CTE February Newsletter

The February CTE Newsletter is out!  

ODEI Diversity Series: Tuesday, February 16, at 4 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Rosa Clemente
“My gente es Fuere, ¿pero unida? … Well, it’s complicated. Register

Democracy Contested: Thursday, February 18, 2-3:30 p.m.
As a follow-up to the Democracy Contested conversation at Learning Day, interested participants will read and discuss articles related to contextualizing the events of January 9. Facilitators: Mike Light, Sheila Jones

Feeding America West Michigan: Thursday, March 18, 1-4 p.m.
Join us to provide community service with our partner Feeding America West Michigan who has been vital in supporting our community.

ADHD Goes to College: Wednesday, March 24, 1-2:30 p.m.
GRCC Welcomes Dr. Michael Wolff, PsyD, ABPdn to explore the biology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and how it can translate into academic, psychological, social and adjustment difficulties for college students.

REGISTER FOR EVENTS

Additional Topics in the Newsletter

Thank you!!

College Success hosts workshops

The College Success Center is offering its How to College: A workshop series this February. Workshop topics will focus on tips and strategies to help students succeed and thrive in college.

Success Coaches will facilitate all workshops via Zoom. Workshops are open to all students. Students can register through the College Success Center’s website. Seats are limited, so students are encouraged to register ahead of time.

Want to learn more? Give us a call at (616) 234-2312 and we can answer your questions.

New class registration tool available to students

GRCC will have a new class registration tool available to students in the student online center beginning next week, Monday, February 1.

We will still have the current add/drop option in the online center tile, but will also debut a new tile as Add/Drop Classes.

Please view this video for an introduction of this new feature!

If you have any questions or feel the need to connect on how to use this feature, we’re happy to help. Feel free to email Valerie Butterfield at valeriebutterfield@grcc.edu, and Student Records can connect with you on questions and/or training needs.

As a reminder: Summer 2021 registration opens on February 15, 2021.

Also, our Tuition Due Dates webpage is updated with summer semester information.

GRCC volleyball to start season without spectators due to pandemic, but will live stream home games through new partnership

Hunsberger Arena

Grand Rapids Community College’s nationally ranked volleyball team will start its season next month — but without fans in the stands, following state health and wellness guidelines during the pandemic.

Raiders fans will still be able to follow the action online through a new partnership with the Michigan Sports Radio.

All home volleyball and basketball home games will be streamed through the organization’s website, michigansportsradio.com, including postseason games. Games will be archived on the GRCC Athletics YouTube channel.

“The safety and wellness of our student athletes is our top priority,” Interim Athletic Director Dave Selmon said. “While we’re disappointed fans can’t cheer on the Raiders in person, we’re glad we can show the games online. This partnership will allow people to enjoy the games, whether they are here in Grand Rapids or around the world.”

The Raiders volleyball team, ranked fourth in the nation in the first poll National Junior College Athletic Association poll, is scheduled to take on Glen Oaks Community College at home on Feb. 12.

Read more

Nearly 2,900 who worked during COVID shutdown accepted by state to attend GRCC through Futures for Frontliners program

Nursing students in class.

Nearly 2,900 people have been accepted to attend Grand Rapids Community College through Futures for Frontliners so far – but the deadline is approaching for others interested in the state scholarship program to take the final steps.

Futures for Frontliners provides a pathway to an associate degree or a technical certificate for those who worked in essential industries during the COVID-19 shutdown last spring. Students living within the boundaries of the Kent Intermediate School District can attend tuition free, while others pay the difference between the resident and non-resident rate tuition – a substantial savings.

Feb. 1 is the deadline for people who filed applications to the state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to submit required information, including employment verification.

GRCC specialists can assist with last-minute questions through email at 

futures4frontliners@grcc.edu, the telephone hotline at (616) 234-3344, through text at (616) 404-4519, and through the webpage, grcc.edu/futuresforfrontliners.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for students of all ages to advance in their careers with a GRCC education, tuition-free,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of Student Affairs.

Read more

Virtual employee exercise class times for Winter semester

Beginning next Monday – the week of February 1.

