GRCC In the News, 1-29-15

GRCC’s winter enrollment drops for fourth consecutive year

Jan. 28, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College’s winter enrollment is down 6.4 percent from last year, a drop administrators attribute to an improving economy, a reduction in job training dollars and fewer high school graduates.

New goalie starts 2-0 for GVSU hockey club

Jan. 28, 2015; The Lanthorn (Grand Valley State University’s student newspaper)

All the way over in Baltimore, Md., and then again in East Lansing, Mich., Spencer Craig got his first college starts between the pipes for Grand Valley State’s Division II mens hockey club.

… So, putting hockey briefly on the back burner, Craig decided to play pick-up hockey here and there while he took classes and focused on his education at Grand Rapids Community College. Then he transferred to GVSU to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

GRCC gallery displays students’ work through February 6

We would like to extend an invitation to the GRCC Photo Student Exhibition and a Reception to honor our student photographers and Juan Fernandez who has served as mentor to many of them during academic year 2014-2015. Juan Fernandez, a GRCC alumnus, has served our students on a one year temporary full-time appointment and has contributed to their artistic growth. Please join us to wish him well on his new endeavors and to recognize his contributions to GRCC.

GRCC Photo Student Exhibition

January 20 – February 6

Reception: Monday, February 2, 3:00-5:00 pm

at the GRCC Paul Collins Art Gallery, 4th floor Main Building

Ecard Photo Student Exh 2015

 

Get help with adding service learning to your curriculum

Are you using Service Learning in your classes? If so, the Service Learning Task Team has developed a Common Service Learning Syllabus. We recommend you use this information in your Syllabus each semester to help guide your students and your course about the Service Learning activity and expectations of the Service Learning event.

Please visit the Experiential Learning website or use this link: http://www.grcc.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/Service%20Learning%20Common%20Syllabus.docx

February Staff Development Learning Opportunities

Please register online on the Staff Development registration page http://grcc.edu/staffdevelopment/currentlearningopportunitiesregistration. Workshops are open to all Staff and Faculty.

Run. Hide. Fight (Active Shooter Response Training)

Tue Feb 3, 2015 from 8:30-10 AM in Room 234, Student Community Center

This training is required for all college staff and faculty. The 90 minute training session will be presented by GRCC Police Chief Rebecca Whitman, and will describe what an active shooter is; detail the ‘Run Hide Fight’ response to an active shooter situation; explain ways to recognize and report potential threats to our campus, and answer any questions attendees may have.

Higher Ed Young Professionals Leadership & Networking

Thu Feb 5, 2015 from 12-1 PM in Room 1142 Kirkhof Center, GVSU Allendale campus

Is higher education “youth-friendly?” As a new generation of leaders emerges in higher education, open dialogue about taking initiative, being innovative and encouraging young talent has become a need. Young professionals at Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College have organized a variety of programs that are designed to help young professionals have a successful and satisfying career in higher education. These programs will allow young professionals to learn, develop and network with other young professionals within their community. Please join us for the topic “Re-framing Generational Differences – Moving Away from Us vs. Them “ **Due to limited number of seats, preference will be given to GVSU employees in the event the workshop is full**

The Engaging Leader

Fri Feb 6, 2015 from 1-3 PM in Room 336, Student Community Center

This session emphasizes ‘engagement’ as coaching others, communicating, giving effective feedback, handling performance issues, and delegating. Through exercises and discussion, participants will leave with practical tools and tips to begin to be more effective leaders immediately. Learning Objectives: To learn how to obtain more/improved productivity from direct reports as well as how to motivate others in order to improve the overall work-life experience. Facilitated by Kathy Pyatt.

Cancer Warriors Network

Mon Feb 9, 2015 from 12-1:30 PM in Room 302E DeVos Center, GVSU GR

This month’s topic is “Chemo Brain.” Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with cancer? Do you feel alone and overwhelmed? A cancer diagnosis is frightening and affects not only the person diagnosed with cancer, but caregivers and loved ones. If you are facing a cancer diagnosis, have a loved one battling cancer, or you are through with treatment and on the road to recovery; connecting with others who have traveled this journey can be a source of comfort and hope. A new topic will be discussed each month. These network meetings are 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. Don’t try to navigate the cancer journey alone, please consider joining us. **Due to limited number of seats, preference will be given to GVSU employees in the event the workshop is full**

GRCC CSA Training

  • Tue Feb 10, 2015 from 11 AM – 12 PM in Room 234, Student Community Center
  • Thu Feb 12, 2015 from 4-5 PM in Room 234, Student Community Center

All GRCC employees who are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSA) based on Job Description, Advisor Role, or other assigned duty must attend training in the CSA responsibility. The training is required annually by the Clery Act (Federal Law). During the training CSA’s will be provided with definitions of Clery reportable crimes, the GRCC Clery Geography, and other information to ensure all CSA’s properly meet their federally mandated requirements. Facilitated by Chief Rebecca Whitman.

The Neuroscience of Influence

Tue Feb 10, 2015 from 3-4:30 PM in Room 125/127 Calkins Science Center

In the hyper-connected world we now live in – where “viral” is something we try to generate instead of avoid – it’s more important than ever to understand how influence is generated. How do ideas and values spread? The answers lie inside our brains. Neuroscience is generating new insight into the ways in which we influence one another – and come of the news may surprise you. Facilitated by Denise VanEck, Thought-Design.

