Daily Archives: October 28, 2013

GRCC In the News, 10-28-13

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Change Ups: Special needs baseball field dedicated

Oct. 25, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… Architecture professors from Grand Rapids Community College and Lawrence Technological University discussed jointly how their expertise has helped nonprofit organizations at GRCC’s Wisner-Bottrail Applied Technology Center. Scott Shall, chairman of LTU’s department of architecture, discussed Practiced Learning, and David Dyke, professor in GRCC’s department of mechanical and architecture design, talked about his work with Habitat for Humanity of Kent County.

… Grand Rapids Community College and Aquinas College announced they have entered into an articulation agreement that will allow faculty from both schools to work together in creating a seamless transfer experience for GRCC students.

Kalamazoo College honored for its efforts

Oct. 25, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Kalamazoo College has purchased more than 2.5 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy since enrolling in Consumers Energy’s Green Generation program in 2009, which is one of the reasons the college was recognized this year as the program’s Green Generation Customer of the Year.

… Kalamazoo College joins the program’s past winners — Irwin Seating, Grand Rapids Community College, University of Michigan-Flint, Dow Corning, the city of Grand Rapids and Wolverine Worldwide — in this honor.

Aquinas among nation’s leaders in sustainability movement

Oct. 25, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Grand Rapids has gone to great lengths to become a sustainable city, and its colleges and universities reflect that movement.

… Grand Rapids Community College offers a similar objective: to bring together the school’s students and faculty to employ sustainability factors of the triple bottom line into everyday life.

Actors’ Theatre leads Grand Award winners with outstanding musical, play

Oct. 28, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Racking up awards is next to normal for Actors Theatre, which won a total of 11 Grand Awards Sunday night including Outstanding Musical for “Next to Normal” and Outstanding Play for “A Steady Rain.” Circle Theatre productions won seven awards including four for the season’s final show, “Sweeney Todd.”

… Duane Davis, longtime director of choral music for Grand Rapids Community College, received the Norma Brink Lifetime Achievement award. Lou Vanderhave received a special award for his volunteer commitment. The stage crew of “Legally Blonde” won the new techie award for collecting the most additional contributions for Combined Theatre Scholarships.

GRCC hosts benefit fair

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The 2013 Annual GRCC Benefit Fair is Thursday October 31, 2013 from 11:00am thru 3:00pm in the ATC Building. Stop by for a 5 minute chair message, participate in various raffles, and meet with participating vendors. You can even get your flu shot!!!

Bookstore to hold FLASH SALE

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The GRCC Bookstore is holding a one-day-only FLASH SALE on Tuesday, October 29!

Specials on Tuesday include:

  • 25% Off – Fleece sweatshirts and pants – Includes hoodies and crewnecks (not including Columbia)
  • 25% Off – Blankets
  • 25% Off – Clearance items
  • 25% Off – JVC Marshmallow and JVC Gummy Earbuds
  • 25% Off – Imprinted notebooks and binders
  • 25% Off – All student reference books and materials (non-text)

 

Fieldhouse to close early on November 1

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This coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 1-3, 2013, the Ford Fieldhouse is scheduled to host the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Region XII Women’s Volleyball Tournament.  As we prepare the facility for this large-scale undertaking, all general exercise and recreational areas of the Ford Fieldhouse will close at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2013.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Flu shots scheduled for October 31

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This flu season, don’t get caught without your flu vaccine. Protect yourself by getting vaccinated.

Flu shots will be provided to GRCC staff. Students are excluded. Cost to GRCC Staff will be $17 cash or check payable to GRCC. Flu shots will be administered by Spectrum Health Visiting Nurses.

Employees covered under Priority Health, WMHIP or MESSA must bring their insurance cards in order for Spectrum Health to bill on your behalf.

Flu Shot Clinic
Thursday, October 31, 2013
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(ATC) Banquet Room 118

RaiderCard makes changes

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photoBeginning October 31, 2013, a new and improved RaiderCard tab on Blackboard (bb.grcc.edu) will be available to GRCC students and staff. With this interface, users will be able to view two years of their transaction history and activate and deactivate their RaiderCard.

