NMC transitions face-to-face classes to distance education classes beginning March 16

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College will suspend face-to-face classes starting Monday, March 16, 2020 until Monday, April 27, in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and keep students, faculty and staff safe.

All NMC classes will be delivered via distance education if possible. Some courses may not be able to be delivered via distance education, including some occupational and lab classes (e.g. culinary and welding.) Detailed information and instructions pertaining to each individual class will be communicated to students directly from the instructor. Students should regularly monitor e-mail for updates.

“NMC is committed to keeping our communities safe, while working to limit the disruption to learning as much as possible,” NMC President Nick Nissley said.

NMC has been monitoring and preparing for the community spread of COVID-19 since February, with input from partners in the Grand Traverse County Health Department, Munson Healthcare and state and federal health and emergency response agencies. The move to suspend face-to-face classes supports Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order late Thursday to close all Michigan K-12 schools from March 16- April 5. The governor identified that this is not only to protect the students and their families, but overall public health. As of today there are 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan.

“We at NMC support these efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus in our community,” Nissley said. ”I am proud to see our faculty and staff work diligently together toward the goal of transitioning learning to distance education delivery where possible. There is still work to do and we will continue to keep you informed of changes.”

Given the highly fluid nature of the situation, the best place to find campus updates is nmc.edu/coronavirus. NMC plans to resume face-to-face classes on campus the week of April 27, in time for students to take final exams. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, however, this may change and NMC will continue to communicate via online messages, email and social media.

While classes are transitioning to distance education delivery, NMC’s four campuses: main, Great Lakes, University Center and Aero Park, are still open at this time. This includes all services and offices, the Dennos Museum Center and the Hagerty Center. Many services are available via phone, email and video conference, and staff are actively working to expand those options. Counseling services are available for students feeling overwhelmed or anxious. NMC’s two residence halls, East Hall and North Hall, as well as the NMC apartments will remain open and food service will be available for those students who want to remain on campus.

“While one of our goals is to limit the disruption to learning, this is an historic event. Our college community has always proven itself to be resourceful with a history of overcoming challenges, and I am confident that together we will continue that proud tradition now and into the future,” Nissley said.

Release date: MARCH 13, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 (direct)
231) 995-1020 (office)
(231) 392-6082 (mobile)