Jul 8, 2021 | DEI Insights and Conversations, Intercom
When considering racism, a common response is often “I don’t see color.” While the intent isn’t generally harmful, and some may argue it as a positive response, the impact can be quite negative and includes denying someone of their racial identity. Read the article(s) below and then reflect on the following questions:
- What would make you or someone else want to say “I don’t see color?”
- If someone claims to not see color, what else are they not seeing about a person? Is this a good thing?
- How might you challenge this kind of thinking in yourself or in others?
“I don’t see color”:
“I don’t see color” while working with students:
*Please fill out this DEI Intercom Post Feedback Form to be part of our conversation and offer feedback or suggestions on what is being shared.
Jul 8, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Gardening and Creating a Vision
“Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds, you can grow flowers or you can grow weeds.” – Unknown
Creating our life is a lot like designing a garden. It requires a vision. Do we imagine food or flowers? When roses, both pink and white come to mind, we’ve found our basic approach. Studying and learning the fundamentals for healthy growth is key to producing a beautiful bouquet. The same is true for creating the life we envision for ourselves. We define our purpose and actively keep ourselves ‘hydrated’ in self-care, knowledge, and effort so we can grow into the best version of our vision.
Daily Practice: Today, ask yourself two questions: Are you living the vision you have for your life? If not, why?
Jul 8, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Jul 6, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
July is Disability Pride Month. You can mark the occasion by creating accessible events, using inclusive language, and realizing that disability is simply part of human diversity.
For information about NMC’s Disability Support office, go to nmc.edu/disability-support.
Jul 1, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
The Academic & Career Advising Center will host virtual workshops available for students that seek guidance on identifying their career path and goals. Students that attend will be entered to win raffle prizes such as Apple AirPods, Hammocks, Gift Cards and more!
The sessions will be held Wednesdays in July from 5–6 p.m. unless otherwise noted below.
- July 7: Forward Focused- Begin searching for your career path
- July 14: Learning About Careers- Explore positions within your chosen career path
- July 21: Making a Career Decision- Identify next steps in getting to your career goal
- July 28, 3–6 p.m.: Virtual Drop-in’s with Employment Readiness- Resume review, interview prep & more!
Jul 1, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Get free shipping July 1-August 20 on all online orders from the NMC Bookstore! No minimum order, and no code needed.
Order your fall books early and save!
Jun 29, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
NOTE: The International 2021-22 Tuition figure in the table below has been corrected since the news release was first published.
TRAVERSE CITY — The Board of Trustees for Northwestern Michigan College voted unanimously to approve a balanced budget and set tuition rates and fees for the fall 2021 and spring/summer 2022 semesters during its regular monthly meeting June 28.
NMC was one of only a few colleges to freeze tuition for the 2020–21 academic year. While general tuition rates for residents will increase by $3.00 per contact hour for in-district students, from $109 to $112, elimination of the Flexible Learning Online Fee will result in most students paying less for an average semester at NMC by reducing online course costs by $20 per contact hour.
“I am proud to see our college community develop a budget plan that is not only fiscally responsible, but will actually mean most students will end up paying less for their classes. It’s this kind of creative problem solving that we want to inspire in our students, by modeling ourselves,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of Northwestern Michigan College. “When many other colleges and universities are costing families more, NMC is making college even more affordable. With that, great state programs like Michigan Reconnect and more scholarship money available through the NMC Foundation, I hope more people take the opportunity to get ahead with NMC.”
For 2021–22, NMC’s revenue will be 24 percent from state aid, 27 percent from local property tax, 44 percent from tuition and fees and five percent from other sources.
Northwestern Michigan College general rate tuition categories:
|
Category
|
2020-2021 Tuition
|
2021-22 Tuition
|
|
In-District
|
$109
|
$112
|
|
Out-of-District
|
$227
|
$234
|
|
Out-of-State
|
$296
|
$305
|
|
International
|
$334
|
$344
|
NMC now has the 6th lowest in-district tuition of the state’s 28 community colleges, down from 8th in 2019.
NMC will continue to offer courses in a variety of formats this fall to best meet the needs of students. Two months remain to apply and register before fall classes begin Aug. 28. Still, enrollment to date shows that students find value in flexible learning formats, including online and hybrid, which increased during COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, only about 15 percent of NMC classes were offered online.
Registration for fall classes began in March. Currently 44 percent of enrolled fall class sections will be offered virtually (50 percent in the spring), 35 percent face-to-face (28 percent spring) and 22 percent hybrid (21 percent spring.)
