GRCC In the News, 1-24-13

Does online education work? Live chat with Grand Rapids Community College experts on Thursday

January 23, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — In the world of higher education, online learning is growing.
That’s especially true at Grand Rapids Community College, where enrollment in online classes is up about 17 percent since the winter 2012 semester.

Flu prevention a focus for future cooks

January 23, 2013; WZZM 13

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) – The Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is one of the finest cooking schools in the country. Before students at the Grand Rapids Community College program learn about cooking though, they must be certified in sanitation and cleanliness. That’s of special concern when there are flu outbreaks like we’re experiencing now.

Diversifying Downtown

January 24, 2013; rapidgrowthmedia.com

A viable and attractive city must be diverse. This doesn’t just mean that your census shows you have a statistically diverse population, it means when one goes to your city’s urban core, that statistical data is reflected in who they see living, working, and playing in the streets and establishments. The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) wasn’t seeing the diversity reflected in their three entertainment venues — the DeVos Place Convention Center, The Van Andel Arena, or the DeVos Performance Hall — so they decided to form the Community Inclusion Group (CIG).

… But it’s not just about entertainment events. The team also works to host inclusive community events. One example is the Giants banquet. This 30-year-old event, previously held on campus at Grand Rapids Community College, awards African-American community members who have made advancements for the quality of life in Grand Rapids. MacKeigan refers to convincing the event to move to the DeVos Place, a more expensive venue, and working with them to secure additional sponsoring as one of their biggest successes. “They took the risk and their revenue has greatly exceeded the increased expenses and created a much better event,” he says. This mutually rewarding event mirrors other receptions and events held at the DeVos Place, and works to help provide a positive experience for communities who may not have come to the downtown area for other reasons before.

Photo highlights from the evening MLK commemoration

You can view the entire selection of photos, by clicking here.

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Expanding GRCC’s Photo Library

GRCCePRINT is looking to expand its library of images and would like to know if you have anything that you think would make for interesting pictures. If so, please contact Andrew Schmidt at ajschmidt1@grcc.edu to schedule a shoot or click here.

Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing classes begin in February 2013

Classes start in February 2013 for the Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing series. The courses are taught by Mark A. Morris, who has more than 30 years experience in tooling and manufacturing as a skilled machinist, toolmaker, college instructor, technical writer, and quality professional in roles from
quality engineer to director of continuous improvement.

Problem Solving – 8 Steps & 5 Whys Overview covers a standard process for solving problems and generating corrective actions that allows your company to respond quickly, consistently and effectively when issues arise. Experience with the techniques, analysis and structure of problem solving models helps maximize team members contribution to the effort. The class runs 7:30-11:30 a.m. February 13 and costs $65. To register, click here.

5S – Organizing the Workplace Overview covers a foundational technique in lean manufacturing. This module is a simulation designed to create an awareness of the impact of a clean, organized workplace on attitudes, safety, quality and productivity. The class runs 12:30-4:3o p.m. February 13 and costs $65. To register, click here.

Statistical Process Control (SPC)  allows for real-time process adjustments before product characteristics are out of specification. Understanding the charts, the rules and some theory can help operators make better decisions during production, and thus reduce waste. Module I focuses on the average-range chart, importance of accurate data, and interpreting for control conditions. The class runs 12:30-4:30 p.m. February 2o and costs $65. To register, click here.

Statistical Process Control (SPC) II continues with more theory, more charts and understanding capability indices. It runs 8 a.m. to noon February 27 and costs $65. To register, click here.

Tolerancing Strategies with GD&T is an advanced three-day course that combines tolerancing concepts with statistical methods. We examine part tolerances, fixture tolerances, gage tolerances, assembly tolerances and the interactions between them. Tolerance stacks are evaluated via worst case analysis and a variety of statistical techniques. Strategies for robust design capitalize on operational definitions of GD&T to minimize loss to society. It runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 18 to 20 and costs $875. To register, click here.

Basic Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing  covers how industry uses GD&T to specify contractual requirements.  Our basic course builds competence to correctly apply and interpret the rules, definitions, principles, and symbols per the American National Standard, ASME Y14.5 – 2009, in only two days! This course provides a common language to improve communication, so set-up requirements and tolerance zones are clearly understood by all. The class runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 13 and 14 and costs $585. To register, click here.