Free Blood Pressure Screenings 10/15 and 10/19

[Correction: Only the screening scheduled at the Calkins Science Center on 10/15 has been cancelled – all other screenings will be held as previously scheduled] GRCC’s AD Nursing Students are sponsoring free blood pressure screenings on October 15 and 19.  The screenings will take place on a variety of locations on campus:

Thursday, October 15, 2009 from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Winchester Alley
• 4th Floor Main
• 3rd floor Student Cente

Monday, October 19, 2009 from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

• First Floor Calkins Science Bldg  (Bostwick Entrance)
• Winchester Alley
• 4th Floor Main
• 3rd floor Student Center

GRCC Kicks off Gender & Sexuality Symposium

GRCC’s Gender and Sexuality Symposium kicked off yesterday with an introduction from Dr. Ender.  The first session featured Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences,  Dr. Laurie Chesley whose presentation was titled “Women Behaving Badly: An Examination of Conduct Literature from Daniel Defoe to Dr. Laura.”

The symposium continues through Wednesday.  For more information including a schedule visit: www.grcc.edu/gendersymposium

Total Compensation Study Team Update

To follow is the first of many updates from the Total Compensation Study Team:

The Total Compensation Study Team met for the first time on Monday, October 12, 2009

The team consists of: Fred van Hartesveldt, Lorraine Fortuna, Misty McClure, Tony Myers, Sandy Lancaster, Cathy Wilson, Mansfield Matthewson, Kathy Mullins, and Steve Ender.

The purpose of Monday’s meeting was for the group to review the draft of the RFP for the Total Compensation Project and to get it ready to send out to vendors the week of October 19th. Once it has been sent out, the RFP will be available for review on the GRCC website if anyone is interested in taking a look.

RFP’s are due back to GRCC no later than 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 19th and the team plans to have a vendor selected no later than the third week of December.

The scope of the Total Compensation Study Project will be thoroughly reviewed with all employees at Learning Day on January 5, 2010. The vendor selected to conduct the study is scheduled to take part in that Learning Day presentation.

As this process moves forward, the college will continue to provide updates via GRCC Today.

GRCC Cultural Geography Students Explore Michigan Wine Landscapes

Michigan grapes and wines account for $790 million in revenue annually, its wineries produce more than a million gallons of wine each year, and the state ranks 13th in the U.S. in wine production. Even though a shortage of trained viticultural professionals constrains the industry’s expansion, some of the world’s best Rieslings are found in the Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas.

These were some of the realities learned on October 9 by GRCC Cultural Geography students who participated in an organized field study of this region where they examined its environmental characteristics, such as climate and topography, in relation to farming and viticulture as well as wine production and its influence on the cultural landscape. Students explored the Good Neighbor Organic Vineyard, gaining substantial insight about organic agriculture and sustainability while walking through apple orchards and blocks of Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and Concord grapes. At Chateau Chantal, they toured the winery and learned further details about the processes associated with making wine and its importance to Michigan’s economy.

GRCC’s Student Newspaper Takes top Honors

GRCC’s student newspaper, “The Collegiate,” won a variety of honors from the 2009 Michigan Press Association (MPA) including:

• first place in general excellence for division three college news web site
• second place general excellence for division three college print newspaper
• a division three “journalist of the year” award for Editor Lonnie Allen
• two honorable mention awards in news and column writing for Arts & Entertainment Editor Jacqueline Prins
• first place for news page design
• third place sports photo award
• third place in overall newspaper design

GRCC Employees Raise $1,175 for “Light the Night”

Fatima Nieves reports that a small but enthusiastic GRCC group faced the cold and participated in the Light the Night Walk on Saturday to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association, raising an impressive $1,175.00.  For more information or to contribute, click here.

Teacher Education Seminar: 11/4/09

The November 4th Teacher Education Seminar will explore opportunities available to students interested in teaching special needs. The title will be “Thinking of Becoming a Special Needs Teacher?”  More information:  www.grcc.edu/education

GRCC Employee Flu Shot Information

West Michigan Health Insurance Pool (BC/BS) Flu Shot Coverage

WMHIP participants can be reimbursed directly from BC/BS for flu shots given on site October 15, 2009. Shots will be available at the Bookstore for $18.00 from noon-2:00 PM. There will be a sign up sheet for all WMHIP participants to request your reimbursement. You must provide your Name, BC/BS contract Id # (Enrollee id XYZ-# on insurance card), Date of Birth and signature. The Payroll/Benefits Department will submit for reimbursement on your behalf.

MESSA Flu Shot Coverage

MESSA participants can be reimbursed directly from MESSA for flu shots given on site October 15, 2009. Shots are available at the Bookstore for $18.00 from noon -2:00 PM. You will need to submit a copy of your insurance card, and your receipt. You can fax or mail in your request for reimbursement.

• Fax: (517) 333-6229 | Attn: Laurie Merritt (Personal & Confidential)
• Mail: MESSA
  Attn: Laurie Merritt
  1475 Kendale Blvd
  P.O. Box 2560
  East Lansing, MI 48826-2560

Priority Health Flu Shot Coverage

Priority Health participants must have flu shot administered at your providers office. If administered by your physician you will have $10 office visit co-pay, if your physician office has a nurse that can administer the flu shot you will not be charged for office visit co-pay.

Grand Valley Health Flu Shot Coverage

Grand Valley Health Participants must have flu shot administered at a Grand Valley Health Center. Must meet medical criteria according to the CDC for flu shot coverage:

• Children and teens age 6 months to 18 years
• Pregnant Women
• Adults 50 and older
• Anyone with a long-term health condition (i.e. heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes or asthma)

IT Help Desk Topic #10: Online Student Center

As part of the IT Help Desk Labs series “Help Desk Tips, Tricks and How To,” learn how to set up an Online Center (PeopleSoft) account:

• Watch the Video
• Knowledge Base Article: Setting up an Online Student Center Account

If you would like to see other topics discussed by IT Help Desk Labs – please email them @ ITLabs@grcc.edu

GRCC in the News: 10/13/09

Eighth-ranked GRCC football team rolls past Joliet CC, clinches conference title
By The Grand Rapids Press | October 10, 2009, 8:20PM

JOLIET, Ill. — Grand Rapids Community College high-powered offense leads the nation in scoring. It didn’t disappoint Saturday. The Raiders clinched the Midwest Football Conference Eastern Division title with a 51-7 victory against Joliet Junior College.  (More)

Move It Or Lose It Winners: 10/13/09

Mike Faber, Older Learner Center and Troy Walwood, Manufacturing, are the winners of the Move It or Lost It bi-weekly gift card drawing.  Mike selected a $25 Meijer Gift Card with Troy selecting a $25 MC Sports Gift Card.  Remember, employees can join Move It or Lose It anytime.