Jeff Haas Trio for two upcoming shows at The Alluvion this month as part of the “Jazz For All” series.
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- October 19: Jazz Big Band
- October 26: NMC Jazz Lab Band
The Jazz Big Band members includes players from multiple local groups who come together to form one of the best big bands in the area. The Jazz Lab Band is a mixture of experienced community members and NMC students who come together to play a variety of traditional jazz ensemble staples that define the genre.
$1-20 honor cover at the door (no presale). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The Jeff Haas Trio starts at 6 p.m. and the big bands go on at 7:15pm.
The Alluvion is located at 414 East 8th Street, second floor, Traverse City, MI, 49686.
New books at the NMC library
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
Opportunity for community comment regarding the Dental Assistant program at NMC
Northwestern Michigan College’s Dental Assistant program is undergoing re-accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). As part of that process, the community has the opportunity to provide comments pertaining to the standards of the Dental Assistant program’s policies and procedures used in the Commission’s accreditation process.
A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission’s policy on third-party comments may be obtained by contacting the Commission by calling 1-800-232-6108. All comments submitted must pertain only to the standards relative to the particular program being reviewed or policies and procedures used in the accreditation process. Signed or unsigned comments will be considered. Names/signatures will be removed from comments prior to forwarding them to the program. Third party comments must be received no later than October 7, 2023.
The site visit was postponed and rescheduled from September 21–22 to December 7–8.
NMC and Davenport University BSN informational session
Advance your career in nursing with Davenport’s BSN completion program. Join the upcoming informational session to learn how to transfer to Davenport University and earn a BSN in 10 courses. Davenport’s Traverse City team will guide you through the application process and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions of our faculty experts.
Benefits of completing your BSN at Davenport University include:
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- Local Traverse City campus with student support and faculty
- Earn an exclusive partnership tuition discount
- Flexible course offerings
- Concurrent option to start on BSN courses even before you finish your Associate’s
- Completion option to transition after finishing your Associate in Nursing
In-person
Friday, October 13
1:30 p.m.
James Becket Building, room 136 (#13 on the campus map)
Register
Now accepting applications for winter enrollment. Please contact Zach Whitaker, Campus Director and Nursing Advisor, at zwhitaker@davenport.edu or (616)732-1180 for questions.
Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees
Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount.
All Over Old Towne Walking Tour
Saturday, Oct. 7; 9–11 a.m.
Employee price: $19 (public price: $49)
There are wonderful tales to be told in Old Towne – what was known for 100 years simply as “the South Side.” Local author Marty MacLeod takes you back in time to rediscover this lively neighborhood, from grain and lumber mills to the iconic Wilhelm’s and Brady’s to the Pere Marquette train station and roundhouse.
Register here
Wine Appreciation 101: The Art of Wine Tasting
Wednesday, Oct. 11; 7–9 p.m.
Employee price: $32 (public price: $99)
Do you wish you knew more about wine and wine tasting? Through this course, you will master the art of wine tasting, learning the ins and outs of correctly discerning the flavors and aromas that make each wine unique. Armed with this newfound skill, you will approach wine with a renewed sense of confidence and a fresh perspective.
Register here
Pickling & Fermenting Masterclass
Fri Nov. 10; 6–9 p.m. & Sat, Nov. 11; 9 a.m to 2 p.m.
Employee price: $99 (public price: $349)
Perfect for avid home cooks, farmer’s market enthusiasts, CSA patrons, and novice chefs, this class dives into methods to preserve our local produce through pickling and fermentation. Chef Jim Morse leads an in-depth, hands-on class that traces the history of pickling and fermentation for both preservation and nutritional benefits. Students will prepare vinegar-brined pickles, naturally-fermented pickles, kimchi, kraut, and kombucha. Chef Morse will also open his pantry of pickles and ferments for students to sample.
Register here
IAF welcomes former U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan on Thursday, Oct. 5
Northwestern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum continues its 30th season on Thursday, October 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Milliken Auditorium at the Dennos Museum Center.
Join the discussion as Ambassador (ret.) Susan D. Page addresses the structural difficulties Africa faces for the future, including refugee crises, famine, terrorism, foreign influence by Russia & China, and more. This is an in-person event with online livestream available. All NMC students, faculty, and staff are free to attend.
Amb. Susan D. Page is the Director of the Weiser Diplomacy Center & Professor of Practice in International Diplomacy at the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and Professor from Practice at the University of Michigan Law School. She has deep expertise in international relations, particularly in Africa. Her senior level roles have included Assistant Secretary General/Special Adviser on Rule of Law, Global Focal Point Review Implementation, Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) to the United Nations Mission for Justice Support to Haiti (MINUJUSTH), first U.S. Ambassador to newly independent South Sudan, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to the African Union, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, key adviser to the peace process that resolved Africa’s longest-running civil war through international mediation, head of rule of law programs for the UN, and a foreign service regional legal advisor and political of ficer in East, Central, and Southern Africa.
Stan Otto, a former senior U.S. diplomat and current IAF Board co-chair, will moderate the discussion. Otto was a senior diplomat in the State Department with 40 years expertise in promoting international cooperation and understanding, including policy planning, negotiating and management in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Prior to the Foreign Service, he was a Fulbright lecturer in Taiwan and taught at universities in Iran and Egypt. He also served in the Peace Corps in Morocco and Cameroon.
This event is open to the public and available to livestream online. Admission is $15 per person or free for students and educators. The event includes a welcome reception with appetizers at 5:30 p.m.
