IIPD Grant Applications: Due on Friday, March 22 at 4:30 pm

The deadline for the submission of grant applications for the Instructional Improvement & Professional Development (IIPD) Grant program is 4:30 pm, Friday, March 22, 2019.

Information about how to apply for an IIPD grant can be found at this website: IIPD Application and Guidelines.

Please note that applications must include a Dean’s and Department Head Approval forms, a budget form and budget documentation.

If you have any questions about IIPD grants, please contact Lisa Dopke, Director of Grant Development (234-3340, ldopke@grcc.edu) or Kim Squiers, Grant Specialist (234-2577, kimsquiers@grcc.edu). Good luck!

2018 Tax Year Form 1095-C Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage

Certain employers must provide federal form (referred to as a Form 1095-C) to the IRS and employees concerning the health insurance coverage that was offered by the employer to all full-time employees, individuals entitled to an offer of coverage, and to anyone else who is covered by the employer’s health plan.

Initially, employers were required to distribute the Form 1095-C to employees/former employees by January 31, 2019, however; the IRS extended the distribution deadline to March 4, 2019. We have collaborated with Plansource to manage the process; Plansource will mail Form 1095-C no later than March 4, 2019.

Taxpayers can prepare and file their returns as they normally would. You do not have to wait for Form 1095-C to file your tax return.

While you do not need to attach form your tax filing, once you receive Form 1095-C, please review your form for accuracy and retain this form with your other important tax records.

You can use the following documents to help you prepare your taxes and as proof of your insurance coverage:

• Insurance Cards
• Explaination of Benefits
• Statement of Benefits
• W-2 or payroll statements reflecting health insurance deductions.
• Other statements indicating that you or a member of your family had health care coverage.

• You won’t need to send the IRS proof of your health coverage; however, you should keep it with your other tax records. For more information, visit the IRS website at irs.gov.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact: Maria Belmares Herrera at (616) 234-4052 or Debra Davis at (616) 234-4175.

Retirement Party for Bob and Nanci Guigue on Feb. 28

Bob and Nanci Guigue’s Retirement Party

Please join us for a Retirement party for Bob and Nanci Guigue:

• When:  This Thursday, February 28, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Where: Atrium of the ATC Building (ground floor)

Come and celebrate Bob and Nanci’s retirement and thank them for their years of service!

There will be cake!

GRAHEN adult learner award nominations due Thursday

Do you know of an outstanding adult learner at GRCC?

Last year, GRCC celebrated it’s 2018 The Grand Rapids Area Higher Education Network (GRAHEN) Outstanding Adult Learner award recipient, Drewyn Talley:

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This year, GRAHEN is again looking for outstanding adult learners whose accomplishments in higher education and contributions in the community merit recognition. GRAHEN defines an adult learner as a college age student in their mid to late 20’s and older. The student should be currently enrolled. The winner will be invited to an awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, held to honor and recognize the student with a Certificate of Achievement and cash award.

Please send your nominations, no later than February 28, to Lori Cook (lcook@grcc.edu) and Francisco Ramirez (framirez@grcc.edu). They will follow up with the nominee on the application process, which consists of submitting an application, writing and essay, and two letters of recommendation.

Please contact Lori or Francisco with any questions. Thank you!

SLT Profile: Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Oversight Team

The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention oversight team monitors, evaluates, and makes recommendations for improvement for the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP).

The DAAPP supports student and employee awareness, education, and coordinated programming for drug and alcohol prevention. This covers training, compliance notification, policy review, and programming based on an established timeline.

Over the last year we have:

• Completed and presented the DAAPP Biennial Review Report.
• Conducted the prevention program evaluation, including recommendations for changes.
• Offered programming at the fall and winter Welcome Week, and during the winter semester.
• Emailed compliance notification to students, faculty and staff.
• In the coming year we plan to:
• Use feedback to improve awareness and training for employees.
• Improve the notification open rate for students.
• Explore how to increase the program awareness offerings for students through an online solution.
• Leverage existing programs.

The team is comprised of Campus Police, I.T., Human Resources, Counseling and Career Development, Financial Aid, CRM Coordinator, IRP, Dean of Student Affairs Office, Student Life and Conduct, Office of General Counsel, and Faculty representatives.

Reminder: Student Leadership Banquet award nominations due next week

The Student Leadership Banquet is an annual event where students are recognized for their contributions as a student leader at GRCC. The event is planned by Student Alliance and Campus Activities Board and is funded by the Campus Activities Fee. All student organizations, advisors, faculty, staff, and award nominees are encouraged to attend. Registration is now open and people can RSVP online.

• Theme: “Grow Where You Are Planted”
• Event Date: Thursday, March 28, 2019
• Location: Goei Center (818 Butterworth St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504)
• Doors Open: 5:00 p.m.
• Caterers: San Chez
• Evening Activities: Photo Booth and DJ following the awards ceremony
• Deadline to RSVP: March 14, 5 p.m.

Student leadership award nominations are now available through Raider Connect. Students, staff, and faculty can submit nominations. All nominations are due by March 8 at 5 p.m. Most of these awards are associated with a scholarship, so please consider nominating a student that you feel deserves recognition for their leadership and involvement.

Financial Aid ‘Learn to Earn’ event workshop tomorrow in Cook

Saving for the Future: Learn to Earn

February 25-March 2, 2019, is America Saves Week at GRCC!

