GRCC In the News, 12-3-14

Wolverine Worldwide outfitting GRPS construction students again with gear to work in frigid temps

Dec. 2, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Academy of Design and Construction students working out in the elements on Habitat for Humanity homes have been provided with gear to work in cold weather.

… The Academy of Design and Construction is located on the district’s Innovation Central High School campus, 421 Fountain St. NE, with three other career-oriented, public-private partnership programs. Major district partners include: Rockford Construction, Triangle Associates, Christman, Progressive AE, Michigan State University, Ferris State University and Grand Rapids Community College.

Behind the Kitchen Door…with Chef Adam Watts

Dec. 2, 2014; MLive

From cycling to communications to culinary adventures, Chef Adam Watts took a roundabout path to the restaurant kitchen.

… Culinary education: Culinary Arts degree from Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, with hopes of (someday) completing a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Management.

Senior Wellness: Caring for the caregiver

Dec. 2, 2014; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM)– As people age, it can become harder to let go of independence and accept help.

Mike Faber from the Grand Rapids Community College’s Older Learning Center shares how people can help a spouse or loved one who is resistant to care.

Michigan Colleges Online makes available courses from 28 schools

GRCC students can take online courses at any of the state’s 28 community colleges through a new initiative of the Michigan Community College Association.

MCCA’s Michigan Colleges Online program greatly expands students’ online learning options. Students can receive support services from their home college, with no interruption in financial aid, and all credits earned Michigan Colleges Online transfer back to the their home college.

To learn more about the program, click here. To learn about online learning at GRCC, click here.

Alumnus reviews ‘Open Door’

GRCC alumnus Tom Dilley recently reviewed Open Door: Grand Rapids Junior/Community College 1914-2014 by Walter Lockwood. Tom is no stranger to Grand Rapids and the college.  He is a local author, a Grand Rapids Historical Society board member, a Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation trustee, a cemetery historian and a retired attorney.  If you would like to read his review, click here.

Changes made to policy

Changes were recently made to a college policy:

Revised Policy 3.0 Copyright (revised) Policy Section 3.0 Subsection 3.0

Effective November 18, 2014

• Reduced redundancy
• Fixed formatting
• Moved Audit section to beginning
• Clarified labeling responsibility
• Corrected cross-references
• Improved consistency of capitalization
• Updated office names
• Checked URLs
• Revised definitions
• Removed obsolete forms
• Updated dates associated with policy history
• Standardized applied styles
• Reduced the total number of pages (33 in 2004, 17 in 2012, 10 in 2014)
• Added page numbering

To download the revised policy, follow this link: http://www.grcc.edu/sites/default/files/docs/policies/3-0_copyright.pdf

Important Year End Payroll Information

Verify Personal Information

•  Verify your personal information through GRCC self-service by following the instructions found at http://cms.grcc.edu/payrollandbenefits/forms/yearend. Any personal information changes should be emailed to Human Resources at hr@grcc.edu no later than January 5, 2015 to be reflected on your 2014 W-2.

Update your Tax Withholding Forms

•  A new 2015 tax forms should be completed if your filing status or exemption allowances have changed.
• If you are currently claiming exemption on your Federal or State taxes, you are required to complete a new 2015 W-4 no later than February 1, 2015.
• Tax forms are available on the payroll web page at http://cms.grcc.edu/payrollandbenefits/forms.

Print a copy of your last 2014 pay stub with year to date information

• If you would like a copy of your last 2014 pay stub with year to date information, please be sure to print it no later than Friday, December 19, 2014. Year to date information will only be available on your last pay stub of 2014, until we process the first check of 2015.

For Informational Purposes Only

•  The 2015 Social Security tax rate is schedule to remain 6.2%, and the Medicare tax rate remains 1.45%.
• The 2015 social security wage base will be $118, 500.00.
• The 2015 limitation for elective deferrals under a 403(b) or 457(b) will increase to $18,000 +and the additional catch up provision for individuals age 50 and over will increase to $6,000.00.

Campus Dining sets holiday schedule

Campus Dining Holiday Break Hours:

Christmas:

Raider Grille:

• December 8 & 9 – Open until 1pm
• December 10 – January 11, 2015 – CLOSED

Quiet Cafe & Sneden Cafe:

• December 8 – Normal Business Hours
• December 9 – Open until 4pm
• December 10 – Open until 1pm
• December 11 – January 11, 2015 – CLOSED

CATERING STILL AVAILABLE DURING SHUT DOWN PERIODS.