NMC Weekly Update - April 28, 2006

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

Hafa Adai, Tirowami, and Greetings Everyone!

Here are the highlights of the week:

Encouraging Future Enrollees
On Thursday, the Office of Admissions, Counseling, School of Business, Financial Aid, Social Sciences, School of Education, Rehabilitation and Human Services and the Dean of Academic Programs and Services gave presentations to interested graduating senior students at Marianas High School. All the students expressed interest in attending NMC in the fall, with several students also expressing interest in attending summer school sessions as well. Each representative discussed course offerings, or the work that new students need to complete in order to register for classes at NMD. In addition, Tee Abraham passed out a questionnaire to determine who might be interested in getting involved in the proposed Rehabilitation and Human Resources program. She reports that only two of the students did not return the questionnaire.

This type of outreach to the high schools is attempting to better explain the college’s programs, how students can avail themselves of financial aid, and in general better inform high school students about what the college has to offer. In fact, Tee Abraham will be traveling to Rota and Tinian to continue generating support for the rehabilitation program in preparation for the substantive change request that needs to be submitted in April, 2007.

Returning Military Personnel to Enroll at NMC
On Thursday afternoon, the Office of Admissions, Counseling, Financial Aid, School of Education, and the Dean of Academic Programs and Services talked to four returning military personnel, two of whom are former NMC students, interested in returning to school. They will be working with PSS as teacher’s aides in the morning and taking classes in the afternoon and evening. They are all interested in beginning classes in summer session. Two students, Roman Benavente and Winfred Camacho, will be enrolling in classes to prepare to take the Praxis for entrance to the School of Education bachelor’s program.

It is expected that more former military personnel will be participating in this federally funded program. Former military and reservists will be better able to continue their education and help the college provide more qualified instructors for our schools.

New Faculty Senate Officers
Congratulations to the following new officers:

• David Rumptz -Faculty Senate President
• Simon Habegger -Vice President
• Anastasia Lynch –Secretary

The NMC community extends its sincere appreciation to Greg Folta for his services as the Senate Faculty President for the past year.

SBDC Management Workshops
Saipan, CNMI – Over twenty-five business people attended two management workshops offered by the SBDC on April 20 and April 27, 2006: “Fundamental Skills of Communicating” and “Improving Employee Work Habits.”

In the “Fundamental Skills of Communicating” workshop managers and team leaders learn to design clear and concise messages, understand and comprehend non-verbal communication clues, improve listening skills, and overcome barriers to understanding, such as psychological, cultural and situational. The “Improving Employee Work Habits” workshop guides managers in distinguishing between job performance and work habits, dealing with unsatisfactory work habits early, clearly explaining unsatisfactory work habits that focus on behavior, involving the team member in the process of correcting the behavior, and building controls into the process of improving work habits.

Dr. Ken Shankweiler, Principal of KIS Communications, taught these professionally developed courses. He holds degrees in psychology & engineering and has spent more than 30 years in management.

Summer Youth Employment and Training Program
The Workforce Investment Agency (WIA) is preparing to place our young and future local workforce in the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program for six (6) weeks beginning June 12, 2006 through July 21, 2006.

If your department is in need of student workers, please email your request to Lynnette Castro at lynnettec@nmcnet.edu or Margaret Prater at margaritap@nmcnet.edu no later than May 1, 2006. Departments which wish to participate must submit the position title, number of trainees per position, job description, supervisor and time-keeper.

Second Focus Group Meeting
The Rehabilitation and Human Services Program held a second focus group meeting at Hyatt Regency Hotel last Wednesday, April 27, 2006. The meeting was coordinated by Angel Hart, Administrative Assistant, and facilitated by Tee Abraham, Director.

The meeting was held to provide a progress report on program accomplishments to date and inform new attendees about the program. Information on the Program Advisory Council (PAC) and its roles and responsibilities, was shared with the group. The focus group reviewed draft public information materials and a proposed survey that would assess interest of high school seniors and others in the community about the RHS program.