GRCC is partnering with America Saves in ‘America Saves Week!’ Follow us on Twitter for more information about the #ImSavingFor sweepstakes and for your chance to win cash prizes toward your savings goal.

Special Event: Budgeting and Savings Workshop

• TUESDAY, February 26, 1-2 p.m. in Cook Hall, Room 208

At this budgeting workshop learn tips on how to:

• Track expenses,
• Effectively manage money, and
• Monitor credit history through budgeting activities.

For a chance to win prizes after the event, use the hashtag #RaidersAreSaving on Twitter.

Road Closure today: Lyon St NW

From 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. today, Lyon St. NW will be closed from Ottawa Ave to Ionia Ave.

WHERE: Lyon St. NW, from Ottawa Ave to Ionia Ave.

WHEN: Monday, February 25, 2019, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

CLOSURE TYPE: Full closure.

DETOUR ROUTE:

• Eastbound: Ottawa to Pearl to Ionia.
• Westbound: Ionia to Michigan to Ottawa.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Building exterior work with a crane.

Road Closure Monday: Lyon St NW

From 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Monday, 2/25, Lyon St. NW will be closed from Ottawa Ave to Ionia Ave.

WHERE: Lyon St. NW, from Ottawa Ave to Ionia Ave.

WHEN: Monday, February 25, 2019, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

CLOSURE TYPE: Full closure.

DETOUR ROUTE:

• Eastbound: Ottawa to Pearl to Ionia.
• Westbound: Ionia to Michigan to Ottawa.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Building exterior work with a crane.

GRCC In The News, 02-22-19

2.2M Students Used OpenStax Free Textbooks in 2018
2/21/2019 Publishers Weekly
OpenStax, a nonprofit based at Rice University that publishes free online peer-reviewed textbooks, reports that more than two million students at U.S. colleges used at least one of its textbooks during the 2017-2018 school year. The nonprofit also estimates that students saved $177 million using the free textbooks in the 2017-2018 year. The increased use of of OpenStax textbooks comes as the AAP reported that sales of higher education course materials fell 7.2% in 2018.
… 5. Grand Rapids Community College – 35,421 students, estimated $3,269,956 saved

Excellence in Education Award nominations available now

Here at GRCC, we are truly fortunate to work with staff and faculty who go above and beyond their role at the college, in the community, or in higher education. These individuals make learning at GRCC a meaningful and impactful experience for our students and working at GRCC an honor and inspiration for fellow employees.

To recognize them, please consider nominating them for the Excellence in Education Award! The Excellence in Education Award was established in 1989 to honor an individual Grand Rapids Community College employee. In 2000, the award was expanded to provide recognition in the form of a staff award, and a separate full-time faculty award. In 2010, an additional award was added for an exemplary adjunct faculty member.

There is a cash award of $1,000 for full-time faculty who have taught at GRCC for at least 5 years, and for adjunct faculty who have taught at least 2 years, with a $750 cash award. Staff members also receive a cash award of $1,000.

Anyone can nominate! Deadline for nominations is May 10, 2019.

• Staff nomination form
  Faculty nomination form
  Adjunct nomination form

Questions?

• Faculty & Adjunct: Call or email the Provost Office at (234-3920); provost@grcc.edu
• Staff: Call or email Angela Salinas in HR/Staff Development at (234-2567); angelasalinas@grcc.edu

Thank you for taking the time to nominate a deserving member of the GRCC family for these awards.

Final episode of ‘Cooking with Angus’ this Sunday

After over 100 episodes, the Cooking With Angus TV series created by the GRCC Secchia Institute for Culinary Education will soon release its final episode. Featuring chefs from all over the world and graduates of the program in Grand Rapids, the final episode goes back and forth between Scotland and the USA showcasing an emotional, cultural, and deliciously compelling picture of Chef Angus’ career.

Sunday, February 24, 2019, at 5 p.m. on ABC 13.

GRCC In The News, 02-21-19

LMC and Grand Rapids split doubleheader
2/21/19 WJSM Sports
WOMEN
Lake Michigan College 62, Grand Rapids Community College 45

Weekday morning sports report – Thursday 2/21/19
2/20/19 WJSM Sports
NCAAMBB – Men’s College Basketball
…Tonight
Women’s Basketball
Lake Michigan College 62, Grand Rapids Community College 45

Don’t miss out on the Grants Lab Newsletter

The Grants Lab Newsletter is intended to keep you informed on topics ranging from recent awards to upcoming opportunities to helpful resources. We also publish short articles to assist you and your team as you engage in the grant development process. Check out our latest headlines:

• Partnering on a Grant? Do this first. Be sure you’re allowing time for internal approvals.
• Grant Team Doubles in Size: Please extend a warm Raider welcome to the newest member of the Grants Department!
• Awards? We’ve got ’em: Congratulate your colleagues on their recent grant awards.
• Our Annual Report got a makeover: Check out our new reader-friendly format.
• SSPD Awardees Announced: Congratulations to our January 2019 awardees!

The Grants Lab Newsletter is your one-stop-shop for all things grant-related at GRCC!

G Suite Tip – Departmental Transition Assistance

Our Google Guides would like to thank the Counseling, Student Success & Retention, and Music departments for inviting us to their departmental meetings to discuss in depth what GRCC’s transition to GMail will look like and how it will impact their business practices.

If your department would like to have a Google Guide attend your team meeting, simply contact one of our many Google Guides. Alternatively, for in-depth support in migrating your business practices, you (or your team) may request a consultation request through our service catalog.