Nov 18, 2021 | Intercom, Student Events
Learn more about Transfer Bridges to the University of Michigan, a program for students at Michigan community colleges who want to study for two years at their local community college and then transfer to U-M Ann Arbor’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) to complete their bachelor’s degree. A U-M representative will be on NMC’s main campus Wednesday, Dec. 1, between 10 a.m.–3 p.m. in the West Hall Innovation Center Lobby with more information on the program.
Transfer Bridges students receive tailored support and advising from the LSA Transfer Team, mentorship from current U-M transfer students, and access to learning and social experiences at U-M, all while still a student at NMC.
Nov 18, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — This month, NMC became the first college in Michigan and the fifth in the nation to offer students the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program (JMG), a partnership with Northwest Michigan Works! and Networks Northwest.
Under JMG, NMC students between ages 16–24 are eligible to connect with Employment Readiness Specialist Lisa Baldyga to match with student mentors in their field, get paid work experience or job shadowing opportunities and internships and other beneficial career opportunities. These services are over and above the resume and cover letter review and interview skills that NMC Career Services already offers.
The program helps set up students for initial career success. Financial assistance with job equipment such as tools or work boots, uniforms, bus passes or gas cards for transportation to work is also available.
JMG participants can also take part in legislative and leadership days with the state and talent tours with local businesses, which help create a sense of belonging to NMC programs and the greater community.
JMG and career resources will also be developed for Moodle, NMC’s online course management system, that students can access for employment assistance.
Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates equips young people with the skills to overcome barriers and succeed in education, employment, and in life. It is the leading program of Youth Solutions, Inc., a youth opportunity organization delivering employability and education services to young people across the state.
“We expect that the opportunities, mentorship, guidance, and community created by this program will greatly increase the ability for participating students to successfully earn their college degrees and move on to sustainable careers in their field of interest,” said Kim Bordeau, Manager of Program Success-North, Youth Solutions.
In addition to the new program at NMC, Northwest Michigan Works! coordinates JMG programs at Cadillac’s Mackinaw Trail Middle School, Cadillac Public and Innovation High Schools, CASMAN Academy in Manistee, Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District, the North Ed Career-Tech Center, the Wexford-Missaukee Career-Tech Center, and drop out recovery programs in Cadillac, Kalkaska, Manistee and Traverse City.
Northwest Michigan Works! is a state-supported workforce development agency serving job seekers and employers in a 10-county region.
Founded in 1974, Networks Northwest facilitates and manages various programs and services for the 10-county region. These programs include Northwest Michigan Works, Small Business Development Center, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, various business services, and many different regional planning initiatives in response to our communities’ requests and needs.
Release date: November 18, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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
Nov 16, 2021 | Intercom, Student Events
Student Volunteers Needed!
Join us Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 5:50 p.m., and the first and third Wednesdays of each month afterwards, as we continue to plan our upcoming and ongoing service projects:
- Mentoring 5th graders at Blair Elementary
- Donating books to Uganda and Guatemala
- Maintaining the campus garden
Network with fellow servant leaders, boost your college/work resume, and simply give back to the community! All students are welcome to join and/or attend. We hope to see you Wednesday, ,either in in West Hall room 107 or on Zoom!
Nov 15, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
To faculty members Brandon Everest, Lisa Blackford and Melissa Sprenkle, whose students in sociology, social work and communications, respectively, will participate in the Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them, departing from NMC’s Great Lakes campus parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17.
The sixth annual walk, open to the public, is an example of Experiential Learning at NMC and held as a part of National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, observed the week before Thanksgiving.
Nov 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Andrew Robitshek of Traverse City to fill a vacant trustee slot on Monday. He will serve through the November 2022 election.
Robitshek, 54, cited his love of the community, business knowledge and past board experience as driving his interest in serving on the board. “Now, as a local business owner of Bay Motor Products, I’ve had the opportunity to encourage many others on my team to enroll in classes at NMC and discover how education can change the trajectory of their life. Nothing is more rewarding than being a part of helping others realize their full potential through education and hard work! I hope to make an even bigger impact by working as part of NMC’s Board of Trustees,” Robitshek said in his application materials.