The focus group agreed to identify and submit names and contact information of individuals in the community who may be “potential” adjunct faculty and trainers for the program and for development of a program faculty list. Listing of entry-level jobs for AA degree graduates, including professional level employment for BA/BS holders in rehabilitation and human Services and potential employers within the CNMI was shared with the focus group.

The following individuals attended the meeting and agreed to be members of the PAC:

• Joanne Nicholls – PSS/Special Education
• Tom Thornburgh – NMPASI
• Maggie Olopai-Taitano – Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Josephine T. Sablan, Director– Transitional Living Center – Dept. of Public Health
• Maria Paz C. Younis, Director – Council for Humanities
• Edith Deleon Guerrero, Director – Workforce Investment Agency
• Francisco Alfonso, Consumer and Owner of Action Locksmith
• Mariano K. Camacho, Consumer and Hyatt Hotel Security Supervisor
• Francisco D. Cabrera, Administrator for Worker’s Compensation Commission
• Susan Satur, Director – NMC Counseling Department
• Kathy Pohl, NMC Counselor
• Linda Graf, CRC - providing Family and Rehab Counseling Services/Private
• William A. Jones – former Chair/State Rehabilitation Council

The focus group discussed competency areas the program should address and agreed that the AA graduates from the program should also be equipped with the interpersonal skills, experienced working in a team setting, familiar with various disability laws and has good oral and writing skills.

Anyone interested in obtaining more information should contact Tee Abraham at 234-5498, extension 1028.

Have a Safe and Wonderful Weekend!

NMC Weekly Update - April 21, 2006

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

Hafa Adai, Tirowami, and Greetings Everyone!

Here are the highlights of the week:

Student Leadership Award
If you know of a graduating student who has demonstrated leadership and service to our college and local community, please be sure to nominate him or her. Students can also nominate themselves for this Student Leadership Award.

The Student Leadership Nomination forms and criteria will be placed at the NMC Student Center, Counseling Programs and Services, School of Education, Building A and at the Olympio T. Borja Library.

Nominations must be submitted no later than Monday, April 24, 2006, by 5PM. Interviews will take place on April 26 - April 28 and the Student Leadership Award Committee will then determine the award recipient for the Associate and Baccalaureate degree.

For more information, you are encouraged to contact Mr. Ed Propst at the Office of Student Activities & Leadership (OSAL), at tel. no. 234-5498, ext. 1251/3.

2006 Academic Advising & Early Summer Registration Information
The Summer 2006 Early Registration for ongoing students started on April 17th and continues through April 28th. The Summer & Fall Academic Advising is now open and all New, Ongoing, and GEPDAP students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor prior to registration.

OPEN Registration for NEW, ON-GOING, and GEPDAP students are scheduled for May 16-17, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Please call NMC Hot Line @ 235-6621 for registration information or the Office of Admissions & Records at 1523/1524/28/39, Dean Wyatt at ext. 1004/1006, or Dean Villagomez at ext. 1347/1349, for any questions or concerns.

As NMC employees, let us all work together as “student advocates” and ensure a smooth Summer Registration!

New Rehabilitation and Human Services Program Director
Ms. Tee Abraham has been hired as the Director of the Rehabilitation and Human Services Program and she commences with her duties starting on Monday, April 17th. Her office is located in Building P, the former UCCED office. I would like everyone to extend her the appropriate degree of courtesy and help in adjusting to her new position at the college as we are accustomed to providing. I am sure that many will recognize her from her previous work with the college and are familiar with her extensive knowledge and work in the Rehabilitation field. Please join me in welcoming Tee back to NMC.

We would also like to extend our institutional gratitude and sincere appreciation to Ms. Brante Dashiell for her services as the Acting Director of the Rehabilitation and Human Services Program.

NMC Career Fair
Through the efforts of the NMC Career Service Center along with the NMI-Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NMIOICC) Office, a successful Career Fair was held today, Friday, April 21, 2006. The event took place from 9:00 am-12:00 pm in the Hallway between the NMC Bookstore and the NMC Career Service Center. The general public was invited to attend and to enjoy some giveaways, courtesy of the NMC Bookstore, and light refreshments.