Tax Advantaged Investing (Lunch & Learn)

Wed Feb 11, 2015 from 12-1 PM in Room 103 Sneden Hall

Part of the PNC Bank ‘Community Development Banking Lunch & Learn’ series. PNC Bank officers will explain methods of investing that will provide tax advantages. **PNC Bank will be providing a complimentary lunch to all attending this presentation**

Resistance Band Workout

Wed Feb 11, 2015 from 2-3 PM in Room 202, GRMTEC

A resistance band is a great tool for working out at home or on the go. Learn to use this piece of fitness equipment correctly and progress it with your goals. You’ll get a 10-minute full body workout and group interaction is guaranteed for optimal fun and learning! Facilitated by Allegro Coaching.

Motivating Others

Tue Feb 17, 2015 from 9-11 AM in Room 125/127 Calkins Science Center

Participants will learn how to empower and engage others in order to reach shared goals. Specific tactics for setting goals, promoting expectations of success, reinforcing valued behaviors, and building trust and cooperation are explored. Styles of motivation are also discussed. Facilitated by Kathy Pyatt.

Personal Self-Defense (Parts 1 & 2)

Tue Feb 17, 2015 and Tue Feb 24, 2015 from 3:30-5 PM in Room 234 Student Community Center

THIS IS A 2 PART SESSION – In this session, Officer Robert (Bo) Peters will teach you basic self-defense against attacks, as well as ways to become more self-aware.

Persuasive Communication

Wed Feb 18, 2015 from 10 AM – 12 PM in Room 103 Sneden Hall

Scientifically-supported methods of getting others to say `Yes’ are discussed. Practical approaches to being more influential are demonstrated. Critical moments of persuasion are highlighted. Small changes in how you deliver your messages can have a dramatic effect be the difference between Yes and No. Facilitated by Zoe Carmichael.

What Mommies Do Best

Wed Feb 18, 2015 from 12-1 PM in Room 1012 Zumberge Hall, GVSU Allendale

Working mothers today confront not only conflicting demands on their time and energy, but also conflicting ideas about how they are to behave: they must be nurturing and unselfish while engaged in child rearing, but competitive and ambitious at work. Meet with other GVSU Moms around interesting topics of discussion to both young moms and more experienced moms. Faculty, staff, and students are all welcome. This program is co-sponsored by GVSU Women’s Center and GVSU Women’s Commission. **Due to limited number of seats, preference will be given to GVSU employees in the event the workshop is full**

Your Runway to Career Success

Wed Feb 18, 2015 from 9-11 AM in Room 1142 Kirkhof Center, GVSU Allendale

None of us are above taking advantage of the workplace as a daily networking opportunity; our dress speaks to who we are as professionals. Attend this informative session to learn new trends in office fashion, how to make them your own and stand out amongst the sea of corporate suits. This seminar is meant to empower you to look and feel your best while on your journey of professional exploration and advancement. Presented by George Davis, Stylist and Associate Director of Admissions and Kim Monaghan, Human Resources Career Services for Faculty and Staff. **Due to limited number of seats, preference will be given to GVSU employees in the event the workshop is full**

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Wed Feb 25, 2015 from 12-1 PM in Room 1247 Kirkhof Center, GVSU Allendale

Are you caring for an elderly loved one? Do you have a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease? The pressures can be wide-ranging, and touch the social, psychological, physical and economic facets of the caregiver’s life. The Alzheimer’s and Caregiver Support Group is open to the entire campus community: students, faculty and staff members, and to the public. It’s facilitated by Cindy Beel-Bates, associate professor of nursing, and Sue Sloop, Work Life Connections consultant. Join us: You don’t have to go it alone!  **Due to limited number of seats, preference will be given to GVSU employees in the event the workshop is full**

What Daddies Do Best

Thu Feb 26, 2015 from 12-1 PM in Room 2264 Kirkhof Center, GVSU Allendale

Are you a new father, either biologically or through a blended family? Do you often wonder what other fathers think about parenthood? Maybe your kids are grown and you have some wisdom and advice to pass along to newer fathers. Meet with other GVSU and GRCC dads for lively and interesting discussion around a variety of topics related to parenthood. Lunch provided. Facilitated by Sharalle Arnold, GVSU Children’s Enrichment Center & Sue Sloop, GVSU Work Life Connections Program.  **Due to limited number of seats, preference will be given to GVSU employees in the event the workshop is full**

Math Seminar is today

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department will host its first Mathematics Seminar of Winter, 2015 on Thursday, January 29, 3:00-4:00 PM in 103 Cook. Our speaker will be former GRCC student and current GRCC Adjunct Mathematics Instructor Brian Hadley. The title and abstract for Brian’s talk may be found below.

This seminar features a result from mathematics that is both beautiful and functional: How do we most efficiently assign people/machines to perform tasks? Its solution involves combinatorics and optimization, and will be accessible to those with good algebra skills.   As is always the case with GRCC’s Mathematics Seminars, all are welcome.

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

The Hungarian Algorithm: A Solution to the Assignment Problem

In this talk we will discuss the Assignment Problem: How do we optimize the assignment of employees to work tasks? The problem of assigning “individuals” to perform specific “tasks” has special characteristics and structure, which were cleverly exploited by Harold Kuhn in 1955 to produce an efficient method that generated an optimal solution. We will work out examples of the “Hungarian Algorithm,” work together to solve the Assignment Problem, and examine Kuhn’s paper describing his remarkable method.

‘Open Door’ book explores GRCC’s literary history

Display magazine 1965Did you know that a number of GRJC/GRCC professors, now successful writers, were featured writers (as students) in early issues of Display magazine? Philip Jung, David Cope, Barbara Saunier, Kim Wyngarden, and Tom Rademacher all published their creative work in the college literary magazine. Novelist Maryann Lesert, associate professor of English, is the present adviser of Display.

Read about these people and other writers/alumni of note in Open Door, the 100 year history of GRJC/GRCC, available at Schuler Books, the GRCC Library, or online by clicking here.