Dec 15, 2021 | Intercom, International Affairs Forum, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum will spotlight China, populism and climate change among other timely topics at its monthly lecture series running February through June, 2022.
All events will be livestreamed, with in-person viewing available at the Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium dependent upon local pandemic conditions. Check tciaf.com for the most current information. The lecture schedule includes:
February 17: “China: Is Détente Possible?” featuring Kenneth Jarrett, distinguished diplomat whose positions included service as Consul General in Shanghai, and as Deputy Consul General in Hong Kong. His 26-year Foreign Service career also included postings in Beijing, Chengdu, and Singapore. His government roles in Washington, D.C. included serving as Director of Asian Affairs at the White House National Security Council.
March 17: “The Rise of Populism and Germany’s New Role” featuring Jeff Rathke, President of the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Rathke had a 24-year career with the U.S. State Department as a Foreign Service Officer, dedicated primarily to U.S. relations with Europe.
April 21: Climate Change speaker TBD.
May 19: “Cybersecurity: The Quiet War” featuring Joshua Larocca. Now in the private sector, Larocca’s career includes serving as trial attorney in the Counterterrorism Section at the Department of Justice, assistant district attorney in New York County, and work at Citibank Russia.
June 16: “Foreign Policy Mashup” featuring a planned in-person event with Bill Clifford, President and CEO, World Affairs Councils of America, and a panel of local/regional guests.
A donation of $10 is suggested for livestreamed presentations. Tickets for in-person viewing are $15. Check tciaf.com for event details. IAF also welcomes new members for the 2021-22 season and beyond. Membership starts at $100 for individuals or $160 for families and includes in-person and livestream access to all regular season events. Consider giving IAF membership as a gift. Learn more about IAF membership, event sponsorship, and student outreach at tciaf.com.
Release date: December 15, 2021
For more information:
Alex Tank
Communications & Events Program Officer
International Affair Forum
Northwestern Michigan College
atank@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1844
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
Dec 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Good morning, NMC community:
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, NMC’s top goals have been the safety of the college community and limiting the disruption to learning. To that end, when cases on campus occur, the college has done the following:
- Maintained an online dashboard of campus cases
- Notified close contacts to the positive case directly, advising on testing and quarantine measures as appropriate for the individual
- Notified the entire college community (all employees and students)
- By email
- On NMC.edu (in News & Events)
- On the student site (MyNMC)
- On the employee site (MyNMC)
As we prepare to enter the third year of the pandemic, the COVID response team is making some adjustments to the notification process. With the conclusion of the fall 2021 semester, NMC will no longer send out college-wide emails for each case on campus. The online COVID dashboard will be the primary source of information. The dashboard will be linked from nmc.edu under “News and Events” and on the employee and student sites (MyNMC.). The dashboard will be updated by 4 p.m. daily when there are new cases on campus. NMC will also add a “cases by building” tracker and eliminate the distinction between student and employee cases. That will ensure greater privacy to individuals without compromising the goal of keeping people safe. Close contacts to the positive case will continue to be notified by NMC Health Services or Human Resources.
This update in notification will streamline the reporting process and brings NMC in step with the dashboard reporting system other institutions have already made, including TCAPS and higher education institutions across the country.
Thank you for all you have done and are doing to keep our NMC community safe. If you have any questions about any COVID-19 related topic please use the coronavirus feedback form.
Release date: December 15, 2021
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
Dec 14, 2021 | Intercom
To celebrate the 2021 holiday season, we want to continue the college’s strong tradition of giving and encourage employees to support the NMC Food pantry and Student Life’s Stocking Stuffers program by visiting nmc.edu/give. Monetary donations to the Food Pantry are preferred, however non-perishable food items may also be dropped off in-person at any desk in the Osterlin Building from now until December 15.
We also want to continue the fun with the annual Ugly Sweater Contest and hot cocoa tradition. Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 15 as we celebrate Ugly Sweater Day at NMC. Please don your most festive attire on this day and submit your contest entry to publicrelations@nmc.edu. Stop by the Tim Nelson Innovation Center from 1–3 p.m. to grab some hot cocoa and cookies — a treat that is Santa-approved! We will also have donation bins on-site in the Innovation Center so that you can drop off goods for the food pantry while you’re there.
We have asked Marguerite Cotto and Vicki Cook, who are both retiring at the end of the year, to stop by the Innovation Center from 1–1:30 p.m. on December 15 so that anyone who would like to say “thank you,” “farewell” or “hasta la vista” (or will it be “hasta pronto?”) has the opportunity to connect with them.
