HR Learning Opportunities: October 1-5

Human resources-sponsored learning opportunities for next week:

• GRCC Purchasing Policy, 10/3: Mansfield Matthewson & Melissa Stasiak will present the college’s Purchasing Policy, and provide a forum for open discussion with Q & A for participants.
• Online Ordering, 10/4: Danelle Sedore will lead you through the basics of utilizing the online ordering system for GRCC ePrint. Attendees will learn when and how to use different printing options, including quick copy. You’ll also learn how to review past orders and budget reports to help keep your areas on track!
• Stretching for Good Health, 10/5: Participants will learn about how injuries occur, be able to identify early indicators of oncoming injuries, and how to prevent them. We will discuss “The Camel’s Back Phenomenon” and leave with a toolkit of stretches that will help you maintain your good health!

Fitness in the Workplace Learning Opportunity – Today!

There is still plenty of space available to attend today’s “Fitness in the Workplace” learning opportunity! This course will teach participants how to incorporate simple changes into your workday to help you be more active, reduce stress, and just feel good overall!

GRCC In The News, 9-28-18

The Folias Duo opens the 2018 GRCC International Guitar Series
9/27/18 WMUK
The Folias Duo, flutist Carmen Maret and guitarist Andrew Bergeron, presents the opening concert of the 2018 Grand Rapids Community College International Guitar Series, next Thursday, October 4th, at 7:30 p.m., in the Albert P. Smith Music Center, 142 Ransom Ave NE in Grand Rapids.

Brewery Guide
9/27/18 Revue
Revue’s compendium of breweries in West Michigan
… Fountain Hill Brewery
… Owned by Grand Rapids Community College, this brewery is only open on specific dates, when the general public gets to taste the exciting results of the Craft Brewing, Packaging and Service Operations certificate program. Open: Check website for dates.

FBI report marks a decline in violent crimes reported on Michigan college campuses
9/26/18 WWMT
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The latest crime data from the FBI suggest college campuses in Michigan are becoming safer with violent crime reports down in 2017 for a number of schools. However, it’s unclear if less crime is occurring or if fewer incidents are being reported.
… The colleges listed below had zero reports of violent crime in 2017, according to the FBI:
… GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE — 14,464 students

ArtPrize 10: The Jurors’ Shortlist
9/24/18 WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Art experts have narrowed down their Shortlist for the best of the best at ArtPrize 10.
(Former GRCC student Alan Compo made the short list for Outstanding Venue for his work outside the UICA. Filippo Tagliati, an associate professor in the Visual Arts Department, and his team have “Belt” on display at another finalist in the Outstanding Venue category: SiTE:LAB on Franklin Street.)

Sturgis, Mendon volleyball teams win
9/27/18 Sturgis Journal
… The Glen Oaks Community College dropped a conference game with Grand Rapids CC 25-21, 23-25, 25-19, 25-15.

Grand Valley State legend Cullen Finnerty was everybody’s ‘Superman,’ up until tragic end
9/27/18 The Detroit News
Detroit — The family had just moved from Redford to Brighton. Cullen Finnerty was 5 at the time.
… In his first year at Grand Valley, as Anes’ backup, Finnerty was part of a group of underclassmen who scrimmaged against Grand Rapids Community College. The game was on astroturf, and he hyper-extended a toe it bent so far back, it touched the top of his foot. (“It looked like the most painful, torturous thing,” Tim said.) It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, earning Finnerty a medical redshirt. That gave him four years of eligibility, starting with the first year after Anes’ departure.

GRCC Plans Community Forums for Equity and Inclusion Officer Post

Grand Rapids Community College is planning a series of faculty and community forums to meet the four finalists for the position of equity and inclusion officer.

After a nationwide search, GRCC has four finalists for the position:

• B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, a visiting associate professor at Salem State University, will be interviewed October 1 in room 168 of the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St. NE.
• Jessica Cruz, chief diversity and inclusion officer at Northern Michigan University, will be interviewed October 3 in room 168 of the ATC.
• Salvador Lopez, associate director of diversity recruitment at Grand Valley State University, will be interviewed October 10 in room 124 of the ATC.

