Board of Trustees approves 3-year faculty contract
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a new three-year contract with the NMC Faculty Association and the NMC Faculty Chairs Association, continuing the college’s focus on student success while aligning compensation with fiscal responsibility.
The FY26–FY28 contract was ratified by faculty on July 18 and approved by the Board on July 21. It covers 77 faculty members and one librarian, and takes effect August 1.
Key provisions of the agreement include:
- Compensation: Faculty will receive wage scale increases of 4% in 2026, 3% in 2027, and 2.5% in 2028. Those on steps 1–14 will also continue to receive annual step increases of 3.7%.
- Advising Model: The contract introduces an innovative new student advising initiative. Beginning in academic year 2027, every NMC student will be required to meet with an advisor until they have a My Academic Plan (“MAP”) in place. Faculty will play an active role in this process, receiving training in AY26 and advising a minimum of 12 students annually starting in AY27.
- Generative A.I. use: The contract includes a new article outlining expectations and philosophy regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence in teaching and learning.
- Streamlined Compensation Structure: A provision known as the “prep bonus,” which previously incentivized faculty to teach across multiple course formats, has been concluded in favor of refocusing resources on direct student impact through the updated advising model.
“We appreciate the collaborative process that led to this agreement,” said NMC Board Chair Laura Oblinger. “This contract reflects NMC’s ongoing commitment to student success and sound stewardship of public resources. It supports faculty while continuing to evolve our practices to meet the needs of students and the region.”
“This agreement helps us build on what makes NMC special,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “We believe deeply in our students, foster a culture of innovation and are proud of a faculty committed to excellence. It’s a forward-looking step that positions us to grow with purpose and serve our community even more effectively.”
“The NMC Faculty Association and its chairs are proud to have decisively ratified a contract to serve our students over the next three years,” said social sciences instructor and NMC Faculty Association President Brandon Everest.
“Both sides worked diligently and in a collegial way to develop a fair contract that serves our students’ needs with what will be the most robust faculty advising program in the state for community college students. The contract also preserves our salary plan and best represents faculty in shared governance as we build the college’s future and support our students.
“It's not only what teachers do in the classroom but also what we do alongside it that serves our students in achieving their learning and life goals. We are pleased to continue to provide what is the finest in community college education to our students and region.”
NMC anticipates five new faculty hires in fall 2025 to maintain instructional strength.
The NMC Faculty Association, affiliated with the Michigan Education Association, was formed in 2016 and entered into its first contract with the college that same year.
Release date: JULY 22, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)