Dec 13, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
A BIG thanks to all employees who made a gift on #GivingTuesday!
Because of you and community donors, the Dennos Museum Center raised more than $21,000 to preserve works of art and support the greatest needs of the museum. Additionally, you made it possible for students to pay for classes next semester with your generous gifts to the NMC Scholarship Fund.
Thank you and Go Hawk Owls!
Dec 13, 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 FAA grant to help train drone operators
UpNorthLIve, December 8
The Ticker, December 8
DroneDJ, December 8
Autoevolution, December 9
9&10 News, December 10 (more…)
Dec 13, 2021 | Intercom
Extended Education is using a new website and registration system that offers many improvements for students. View and register for classes at nmc.augusoft.net. Employee tuition waivers apply.
Employees can now self-register for classes on the website after creating a STUDENT account. Please follow the instructions here.
Winter classes include culinary, wellness, naturalist and professional development.
Contact NMC Extended Education at (231) 995-1700 or ees@nmc.edu for additional information.
Dec 10, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
We would love you to Help Us Grow! A Campus Garden is being planned to raise produce for our student food pantry, herbs and edible flowers for the Great Lakes Culinary Institute and our food service team.
Please complete the Google form here (it should take less than two minutes) by Monday, Dec. 20 regardless of your gardening experience. We need to show campus interest to gain final approval and be able to access our proposed Innovation Grant funding.
We piloted three raised beds and the brick planter behind the powerhouse this past summer and we’re ready to expand. Help Us Grow! If you have any questions or would like to join our work team, please reach out to Kari Kahler, Kirk Waterstripe, Katie Sommer Ford, Les Eckert, Lisa Baldgya, Taylor Nash, Chad Schenkelberger, Dale Elshof, Tom Stiles, or Shea O’Brien. Thank you!
Dec 10, 2021 | Intercom, Student Events
Throughout this year, the local chapter of Phi Theta Kappa here at NMC has explored the intersection of art and activism as part of an ongoing research project known as our Honors in Action. This year, the Honors in Action guide theme is, “To The Seventh Generation: Inheritance and Legacy” which comes from an Ojibwe saying that is based on the philosophy that what we do today provides sustainability for seven generations into the future.
Last year, our officer team was awarded as one of the top 10 internationally distinguished chapters and our research on theme 5, “Resistance — Reform, Rebellion, and Revolution” was published in an undergraduate research journal. As we continued our research into theme 4, “Expressions of Truth” we began to look at how art influences movements through activism.
Our current officer team has immersed themselves into an array of museums, art, and research to intimately understand how art can leave certain truths for future generations. Now, we would like to bring our vision to NMC and the Traverse City area as we invite community members to share their vision of what art in activism means to them.
Pick up your 8’x10′ canvas from the Student Success Center by Friday, Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. and create your own piece to be featured in a gallery exhibit in January to kick off the “Embrace the Dream” series of events.
Artists can use the canvas to create any medium of art they would like that answers this question — “At the intersection of Art and Activism, how do you express truth to leave a lasting legacy?”
We look forward to seeing what our community will envision for the future seventh generation. More information to be provided upon pick up of your canvas. Email phithetakappa@nmc.edu for any questions.
Dec 10, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is proud to announce the four 2021 recipients of the college’s Outstanding Alumni Award.
Alex Brace ( download a
high-resolution version here) Alex Brace, Engineering 2017: Since NMC, Brace earned his bachelor’s in engineering at the University of Michigan and has begun PhD studies at the University of Chicago. As part of research teams at Oak Ridge and Argonne National Laboratories, he has been applying artificial intelligence to molecular biophysics. This work led to his team winning the 2020 Gordon Bell Prize for discoveries related to the infection of human cells by the COVID-19 virus, bridging computational studies with experimental biology.
Dr. Amanda Kiessel (download a
high-resolution version here) Dr. Amanda Kiessel, 1995: Post-NMC, Kiessel studied at Boston University, Brandeis and the University of California, Santa Cruz, completing her PhD in agroecology and sustainable food systems. Kiessel helped co-create the Good Market, a platform of social enterprises and responsible businesses that started in Sri Lanka and moved online in 2016. It now features businesses, cooperatives and community organizations from more than 70 countries, including many from northern Michigan. https://www.goodmarket.global/
Dr. Clifford McClain (download a
high-resolution version here) Dr. Clifford McClain, Associate in Arts 1971: Following NMC, McClain received degrees from the University of Idaho and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska. As a career and technical educator, he taught and led state programs in Wyoming, Nebraska and Idaho, and was on the faculty of University of Nevada-Las Vegas from 1988-2015. He authored nearly 150 publications and presentations, and was honored as the 2015-16 Career and Technical Postsecondary Educator of the Year.