In addition to her NMC engagement, Amb. Page has agreed to present to area secondary school students on Friday, Oct. 6. NMC IAF will host the session for 200+ students, including extended Q & A with the Ambassador.
For in-person tickets, online tickets, and all event details, visit TCIAF.com.
Second annual faculty vs. staff kickball game
The second annual faculty vs. staff kickball game will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 3:45 p.m. at the NMC athletic field behind East and North Hall.
If you would like to join, please fill out the signup form by Friday, October 6.
In case of inclement weather the game will be held in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building.
Questions? Contact Marcus Bennett at (231)995-1401 or mbennett@nmc.edu
College Night for high school students, Transfer Fair for NMC students
TRAVERSE CITY — College-bound students can explore their options at more than 45 colleges and universities at two free events set for Oct. 11 in Northwestern Michigan College’s Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on main campus.
2023 College Night: 6–8 p.m. This event is aimed at current high school students making post-graduation educational plans. Information on NMC dual enrollment and Early College, which allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit at no cost while still attending high school, will be available, plus scholarship and financial aid information.
New this year, students are required to preregister. Visit nmc.edu/collegenight or www.strivefair.com
2023 Transfer Fair: Held from noon–2 p.m., this event is aimed primarily at current NMC students who plan to transfer to a four-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree. See participating schools.
Release date: SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
For more information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discriminationSGA Election results
Thank you to all of the students who voted for the Student Government officers for the 23-24 year as well as all of the members who ran for office. The results are as follows:
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- Rachel Colby, President
- Sereta Fager, Vice President
- Shane McClellan, Treasurer
- Secretary, currently vacant
- Dee Galloup, PR and Marketing
If you have a suggestion or question for our Student Government members, look for the suggestion boxes that are located on all of our campuses, or submit your suggestion online through the virtual comment/suggestion box.
More information about the Student Government Association can be found here.
Feeding Traverse City
Thanks to the NMC employees who volunteered at the first mobile food pantry of the semester last Tuesday. 110 households were served, or an estimated 400-500 people. The next mobile food pantry will occur on Tuesday, Oct. 17 and it will continue monthly through December.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Media mentions for September 25, 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.
Northern Living in brief: DMC exhibits
Record-Eagle, Sept. 24
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Registration open for October Conference
Registration is open for October Conference! Click here to view the collaborative projects and to sign up for yours today. Open groups are listed in green and open to anyone. Closed groups are listed in pink and are only open to those with connections to the topic. If your department does not have a closed group, you will sign up for one of the open groups (in green.) Click the Sign up HERE! Link at the bottom of each project description to add your name to the list.
Then, on Tuesday, October 10, you will join your team to learn to apply design thinking concepts to an existing project to move the College forward as we innovate our way through NMC Next.
What is October Conference? October Conference is NMC’s professional development day. Attendance is required for all faculty and staff. Adjunct faculty are encouraged to join us!
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Andy Gold, Vice President of Strategic Engagement for the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCA) will share tools and resources to assist us with moving projects forward using design thinking principles.
If you submitted a project that is not published, or if you have questions about the day, please contact Lori Hodek lhodek@nmc.edu (231) 995-1143 or Janet Lively jlively@nmc.edu (231) 995-1231.
Welcome our newest hires
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Brandi McCrum – Lead Accounting Assistant/ Bookkeeper
- Jade Bailey, supplemental – Food Service, Back of House
- Meigan Lanning, student employee – Science & Math Office Assistant
NMC Voices meetings
NMC Voices is a sexual assault awareness and advocacy group for both survivors and allies.
For those who would like to join, meetings are held on Mondays at 5 p.m. in room 08 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. The first meeting will be held Monday, September 25.
For questions, please contact Brittany Hanbury at bhanbury@nmc.edu.
Drop-in tutoring for GLMA engine courses
Drop-in tutoring sessions for GLMA cadets enrolled in engine courses are available in the GLMA student enclave.
Cadets can stop by during these times and receive assistance:
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- Mondays: 1330-1530
Please call (231) 995-1138 or email tutoring@nmc.edu if you have any questions.
Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees
Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount.
Food for Thought: American Classics (new class!)
Tuesday, Oct. 3; 6–8:30 p.m.
Employee price: $34 (public price: $99)
Ready to revolutionize your waistline and embrace a healthier lifestyle all while eating classic food you love? With an easy makeover, classic American foods can be good for you. Learn how to make a guilt-free potato salad, spicy “buffalo wings,” a Texas barbecue meatless loaf, and a carrot bacon BLT sandwich. You’ll learn tips for how to customize recipes to meet your health goals so you can keep enjoying your go-to meals.
Register here
Birds Up Close – Fall Edition (one seat left!)
Wednesday, Oct. 11; 6–8 p.m.
Employee price: $22 (public price: $59)
When the robins head south and the chickadees huddle in the evergreens, explore the fascinating adaptations of Michigan’s birds in the comfort of the science lab. Using NMC’s incredible collection of over 100 specimens, you’ll examine a broad variety of birds up-close and in your hands. We’ll compare different groups like ducks, hawks, songbirds, owls, and woodpeckers to see how they are well suited for their environments.
Register here
Furniture Making: Windsor Natural Edged Bench
Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 14-15; 9 a.m to 4 p.m.
Employee price: $190 (public price: $449)
Create your own heirloom quality seating ready for a few lifetimes of service in your home, cottage or castle. Students will choose from a variety of wood slabs – walnut, cherry, poplar, ambrosia maple, or pine – featuring curves, wane, and uneven shapes. All projects will be glued up by the end of class, sanded, and ready for a coat of paint or clear finish at home.
Register here