New! We are now co-sponsoring sessions with GVSU as part of a Workshop Collaboration Pilot beginning Fall 2012. The learning opportunities detailed below are available to all GRCC employees, and earn Professional Development credits for 2012-13. Please consider participating in these sessions. Online registration is available at grcc.edu/currentlearning or call Staff Development at ext. 4285.
United Way Day of Caring
(Healthy Choices Option)
Fri Sept 14, 2012
Sign up for the morning, afternoon or the entire day! Each year, more than 1600 volunteers give more than 5000 hours to nearly 80 different organizations. This year, you can create lasting change in our community by volunteering with other students, faculty, and, staff members during the United Way’s Day of Caring. For more information or to register, contact Jeff Mutch, Community Service Learning Center, or go here.
Making Change Happen
Wed. Sept 19, 2012 | 2-3:30 pm | Room 1142 Kirkhof Center (Allendale Campus)
Wed. Nov 7, 2012 | Noon-2:00 pm | Room 302E DeVos Center (Pew Campus Downtown GR)
We set goals and have a vision for our lives and our career, but taking that first step towards success can sometimes be daunting and debilitating. Acknowledging why we get stuck, exploring our options and turning into ways we can get moving on our goals are key elements of initiating change. As a group, we’ll explore the “hard truths,” share “transition pillars,” set goals and formulate accountability partners that will spark us into action. Come prepared to initiate change.
Happiness Habits
Wed. Sept 26, 2012 | 9:30-11:00 am | Room 1142 Kirkhof Center (Allendale Campus)
Thur. Sept 27, 2012 | 9:30-11:00 am | Room 302 DeVos Center (Pew Campus Downtown GR)
Research has proven how vital happiness is to the wellbeing of each person. Happy people live longer, are healthier and have better relationships. In fact, happiness leads to more success in every area of a person’s life. Learn how you can become happy from the inside out by developing happiness habits. These habits will help you to become a happier person whose happiness does not depend on external circumstances.
Moving Up – Preparing for career advancement
Wed. Sept 26, 2012 | 2-3:30 pm | Room 1142 Kirkhof Center (Allendale Campus)
Wed. Oct 17, 2012 | 10-11:30 am | Room 302E DeVos Center (Pew Campus Downtown GR)
Even though you excel at your job there’s always room for improvement. And when it comes to taking a leap to the next position, it’s prudent to plan in advance. A new role with a new team, under new leadership in perhaps a new division brings an entirely new set of expectations. Whether you’re planning to transition soon or not for several years, it’s wise to start implementing strategies that will increase your chances for success. In this workshop, we’ll discuss mandatory professional development expectations, strategies for building your career portfolio and tips for increasing your transition potential.
What Daddies Do Best
Thur. Sept 27, 2012 | Noon – 1:00 pm | Room 2264 Kirkhof Center (Allendale Campus) OR
Thur. Nov 29, 2012 | Noon – 1:00 pm | Room 2264 Kirkhof Center (Allendale Campus)
My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, “You’re tearing up the grass.” “We’re not raising grass,” Dad would reply. “We’re raising boys.” ~Harmon Killebrew
Like football, fatherhood is about winning. But it’s more than just scoring points. It’s about winning the hearts and minds of your children and leaving a rich legacy of love for future generations. This group of Grand Valley dads meets twice a semester to talk about topics related to fatherhood. It’s facilitated by Sharalle Arnold, director of the Children’s Enrichment Center and Sue Sloop, Work Life consultant.
United Way Schools of Hope Tutoring and Training Program
(Healthy Choices Option)
Tues. Oct 2, 2012 | Noon-1:30 pm | Room 1142 Kirkhof Center (Allendale Campus) Or
Thur. Oct 4, 2012 | Noon-1:30 PM | Room 303C DeVos Center (Pew Campus Downtown GR)
Schools of Hope represents the Heart of West Michigan United Way’s Literacy strategy to close the reading achievement gap between third-grade students in Grand Rapids Public Schools and those in Kent County’s highest scoring districts.
Be a volunteer and sign up as a reading tutor. The commitment is only 30 minutes per week. With supervisor approval, no vacation or personal time will be lost to participate. Each first time tutor is required to undergo one two hour training program.