NMC would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the following businesses and agencies who participated in this important event:

• Tan Holdings Corporation (Cosmos Distributing Co.LTD, Century Insurance, Co.LTD., Pacific Publishing and Printing (Saipan Tribune))
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
• Joeten Ace Hardware
• Coastal Resource Management Office (CRMO)
• Fiesta Resort and Spa
• Department of Labor
• Hafa Adai Beach Hotel
• Medicare Certified Home Health Care Agency
• Commonwealth Health Center (CHC- Physical Therapy Unit)
• Herman's Modern Bakery, Inc.
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Leis on Arrival
• Shell Service Station (Delta Management Corp.)
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Workforce Investment Agency (WIA)

FBI Agent Meets with NMC Students
An agent from the local FBI office visited NMC students yesterday and gave a presentation on making a career in the FBI. Joe Auther, the resident agent in-charge of the local FBI office, met with forty students in the Student Center where he showed a video and gave a brief talk about his career in the FBI. According to agent Auther, the FBI gave investigative priority to Counter- Terrorism, Counter-Intelligence, Cyper Crime, and Public Corruption.

FBI agent Auther described his tenure on Saipan as relatively quiet compared to Los Angelos where he previously served five years. In Los Angelos, the FBI faced numerous bank robberies annually, some being very violent. According to agent Auther, he did not work on the day of the famous North Hollywood bank robbery where the robbers had a field day shooting thousands of bullet rounds at police officers and innocent bystanders. Agent Auther related that they have been tailing the robbers for months hoping to catch them in the act. According to agent Auther, this incident showed how bank robbers can become violent when cornered. He cautioned everyone never to take robbers lightly.

After an hour of question and answer session, Mr. Auther wished our NMC students luck in their studies.

Our NMC community extends their sincere appreciation to Agent Auther for sharing his exciting career experiences with our students.

V-110 Computer Lab
Mr. Richard Puhalla, CDI Instructor/Coordinator, announced that the sixteen PC computers in the CDI Computer Lab has been made readily accessible to NMC students, faculty, and staff. The hours of operation are from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The lab is located in Building V, Room 110.

NMC's Computer Usage Policies apply, and the rules for using the computers in Building W, are also similar to using the computers in V-110.

Tinian Recycling Project
On April 1st, (Saturday), Mr. Lawrence Duponcheel (NMC Tinian CREES) headed the Tinian Recycling Project, along with NMC Tinian’s Service Learning Participants headed by Ms. Maria Aguon, the Tinian High School Environmental Club,
with students from Upward Bound, Talent Search Program, and Student Support
Services. Everyone helped in painting 80 recycling bins and a few bags. There are still 150 recycling bags that will be painted and distributed to the Tinian community to promote the recycling of cans.

NMC President Tony DeLeon Guerrero expressed his appreciation to our NMC Tinian Team by saying, “this community service and collaborative partnership is an excellent example of NMC expanding its role to serve as a valuable community resource center by enhancing the importance of protecting our fragile environment.”

NMC Foundation Open
The college community held its internal volunteer meeting yesterday morning with Mr. Tony Satur. 50 volunteers have committed to help out in this fundraising and friendraising event. The President will be supplying NMC T-shirts to our volunteers. All volunteers are requested to be at the Laolao Bay Golf Resort by 5:45 am. A briefing meeting will start at 6:00 a.m. to distribute the assignments to all our volunteers. We will have a minimum of 3 volunteer witnesses for our hole-in-one competition!

Have a Safe and Wonderful Weekend!

NMC Weekly Update - April 13th

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

Hafa Adai, Tirowami, Greetings and Happy Easter Everyone!