A FREE mobile app will be available to users with an iPhone, iPod touch, or Android phone. The mobile app will allow users to check their RaiderCard balance, look up transaction history and make deposits easily from their mobile devices.

Information on how to download the app will be available at raidercard.grcc.edu on October 31,2013.

ESP Collecting Items for Grand Rapids Home for Veterans

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The ESP employee group is collecting much needed items for the Grand Rapids Home for Veteran’s, from 10/28 – 12/19/13, for the holiday season.

Items needed include:

  • Gift cards or certificates to fast food restaurants (such as McDonald’s)
  • Lap blankets
  • New or gently used clothing – size 2x or larger
  • 100 piece puzzles
  • Personal toiletries:  body wash, mouthwash, deodorant, or cologne (for men or women)
  • Pencils and letter writing pads/kits
  • Postage Stamps

Donations will gladly be accepted at any of the following locations around campus:

  • Colleen Copus (x2103) – Math Tutorial Lab – Rm 105 Cook Bldg.
  • Tracy Payne (x3673) – Rm 101- Sneden Hall
  • Janis Qualls (x4248) –  Rm 318 – Science Bldg.
  • Francisco Ramirez (x3181) – Enrollment Center – 1st Floor Main Bldg.
  • Kathy Kolehouse (x3940) – Rm 100 – Music Bldg.
  • Kim Musser (x4253) – College Park Plaza – 2nd Floor Lobby

Items will be collected every Thursday, then dropped off at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans on Friday, December 20th.   We would appreciate your support.  Please help us, to help them. Thank you.

Understand Copyright Law – The Library Can Help

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Under GRCC policy, all employees must comply with copyright law.

The most straightforward way to guarantee compliance is to obtain a copyright holder’s written permission. When duplication services are needed for classroom use, instructors should be prepared to clearly demonstrate permission for things like pages from Instructor Manuals and Test Banks, copies of media, and online sources. At the discretion of Media Services or Print Solutions, further proof of permission may be required.

Anyone who disregards copyright does so at their own risk, assuming all liability, including criminal penalty as defined in Title 17 of the U.S. Code. Normally, this is not a matter involving the GRCC Legal Office.

Fair Use

There is no simple test to determine fair use; only the courts can authoritatively determine fair use. Section 107 of the Copyright Act sets forth four considerations to help you judge fair use.

  1. The purpose and character of use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes
  2. The nature of the copyrighted work
  3. The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole
  4. The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work

How the Library & Learning Commons (LLC) can help

Department liaison librarians can help you verify citations and help determine a copyright owner. They will show you how to create online linking solutions that are copyright compliant, and they can guide you through the process of obtaining your copyright clearance online.

November Learning Opportunities from Staff Development

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Registration is open to all Staff and Faculty and is available online at the following link: http://www.grcc.edu/staffdevelopment/currentlearningopportunitiesregistration or by calling Staff Development at ext. 4285.

Facilitate Difficult Conversations

Mon Nov 4, 2013

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Room 122 LRC

Participant discussion in response to short vignettes related to critical teaching moments in classrooms and raises issues of free speech/hate speech, classroom climate, pedagogy, confronting oppressive behavior and a host of other topics related to learning environments. Participants will understand that each individual’s story will contribute to different perspectives and reactions; Have a new awareness of unintentional consequences to classroom actions and words; Have a better understanding of how other faculty handles awkward or upsetting classroom moments and begin to develop strategies to address the unexpected in the classroom.

Interview Roundtable

Mon Nov 4, 2013

11 AM – 1 PM

Room 1142 Kirkhof Center, GVSU Allendale Campus

This is a “come to the table” interactive session focused on interviewing. With a goal of building your confidence, comfort and success in an interview, this roundtable will address questions, dialogue, challenges and concerns, and will include “mock interview” moments. This is the “everything you ever wanted to know, but were afraid to ask” roundtable session. Please bring your lunch, dress comfortably and be ready to respond to questions, provide feedback and discuss all the do’s, don’ts, why’s and what it takes to succeed in your next interview. **Due to limited number of seats, preference will be given to GVSU employees in the event the workshop is full**