Cindy Warner (download a
high-resolution version here) Cindy Warner, 1980-1983: An executive technology leader, Warner has spent her career applying technologies to solve operational challenges in global enterprises. Most recently, she was the global leader for Cloud Advisory for Amazon Web Services. She worked at IBM and FedEx and has served as an advisor to GE, Microsoft and HP, among other Global 1000 clients. Throughout her career, Warner has maintained a commitment to get women into technology. She currently serves on the Michigan Strategic Fund within the Michigan Economic Development Corp., investing in the future of work in Michigan.
Established in 1988, NMC Outstanding Alumni Award honorees are chosen for their professional achievements and/or leadership in the local or global community. Visit nmc.edu/alumni for more information and a nomination form. Nominations received by March 1, 2022 will be considered for 2022 recognition.
Release date: December 10, 2021
For more information:
NMC Alumni Relations
alumni@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2825
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
Dec 10, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is proud to announce the four 2021 recipients of the college’s Outstanding Alumni Award.
Alex Brace ( download a
high-resolution version here) Alex Brace, Engineering 2017: Since NMC, Brace earned his bachelor’s in engineering at the University of Michigan and has begun PhD studies at the University of Chicago. As part of research teams at Oak Ridge and Argonne National Laboratories, he has been applying artificial intelligence to molecular biophysics. This work led to his team winning the 2020 Gordon Bell Prize for discoveries related to the infection of human cells by the COVID-19 virus, bridging computational studies with experimental biology.
Dr. Amanda Kiessel (download a
high-resolution version here) Dr. Amanda Kiessel, 1995: Post-NMC, Kiessel studied at Boston University, Brandeis and the University of California, Santa Cruz, completing her PhD in agroecology and sustainable food systems. Kiessel helped co-create the Good Market, a platform of social enterprises and responsible businesses that started in Sri Lanka and moved online in 2016. It now features businesses, cooperatives and community organizations from more than 70 countries, including many from northern Michigan. https://www.goodmarket.global/
Dr. Clifford McClain (download a
high-resolution version here) Dr. Clifford McClain, Associate in Arts 1971: Following NMC, McClain received degrees from the University of Idaho and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska. As a career and technical educator, he taught and led state programs in Wyoming, Nebraska and Idaho, and was on the faculty of University of Nevada-Las Vegas from 1988-2015. He authored nearly 150 publications and presentations, and was honored as the 2015-16 Career and Technical Postsecondary Educator of the Year.
Cindy Warner (download a
high-resolution version here) Cindy Warner, 1980-1983: An executive technology leader, Warner has spent her career applying technologies to solve operational challenges in global enterprises. Most recently, she was the global leader for Cloud Advisory for Amazon Web Services. She worked at IBM and FedEx and has served as an advisor to GE, Microsoft and HP, among other Global 1000 clients. Throughout her career, Warner has maintained a commitment to get women into technology. She currently serves on the Michigan Strategic Fund within the Michigan Economic Development Corp., investing in the future of work in Michigan.
Established in 1988, NMC Outstanding Alumni Award honorees are chosen for their professional achievements and/or leadership in the local or global community. Visit nmc.edu/alumni for more information and a nomination form. Nominations received by March 1, 2022 will be considered for 2022 recognition.
Release date: December 10, 2021
For more information:
NMC Alumni Relations
alumni@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2825
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
Dec 10, 2021 | Student Events
Join us next Wednesday for our final meeting of this semester!
Come learn more about our current service projects — mentoring 5th graders at Blair Elementary School and our ongoing book donation and fundraising drive to send books to schools in Guatemala and Uganda.
Dec 8, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
December 8, 2021
Legislation to allow Michigan community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing moved forward Tuesday, putting NMC another step closer to helping fill hundreds of staff shortages at Munson Medical Center, among other hospitals.
The BSN bills, introduced by state representatives John Roth, R-Traverse City, and John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, advanced from the House Education Committee to the full House.