Fall is the final semester that students who are eligible for the Futures for Frontliners scholarship can begin classes. The Michigan Reconnect program offering free in-district tuition to adults over age 25 without a college degree is also available this fall.
Release date: JUNE 29, 2021
For more information:
Troy Kierczynski
Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration
(231) 995-1147
tkierczynski@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
Jun 29, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
NOTE: The International 2021-22 Tuition figure in the table below has been corrected since the news release was first published.
TRAVERSE CITY — The Board of Trustees for Northwestern Michigan College voted unanimously to approve a balanced budget and set tuition rates and fees for the fall 2021 and spring/summer 2022 semesters during its regular monthly meeting June 28.
NMC was one of only a few colleges to freeze tuition for the 2020–21 academic year. While general tuition rates for residents will increase by $3.00 per contact hour for in-district students, from $109 to $112, elimination of the Flexible Learning Online Fee will result in most students paying less for an average semester at NMC by reducing online course costs by $20 per contact hour.
“I am proud to see our college community develop a budget plan that is not only fiscally responsible, but will actually mean most students will end up paying less for their classes. It’s this kind of creative problem solving that we want to inspire in our students, by modeling ourselves,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of Northwestern Michigan College. “When many other colleges and universities are costing families more, NMC is making college even more affordable. With that, great state programs like Michigan Reconnect and more scholarship money available through the NMC Foundation, I hope more people take the opportunity to get ahead with NMC.”
For 2021–22, NMC’s revenue will be 24 percent from state aid, 27 percent from local property tax, 44 percent from tuition and fees and five percent from other sources.
Northwestern Michigan College general rate tuition categories:
|
Category
|
2020-2021 Tuition
|
2021-22 Tuition
|
|
In-District
|
$109
|
$112
|
|
Out-of-District
|
$227
|
$234
|
|
Out-of-State
|
$296
|
$305
|
|
International
|
$334
|
$344
|
NMC now has the 6th lowest in-district tuition of the state’s 28 community colleges, down from 8th in 2019.
NMC will continue to offer courses in a variety of formats this fall to best meet the needs of students. Two months remain to apply and register before fall classes begin Aug. 28. Still, enrollment to date shows that students find value in flexible learning formats, including online and hybrid, which increased during COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, only about 15 percent of NMC classes were offered online.
Registration for fall classes began in March. Currently 44 percent of enrolled fall class sections will be offered virtually (50 percent in the spring), 35 percent face-to-face (28 percent spring) and 22 percent hybrid (21 percent spring.)
Fall is the final semester that students who are eligible for the Futures for Frontliners scholarship can begin classes. The Michigan Reconnect program offering free in-district tuition to adults over age 25 without a college degree is also available this fall.
Release date: JUNE 29, 2021
For more information:
Troy Kierczynski
Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration
(231) 995-1147
tkierczynski@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
Jun 28, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to everyone who has helped make NMC’s Be What’s Possible campaign a success as it draws to a close. As the NMC Foundation announced June 10, the most ambitious fundraising initiative in NMC’s history has raised $38.9 million to date from more than 5,000 donors since its public launch in October, 2019, well over its $35 million goal. The funds will support scholarships, programs, facilities and the greatest needs of the college and its students.
There’s still time to join this historic effort by making a gift by this Wednesday, June 30. Find out more at nmc.edu/give.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 28, 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.
“Completely Ignoring” Conventional Wisdom, WNMC Flourishes
The Ticker, June 27 (more…)
Jun 28, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center has won a statewide Michigan American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2021 Honor Award for Design Excellence.
Designed by Cornerstone Architects of Traverse City, the project combined state investments of more than $7 million for renovations and modernizations of the West Hall building with NMC-funded investments of more than $7 million to create a 54,000-square-foot, multi-story library and flexible learning space. The building will mark its 60th year in service on NMC’s main campus in 2023.
The award jury commented: “The volume of this enlarged and renovated building is well-balanced inside and out, through a skillful integration of materials and massing. The interior is warm and filled with natural light, while the flowing plan successfully reflects its flexible function. Finally, the jury greatly appreciated the design team’s goals of equity and minimal environmental impact.”
West Hall originally opened in 1963. Groundbreaking for the new building was in September 2018. The NMC Library was the first department to occupy the renovated facility, moving into its second-floor space June 9, 2020. A formal opening ceremony was held in September 2020.