Leading From the Middle

Mon Nov 4, 2013

1:30 – 4:30 PM

Room 2263 Kirkhof Center, GVSU Allendale Campus

Stuck in the middle?–leading from where you are. Are you a mid-level manager and with ideas for positive change, but feel like you don’t have the positional power to make those changes? This interactive workshop with provide opportunities to explore the possibilities and strategies for assessing the risks, acting with courage, changing your work environment, and leading change from the middle. **Due to limited number of seats, preference will be given to GVSU employees in the event the workshop is full**

Sexual Harassment Awareness

Tue Nov 5, 2013

9 – 10:30 AM

Room 103 Sneden

GRCC is committed to providing an academic and work environment that respects the dignity of individuals and groups. It is GRCC policy to prohibit harassment of one employee by another employee and/or supervisor on the basis of sex. This training provides a necessary tool for preventing sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment Awareness Training will help you understand the effective ways to identify and handle sexual harassment complaints when they occur.

Happiness Club

Thu Nov 7, 2013

12-1 PM

Room 1142 Kirkhof Center, GVSU Allendale Campus

Join others who are interested in making changes to their thoughts and attitude to become a happier person. The Happiness Club will provide an opportunity to meet and network with others who are committed to improving the quality of their life by injecting happiness into everyday living.

Higher Education Young Professionals Leadership and Networking

Thu Nov 7, 2013

1 – 3 PM

Room 314, Bicycle Factory, GVSU GR Campus

Is higher education “youth-friendly?” As a new generation of professionals emerges in higher education, we need open dialogue about taking initiative, being innovative and encouraging young talent. Join a panel of your peers to hear networking tips and career success stories followed by a reception.

De-Stress: The Art & Science of Managing Stress

Thu Nov 7, 2013

3 – 4:30 PM

Room 103 Sneden

In this 90 minute workshop, you will learn what’s really happening in your brain when you get stressed out and some easy (even fun!) ways to manage. You will discover some of your personal stress triggers, how to prevent triggering and how to manage in the moment. You’ll also get some new insight into how the culture and context of your workplace impacts your stress level and some strategies specifically for managing your stress at work.

Effective Communication Skills

Part 1: Fri Nov 8, 2013

Part 2: Fri Nov 15, 2013

9 – 11 AM

Room 103 Sneden

THIS IS A TWO-PART COURSE. Participants must commit to both parts:  This highly interactive program will teach techniques for effective, active listening and the importance of non-verbal communications. This program will include video and role plays.

Cook Healthy & Delicious the Mediterranean Way

Fri Nov 8, 2013

1:30 – 3 PM

Room 130 ATC

Part of the Kent County Health Department-Adult Nutrition Series: Discover the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet and how to make it part of your lifestyle. The class will take you on a journey around the Mediterranean by sampling delicious menu items and introducing you to new recipe ideas.

Generational Diversity in the Workplace

Tue Nov 12, 2013

11:30 Am – 1:30 PM

Room 122 LRC

Never before have we had four generations of people together in the workplace. Because of this shift in employee demographics, the need to create safe places to discuss generational differences is vital. Essential to the Generational Diversity in the Workplace workshop are interactive activities, videos and small group dialogue exploring the relationship between different generations.

Bias Incident Protocol Training

Tue Nov 12, 2013

3:30 – 5 PM

Room 1008A Seidman Building, GVSU GR Campus

What is a biased incident? Do they happen at GRCC or GVSU? What do I do if I experience or witness one? The Team Against Bias (TAB) is a diverse group of faculty, staff and students at GVSU. The group was created to review information regarding bias incidents and implement strategies to educate and engage the campus community. TAB is committed to making certain that all faculty, staff and students know what a bias incident is and how to use their protocol for reporting such incidents. This training is both interactive and practical. This workshop presented by Members of the GVSU Team Against Bias (TAB). **Due to limited number of seats, preference will be given to GVSU employees in the event the workshop is full**

Safety & Security on Campus

Tue Nov 12, 2013

10 – 11:30 AM

Room 204 Sneden

Appropriate reactions to campus emergencies are presented by Officer Tony Myers, including a wide range of emergency scenarios. Practical tools for reacting in the case of emergencies are shared.

