Celebrating Energy Conservation Efforts on Earth Day!

GRCC Reduces Energy Consumption 19.2%, and Saves $3,932,080

While the world celebrates Earth Day this month, GRCC celebrates the continuing efforts of faculty, staff and students to conserve energy and resources.

Since GRCC began the Energy Conservation Program in May of 2008, energy consumption has been reduced by 190,338 MMBTUs. That reduction translates into 19,984 tons of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere, which is equivalent to 3,587 passenger cars removed from the road, or 511,160 trees planted!! By reducing energy consumption, GRCC has avoided nearly $4 million in energy costs.

These savings have come, in part, from the day to day efforts everyone on campus to reduce energy usage. The college continues efforts toward sustainability and energy reduction across campus through projects such as:

• Retrofitting and replacing outdated campus lighting systems. This significantly improves light quality and efficiency.
• Implementation of a specialized demand control ventilation system in the Science Building that continuously monitors critical indoor parameters and provides the optimal level of airflow to ensure health, comfort and energy reduction.
• Installation of occupancy sensors in offices, hallways, and classrooms to minimize lighting energy consumption when spaces are unoccupied.
• Replacing existing HVAC systems to optimize the operating conditions and control of building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

This Earth Day, ask yourself, “Are you doing your part to promote energy conservation on campus?” Energy conservation does take some effort but think how much better our planet will be if we all take a few steps to reduce our energy use every day. You CAN make a difference! Together, we can save real dollars, reduce our carbon footprint, and be good stewards of the environment.

VAN & MARINUS SWETS TRAVEL AWARD OPPORTUNITY FOR GRCC EMPLOYEES (non student employees)

This travel award is for fun, enjoyment, and relaxation. It is not intended to supplement any faculty, staff or administrator’s professional development travel funds. A cash award of up to $400 will be given to any full or part-time GRCC employee who completes the following requirements and has his or her essay judged the best to fulfill the employee’s intention to relax, enjoy and have fun.

Requirements:

1. Submit an essay (500 words or less) telling how you intend to use thecash award for fun, enjoyment, relaxation. The more unusual, the better!

2. Essays will not be judged on spelling, writing style, organization, usage or grammar.

3. Essays may be hand-written or typed. Do not put your name on the essay. Attach to the essay a sealed envelope containing your name and phone number. Write the last four numbers of your social security number in the upper right hand corner of the first page of the essay and on the outside of the envelope. Send the essay and envelope to Mary Reed, Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Office. All essays must be received by Friday, May 3, 2013.

4. All award winners will be notified by May 10, 2013.

For more information you may contact Mary Reed (616)234-3930 or mreed@grcc.edu.

Seminar focuses on developmental mathematics

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department will host its last Mathematics Seminar of the 2012 – 2013 academic year on Tuesday, April 23, 3:00 – 4:00 PM in 107 Cook.  This seminar features a panel of GRCC instructors, including Betsy McKinney, Andrea Hayes, Shanna Goff, Linda Spoelman, Dominic Mattone and Paul Miltgen.  Please see the title and abstract for more information.

Our April seminar should appeal to anyone who teaches or plans to teach, as the topics to be discussed apply to students of all ages and to areas beyond the realm of mathematics.  Faculty who teach developmental Mathematics and English, and students who plan to teach at any level, are encouraged to attend.  As is always the case with our seminars, everyone is welcome.

Pop and cookies will be served at 2:45 PM.

Teaching Developmental Mathematics: It’s Not Just About Math!

 Across the state and the country, the need for developmental mathematics courses is growing as more students are entering college underprepared.   These students bring a unique set of challenges, skills, and experiences to the classroom.  After a brief overview of current trends in developmental education, a diverse panel of experienced developmental mathematics teachers will discuss the various challenges they encounter when teaching the developmental student.  Topics will also include best practices in the developmental classroom, technology in the developmental classroom, and the “other” skills developmental educators teach their students.  Time will also be given for the audience to ask questions of the panel.