Trustees thanked all the applicants and noted the high caliber of the applicant pool. Eleven eligible candidates applied to fill the vacancy created by Michael Estes’ resignation October 17, 2021. Per Michigan law, Robitshek will fill the term Estes was elected to in 2016 until the next regular community college election in November 2022.
Release date: NOVEMBER 15, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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
Nov 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student Events
A swinging evening of music with the Lab Band and Big Band featuring the music of Adderly, Basie, Kenton, Jobim, Hammerstein, Ellington and Strayhorn. Laurie Sears-Director with Bill Sears-Guest Soloist
Saturday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Milliken Auditorium
Tickets at MyNorthTickets.com, $12 adults/$7 students and seniors (+ processing fee)
At the Door: $15 adults/ $10 students and seniors
FREE to NMC students with ID
Nov 15, 2021 | Student News
NMC’s student group dedicated to sexual assault awareness and advocacy for both survivors and allies will hold our first meeting Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. in LB207. Beiderman is building #6 on the main campus map; it’s attached to the Health & Science Building.
We will be giving away the self-care gift basket mentioned at Pine Palooza at this meeting.
Reminder: NMC is requiring masks while indoors, if you forget your mask or if you need one, we have extras located at the main entrances of all buildings.
Nov 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Hello fellow Hawk Owls! We at Student Health Services wanted to remind you that we do have flu shots available. This time of year it’s especially important to keep yourself healthy so that you can enjoy the holidays with family and friends.
Please give us a call at (231) 995-1255 to schedule a flu shot. We do accept walk-ins, however we encourage making an appointment so you don’t have to wait.
The cost is $15/student and $20/staff (if you don’t have NMC insurance). So please give us a call or stop in before Thanksgiving to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.
Nov 15, 2021 | DEI Insights and Conversations, Intercom
Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. Check out this one-page pictograph from the National Alliance on Mental Illness to learn about who is impacted.
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.
Nov 15, 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.
Industry 4.0 on display
Record-Eagle, November 14
(more…)
Nov 15, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
- Open Enrollment closes at midnight on Thursday, Nov. 18!
- If you missed the meetings on the 9th, here are links to the recording and the slides.
- If you don’t want to make any changes for 2022, no action is needed, EXCEPT for Flexible Spending and Health Savings Account contributions.
- Individual appointments are available if you need additional support on Tuesday, Nov. 16 between 9 a.m–3 p.m. Email Hollie DeWalt, hdewalt@nmc.edu for available time slots.
- Updated plan rates for medical and dental plans- HERE.
- NY Life (previously Cigna) is offering a onetime offering to employees to increase their voluntary life insurance up to $150,000 for self and up to $30,000 for spouse with no medical paperwork required.
- NMC’s Open Enrollment Website, which covers all benefit options- HERE.
Nov 15, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
We look forward to seeing you on the Wellbeing Hub, at the virtual lunch and learns, and for our next program challenge Hold It for the Holidays! Weigh in will be open November 17–21 and the challenge begins on Monday, Nov. 22.
Questions on the NMC wellness program? Contact Priority Health Wellbeing at (877) 689-3161 or Wellness@priorityhealth.com.
November Lunch and Learn will review the Hold it for the Holidays Challenge- please join Chrissie on November 17 at 12noon. You should have received a calendar invite to attend!
Nov 15, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Jeff Cobb and the Chamber singers — What a great concert last weekend and we loved the poetry in between set changes. We appreciate the community that the choir brings together.
Kudos to Chris Hanna and Dennis Shultz: Dennis and Chris went above and beyond for our Industry 4.0 event. They transformed the Great Hall of Technology in Parsons Stulen into an interactive event space hosting 40 people from 13 different manufacturers. We were able to have a guest speaker, national anthem singer, and a technology showcase all in a 2 hr window thanks to their efforts. This occurred on the same day as NMC’s Veterans Day ceremonies so EMT was pulled in many different directions. Thank you, Chris and Dennis, for stepping in and lending Tech and MMTC a hand!
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!
Nov 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Andrew Robitshek of Traverse City to fill a vacant trustee slot on Monday. He will serve through the November 2022 election.
