Daily Archives: December 9, 2013

GRCC In the News, 12-9-13

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Workshops draw 500 GRPS seniors to learn about post-graduation career paths

Dec. 6, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Ottawa High School student Jamaal Dunlap listened intently Friday, Dec. 6, during a “Connect with the Military” workshop at the “Turn It Up!” conference Grand Rapids schools held for seniors to prepare them for life after high school.

… “My hope is that students understand that it all starts with them,” said Chris Sain, coordinator of retention at Grand Rapids Community College, who taught the session ‘College Life in Community College.’

“If college is something they want, they have to dedicate themselves and commit to being successful. College is not 13th grade.”

Inside Track: Siebert’s heart is in homes and people who build them

Dec. 6, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

She is perfectly at home with residential construction. It’s in her blood, having been handed down to her from her family.

… (Emily) Siebert serves on the advisory board for the Academy of Construction and Design at Grand Rapids Public Schools and on the advisory council for the GRCC M-TEC Residential Construction Program. She also contributes her time to the Kent County Land Bank Authority as a member of its Advisory Council, which has a fairly broad-based membership.

Basketball: Skippers earn pair of victories over Black Hawk

Dec. 7, 2013; The Times Herald (Port Huron)

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL. — The St. Clair County Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams enjoyed a successful day Saturday, as each team recorded a victory.

… The SC4 women (6-2) will host Grand Rapids Community College on Dec. 14.

Enrollment Center shares student’s gratitude

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The Admissions and Enrollment Center would like to share this response we recently received from a student while we were doing enrollment outreach efforts. A very nice response that reflects all the good work being done by everyone at GRCC!

Thank you for checking on me. I am transferring Full-time to Davenport starting Winter of 2014, and will no longer be attending GRCC. I have taken everything possible that I could on GRCC for my Degree Plan, including my 3rd year. I am grateful for all the money GRCC has helped me save, and what I have learned while attending GRCC.

DENTAL ASSISTING CLUB TOOTHBRUSH SALE

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TOOTHBRUSHES:  $ 10.00 per dozen or $5.00 for ½ dozen

Oral B Advantage – Compact (size 35) or Full size head (size 40)

Children’s brushes – Stage 3 (ages 5-7) or Stage 4 (8 and up)

CREST PROFESSIONAL WHITESTRIPS – (4 times stronger than retail)

$ 30.00

Please contact Julie Bera, via email to place your order by Friday December 13, 2013, if you would like them for the holidays, otherwise, orders can be placed at a later date.  She will arrange the order to get to you.

GVSU Excellence Series added to GRCC schedule of Learning Opportunities for winter 2014

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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. **Due to limited number of seats, preference will be given to GVSU employees in the event the workshop is full**

JANUARY

Profitable Time Management
Tuesday, January 14, 2014 • 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Room 123, Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences
Workshop presented by Renwick Brutus, MBA; founder & CEO, Achievement Resources, LLC

This is an exciting look at time management for those individuals who never seem to find the time for things that matter most.  Participants will learn how to:

  • Establish goals and priorities
  • Determine high-impact activities
  • Say “no” and feel OK
  • Schedule and use calendars effectively
  • Delegate and obtain willing assistance

Creating Optimism in The Workplace

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 • 8:30 am – 11:30 am, Room 2266, Russel H. Kirkhof Center

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 • 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Room 1008A, L. William Seidman Center

Workshop presented by Sheryl Prindle, Training Consultant

Is negativity a problem in your office?  Workplace negativity can spread quickly and quietly, but it can be stopped if you recognize the danger signals and act on them.  Negativity is often the underlying cause of poor performance, deteriorating quality, or a fall-off in teamwork.  This training gives people the tools they need to:

  • Trace and replace their unproductive behaviors
  • Learn the difference between healthy skepticism and whining
  • Effectively challenge negativity in others
  • Develop a “we can get it done” attitude

When employees put negativity behind them, healthy communication thrives, absenteeism takes a holiday, and creativity and innovation flourish.

FEBRUARY

Eight Ground Rules for Job Success in the Face of Change

Thursday, February 6, 2014 • 9:00 am – 11:30 am, Room 2266, Russel H. Kirkhof Center

Thursday, February 6, 2014 • 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm, Room 1008A, L. William Seidman Center

Workshop presented by Deborah Phillips, HR Consultant

Work.  It’s such an important part of our lives.  And not just because of the money.  Work gives life meaning and purpose.  It contributes to our sense of worth…our self-concept…even our mental and physical health.  Work helps keep us centered – grounded – and that’s so valuable during these times of chaotic change.  But here’s the paradox:  The only way our work can carry this kind of positive, steadying influence on our day-to-day lives is for us to keep changing our approach to the job.  As the world evolves, so must we.  Learn how to make visible contributions beyond the boundaries of your immediate assignments.  Here’s just a few of the ground rules you’ll discuss:

  • Help create value; add more value than you cost
  • Explore and innovate; attack the future rather than protect the past
  • Balance yourself; start less…finish more.  Set limits and do something you can enjoy every day.

