GRCC In the News, 9-10-14

GRPD investigates series of airsoft gun shootings

Sept. 9, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids police say they’re investigating after a series of incidents in which people were shot by two suspects with airsoft guns.

… One of the victims was a Grand Rapids Community College cross-country runner who was hit three times. She fell and cut her face.

GRCC turns down Byron Township tax-sharing proposal

Sept. 9, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College turned down a request from Byron Township to give up $419,000 in property taxes over 20 years that the municipality would be used to help develop the area surrounding an 80-store outlet mall.

Young & Ambitious: Second Day Consignment

Sept. 9, 2014; Bailey & James (lifestyle blog)

A couple weeks ago, I heard about this Grand Rapids formal wear consignment shop through a friend. At first I thought, Maybe I’ll finally get rid of some of these dresses that are taking up space in my closest! Then I started doing a little research on Second Dance and realized that the young women who own this cute little consignment boutique weren’t even old enough to legally buy a cocktail! I was super impressed and at the same time a little jealous. Jealous in the sense that I wish I had the courage at almost 30 to venture out and start my own business without hesitation, let alone being 20 and doing it. Then jealously turned in to curiosity and I had to meet these ladies. It was refreshing to meet these beautiful (inside and out), bubbly, smart, and business savvy young women who never gave up even when faced with skepticism and criticism. Here’s a little about their story…

… Emily (Juno) and Stephanie (Howard) have been friends since the age of five. They are both students at Grand Rapids Community College (Emily is taking this semester off). When I was chatting with them, I witnessed a genuine friendship that also acts as catalyst for motivation and support. These women are humble, but confidant. They do not compete with each other, but push each other to greatness. This entire business plan was a girl’s phone crying sess turned reality. These women are absolutely remarkable and their personalities are contagious. I was so fascinated by their determination and their ability to take criticism.

Silver Line bus stop near alternative high school key for students

Sept. 10, 2014; MLive

KENTWOOD, MI — Within the first week of school, the Rapids new Silver Line bus system has already seen an uptick in ridership among alternative high school students in Kentwood.

… “We think its a very effective system for community members and students to meet their transportation needs efficiently and economically,” he (Crossroads Alternative High School Principal Rick Hatfield) said, noting they crossed paths with three former Crossroads students who were riding the new Silver Line to classes at Grand Rapids Community College.

Chris Remley joins experiential learning department

Chris Remley

Welcome, educational support professional Chris Remley to the Department of Experiential Learning!

Chris has moved back to Grand Rapids after working at Carleton College in Minnesota. At Carleton, Chris held two positions. One as an Area Director for the Department of Residential Life and the second was a quarter-time position as a Coordinator in the Student Life Office. Along with his ESP position at GRCC, Chris is teaching four science courses online at Jenison International Academy.

Originally, Chris is from Hastings, MI, and attended Western Michigan University, where he received his teacher certification and a BS in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Mathematics. Chris also got his M.A. from Michigan State University in Student Affairs Administration. In his free time, Chris enjoys working in his vegetable garden, commuting to GRCC on his bike, bowling, and reading about personal finance.

Changes made to policies

Changes were recently made to several college policies:

9.5 Use of the College Name, Seal, and Emblem/Logo: Revised

• Clarified the overall purpose of the policy
• Defined the ownership of the policy
• Removed the following sections of the policy as these areas are incorporated into the work of the communication department in department procedures:
  • Publication and Image
  • College Promotions and Outreach Procedures

6.2 Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

• Updated EEO Policy to add the following protected characteristics and associated definitions: “sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation and familial status….”
• Updated to be consistent with the newly updated Sexual Misconduct Policy, recent legislation regarding Title IX (VAWA), and LGBT Workers Executive Order signed by President Obama July 2014.
• Updated to include protected categories under Title VII
• Specifically referencing “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” sends a clear message that all employees will be respected and able to work free of any kind of harassment, and that no form of harassment or offensive conduct directed at individuals based on sexual orientation or gender identity will be tolerated.
• The previous version of the policy stated that “any supervisor who experiences, witnesses or receives a written or oral report or complaint of discrimination or related retaliation shall promptly report it to the Office of General Counsel.”  We have changed that statement to say “any employee” as it is every employee’s responsibility to make sure that concerns are properly forward to be addressed once they are made aware of them.

14.9 Camera Phone and Related Technology: Elimination

• Policy unnecessary. This policy simply restates current law.

11.8 Mobile Devices and Data Service Plans: Elimination

• Policy unnecessary as this process should be a departmental procedure.

Photos from Day 2 of Welcome Week

GRCC’s Welcome Week continued Tuesday with a carnival and dunk tank fundraiser for the United Way.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Sharing the GRCC Story: Day 2 of Welcome Week

Medical Assistant students to hold blood-pressure clinic

Students from the Medical Assistant program will be holding a free Blood Pressure Clinic tomorrow from 1pm to 4pm in the corridor in Main G2 Winchester Alley. Stop by and see if your blood pressure is high, low or just right!

IIPD Grants: October 2014 Funding Opportunity

The deadline for the submission of grant applications for the Instructional Improvement & Professional Development (IIPD) Grants program is 4:30 p.m., October 10, 2014.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications electronically. The IIPD Application Packet and IIPD Guidelines are available in the GRCC Internal Grants area of the Grants Office website at http://www.grcc.edu/grants. Please note that applications must include a Supervisor’s Approval form, a budget form and budget documentation.

If you have any questions about IIPD grants, please contact Judith Larsen, Director, Grants and Resource Development Department, at 234-3910 or jmlarsen@grcc.edu.

Preschool celebrates anniversary during community picnic

GRCC’s laboratory preschool is throwing a reunion to celebrate its 40th anniversary during the college’s 100th anniversary community picnic on September 13!

Former and current preschool employees and families are invited to a special gathering during the picnic — they’ll meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Ford Fieldhouse’s wrestling room.