Photos: Veteran Student Open House

On Wednesday evening March 9 the Admissions Office and Student Records Office collaborated to host the first GRCC Veteran Student Open House. The event was held at Sneden Hall, representatives from several GRCC departments were there as well as community reps from the State of Michigan/Michigan Works, Kent County Veterans Affairs, and Goodwill Industries. Presenters shared information about the GRCC admissions process, educational programs, financial aid, student services and applying for VA educational benefits.

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Communications Dept. Staff in Business Journal Article on Social Media

Derek DeVries of GRCC’s Communications department was recently included in a Grand Rapids Business Journal article as one of six local social media experts offering advice for small businesses on using social media.  Read the article.

GRCC in the News: 3/10/11

LaughFest comic and ‘Drop Dead Diva’ star Margaret Cho tackles divisive topics
Published: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 6:00 AM | John Serba | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS — Margaret Cho has no problem calling herself a politically progressive activist. […] Comedian Margaret Cho will perform Saturday at Grand Rapids Community College’s Ford Fieldhouse as part of LaughFest, which kicks off tonight.  (More)

GRCC students to help low-income residents with taxes
By Staff reports | The Holland Sentinel | Posted Mar 09, 2011 @ 11:35 AM

Grand Rapids Community College accounting instructor Ann Palenske saw an opportunity for her students in her BA 268 Income Tax Accounting class to get out in the field and put what they are learning to work  by having her students prepare taxes for low-income Kent County citizens for free.  (More)

Grand Rapids student fashions creative footwear, builds business
by Jessalyn Richter (GRCC Compositio…) on Wednesday Mar 9th, 2011 in LOCAL LIFE

This article was written and edited by Amie Guin, Doug Johnson, Aly Lemire, and Catherine Lynema for EN 102-4433 at GRCC.  Who needs a pair of those high-priced, designer-labeled shoes that you can only pick up at a fancy retail shop?   (More)

A Second Chance: GRCC’s Life-changing Learning Corner
by Jessalyn Richter (GRCC Compositio…) on Wednesday Mar 9th, 2011 in LOCAL LIFE

This article was written and edited by Anthony Alarcon-Santiago, Emily Barr, Damion Hernandez, Merlyn Nailon, and Rachelle VanDyke for EN 102-1593 at GRCC.  Michigan’s Constitution [Art. 8, Section 2], requires that a system of free schools be maintained and supported “in a nondiscriminatory manner.”  However, disparities within Michigan’s public school systems continue to thrive. For example, 31 percent of Grand Rapids public school students drop out. And the stakes for our community and for these students are high.  68 percent of Michigan’s prisoners are identified as high school dropouts.   (More)

A matter of life and death: GRCC students share perspectives on “Bodies Revealed”
by Jessalyn Richter (GRCC Compositio…) on Wednesday Mar 9th, 2011 in OPINION

This article was written and edited by David Fortuna, Tanisha Hill, Joe Sagorski, Craig Scougale, and Jose Torres for EN 102-1593 at GRCC.  Grand Rapids is considered by some to be a dying city, but these days the city is gaining attention from those interested in preserving life. With the influx of organizations such as the Van Andel Institute, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and the recently opened Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital on the Medical Mile, day by day, disease and death are conquered through investigation and use of technology.  (More)

Bridging the Gap: New Grand Rapids startup brings parents and teachers together to help students
by Jessalyn Richter (GRCC Compositio…) on Thursday Mar 10th, 2011 in LOCAL LIFE

This article was written and edited by Annie Batts, Megan Carrington, Trevor Cooper, and Jessica Covert for EN 102-4433 at GRCC.  Education provides an opportunity for everyone to reach their full potential. Unfortunately, some students who put the time and effort into learning still end up failing.  (More)

The Rear-View Mirror: Understanding How the Past Impacts the Present and Future

Employee Professional Development & Enrichment is bringing Dr. David Beighley from Beighley Consulting in to facilitate this two part learning opportunity on Wednesdays, March 16 & 30 from 1-3 p.m.

Each one of us is born with tendencies and an inherent personality of some type. However, the most powerful aspect that dictates our behaviors is what we have learned and the messages we received from the most influential individuals around us. Through the use of the Beighley Issues Awareness Scale, participants will examine a variety of those messages and their places in our current thoughts and behaviors.

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Learn about the messages they received from the most influential individuals and systems in their lives,
2. Evaluate the appropriateness and functions of those behaviors that have been carried through into adulthood,
3. Learn tools for changing those behaviors that are no longer applicable for a healthy adult life and relationships.

Register for this special learning opportunity at www.grcc.edu/currentlearning

Employee Learning Opportunities: 3/15/11-3/25/11

Learning Opportunities for ALL employees
from Employee Professional Development & Enrichment

Tuesday, March 15
Measuring & Utilizing Indicators of Success 1:30-3 p.m.

Wednesday, March 16
The Rear View Mirror (2 part training w/part 2 on March 30) 1-3 p.m.

Thursday, March 17
Team Leadership 1-2:30 p.m.

Friday, March 18
Consensus Building 9-10:30 a.m.

Monday, March 21
Unintentional Blindness 2-3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 22
Is Stress Stressing You Out? 1-2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 23
Building Trusting Relationships 9-11 a.m.
Neither Pudgy nor Bulky (cardio vs. resistence training in the “battle of the bulge) 1-2:30 p.m.
Best Practices for Effective Meetings 2-3 p.m.

Thursday, March 24
Persuasive Communication 9-11 a.m.
Life Plan Seminar 2-4 p.m.

Friday, March 25
Strengths 101: Discover Your Strengths 9-11 a.m.

For descriptions or to register, go to www.grcc.edu/currentlearning

March is National Nutrition Month: Control Those Portions

Portion sizes are increasing almost everywhere we turn – at the grocery store, at restaurants, at home and at the movies. Studies show that when faced with larger portions, people inadvertently consume more calories which can lead to weight gain. There are ways that you can control your portions. Read more about many ways that portion control can help you toward a healthier lifestyle.

Here is a link for some great tips on controlling your portion size.

Last call for Health & Wellness Award Nominations

Nominations for the President’s Health & Wellness Award are due into Employee Professional Development & Enrichment by 4 p.m. Monday, March 14.  Download the Nomination Form.