Interview Bloopers
Thur. Oct 4, 2012 | Noon-2:00 pm | Room 302E DeVos Center (Pew Campus Downtown GR)
Mon. Oct 8, 2012 | 9-11:00 am | Room 1142 Kirkhof Center (Allendale Campus)
Plan to interview for a new position? Haven’t interviewed in a period of time? Tend to get nervous when interviewing? Attend this informative and interactive workshop to review interview techniques and avoid bloopers in your next interview! Gather guidelines, share insights and enjoy a lighthearted look at what can go wrong and what should go right, in a professional interview. Presented by Sue Lindrup and Kim Monaghan, Human Resources Career Services for Faculty and Staff Consultant.
The Power of Vulnerability
Thur. Oct 11, 2012 | Noon-1:30 pm | Room 2270 Kirkhof Center (Allendale Campus)
Are you a people pleaser? In our culture it’s easy to buy into the myth that vulnerability represents weakness and our imperfections are inadequacies. Fearing disconnection, we spend too much of our precious time and energy performing, perfecting, and pleasing. Rather than believing in our worthiness, we hustle for it.
Lynne M. Lehocky, a therapist from Journey Thru Counseling Services, will join other experts in a discussion centered on Brene Brown’s video, “The Power of Vulnerability.”
Be a Better Writer at Work
Wed. Oct 17, 2012 | Noon-2:00 pm | Room 302E DeVos Center (Pew Campus Downtown GR)
Writing is the key for any successful career. Whether writing an email or a presentation, communication that is clear and concise and has a point gets positive results. Whether you enjoy writing or have difficulty crafting an email, you can learn to be a better writer- and more effective communicator. In this 90 minute workshop, learn essential skills including: A guide to the 10 most common mistakes we make in punctuation and grammar; the 5 Cs of Clear Communication; Plain English (removing jargon from your communications); Writing to inform; Writing to persuade; Putting together successful plans and presentations; You’ll learn how to write emails, memos, letters and presentations that yield great results.
Caregiving: A Reason to Overcome Sibling Rivalry
Wed. Oct 24, 2012 | Noon – 1 pm | Room 302E DeVos Center (Pew Campus Downtown GR) Or
Thur. Oct 25, 2012 | Noon – 1 pm | Room 2259 Kirkhof Center (Allendale Campus)
Sibling Rivalry can become fueled by the demands and decisions of caring for aging parents. Family dynamics often ignite when baby boomer brothers and sisters are forced to unite on how to care for mom and dad. Common questions they face:
- Who decides what’s best in their final years?
- Who takes on the primary responsibility of caring for them?
- How do siblings prevent resentment from creeping into their relationships?
- How does rivalry play a role in these decisions?
Join Jennifer Feuerstein, from Gerontology Network, a she talks frankly about how to work peacefully as a family on caregiving issues, inheritance, end-of-life decision, housing, dementia and more.
Estate Planning and Other Legal Issues for the LGBT Community
Fri. Nov 2, 2012 | Noon – 1 pm | Room 2270 Kirkhof Center (Allendale Campus) Or
Fri. Nov 9, 2012 | Noon-1 pm | Room 302E DeVos Center (Pew Campus Downtown GR)
When members of the LGBT community form new relationships, dissolve existing ones, create families, or draft estate plans, they face a daunting array of conflicting and sometimes hostile laws that their straight peers do not.
Attorney Peter M. Kulas, from Kulas Law Office will help participants understand the legal issues facing the LBGT community and give advice on preparing documents or facing legal hurdles.
Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace and Home
Tues. Nov 13, 2012 | Noon – 1:30 pm | Room 2266 Kirkhof Center (Allendale Campus) Or
Thur. Nov 15, 2012 | Noon – 1:30 pm | Room 302E DeVos Center (Pew Campus Downtown GR)
Have you noticed a change in behavior in a co-worker, a family member or friend? Would you be able to recognize signs of depression, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and anxiety?
Emotional health challenges affect many employees and their loved ones — a fact that is usually overlooked because these disorders tend to be hidden. As a result, emotional health challenges often go unrecognized and untreated.
Mike Ohren, from Encompass, will dispel the myths surrounding mental and emotional illness. Learn about what indicators to look for and hear about the success of treatment for mental disorders.
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