The faculty forums will run from 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. at the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center (151 Fountain St. NE) on the following dates in the rooms listed:

• October 1 & 3: Room 168
• October 9 & 10: Room 124

The community forums will run from 2:15-3:15 p.m. in the same locations.

The person selected for the position will work with stakeholders – students, faculty, staff and community members – to ensure that GRCC is a leader in equity and inclusion.

This position also will oversee the Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Center for Equity and Inclusion, which has worked for 12 years on educating and honoring the dignity of all people through community celebrations such as the Giants Awards and through educational opportunities like student workshops, the Latino Youth Conference, and the Institute for Healing Racism.

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Note:  Dwight Hamilton, chief diversity officer at Rosalind Franklin University, withdrew his candidacy.

Recap: GRCC World Peace Day Rocked the Raider Grille Last Week

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The GRCC World Peace Day Celebration rocked! Many thanks to President Pink, Provost Chesley, and Department Head Susan Davis for the funding to make it all happen! Also, a huge thank you to all of the participants and volunteers for making our GRCC WPD event the best to date! We are already looking forward to next year’s celebration and extend an invitation to our campus community to join us in planning GRCC WPD 2019! Contact the English Department for more details!

GRCC In The News, 9-27-18

Tax proposals, races Kent and Ottawa voters will decide Nov. 6, 2018
9/26/18 MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The general election is Nov. 6. Kent and Ottawa county voters will weigh in on multiple tax proposals and candidates for local, state and federal office.
The local proposals run the gamut from bonds for school districts to roads and a new fire station. There are also multiple school board races and the Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees to select.

Fitness in the Workplace professional development workshop this Friday

Upcoming professional development class:

Friday, September 28: “Fitness in the Workplace”

Most Americans with desk jobs report not getting enough exercise. Additionally, prolonged sitting, especially at a computer, can cause strain on muscles and joints, particularly of the neck and back, and cause pain. Simple changes can be incorporated into your workday to help to you become more active, reduce stress, and feel good!

This seminar will discuss proper desk ergonomics, stretches, and light exercises you can do around your workplace; stress reduction strategies; and how to make easy behavior changes that can help you feel great throughout the day!

Please visit the Workshop Registration page to sign up for this session.

October Mind-Body Wellness Events from Counseling & Career Development

Counseling & Career Development’s Mind-Body Wellness Series continues this October with several more free events. All GRCC students, faculty, and staff are welcome. Staff can receive professional development credit for their participation. Questions? Email enisley@grcc.edu

October Classes:

Mindfulness Meditation

• Mondays in October, 12-12:30 p.m., Meditation and Prayer Room, Main Floor Library and Learning Commons

Did you know that regular practice of mindfulness meditation can reduce stress, improve attention and concentration, increase feelings of connectedness, and may strengthen the immune system and improve stress-related physical and mental health conditions? Want to check it out for yourself? Join us for any of our weekly mindfulness meditation sessions to learn how to meditate or build on any previous meditation experience you may have. GRCC counselor, Emily Nisley, will facilitate sessions using a variety of common mindfulness meditation exercises. Our practice will be secular; no particular religious or spiritual beliefs are required. Chairs and floor seating are available; you’re welcome to bring a mat, cushion, towel, and/or blanket for more comfortable floor seating if desired.

Tai Chi & Tea

• Tuesdays in October, 12-1 p.m., Student Center, Room 336

Originally developed in ancient China, tai chi is an exercise with benefits for the mind and body. Regular practice of tai chi’s slow, continuous movements with coordinated breathing and mental focus can decrease feelings of stress, improve mood, and increase strength, flexibility, and balance. The tai chi style we’ll practice was designed to be safe and gentle; it can even be done seated if needed. GRCC counselor, Emily Nisley, will lead the sessions, with about 45 minutes of tai chi, followed by time to enjoy a cup of tea together if you’d like. No experience necessary. Clothes you can move in and flat-soled shoes are recommended. Those with a health condition should consult their health care provider before beginning tai chi.