In video testimony to the committee last month, Munson Healthcare CEO Ed Ness (right) said the legislation is “critical” to Munson’s ability to serve half a million northern Michigan residents. As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, Traverse City’s Munson Medical Center, the largest of the system’s nine hospitals, is short nearly 200 bedside nurses, Ness said.
“Now, more than ever, we need to do everything we can to encourage new students to enter the nursing profession and remove barriers for degree and career advancement,” he said.
Roth knows the need personally. His wife has worked as a floor nurse at Munson for more than 30 years. She is currently taking on extra shifts to help cover the shortage, he said at a November press conference introducing the legislation.
“We have a need, and a dire need at this time,” Roth said. “It’s a practical fix. We just have to empower (community colleges) through law.”
BSNs were originally part of a 2012 bill that permitted a few community college bachelor’s degrees to be awarded, but wound up being stripped due to opposition from four-year colleges and universities.
NMC went on to become the first community college in the state to offer a bachelor’s degree, in maritime technology. A decade on, it’s imperative to add BSNs, said NMC President Nick Nissley, Ed.D.
“Community colleges like NMC play a very pivotal role in addressing the need for more health care workers in the communities that we serve,” he said.
Interim NMC Nursing Program Director Tami Livengood (right) with a nursing classNMC nursing students already perform well on licensure exams. Scores released just last month showed that for the second year in a row, more than 90 percent of NMC nursing students pass the national NCLEX exam required to obtain an RN license. That exceeds both state and national averages, most recently 83 percent.
Ness said Munson hires more than 100 nurses per year with an associate degree. The goal is that 80 percent earn their BSN. Currently, only 50 to 60 percent do.
“This legislation would allow our existing workforce the access and convenience they need. And making BSN degrees more accessible and affordable would not only support our existing nurses, but will also help increase the talent pipeline of new nurses,” Ness said.
Dec 7, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to the NMC Aviation Division for winning a $90,000 aviation workforce development grant from the FAA. Funds will be used to offer UAS training to high school teachers. Competition was “rigorous,” and the college is “to be commended for an extraordinary response to the FAA opportunity,” according to the grant award letter.
Dec 7, 2021 | DEI Insights and Conversations, Intercom
A recent Employee Well-Being Report by Glint found that belonging jumped up four positions year over year to become the second most important driver of a great work culture.
Read this article from Wharton- University of Pennsylvania on How Companies are Creating a Sense of Belonging.
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.
Dec 7, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to the Parsons-Stulen employees for their work on the Industry 4.0 event held on November 11, 2021. The event was well attended and successful!
Kudos to Brittany Hanbury and Rachel Colby for their continued work with the student group NMC Voices. NMC Voices provides advocacy and support for student survivors of sexual assault.
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!
Dec 7, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Christa Abdul-Karim, Extended Education Services Program Coordinator, and Shannah Vergote, Marketing & Promotions Specialist, Extended Educational Services. Welcome to NMC!
Dec 7, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Amy Klei was recently promoted to Senior Programmer/ Analyst & Solution Architect. Congratulations, Amy!
Dec 7, 2021 | Student Events
Come learn more about the new Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program for NMC students ages 16-24. Stop by West Hall on the following dates to get all of your questions answered!
This new program can help students get paid job shadowing opportunities in their field, financial assistance with job equipment and more! Enter the raffle for JMG & NMC prizes just for stopping by.
- Wednesday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dec 7, 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.
Munson, NMC cheer 4-year nursing degree bill
Record-Eagle, December 2 (more…)
Dec 7, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Legislation to allow Michigan community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing moved forward Tuesday, putting NMC another step closer to helping fill hundreds of staff shortages at Munson Medical Center, among other hospitals.
The BSN bills, introduced last month by state representatives John Roth, R-Traverse City, and John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, advanced from the House Education Committee to the full House on a vote of 8-2-2. The bipartisan committee support included that of State Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann.
In video testimony to the committee last month, Munson Healthcare CEO Ed Ness said the legislation is “critical” to Munson’s ability to serve half a million northern Michigan residents. As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, Traverse City’s Munson Medical Center, the largest of the system’s nine hospitals, is short nearly 200 bedside nurses, Ness said.
“Now, more than ever, we need to do everything we can to encourage new students to enter the nursing profession and remove barriers for degree and career advancement,” he said.
It is possible that the legislation would receive a full House vote prior to Christmas. If not, it will be taken up in January.