Here are the highlighted articles of the week:

NMC NEWS ON KMCV AIRED ON CNN
CNN World Report aired a news story about the usage of "Blogging at NMC as an education tool" in the CNMI. The story was submitted to CNN by KMCV7 News Reporter Tina Chau.The story featured students in Instructor Barry Wicksman's English 84 class. It featured how Blogging is used as an educational tool and how this new technology is helping local and international students master the English language. NMC students were featured in this segment that aired all across the Asia Pacific region via CNN. The story aired last Saturday afternoon on CNN Asia-World Report.This is exciting news and a wonderful publicity coverage for NMC and the CNMI as a whole. Featured as a weekly segment of "Tech Tuesday" which was reported by Tina Chau as a regular news segment on KMCV, and was eventually picked up by CNN. This demonstrates the importance of technology to the rest of the world and reports the hard work and effort of Barry Wicksman to learn to use new technology in his courses to promote effective student learning and motivate his students to learn the English language.

Thank you KMCV for this local and international news coverage. Un sen dangkulu na Si’Yu’us ma’ase!

NMC BOARD OF REGENTS UPDATE

On April 5, 2006 an official letter from Governor Fitial’s Office was received informing the NMC community of his latest appointment to the Board of Regents. President Emerita Agnes McPhetres declined his initial appointment due to personal reasons. Governor Fitial has now appointed Mrs. Maria “Malua” T. Peter to the Board of Regents. Regent Peter will have to go through the confirmation process pursuant to CNMI statute.

Regent Peter will replace former Board Member Abelina C. Cabrera whose term expired November 14, 2005. Regent Peter will represent the women of the CNMI and Saipan. Regent Peter’s Term expires on November 14, 2009.

We look forward to Regent Peter serving as a member of our Board!

Regent Peter’s appointment fills all vacancies on the Board. We now have a full Board after nearly six months without a quorum. Our Board members are as follows:

• Chairperson Kimberlyn King-Hinds – Tinian
• Regent Elaine H. Orilla – Rota
• Regent Eloise Furey- Saipan
• Regent Dr. Rita H. Inos- Saipan
• Regent Linsa Lizama- Saipan/ Carolinian Community
• Regent Maria T. Peter- Saipan
• Regent Charles V. Cepeda- Saipan/Business Community

STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH ADDRESS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 21st

Governor Benigno R. Fitial’s State of the Commonwealth Address, Resident Representative Pedro A. Tenorio’s State of the Washington Office Report, and Lt. Governor Timothy P. Villagomez’s Commonwealth Utilities Special Report will be held on Friday, April 21, 2006 at 10am. The respective public speeches will be held at the Governor Pedro A. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, Saipan. This is a public event and all are invited to attend!

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING NEXT WEEK

BOR Chairperson Kim Hinds has called for a BOR Special Meeting on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at 3:30pm in the BOR Conference Room. A joint committee meeting will be held on the same day at 10:00 am in the BOR Conference Room. The agenda will have the following items:

• FY 2007 Appropriation Budget Request- New Business; and
• Plans to Address FY 2006 Budget Cuts (307K) – Old Business

THE NMC VOLUNTEERS CLUB CLOTHING AND FOOD DRIVE

Recently, the NMC Volunteers Club participated in a clothing and food drive to help support Karidat and the Women's Shelter on Saipan. 14 boxes of clothing were donated to these organizations thanks to the Thai Community of Saipan and NMC’s Faculty and Staff. “On behalf of our entire NMC community, we are very grateful and appreciative to our NMC Volunteers Club and the donors for these community donations,” said NMC President Tony DeLeon Guerrero.