Cornerstone was also the architect for NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, the Health & Science Building, and the North Hall student housing development.
Release date: June 28, 2021
For more information:
Troy Kierczynski
Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration
(231) 995-1147
tkierczynski@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
Jun 28, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center has won a statewide Michigan American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2021 Honor Award for Design Excellence.
Designed by Cornerstone Architects of Traverse City, the project combined state investments of more than $7 million for renovations and modernizations of the West Hall building with NMC-funded investments of more than $7 million to create a 54,000-square-foot, multi-story library and flexible learning space. The building will mark its 60th year in service on NMC’s main campus in 2023.
The award jury commented: “The volume of this enlarged and renovated building is well-balanced inside and out, through a skillful integration of materials and massing. The interior is warm and filled with natural light, while the flowing plan successfully reflects its flexible function. Finally, the jury greatly appreciated the design team’s goals of equity and minimal environmental impact.”
West Hall originally opened in 1963. Groundbreaking for the new building was in September 2018. The NMC Library was the first department to occupy the renovated facility, moving into its second-floor space June 9, 2020. A formal opening ceremony was held in September 2020.
Cornerstone was also the architect for NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, the Health & Science Building, and the North Hall student housing development.
Release date: June 28, 2021
For more information:
Troy Kierczynski
Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration
(231) 995-1147
tkierczynski@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
Jun 25, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
If you are enrolled in NMC’s high deductible medical insurance, you should expect your second HSA deposit on July 2, 2021.
- Single Coverage – $390.00
- Family Coverage (includes all coverage beyond single) – $780.00
Jun 25, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
If you are interested in having pretax deductions withheld from your paycheck, please review this information. Contact Hollie DeWalt, hdewalt@nmc.edu in HR for more information.
Jun 25, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
If you are enrolled in the NMC Priority Health coverage these added programs may benefit you and your families!
Jun 21, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to everyone involved in planning and preparing for Wednesday afternoon’s Future Summit, the signature event in NMC’s strategic planning process, and to the more than 100 people who plan to attend. If you haven’t sent an RSVP yet, there’s still time!
Participants in the 1-5 p.m. event will hear four short EdTalks on topics key to NMC’s continued vitality, delivered by experts in the field, and then break into groups to discuss each talk in more detail, adding their voices to the critical conversation about NMC’s future. Learn more and RSVP at nmc.edu/future-summit.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 21, 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.
Northwestern Michigan College Celebrates “Pride Under the Pines”
Record-Eagle, June 16 (more…)
Jun 21, 2021 | Emergency Management, Intercom
A severe thunderstorm watch means that the potential exists for the development of thunderstorms which may produce large hail or damaging winds. When a watch is issued, you should go about your normal activities, but keep an eye to the sky and an ear to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local radio and television stations for further updates and possible warnings. (more…)
Jun 18, 2021 | DEI Insights and Conversations, Intercom
When They Call You A Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter memoir was a moving description of the childhood and early BLM history of Patrisse Khan-Cullors, a young queer woman. Most interesting to me was the experience of her impoverished childhood and how her education coupled with her resilience led her to be one of the founding women of Black Lives Matter.
When They Call You A Terrorist is available at the NMC Library.
*Please fill out this DEI Intercom Post Feedback Form to be part of our conversation and offer feedback or suggestions on what is being shared.
Jun 15, 2021 | Student Events
Join fellow Hawk Owls as we celebrate pride month! Open to all current, perspective, new students and your family & friends! Come for part of the day or the whole afternoon!
- 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. – Screenings of Beyond Stonewall at the Dennos
- 1–3 p.m. – Painting Pride Picnic tables
- 4–7 p.m. Open House
- 6 p.m. – Insiders Tour
- 7–9 p.m. – Games, pride crafts & treats, LGBTQ resources
- 9 p.m. – Pride movie under the pines
All events will occur under the pines south of Osterlin.
Jun 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute will operate Cafe Lobdell’s for the fourth consecutive summer from June 29-Aug. 5.
Cafe Lobdell’s is the capstone course in GLCI’s one-year Baking Certificate program. Culinary students will make and serve coffee and pastries for dine-in or takeout service in Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant, on the second level of the Great Lakes campus, from 7-11 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
“We are excited to showcase the talents of our students as we welcome guests back to Lobdell’s,” said GLCI director Les Eckert.
Find out more about culinary programs at nmc.edu/culinary.