In 2012, BSNs were originally part of a bill that permitted a few community college bachelor’s degrees to be awarded. They wound up being stripped due to opposition from four-year colleges and universities.
NMC went on to become the first community college in the state to offer a bachelor’s degree, in maritime technology. A decade on, it’s imperative to add BSNs, said NMC president Nick Nissley.
“Community colleges like NMC play a very pivotal role in addressing the need for more health care workers in the communities that we serve,” he said at a Nov. 10 news conference announcing the introduction of the legislation.
NMC nursing students already perform well on licensure exams. Scores released just last month showed that for the second year in a row, more than 90 percent of NMC nursing students pass the national NCLEX exam required to obtain an RN license. That exceeds both state and national averages, most recently 83 percent.
Ness said Munson hires more than 100 nurses per year with an associate degree. The goal is that 80 percent earn their BSN. Currently, only 50 to 60 percent do.
“This legislation would allow our existing workforce the access and convenience they need. And making BSN degrees more accessible and affordable would not only support our existing nurses, but will also help increase the talent pipeline of new nurses,” Ness said.
Release date: December 7, 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
Dec 7, 2021 | Student Events
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, Dec. 8, from 9:15–10 a.m., in the Student Lounge outside the O100 offices in the Osterlin Building (#12 on the Main Campus Map).
Dec 7, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Legislation to allow Michigan community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing moved forward Tuesday, putting NMC another step closer to helping fill hundreds of staff shortages at Munson Medical Center, among other hospitals.
The BSN bills, introduced last month by state representatives John Roth, R-Traverse City, and John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, advanced from the House Education Committee to the full House on a vote of 8-2-2. The bipartisan committee support included that of State Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann.
In video testimony to the committee last month, Munson Healthcare CEO Ed Ness said the legislation is “critical” to Munson’s ability to serve half a million northern Michigan residents. As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, Traverse City’s Munson Medical Center, the largest of the system’s nine hospitals, is short nearly 200 bedside nurses, Ness said.
“Now, more than ever, we need to do everything we can to encourage new students to enter the nursing profession and remove barriers for degree and career advancement,” he said.
It is possible that the legislation would receive a full House vote prior to Christmas. If not, it will be taken up in January.
In 2012, BSNs were originally part of a bill that permitted a few community college bachelor’s degrees to be awarded. They wound up being stripped due to opposition from four-year colleges and universities.
NMC went on to become the first community college in the state to offer a bachelor’s degree, in maritime technology. A decade on, it’s imperative to add BSNs, said NMC president Nick Nissley.
“Community colleges like NMC play a very pivotal role in addressing the need for more health care workers in the communities that we serve,” he said at a Nov. 10 news conference announcing the introduction of the legislation.
NMC nursing students already perform well on licensure exams. Scores released just last month showed that for the second year in a row, more than 90 percent of NMC nursing students pass the national NCLEX exam required to obtain an RN license. That exceeds both state and national averages, most recently 83 percent.
Ness said Munson hires more than 100 nurses per year with an associate degree. The goal is that 80 percent earn their BSN. Currently, only 50 to 60 percent do.
“This legislation would allow our existing workforce the access and convenience they need. And making BSN degrees more accessible and affordable would not only support our existing nurses, but will also help increase the talent pipeline of new nurses,” Ness said.
Release date: December 7, 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
Dec 7, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has received a $90,000 aviation workforce development grant to train 40 high school teachers in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) fundamentals, as well as equip each with a multi-rotor unit to use with their own students.
The grant, from the Federal Aviation Administration, is intended to address the need for operators and technicians in the growing UAS field. By equipping high school teachers with the skills, knowledge, technology and certifications required to develop new UAS programs or update existing ones, alignments will occur between the high school programs and NMC, making the pathway to industry and employment more attainable.
The grant builds upon NMC’s selection as a UAS Collegiate Training Program, the only one in Michigan, by the FAA in 2020. Competition for the grant was “rigorous.”
“Requests for project support far exceeded the $5 million Congress made available in fiscal year 2020. You are to be commended for an extraordinary response to the FAA opportunity,” grant manager Miranda Haywood said in the award letter.
“NMC has been on the forefront of UAS education since we launched the program in 2010,” said NMC UAS Program Manager Tony Sauerbrey. “This is another great example of how the program continues to innovate and lead for the benefit of our students.”