NMC-CREES OBSERVES COMMUNITY COLLEGE MONTH

As part of NMC’s Community College Month celebration, our NMC-CREES held an Open House on April 5th and the Open House was a success. The NMC-CREES program people were around to answer questions. The following activities highlighted the CREES Open House: the EFNEP/FSNEP did a food demo and at the same time provided information and gave presentations on the nutritional values of food dishes; Livestock Program did a power point and video presentation on Dry Litter Waste Management; the 4-H/Youth Development opened enrollment for 4-H Club membership and at the same time recruited Adult Volunteer leaders to help out in the many youth activities, the Aquaculture Program had a display of shrimps and tilapias and had one of their staff available to take interested individuals for a tour in our nursery; the CRD Program had educational handouts on Youth Money Management and Legal Aspects Facing Older Adults in the CNMI; and our NMC-CREES Entomology Program had a variety of insects displayed and their display attracted so many college students. Collectively, the displays and exhibitions provided our college community members and the general public an opportunity to communicate with NMC-CREES staff members.

The Acting Director, Margarita D. Tudela was very pleased with the successful turnout and stated that the success of the NMC-CREES Open House was as a result of the hard work put in by Mr. Ross Manglona, Acting Associate Director, Ms. Joanne Ogo, who is the main coordinator, and of course all the NMC-CREES program people and support staff. She also wanted to acknowledge the NMC-CREES volunteers for their hard work. They are Ms. Cathy Bowen, Mr. Kelvin Aldan and Mr. Alex Martin.

NMC President Tony DeLeon Guerrero expressed his sincerest gratitude to all the NMC-CREES staff by saying “the entire NMC community is grateful for all the planning and coordination to ensure a successful Open House and that the positive publicity that this event generated will enhance greater community appreciation on NMC’s programs and services.”

NMC’S STUDENT SERVICES PROMOTE HIGH SCHOOL VISITATION PROGRAM

To promote greater awareness of NMC’s programs and services, the ASNMC, in conjunction with Counseling Programs and Services and the Office of Student Activities and Leadership, hosted over 60 students and Counselors from Mount Carmel School, Marianas Baptist Academy and Calvary Christian Academy here on April 7, 2006 for the High School Visitation Program. The students took an extensive tour of the campus and learned a great deal about all the departments and course offerings here at NMC. Speakers from each department shared relevant information about the excellent programs and services available to students here at Northern Marianas College and were treated to lunch with NMC students and staff members in the Student Center.

NMC’s 26th COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE

To view the April 5th Graduation committee minutes as well as the schedule of future GRAD committee meetings, please go tohttp://nmcgrad06.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions or concerns, you are encouraged to contact Ms. Doris Aldan-Atalig at 234-5498, extensions 1523 or 1524.

NMC’S PTK CHAPTER HELD SPRING 2006 INDUCTION CEREMONY

The BΛΨ Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society held their Induction Ceremony on April 8, 2006 at the Student Center in Building J. The entire NMC community wishes to congratulate the newest inducted members and officers. They include:

Full Members:
Amanda B. Angel
Maria Christina E. Ano
Roxanna A. Arriola
Patrick Castillon
Jean M. Duenas
Jacklyn E. Echon
Justina W. Foster
Leah M. Hocog
Dean A. Manglona
Joleen T. Salas
Elsa N. Yoshida

Provisional Members:
Sandra Lynn M. Arnold
Karen T. Cabrera
Nanette A. Magallanes
Francine D. Pangelinan
Ann Marie S. Satur

Chapter Officers for 2006-2007:
President: Lee Castro
Vice-President: Rose Marie Jones
Sec. of Public Relations: Joleen T. Salas
Sec. of Recording: Leah M. Hocog
Sec. of Membership: Elsa N. Yoshida
Treasurer: Jacklyn E. Echon

If you see these students, please take time to congratulate them for their academic honor. The entire NMC community also wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Debra Cabrera, Larry Lee and Frank Sobolewski for their assistance in serving as Advisors to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

NEW DOCUMENTS ON THE N-DRIVE

Electronic versions of the following recent NMC publications have been placed in the N-drive Public Folder, under Institutional Effectiveness:

• Strategic Plan 2006-2010 (in folder: Strategic Plan 2006-2010)
• Revised Institutional Assessment Plan (in folder: Institutional Assessment Plan)
• FY 2005 Annual Report for P.L. 5-32 – 10-66 (in folder: P.L 5-32 – 10-66)
• FY 2005 NMC Annual Report (in folder: Annual Reports)
• AY 2004-2005 Performance Report, Part I (in folder: Performance Reports)

These NMC planning documents and institutional reports will also be available at NMC Online and hard copies may be obtained from the Office of the President.