How to Feel Happier

• Wednesday, October 10, 1:30-2 p.m., Calkins Science Center, Room 201
• Thursday, October 25, 2-2:30 p.m., Cook Hall, Room 511

Some may think that happiness depends on life circumstances or on being born with a cheerful disposition, but decades of scientific research has shown that we can boost our own happiness. Using simple practices, we can increase our positive experiences and emotions, and even “rewire” our brains for greater happiness. In this 30-minute workshop, we’ll identify several of these happiness habits and share tips for practice. Light refreshments will be served.

 

All GRCC students, faculty, & staff are welcome at these FREE events. Questions? (616) 234-4130 enisley@grcc.edu grcc.edu/counseling. Those in need of accommodations, please contact DSS in advance at (616) 234-4140.

GRCC In The News, 9-26-18

2018 Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame inductees grateful for the community
9/25/18 FOX 17
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The 2018 Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame inducted their 2018 class on Tuesday night at Van Andel Arena.
… Gene Paxton coached basketball at Grand Rapids Community College for 25 years and was surprised by many of his former players who attended on Tuesday.

GR Sports Hall of Fame Inducts 2018 class
9/25/18 WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame inducted their 2018 class Tuesday night at Van Andel Arena.
… (Gene) Paxton coached Grand Rapids Community College basketball teams to more than 500 wins in 25 years as the head coach. He spent 25 years on the sidelines, leading GRCC to five league championships and is a member of the Basketball Association of Michigan Hall of Fame.

Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame 2018 class inducted
9/26/18 WOOD Radio
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame inducted a new class Tuesday in a ceremony at Van Andel Arena.
… The other inductees included former Tri-Unity Christian High School basketball player Chris Kaman, who also played for Central Michigan and in the NBA for 13 years; longtime Grand Rapids Community College basketball coach Gene Paxton; and former Michigan State University women’s golf coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll.

Google Curriculum, College Credit
9/26/18 Inside Higher Ed
Google made its first substantial foray into postsecondary education in January, with the creation of a new online certificate program aimed at people who are interested in working in entry-level IT support roles.
(This article doesn’t mention it, but GRCC is one of the colleges offering this program.)

WMU Opens Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Lab
9/25/18 Assembly Magazine
KALAMAZOO, MI — One year after announcing a collaborative effort with Grand Rapids Community College and West Michigan manufacturers, the Advance Manufacturing Partnership lab at Western Michigan University opened its doors here last week for industry leaders to have a first look at the new 15,000-square-foot instructional facility.

WMU opens manufacturing lab in downtown Grand Rapids
9/25/18 techcentury.com (Engineering Society of Detroit blog)
KALAMAZOO — One year after announcing a collaborative effort with Grand Rapids Community College and West Michigan manufacturers addressing talent needs in the manufacturing industry, Western Michigan University has opened a new 15,000-square-foot instructional manufacturing center.

Aquinas’ Miller named WHAC Runner of the Week for second time
9/25/18 MLive
Senior Alexis Miller (SR/Caledonia, Michigan) of the women’s cross-country team was announced as the winner of the Runner of the Week award from the WHAC conference on Monday.
Miller led the way for the Saints at the GRCC Raider XC Invitational on Saturday at Grand Rapids Community College with a second place finish due to a time of 17:29.8. Miller was just nine seconds behind Ashley Defrain of Wayne State for first place. She had a time of 17:20.0.

Cornerstone’s Joey DeBoer named WHAC Runner of Week
9/25/18 MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – After leading his team to a third place finish and taking the overall individual crown at the Raider Invitational, senior Joey DeBoer has been named the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Runner of the Week. Joey and the Golden Eagles will have this week off before resuming action next weekend at the site of the 2018 NAIA National Championships.
Joey DeBoer won the GRCC Raider Invitational on Saturday as he and teammate Colin De Young went 1-2 in the individual race to help Cornerstone place third overall. DeBoer posted a time of 24:04 in an event that was just short of a full 8K race.