The grant coincides with a statewide push for high school career and technical education programs to begin UAS training. A preliminary statewide articulation agreement valid for any high school UAS program allows students to earn NMC credit for those classes. NMC currently has a strong relationship with the Char-Em ISD and Harbor Springs High School, and has created pathways for students there to continue their education at NMC.
Teachers from around the state will be able to participate in the training, expected to occur in summer 2022 at NMC’s private airfield in Yuba. Upon completion, the 40 teachers will be able to safely conduct a complete flight from startup to shut down, without instructor intervention. System calibration, set-up, troubleshooting, and best operating practices will be included to address typical issues seen in the field and with new pilots. Each teacher will also take a 10-week Remote Pilot Test Preparation course online. Passing the FAA Remote Pilot Certification exam constitutes completion and is required to operate drones commercially.
In addition to the training on drone operations, NMC will also consult with high schools to increase awareness of the UAS industry and assist in curriculum and program development. The goal is to create more career options and education pipelines for students entering this new industry.
Since NMC’s UAS program (nmc.edu/uas) began in 2010, it has produced graduates who are currently working in all aspects of the industry including launching startup companies and assisting private businesses and public institutions. NMC operates a fleet of unmanned aerial systems that rivals much larger universities. NMC’s small class size allows the program to innovate and remain responsive to the ever changing industry of Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Release date: December 7, 2021
For more information:
Tony Sauerbrey
UAS Program Manager
tsauerbrey@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2925
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
Dec 6, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has received a $90,000 aviation workforce development grant to train 40 high school teachers in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) fundamentals, as well as equip each with a multi-rotor unit to use with their own students.
The grant, from the Federal Aviation Administration, is intended to address the need for operators and technicians in the growing UAS field. By equipping high school teachers with the skills, knowledge, technology and certifications required to develop new UAS programs or update existing ones, alignments will occur between the high school programs and NMC, making the pathway to industry and employment more attainable.
The grant builds upon NMC’s selection as a UAS Collegiate Training Program, the only one in Michigan, by the FAA in 2020. Competition for the grant was “rigorous.”
“Requests for project support far exceeded the $5 million Congress made available in fiscal year 2020. You are to be commended for an extraordinary response to the FAA opportunity,” grant manager Miranda Haywood said in the award letter.
“NMC has been on the forefront of UAS education since we launched the program in 2010,” said NMC UAS Program Manager Tony Sauerbrey. “This is another great example of how the program continues to innovate and lead for the benefit of our students.”
The grant coincides with a statewide push for high school career and technical education programs to begin UAS training. A preliminary statewide articulation agreement valid for any high school UAS program allows students to earn NMC credit for those classes. NMC currently has a strong relationship with the Char-Em ISD and Harbor Springs High School, and has created pathways for students there to continue their education at NMC.
Teachers from around the state will be able to participate in the training, expected to occur in summer 2022 at NMC’s private airfield in Yuba. Upon completion, the 40 teachers will be able to safely conduct a complete flight from startup to shut down, without instructor intervention. System calibration, set-up, troubleshooting, and best operating practices will be included to address typical issues seen in the field and with new pilots. Each teacher will also take a 10-week Remote Pilot Test Preparation course online. Passing the FAA Remote Pilot Certification exam constitutes completion and is required to operate drones commercially.
In addition to the training on drone operations, NMC will also consult with high schools to increase awareness of the UAS industry and assist in curriculum and program development. The goal is to create more career options and education pipelines for students entering this new industry.
Since NMC’s UAS program (nmc.edu/uas) began in 2010, it has produced graduates who are currently working in all aspects of the industry including launching startup companies and assisting private businesses and public institutions. NMC operates a fleet of unmanned aerial systems that rivals much larger universities. NMC’s small class size allows the program to innovate and remain responsive to the ever changing industry of Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Release date: December 7, 2021
For more information:
Tony Sauerbrey
UAS Program Manager
tsauerbrey@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2925
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
Dec 5, 2021 | Student Events
Come to the the NMC Library and the 1st floor of the West Hall Innovation Center Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 2–8 p.m. for a night of collaboration, commiseration and camaraderie as final exams and due dates approach. (NOTE: This event was rescheduled due to weather.)
We’ll have snacks and hot drinks, and NMC’s Student Success Coaches are bringing back the pancake bar from 4–6 p.m. by popular demand!
Come for the snacks and solidarity, stay for the support. Peer study groups, student success coaches, Writing and Reading Center staff, and librarians will all be on hand to help you power through to this semester’s finish line.