Bias Incident Protocol Training

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 • 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm, Room 1008A, L. William Seidman Center

Workshop presented by Members of the GVSU Team Against Bias (TAB)

What is a biased incident?  Do they happen at 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 the protocol for reporting such incidents.  This training is both interactive and practical.

International Students in the Classroom / Working with International Students

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Room 2263, Russel H. Kirkhof Center
Workshop presented by Kate Stoetzner, Director of International Student and Scholar Services

This interactive session will include current international students as well as an overview to better serve the international student population at GVSU.

MARCH

Bias Incident Protocol Training
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 • 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm, Room 2270, Russel H. Kirkhof Center
Workshop presented by Members of the GVSU Team Against Bias (TAB)

What is a biased incident?  Do they happen at GVSU or GRCC?  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 the protocol for reporting such incidents.  This training is both interactive and practical.

Mindful Leadership

Wednesday, March 26, 2014 • 8:30 am – 11:30 am, Room 2266, Russel H. Kirkhof Center
Workshop presented by Kim Monaghan, HR Career Services for Faculty and Staff Consultant

Mindful Leadership is all about leading with wisdom and empowerment. By taking a more methodical, collaborative, yet direct approach mindful leaders inspire others to draw from within and employ internal wisdom in achieving personal, professional and organizational objectives. In this workshop, we will explore the concepts of mindfulness and how the practice increases focus and performance. We will also look at leadership from a holistic perspective and how the practice of mindfulness can help build strong teams and heal a toxic workplace. Finally, we will challenge the leader in all of us to cultivate a more authentic and disciplined path to success.

APRIL

Communication Effectiveness for Leadership

Wednesday, April 2, 2014 • 8:30 am – 11:30 am, Room 2266, Russel H. Kirkhof Center

Wednesday, April 2, 2014 • 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Room 123, Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences

Workshop presented by Deb Dunbar, University Director, Organizational Development, Indiana University

According to the Gallup poll, 80% of the United States adult population feel as though they are in the top 20% in terms of their communication effectiveness.  People spend the vast majority of their time communicating with others, and literally cannot lead effectively without communicating effectively.  Attend this session and learn the fine points of high impact communication.

In this highly interactive session we will focus on:

  • Enhancing communication effectiveness
  • A communications model that increases understanding
  • Listening as a primary communication tool
  • A four step process for providing effective feedback.

TRiO/SSS announces outcomes

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TRiO/Student Support Services is a federally funded program that services low income, first generation, and/or disabled students in order to increase their chances of completing, graduating, and/or transferring. The program advisor works directly with students to develop appropriate academic plans and extra and co-curricular support system. This position is a tenure track, The program advisor will work directly with the Program Director and reports to the Associate Dean of Student Success and Retention.

TRiO/Student Support Services is PROUD to announce our OUTCOMES FOR 2012-2013

Student Learning Outcome 1: Persistence

53% of all participants served by the SSS project will persist from one academic year to the beginning of the next academic year or graduate and/or transfer to a 4-year institution during the academic year. 2012-2013 ACTUAL: 89%

Student Learning Outcome 2: Good Academic Standing

79% of all enrolled participants served by the SSS project will meet the performance level required to stay in good academic standing at the grantee institution. 2012-2013 ACTUAL: 97%

Student Learning Outcome 3: Graduate and Transfer Rates

1. 7% of new participants serve each year will graduate with an associate’s degree or certificate within four (4) years. 2012-2013 ACTUAL: 41%

2. 11% of new participants served each year will transfer with an associate’s degree or certificate within four (4) years. 2012-2013 ACTUAL: 33%

Why wait for your 2013 W-2, when you can receive it early electronically

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If you have already given consent, you do not need to consent again. Consent already given is valid for all future years. You will automatically receive an email notification when your 2013 W-2 is available. However, if you would like to revoke your electronic consent in order to receive a paper W-2, please go to the link below and follow the instructions to revoke consent, no later January 15th.

Employees who have not already given consent to receive their W-2 electronically can choose to do so before January 15th, and then will receive an email notification when their W-2 is available. By consenting to receive your W-2 electronically, you agree to view and/or print your W-2 through GRCC’s employee self-service. You will no longer receive a paper copy, but you can print the electronic version as often as you would like.

Paper W-2’s are still available and will be mailed no later than January 31st, to those employees who have not given consent to receive their W-2 electronically. Reissued W-2 statements or additional copies will not be available until March 1st, and there will be a $10.00 service charge.

Instructions to provide or revoke consent can be found at http://cms.grcc.edu/payroll-and-benefits/forms/year-end.

If you have any questions, or would like to verify your consent status, please contact the payroll department.

Important holiday break Information

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GRCC will close for the semester break starting 5 p.m. Dec. 20, 2013, through January 1, 2014. The college will reopen at 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. All GRCC campuses will be closed during this period. Students will be able to access college information online but will not be able to access information in person, or via phone, until campus offices re-open on Jan. 2.

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.