Robitshek, 54, cited his love of the community, business knowledge and past board experience as driving his interest in serving on the board. “Now, as a local business owner of Bay Motor Products, I’ve had the opportunity to encourage many others on my team to enroll in classes at NMC and discover how education can change the trajectory of their life. Nothing is more rewarding than being a part of helping others realize their full potential through education and hard work! I hope to make an even bigger impact by working as part of NMC’s Board of Trustees,” Robitshek said in his application materials.
Trustees thanked all the applicants and noted the high caliber of the applicant pool. Eleven eligible candidates applied to fill the vacancy created by Michael Estes’ resignation October 17, 2021. Per Michigan law, Robitshek will fill the term Estes was elected to in 2016 until the next regular community college election in November 2022.
Release date: NOVEMBER 15, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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
Nov 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Andrew Robitshek of Traverse City to fill a vacant trustee slot on Monday. He will serve through the November 2022 election.
Robitshek, 54, cited his love of the community, business knowledge and past board experience as driving his interest in serving on the board. “Now, as a local business owner of Bay Motor Products, I’ve had the opportunity to encourage many others on my team to enroll in classes at NMC and discover how education can change the trajectory of their life. Nothing is more rewarding than being a part of helping others realize their full potential through education and hard work! I hope to make an even bigger impact by working as part of NMC’s Board of Trustees,” Robitshek said in his application materials.
Trustees thanked all the applicants and noted the high caliber of the applicant pool. Eleven eligible candidates applied to fill the vacancy created by Michael Estes’ resignation October 17, 2021. Per Michigan law, Robitshek will fill the term Estes was elected to in 2016 until the next regular community college election in November 2022.
Release date: NOVEMBER 15, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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
Nov 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
To support our organization’s DEI efforts, NMC has acquired 100 tickets to the virtual Diversity & Inclusion Research Conference (DIRC) on November 17–19, 2021! The DIRC21 virtual event brings together diversity and inclusion practitioners and researchers to explore the role of D&I research in building a more inclusive and equitable world. You can learn more on their website, DIRC.info.
This opportunity includes workshops, pre-recorded panels and talks, live Q&A sessions, interactive, and networking opportunities. You will join professionals of all backgrounds and be able to explore content and experiences that best serve your interests and level of familiarity with D&I. To accommodate everyone’s schedule, most of the content will also be recorded and made available to registered attendees after the live event dates.
If you are interested in attending, please complete this form and we will register you for the event.
Thank you,
Craig Hadley and Lisa Thomas, DEI Co-chairs
Nov 15, 2021 | Student News
NMC students are encouraged to participate in the NMC Student Government Association (SGA) officer elections for the 2021/2022 academic year.
Voting will open at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18 and will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19.
In order to vote, go to the student homepage at students.nmc.edu. On the top of the homepage will be a banner prompting students to vote for officer elections!
And don’t forget — voting is open for only 24 hours beginning on Thursday at 1 p.m.!
Please cast your vote, and exercise your student voice as a part of the NMC campus community!
Any questions? Please contact Lisa Thomas at lthomas@nmc.edu or Paul Kolak at pkolak@nmc.edu.
Nov 12, 2021 | Intercom, Tech Tips
Join Alison Thornton for these one-hour Quick Bytes training sessions to up your skills on new and basic technology!
All courses are offered via Zoom. The Zoom link will appear as a calendar appointment after you enroll.
Nov 12, 2021 | Student News
Faculty Excellence Award nominations are due by Friday, Dec. 17.
Award criteria includes teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom, and a sense of dedication.
Nominate your favorite instructor now!
Nov 12, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
The library has recently purchased many new books. You can view a handful of them here along with descriptions or go to the library catalog to see the full listing.
(more…)
Nov 12, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join NMC students in the Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them, departing from NMC’s Great Lakes campus parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17.
Ryan Hannon, street outreach coordinator for Goodwill Northern Michigan, leads the sixth annual walk and will highlight stories both tragic and triumphant at stops along the downtown route. Participants will hear from service providers, police officers and elected officials about their concerns and hopes for the future. This experience is part of an interdisciplinary study of health and housing issues by sociology, social work and communications students and open to the public. It is part of National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, held the week before Thanksgiving.