Mondays ~ 12-12:45 p.m. ~ Raider Strong with Lannie

take it at your own pace with interval training to strengthen your muscles, and improve your energy level

Wednesdays ~ 5:15-6:00 p.m. ~ Fitness Fusion with Beth

mix it up with cardio, strength/tone & core and work out stress at the end of the day

Thursdays ~ 6:45-7:30 a.m. ~ Rise & Shine with Cheryl

simple yoga, stretching, as well as meditation & relaxation to start your day with a fresh mind, an energized body, and an uplifted spirit

To participate in one or more of these great sessions, please complete the registration form and the corresponding Zoom link/s will be sent to you.

For questions or more information, please contact angelasalinas@grcc.edu.

The Heritage is now opening February 2!

Join us in Welcoming Winter Semester!

And our new set of students!

Join us for Lunch and Dinner for limited seating.
Tuesday – Thursday February 2nd – 18th.

Lunch reservations from 11:30am -12:15pm
Dinner reservations from 6:00pm – 6:45pm

Remember:

Bakery goods to purchase at the door starting at 10:00AM!

Call 616-234-3700 to place takeout orders of any of our lunch items – 10AM-1PM

And COVID Protocols that are unmatched in our industry:

  • Temperature checks and health screenings of all guests, students, and employees.
  • HVAC operation increased flow by 300% with increased MERV filtration.
  • Mandatory masks and glove use.
  • Sanitation stations at all tables and facilities.
  • High-touch antiviral applications throughout the meal periods and between classes.
  • Only 4 tables served per meal period. Less than 25% capacity allowed – more stringent than state regulation.

Space is extremely limited!

Make Reservations Now!

Retirement bio of Dan Keyes

Dan Keyes began at GRCC 27 years ago in the Business & Technical Training department (later renamed Training Solutions and then Workforce Development).  He has held various positions within this area throughout the years including Program Manager, Trainer Manager, and Quality Manager/Consultant.

“Being at GRCC has provided me with so many opportunities to utilize and continue to grow in my two primary areas of expertise, the use of The Scientific Method and Systems Thinking.”  Through his work, he had the opportunity for “further development and use of continuous improvement and strategic planning principles and techniques with both external and internal colleagues and customers.”  He also had the opportunity to be involved in many opportunities, including the Pathways for Manufacturing Success program, the Business & Technical Training Quality Management Training, and the co-development of GRCC’s Lean Champion Program.

“I have had wonderful conversations with colleagues here at GRCC, and have learned so much in the process.” 

Dan’s retirement plans include moving to his home in Santa Fe, NM.  He will participate in multiple volunteer opportunities and activities including fly fishing, gardening, hiking and photography.

Thank you, Dan, for your dedicated service to GRCC!  We wish you all the best and look forward to hearing about your adventures!

Retirement bio of Donna Kragt

Donna Kragt began her career at GRCC in 1993 as the Director of Institutional Research.  Prior to coming to GRCC, Donna spent 7 years with Grand Rapids Public Schools.  In 2000 she became the Dean of Institutional Research, and “the responsibility for Planning came a couple of years later.”

Donna states that she has “always most enjoyed the large group engagements at GRCC such as Opening Days, Learning Days, Strategic Leadership Team, Academic Governing Council and all the cross functional teams.  Watching groups of diverse people come together to create and implement strategies to implement our mission and improve the whole has always excited me.  I am very proud to have been a part of it!”

“I have always been very proud of the caring culture at GRCC.  This caring culture is evidenced by how we provide learning experiences to students. This caring culture is also expanded to the faculty and staff in terms of person to person interactions as well as college policies and procedures.  I often tell people that I hit the jackpot of employers when I took the job at GRCC!”

Donna states that her post retirement plans of travel and volunteering have been put on hold due to COVID, but looks forward to pursuing those activities as soon as possible.  She also recently accepted a position as a Data Coach for Achieving the Dream which will begin in February, 2021.

Congratulations on your retirement Donna, and a heartfelt thank you for your dedicated service to GRCC!  We will miss you and look forward to hearing about your adventures!