Daily Archives: November 9, 2015

The FY 2016 / 2017 IT Project Request Cycle Begins Monday, November 9th, 2015

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BCOs can submit their IT project requests for the 2016 / 2017 fiscal year as of 8 AM Monday, November 9, 2015. The project request window will remain open until 5 PM Friday, February 26th, 2016. This will be the only IT project request cycle for the 2016 / 2017 fiscal year. A link to the IT project request submission form is provided below.

http://www.grcc.edu/informationtechnology/projectmanagement/projectrequestform

As project requests are received, the IT Project Management Office will set appointments with requesters to research their requests. The information gained from these meetings will aid in properly assessing and prioritizing each request in relation to the others.

Please contact Jeff Kissinger (4098) or Olwen Urquhart (3054) in the IT Project Management Office if you have any questions.

GRCC In the News, 11-9-15

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Expansion of health sciences education to address talent needs in West Michigan

Nov. 8, 2015; mibiz.com

A partnership between three community colleges and Grand Rapids-area care providers brings a traditional model for training talent into a new area: health care.

Grand Rapids Community College, Muskegon Community College and Montcalm Community College teamed with West Michigan Works! to form a pilot apprenticeship program to train and employ medical assistants at local health care organizations.

West Michigan craft brewing programs gain momentum

Nov. 8, 2015; mibiz.com

As the craft brewing industry continues to grow in West Michigan, several higher education institutions have begun to take action to address brewers talent needs.

… Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is currently in the process of hiring a new faculty member to head its craft brewing, packaging and service operations certificate program thats slated to begin in the summer of 2016.

Meet the YWCA’s 2015 Tribute Award winners

Nov. 8, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI Women who lead diversity lecture series, who passionately lead and create new programs in education, and help more than 100 nonprofit organizations build successful fundraising mechanisms. These are among the winners of this year’s Tribute Awards given by the YWCA of West Central Michigan.

… ADVOCACY AWARD

Christina Guajardo Arnold, 53, director of Bob & Aleicia Woodrick Diversity Learning Center at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC)

PROFESSIONS AWARD

Teresa Weatherall Neal, 56, superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools.

(This article doesn’t mention it, but Teresa Weatherall Neal is a GRCC alumna.)

Partners plan brewery in downtown neighborhood

Nov. 6, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A Puerto Rican-themed brewery is coming to Grand Rapids.

… (Edwin) Collazo’s wife, Karen, will lead the kitchen and use her Grand Rapids Community College culinary training.

Jake Vickery turns up pressure on defense for Rockford water polo

Nov. 8, 2015; MLive

ROCKFORD — The Rockford water polo team is ranked No. 1 in the state again this year, thanks in large part to some sterling defensive play.

… (Jake) Vickery plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College and pursue a degree in law enforcement.

Aquinas men’s soccer earns WHAC Honors

Nov. 8, 2015; MLive

Grand Rapids, MI- Aquinas College was well represented in the All-WHAC Men’s Soccer selections. Headlining the honorees for the Saints with First Team accolades were Matt Jackson and Aldony Mendez.

… Jackson (Kalamazoo/GRCC) started all 17 games for the Saints and anchored the stingiest defense in the conference. Overall the Saints allowed .65 goals against per contest and were ranked fourth nationally with eleven shutouts.

 

Wednesday sessions teach mindfulness techniques

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What is mindfulness and why does it matter?

Mindfulness is the act of paying attention. Paying attention to what is happening around you and inside. It’s paying attention to the little things such as birds chirping, noticing your posture in your desk chair and even if you just feel uncomfortable.

In the fast paced world we live in, mindfulness is not easy. There are always emails to answer, papers to grade, children to get to soccer and groceries to buy. But, if you start to pay attention, you may start to feel differently about things.   Mindfulness can be a short time in your day or you can choose to be mindful every day. It can include sitting or walking meditation or even just taking 10 deep breaths at your desk. It’s letting thoughts come and go while you notice how you feel in your head and your body.

Mindfulness can look very different for everyone, but starting to practice mindfulness can help shift your day, your thoughts and your productivity.

You can even start right now.   For one minute sit or stand comfortably and breathe. Breathe in and out noticing your breath as you inhale and exhale. Thoughts will come and go, but concentrate on your breath.   One minute out of your day can make a world of difference.

If you would like to practice or learn more, Wednesdays from 12:15 to 12:45 there is a group of employees who practice mindfulness meditation and we’d love to have you join us.

Sophia Brewer elected to Grand Rapids Public Library board

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Sophia Brewer, Serials & Collection Development Librarian, was recently elected to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Grand Rapids Public Library. Brewer received 468 write-in votes – a landslide in ballots with the next write-in candidate receiving 37. She joins James Bott, incumbent trustee who was on the ballot. Sophia will serve a 6-year term starting in January 2016. Congratulations!