Release date: JUNE 15, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@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
Jun 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute will operate Cafe Lobdell’s for the fourth consecutive summer from June 29-Aug. 5.
Cafe Lobdell’s is the capstone course in GLCI’s one-year Baking Certificate program. Culinary students will make and serve coffee and pastries for dine-in or takeout service in Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant, on the second level of the Great Lakes campus, from 7-11 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
“We are excited to showcase the talents of our students as we welcome guests back to Lobdell’s,” said GLCI director Les Eckert.
Find out more about culinary programs at nmc.edu/culinary.
Release date: JUNE 15, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@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
Jun 14, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to NMC’s Extended Educational Services for relaunching face-to-face College for Kids classes in 2021. College for Kids starts June 21 with over 150 classes and 11 new full-day programs including STEM Camps, a LEGO Camp, an Art Camp and a new Third Grade Academy. Face-to-face class sizes are limited to 10 students each and follow NMC safety protocols.
Cybersecurity summer camps for students in grades 6-12 are also returning for the third year, after being held virtually last year due to COVID-19. Scheduled for June 21-25 and July 12-16, the camps are an opportunity for students to get a head start on a STEM career.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 14, 2021 | Intercom
Life in our region has changed dramatically in just a few weeks as the state has continued to ease COVID-19 restrictions. Many people have pent up energy and a desire to return to in-person activities as soon as possible. And while the college acknowledges the many benefits of face-to-face interactions, the pandemic has also forced a significant shift in how we work. We have an opportunity to continue to be leaders in our community, and in higher education, by embracing our NMC value of thoughtful risk taking and reimagining how we work together. While this will take time to get it right, it has the potential to be very beneficial in the long run for our co-workers and ultimately our learners.
In April, President Nissley promised we would not be returning to the old way of doing business and announced the “Reimagining Work” committee to lead this effort. He then shared the Flexible Work Guiding Principles document setting forth the vision of what work will look like at NMC in the future. Human Resources is currently updating the Flexible Work policies. We have also met with Staff Council, held a cross-campus listening session and surveyed departments on their work plans. As a result of that input we know there is wide support for continuing to embrace flexible work at NMC. Most departments plan to have a hybrid approach with meetings and independent work done remotely. Face-to-face is usually necessary only for some student needs, events, tours, and some advising. 42% of employees report they would work 3 or more days from home each week.
As promised in May, we have some additional tools to help you and your teams navigate this transition. We acknowledge there is still some uncertainty, but we will continue our long held commitment to Plan, Do, Check, Adjust for continuous improvement. Attached you will find the Guiding Principles document, discussion questions for managers, employees and teams to help guide your conversations and planning and a draft Reimagining Work Guidelines document with more details. This guidelines draft will evolve as we work together to clarify details and overcome potential pinch points in the process. To help identify and resolve those issues, the “Reimagining Work” committee will launch 4 teams to look for ways to improve in the areas of highest concern according to input from NMC employees:
- Policies, Procedures and Productivity
- Technology and Tools
- Communication and Coordination
- Culture and Connection
Please let us know if you are interested in serving on one of these work teams. We will also be recruiting members with unique expertise.
In regards to health and safety with the coronavirus, Northern Michigan continues to outpace the rest of the state in vaccinations. We will keep monitoring the information available. Here at NMC, 90% of the 315 employees who responded to a May survey indicated they were already fully or partially vaccinated. (575 employees received the survey). NMC has also signed the College COVID Pledge to encourage our communities to get vaccinated. The free vaccine is widely available for those over age 12. If you have not yet gotten vaccinated, please visit vaccine.gov to find a location near you.
Thank you for your help in building our future together at NMC so we can continue to model the kind of innovation and courageous creativity we want to encourage in our learners and our community.
The Reimagining Work Committee Co-Chairs
Mark Liebling & Diana Fairbanks
Jun 14, 2021 | Intercom
In honor of this challenging year for our nation’s educators, the Dennos Museum Center is pleased to offer free individual admission to the Museum from June 6 through June 30 to any visitor with an employee ID badge from any school district. Teachers, paraprofessionals, custodial staff, administration, and others are all eligible with their district ID.
Additionally, in conjunction with two summer exhibitions, Resilience: African American Artists as Agents of Change and Rufus Snoddy: Disappearing Man, the Museum will offer free admission all day on Juneteenth, Saturday, June 19, 2021. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, providing opportunities for communities to come together, reflect, and make positive change. Visit these great exhibitions as part of your Juneteenth celebrations.