The walk is an example of Experiential Learning at NMC. EL actively engages the learner through relevant and ongoing experiences, critical problem solving and reflective practices.
Release date: November 12, 2021
For more information:
Brandon Everest
Faculty, Social Sciences Area
Director, Experiential Learning Institute
beverest@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1985
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Nov 12, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join NMC students in the Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them, departing from NMC’s Great Lakes campus parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17.
Ryan Hannon, street outreach coordinator for Goodwill Northern Michigan, leads the sixth annual walk and will highlight stories both tragic and triumphant at stops along the downtown route. Participants will hear from service providers, police officers and elected officials about their concerns and hopes for the future. This experience is part of an interdisciplinary study of health and housing issues by sociology, social work and communications students and open to the public. It is part of National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, held the week before Thanksgiving.
The walk is an example of Experiential Learning at NMC. EL actively engages the learner through relevant and ongoing experiences, critical problem solving and reflective practices.
Release date: November 12, 2021
For more information:
Brandon Everest
Faculty, Social Sciences Area
Director, Experiential Learning Institute
beverest@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1985
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Nov 12, 2021 | Intercom
Good morning NMC community,
We continue to monitor developments with the OSHA requirement of mandatory vaccination or testing of employees. While the Emergency Temporary Standard that was issued by OSHA has been stayed, we have been advised to anticipate that it will take effect. The HR team, Vicki Cook and the President’s Council are developing a policy and a detailed procedure for ensuring compliance. Effective January 4, 2022, employees who have not provided proof that they’ve been vaccinated will be required to submit a negative COVID test weekly in order to continue working at NMC. The policy will clarify what forms of proof or of test results are acceptable, and what consequences will exist for employees who do not comply. Our top priorities continue to be the health and safety of our community, and minimal disruption to those served by the college while also complying with the legal requirements.
Look for more information in the coming days as the legal status of this order becomes clearer.
A reminder – staying safe and limiting the spread of COVID-19 on NMC’s campuses is a shared responsibility.
NMC’s commitment:
- Safety protocols include mandatory masks indoors on all campuses. Comprehensive information at nmc.edu/covid-19.
- Work with county health departments to monitor the spread of COVID-19.
- Communication with you about cases on our campuses. You can also check the Cases on Campus Dashboard for additional information.
Student /employee responsibilities:
- Any student who believes they may be positive for COVID-19 should contact NMC’s Health Services at (231) 995-1255.
- Any employee who believes they may be positive for COVID-19 should contact Human Resources at (231) 995-1350.
- Students and employees who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should follow these guidelines. If you have questions you can call Health Services or Human Resources.
- Take advantage of free, safe, COVID-19 vaccines now widely available for those ages 5 and up. To find a vaccine near you, please visit nmc.edu/vaccines.
- Find a list of local testing sites here.
Thank you for helping to keep our campuses safe.
—
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342


Nov 11, 2021 | Intercom
Thank you for continuing to demonstrate your dedication to our learners and college, especially during another year of uncertainty because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You truly live our NMC values and are literally helping shape our future values through the strategic planning process.
As a gesture of appreciation, and to give you the opportunity to rest and recharge, the President’s Council has decided to close the college again this year during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Specifically the following days will be treated as additional holidays in 2021:
- Tuesday, December 28
- Wednesday, December 29
- Thursday, December 30
- The remaining (non-annual holiday ) half day on Friday, December 31
We are also exploring how to best connect as a college community for our annual holiday celebration in December. We will continue to communicate these plans as we confirm details.
Thank you again for all you have done to help our learners and our college community this year. We hope you have a successful fall semester.
—
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342


Nov 10, 2021 | Intercom, Student Events
The Passport Student Talk Series is a chance to explore other cultures through the experiences of NMC students.
Shakirah Lieffers, a student from Uganda studying pre-medicine at NMC, became a U.S. citizen last month and will talk about life and culture in Uganda on Wednesday, Dec. 1 between 12:15–1 p.m. in West Hall Rm. 107.
Global Endorsement students, please bring your GE passport so that it can be stamped to earn your GE event points!