GRCC International Guitar Series returns this fall with Folias Duo

Coming this Fall – The GRCC International Guitar Series Presents “Folias Duo”

When: Thursday, October 4, 2018, at 7:30 p.m.

Where: GRCC Albert P. Smith Music Center, Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall

GRCC Student has Top 10 Venue in ArtPrize 10

GRCC student Alan Compo has made it into the top 10 in ArtPrize for outstanding venue with a 2-D mural painting in the Pearl Street bridge tunnel next to the Grand River.

The venue is called “UICA Outside – Westside.”

The full article about the juror’s shortlist is available here.

You can also view Alan’s work on the ArtPrize website.

GRJC basketball coach Gene Paxton inducted into Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame

Former Grand Rapids Junior College coach Gene Paxton recalled the sacrifices that many of his student-athletes made to be able to play basketball.

Paxton, 86, was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame on Tuesday, joining former NFL player David Harris, NBA star Chris Kaman, Michigan State University golf coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll, former OK Conference Commissioner Jim Haskins, and the Paganelli family of football officials (and GRCC alumni), Carl Sr., Carl Jr., Perry and Dino.

Paxton guided GRJC teams to 517 victories over 25 seasons, winning five league championships — all without being able to offer students scholarships to play.

The students “had a lot of stuff to overcome before they even got on the floor,” he told the crowd assembled at the Van Andel Arena. “I still can’t get over how much some of those guys had to sacrifice to play a sport. So many of these players were working jobs — full-time and part-time jobs — they were going without so many things in other areas that other folks take for granted. I just can’t tell you how much I still admire people in that category.”

Paxton started coaching in 1965 and retired in 1990 as the winningest coach in school history with a 517-280 record. He’s a member of the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame.

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Reminder: Student Organizations Must Re-register for Fall 2018

All new and returning student organizations (both Academic Student Organizations and Non-Academic Student Organizations) must be registered or re-registered by this Friday, September 28th, at 5 p.m. If you are unsure if you have re-registered, please visit the Campus Labs website.

Organizations have to be registered on Raider Connect to be considered an ACTIVE student organization. If organizations do not register, they will not be able to receive funding for the fall semester. For more information, contact the Student Life and Conduct Office.

Policies updated

The following policies have been updated or added and recently approved:

September 2018 Policy Meeting

10.1 Tuition and Fees

• Definitions – updated legal residence and resident status definitions
• Rates – updated Veterans information and residency review
• Acceptable Documentation – updated documentation required for proof of residency
• Forms – Added Residency Review Form

15.1 Personally Identifiable Information

• IX. Definitions, A. Protected PII – removed 8. “date & place of birth”, in order to better correlate with the FERPA compliance offices PII policy and current laws/regulations.

14.17 Emergency Communication Policy (NEW), along with Emergency Communication Procedures document (NEW)

• Clery Act requires GRCC to abide by certain criteria in each required notice, so policy was written to encompass all emergency communication.

 

For more information, visit the policy website.

Honors Program still accepting fall students

There is still time for students to join the Honors Program this fall! Students begin the program every fall by taking Honors 101, a 1-credit course offered in a 7-week format. The next section starts Wednesday, October 17th.

The Honors Program at Grand Rapids Community College helps students achieve their academic and personal goals. Our honors program is a small community of highly motivated students who want more out of their college experience. Success in this program is not only measured by academic performance, degree completion, or transfer; it includes building collaborative relationships with faculty and peers.

Program Benefits

• Unique opportunities to learn alongside influential college and community leaders.
• The opportunity to create a collaborative research project.
• A dedicated advisor to help each student develop a clear pathway to degree completion and/or a successful transfer to a four-year institution.
• A competitive edge for transfer and employment applications upon completion.
• Scholarship award for program completion (up to $750).

Application Process

Interested students must complete and submit the online program application. Upon submission of the application, the student will meet with one of our staff to discuess what it means to be a student in the Honors Program in terms of participation and completion.

Learn More

If this is an experience any students you know are looking for, encourage them to apply today! Students can visit our web page to learn more about the unique courses and experiences offered as part of participating in the Honors Program.