To:  NCMC Campus Community

From:  Dr. David Roland Finley, President

This afternoon, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that the restrictions prohibiting in-person classes at colleges and universities will be extended for 12 days to further address the surge of COVID-19 infections in Michigan.  The measures first outlined in the “three-week pause” and codified via the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Gatherings and Face Mask emergency order will now remain in effect through Sunday, December 20.  The extension will take us through the end of our Fall semester on Friday, December 18.

While in-person instruction for colleges and universities is generally still prohibited, a notable exception has been made for technical education services including manufacturing.  Section 5.f of the new emergency order states that "gatherings at trade schools and career schools are permitted for the purpose of providing technical education services, including manufacturing, industrial technology, trades, and cosmetology, but only to the extent that these activities cannot be completed remotely." 

Other exceptions outlined in the first issuance of the emergency order include the training of law enforcement, corrections officers, medical personnel, and first responders, to the extent that this training cannot be done remotely. 

As a result, all in-person classes, with the exception of EMS, nursing, allied health, and CNC, will continue via remote instructional methods.  Instructors in these exempted disciplines will contact students regarding their plans for the next 12 days.  All instructors will retain access to their offices during this 12-day period.  Final exams will be administered via remote instructional methods, with additional information forthcoming from instructors.

In compliance with 2.c.2. of the order that allows for gatherings between an employee and a customer for the purpose of receiving services, Gaylord and Cheboygan offices will remain open by appointment to handle any student needs. Also open by appointment will be the Library and Student Services, including advising and LSS. The Foundation will remain open for scheduled appointments, and SCRC staff for individual exercise patrons using the college’s fitness facilities.

Because 3.b.1. of the order allows for students to gather at food service operations in college cafeterias as long as they observe safe social distancing protocols, the Iron Horse Café will remain operational.  Patrons are encouraged to order online from the IHC to further minimize traffic in the cafeteria.

Our Residence Hall will remain open to serve our students who call NCMC home and choose to stay.  Instructions for a safe and organized “move-out” for the holiday break will be forthcoming from the Director of Campus Housing.

Please see the following link for frequently asked questions (FAQs) about problems with technology requirements for moving to online classes due to COVID-19:  

Student Tech FAQs Regarding Coronavirus

Please also remember to stay home if you are experiencing any possible COVID-19 symptoms, or if you are currently waiting on test results for yourself or for anyone with whom you live.

We continue to monitor this situation closely and will communicate further information as more details become available.  This information includes the status of College operations on December 21, 22, and 23.