NMC GOLF TOURNAMENT UPDATE

In recent days, our NMC Foundation has been receiving a lot of press coverage for its 4th Annual NMC Foundation Open. Registration is on going and is open to the first 150 golfers that register and pay to participate. For registration forms and payment centers, interested golfers may visit Triple J Motors, Century Hotel, and NMC’s President’s Office.

The golf tournament is scheduled for 7:00 a.m. (Shotgun start) on Saturday, April 22nd at the Laolao Bay West Course.

If you are interested in helping and volunteering for the golf tournament, please contact Mark Mendiola at ext. 1050 or email to him at markm@nmcnet.edu. Thank you in advance!

The NMC Foundation Golf Committee encourages all avid golfers to sign-up and participate in this annual event! There are many tournament prizes and door prizes up for grabs. The Foundation looks forward to a successful fundraising and friendraising event!

Have a Wonderful Easter Weekend!

NMC Weekly Update - April 7, 2006

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE








Hafa Adai, Tirowami and Greetings
from Northern Marianas College!






Here are the highlighted articles for the week:

DEAN WYATT ATTENDS PPEC MEETING
Dean of Academic Programs and Services, Danny Wyatt, attended a meeting of the Pacific Postsecondary Education Council (PPEC) in Honolulu March 27-28 and a retreat for PPEC member institutions with ACCJC in Kona, Hawaii on March 29. The purpose of the PPEC meeting in Honolulu was to participate in the revision of a grant application, to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Interior, dealing with the challenges facing PPEC institutions in acquiring and maintaining WASC accreditation. The retreat in Kona provided PPEC institutions an opportunity to make presentations to ACCJC regarding program offerings and challenges/problems. The cost of Dean Wyatt’s travel and participation in these activities was covered by PPEC.

INFORMATION ON NMC’S 26th COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE
A grand total of 175 students from NMC Saipan, Tinian, and Rota petitioned to graduate for NMC’s 26th Commencement Exercise. This figure includes Adult Basic Education’s diploma students (18 GED & 20 Adult School). The 26th Commencement Exercise will take place at the Marianas High School Gymnasium on Saturday, May 20th @ 4:00 p.m. All participants are requested to be at the graduation site by 3:00 p.m. and no later than 3:30 p.m. For more information, please click on the following link: http://nmcgrads.blogspot.com or contact Co-chair, Doris Aldan-Atalig at 234-5498 ext. 1523/1524 or email to: dorisa@nmcnet.edu.

4th ANNUAL NMC FOUNDATION OPEN
The Northern Marianas College Foundation 4th Annual Golf Tournament is well underway. The annual golf tournament will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2006 at LaoLao Bay Golf Course. The tournament show time is between 6:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m. and Shot gun starts at 7:00 a.m.

Please encourage your golfing buddies to sign up and participate. The tournament fee is $85 if you register and pay by April 15. After April 15, the fee goes up to $100. There are many prizes up for grabs.

Registration forms are available at the President’s office. If you would like to participate or volunteer your time and energy, please contact Mr. Mark Mendiola at 234-5498, extension 1050.

ENGLISH PLACEMENT TESTS
The English Placement Tests for Summer Semester 2006 is scheduled for Wednesday, April 5, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Friday, April 7, 2006 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Room D-1. Please bring a valid photo I.D., pencils and your receipt (for placement test fee or NMC application fee). The placement test fee is $25.00 and must be paid in advance at the NMC Finance Office prior to taking the test. Finance Office business hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and they are open during lunch hour. Please note that students will not be admitted without their receipt. If you have any questions, you are encouraged to contact the Languages and Humanities Department at 234-5498, extensions 2000 or 2603. Thank you.

Have a Safe and Wonderful Weekend!