Coronavirus (COVID-19)
MDHHS MI Symptoms Web app for employees
North Central employees should log into the MDHHS MI Symptoms Web App daily before reporting to work. If the MI Symptoms app indicates that you are at risk, plan to stay home and contact your supervisor.
ncmc reopening grid
NCMC's Reopening Grid is a plan that allows for a safe return to face-to-face (F2F) learning when the Fall 2020 semester begins on September 8.
After thoughtful research and discussion — all of it informed by recommendations from the CDC, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Safe Schools Roadmap, and guidance from the Health Department of Northwest Michigan — the North Central Reopening Grid was reviewed by our Board of Trustees on July 28.
NCMC's Reopening Grid is a fluid guideline prepared with six phases that correspond to the six phases in the Governor's MI SafeSchools RoadMap.
We are currently in Phase 5 of this plan.
Indicators and conditions that will support moving to the next phase or support moving back to the previous phase are based on: Governor’s Executive Orders, Legislation guided, MI SafeStart guidelines, Health Department of NW Michigan Guidance & Recommendations, campus readiness, limited reported COVID cases in communities served.
CAMPUS COMMUNITY UPDATES
As the global situation with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) constantly evolves, we will provide periodic updates to the campus community regarding NCMC's planning and preparedness actions. The college is vigilant at taking steps to ensure the safety of the campus community.
Stay up-to-date on the latest information and statistics from the Health Department of Northwest Michigan by visiting the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF AND ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT (CARES Act):
NORTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN COLLEGE Use of Funds from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
North Central Michigan College received funds for students from the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. Please click here for information related to those funds as required by the U.S. Department of Education.
august 7 update
TO: Members of the North Central Michigan College Community
FROM: Dr. David Roland Finley, President, North Central Michigan College
Monday, August 10, marks an important day for the College, as we will begin accepting walk-in business as opposed to just scheduled appointments. This is critical to our being accessible to prospective students and building enrollment, as we are quickly approaching the beginning of our Fall 2020 semester on September 8.
As we prepare for Monday’s reopening, please note the following:
- Walk-in business differs from walk-in advising in Student Services. Walk-in advising will be available from August 24 through September 11 from 1 – 5 p.m. During this same time, morning virtual appointments can be made from 8:00 a.m. – noon. Students may schedule virtual advising appointments until walk-in advising starts on August 24.
- The Library, SCRC and Iron Horse Café will remain closed to the public until September 8. The Library is currently offering curbside pickup to cardholders, students, and employees.
- With the exception of the Administration Office, the AD/CL Building will remain closed to the public due to ongoing construction.
- The College Store will be reopen on Monday. Signs have been posted on the SCRC doors specifying that the College Store is open, but the SCRC remains closed.
- Residence Hall move-in will occur September 3 – 6 by appointment only.
- Visitors to the College will be expected to wear masks and observe social distancing of at least 6’. They will not be required to sign in upon entry to our buildings.
- Employees are expected to self-screen before coming to campus, reporting their findings on the MDHHS MI Symptoms Web App daily. If the MI Symptoms app indicates that you are at risk, plan to stay home and contact your supervisor.
A separate email providing more detailed information regarding the reopening plans is forthcoming.
Be smart, be safe, and stay healthy in the coming days. By pulling together, we can create the best working environment possible under these challenging circumstances.
As always, I thank you for your good work on behalf of the learners at North Central.
August 5 update
TO: Members of the North Central Michigan College Community
FROM: Dr. David Roland Finley, President, North Central Michigan College
The Governor’s Office recently issued Executive Order 2020-162, which amends Executive Order 2020-160 to state that ‘must’ has changed back to ‘should’ with respect to remote work in Regions 6 and 8 of Michigan. As a reminder, Emmet County is in Region 6. The brief executive order stating this information is found here. https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90705-535665--,00.html
A noted in Executive Order 2020-162, the standard for remote work, “should be performed remotely,” has not changed in regions 6 & 8.
It is also encouraging to see the number of COVID-19 positive cases diminishing in Northern Michigan, as well as plateauing statewide. Please see the following links.
http://nwhealth.org/covid19dash2.html
https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/coronavirus-tracker-what-michigan-needs-know-now
Nevertheless, it is also important to do all that we reasonably can to comply with the spirit of these latest Executive Orders (2020-160, 2020-161). However, I do think that Executive Order 2020-162 does provide increased flexibility as to when and how we choose to work on-campus and when we choose to work remotely. See July 31 Update for further guidance in this regard. Please keep optimal service to our students and other colleagues on campus in mind when making these decisions.
Be smart, be safe, and stay healthy in the coming days. By pulling together, we can create the best working environment possible under these challenging circumstances.
As always, I thank you for your good work on behalf of the learners at North Central.
JULY 31 UPDATE
TO: Members of the North Central Michigan College Community
FROM: Dr. David Roland Finley, President, North Central Michigan College
Earlier this week, the Governor’s Office issued three Executive Orders aimed at both providing flexibility for schools, colleges, and universities to use spaces not previously identified as classrooms for instruction and limiting the spread of COVID-19 infection. These were EO 2020-159, 160, and 161, respectively. In addition, the MI Safe Start Plan remains in play, and the MI Safe Schools Roadmap also exists as guidance for operations. Northern Michigan (Region 6) is currently designated as a Phase 5 region when reviewing these documents.