A2: Why We Can’t Wait: Compliance and Accessibility

Wed Nov 13, 2013

3:15 – 4:15 PM

Room 103 Sneden

Accessibility Advocates (A2) workshop training. Through the lens of social justice and the words of Civil Rights Activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the father of the Disability Rights Movement, Ed Roberts, this session will establish and motivate a pro-active spirit in making course content, classrooms and the campus environment accessible for all individuals regardless of ability level or diagnosis. After completing this session, participants will be able to:

1) Understand the history of oppression with regards to ability level and the disability rights movement. 2) Learn the difference between retroactive and pro-active accommodation.

3) Know the clearly defined difference between being compliant and being accessible

What Daddies Do Best

Thu Nov 14, 2013

12 – 1 PM

Room 2264, Kirkhof Center, GVSU Allendae Campus

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 GVSU and GRCC dads meets twice a semester to talk about topics related to fatherhood.

Juicing 101

Fri Nov 15, 2013

10 – 11:30 AM

Room 130 ATC

Come learn about the health benefits of juicing. This session will introduce healthy options for participants who are interested in increasing fruit and vegetable intake. The facilitator will cover both the benefits and precautions inherent to the consumption of any fresh produce.

Budget 101

Tue Nov 19, 2013

10 – 11:30 AM

Room 103 Sneden

Understanding where the college receives its revenues and how that money is spent is important for all GRCC employees. This course will enable employees to answer basic questions from friends, co-workers, and community about the College’s money and how it is used. Strategies for using saving College money will also be discussed.

Cancer Warriors Network

Wed Nov 20, 2013

3 – 4:30 PM

Room 2270, Kirkhof Center, GVSU Allendale Campus

Nearly 14 million cancer survivors are celebrating birthdays this year. This statistic illustrates that growing numbers of people are surviving cancer. However, a cancer diagnosis is frightening and affects not only the person diagnosed with cancer, but caregivers and loved ones. If you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, have a loved one battling cancer, or you are through with treatment and on the road to recovery, join us to connect with others who have traveled this journey, who can be a source of comfort and hope. This meeting is an opportunity to bring together GVSU and GRCC families and friends, who have been impacted by cancer to gain information and support through speakers and cancer resources available on the site.

Time Management for Peak Performance

Wed Nov 20, 2013

1 – 3 PM

Room 147 ATC

Time is money, the saying goes, and frequently it gets lost in disorganization and disruption. In this workshop, participants will learn how to make the most of their time by getting a grip on their office space, organizing their workflow, and learning how to use their planner effectively.

Institute for Healing Racism

Thu Nov 21 from 8:45 AM – 5 PM

Fri Nov 22 from 9 AM – 3:30 PM

Room 108 Sneden

THIS IS A TWO-DAY WORKSHOP: The Institute for Healing Racism is a powerful and thought provoking venue that brings together diverse groups of people to explore and address issues of race and racism. Participants have the opportunity to examine how the dis-ease of racism affects all people and develop skills to detect institutional racism in our daily environments (i.e. home, workplace, community, organization and business).

Alzheimer and Dementia Support Group

Thu Nov 21, 2013

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Room 2243, Kirkhof Center, GVSU Allendale Campus

Alzheimer’s disease is known for placing a great burden on the caregiver. The pressures can be wide-ranging, and touch the social, psychological, physical, and economic facets of the caregiver’s life. The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group is open to the entire campus community; students, faculty and staff members, and the public.

Leadership Your Team Will Follow

Thu Nov 21, 2013

9 AM – 12 PM

What are the hallmarks of a great leader? To begin, a great leader is one who understands the importance of capitalizing on the strengths of their team. They also know the importance of creating a healthy and positive work environment by fostering clear and open lines of communication. Finally, great leaders rally their team to align their personal and professional visions with your overall department / organization goals.

In this interactive workshop, you will discover:

1) What makes you a great leader and where are your growth opportunities.

2) How conducting a SWOTS analysis of your department/organization is imperative for goal attainment.

3) Ways to empower your team, help them realize their potential, and foster great working relationships 4) Admission of weakness doesn’t equate to failure, but rather provides a platform for modeling professional growth and empowerment.