All of this information has led to many questions. The two most pressing matters relate to item 1 in EO 2020-160 Remote Work and items 7 and 8 Rules on gatherings, events, and large venues, specifically the applicability of these rules in Regions 6 and 8.
The Governor’s Office (Policy Advisor, Education & Workforce) responded to inquiry earlier today with the following clarification.
- It is the employer’s discretion to determine what work can be performed remotely and what work can’t be performed remotely.
- New student orientation sessions of ~25 to 50 students remain allowable under item 8.(c)(2) in Northern Michigan, and the limit of 10 people for an indoor gathering does not apply. It was specifically noted that items 7 and 8 pertain only to social gatherings.
Nevertheless, it is also important to do all that we reasonably can to comply with the spirit of these latest Executive Orders. By copy of this communication, I ask the Vice Presidents to work with Directors & Supervisors to implement scheduling plans for staff to optimize social distancing in the coming weeks wherever possible, and as soon as Monday, August 3. For instance, two employees in a given office area may choose to work alternating days remotely, if tasks can be completed effectively.
As we move toward the start of Fall 2020 semester classes on September 8, activity on campus will be ramping up. Student Services has begun to see this already in July, and this will only increase in August. Increased activity in other areas/functions around campus will increase shortly thereafter (if not already happening). We must also remember that not all students have ready access to the internet, many processes on campus remain paper-based, and our IT infrastructure is not currently robust enough to support all job functions being accomplished remotely. As such, it is important that each office across campus be staffed in-person, so as to support visitors with appointments through August 7, appointments and walk-ins beginning August 10, and general semester-start activities thereafter.
Be smart, be safe, and stay healthy in the coming days. By pulling together, we can create the best working environment possible under these challenging circumstances.
As always, I thank you for your good work on behalf of the learners at North Central.
JULY 22 UPDATE
TO: Members of the North Central Michigan College Community
FROM: Dr. David Roland Finley, President, North Central Michigan College
Calendar year 2020 has brought unprecedented changes to our world that have already included a global pandemic and a renewed call for social justice. We are reminded that change is the only constant, and North Central is a reflection of the larger world around us.
To achieve our mission of providing exceptional, accessible, and relevant higher education in this context, we must be ready to listen and adapt, always drawing upon our core values of integrity, excellence, stewardship, innovation, compassion, and inclusion. It has recently been suggested that adaptability be added to this listing of values, and we are considering this possibility.
I thank those who’ve returned to campus and those who will soon return to campus, so as to best serve our students. Much work has been happening behind the scenes in anticipation of the Fall 2020 semester. I thank all who have been modifying our physical spaces for optimal safety and others who’ve been crafting operational plans to this end.
So as to provide greater clarity regarding expectations for Fall 2020, two planning documents will be presented to the Board of Trustees at its July meeting. The first is a six-phase Reopening Plan for the College, replacing the current four-phase plan. This six-phase plan will align directly with the MI-Safe Start Plan developed by the Governor to re-engage Michigan’s economy, so as to eliminate translation confusion. The second is an Instructional Plan which incorporates multiple course formats as per usual, including traditional face-to-face, hybrid, and wholly online courses. As dictated by COVID-19 circumstances, we will be prepared to transition some or all courses to two other formats: flex courses (new) or remote instructional methods (utilized to complete the Spring 2020 semester). Additional detail regarding both the Reopening Plan and the Instructional Plan will be shared following board approval. Again, I extend deepest thanks to all those who have had a hand in crafting these plans, as well as those who will continue to provide input in the weeks ahead.
There were 573 COVID-19 positive cases state-wide on Tuesday, July 21. This follows a dramatic drop in COVID-19 positive cases over the past eight days. We are hopeful that the requirement of face masks, along with social distancing, diligent handwashing, and staying home when sick will make a positive impact. For additional detail regarding state-wide trends, please see https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163_98173---,00.html.
Be smart, be safe, and stay healthy in the coming days. To that I add, be kind, be caring, and communicate to each other during these trying times. We’re all in this together. By working together, we can create the best learning environment possible under these challenging circumstances.
As always, I thank you for your good work on behalf of the learners at North Central.
Remembering Larry Cummings
NORTH CENTRAL PROFESSOR PASSES AWAY
Professor Larry Cummings taught history and geography for 51 years
and will leave a lasting impact
North Central Michigan College Professor Larry Cummings, a fixture in the Petoskey community and an icon on the college’s campus, passed away at McLaren Northern Michigan on March 31, 2020, due to complications of Covid-19. He was 76. more information
A RENAISSANCE MAN: Larry Cummings was an NCMC, area legend
Steve Foley (231) 439-9397 spfoley@petoskeynews.com
Earlier in March and just before coronavirus had become what it is today, North Central Michigan College sociology/anthropology professor Kerri Finlayson was chatting with fellow longtime professor Larry Cummings about pedagogy.
“He (Cummings) was putting together a proposal for a sabbatical . . . more information
Coronavirus Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines - During this rapidly evolving situation, North Central Michigan College is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Interim Guidance for US Institutions of Higher Education.
FAQs - CLICK HERE to access an updated list of Coronavirus FAQs
Preventative Measures - The short (2.5 min.) video below features Jay Butler, Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases at CDC, describing preventative measures to help protect older adults from COVID-19.
NCMC is closely monitoring the situation, and will continue to implement appropriate CDC guidelines and work closely with our local health departments for the well-being of our students, faculty and staff.