GRCC named a Gold Level College by Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, reflecting campus commitment to helping student veterans

Grand Rapids Community College was named a Gold Level College by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, reflecting the campus’ commitment to helping student veterans gain the support and education they need to be successful.

The state’s Michigan Veteran-Friendly Schools Program recognizes academic institutions committed to supporting the needs of student veterans. Colleges and universities are awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze level status based on their veteran-centric services and programs.

GRCC had been a Silver Level College in the past. The college’s new Veterans Center and the work of staff supporting student veterans led to the elevated status.

“We are incredibly proud of our student veterans,” Registrar Valerie Butterfield said. “GRCC has a long history of being a veteran-friendly campus, and our new Veterans Center has helped us provide even more support. The Gold Level status reflects our commitment, and our focus on finding even more ways to help veterans transition to college, and be successful.”

The U.S. Education Department in January 2021 awarded GRCC a grant to create the center, which serves as a hub for planning and delivering services to students who have served in the armed services.

The center, located on Level G2 of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, is staffed by the Veteran Success Coordinator, Patrick Coleman, who works as a single point of contact, connecting veterans with campus resources including financial aid, advising and disability support. The project also helps GRCC expand its partnerships with state and local veterans’ agencies, helping students access benefits and support in the community.

The Veterans Center hosts workshops and events, and provides opportunities for networking and social interaction.

The Veteran2Veteran program provides peer support, outreach, and resources for student veterans through Peer Advisors for Veteran Education, including veterans supporting each other through the transition to college.

Veterans Center services include:

  • One-on-one advising.
  • Veterans Administration work study positions.
  • Connections to tutoring and academic support.
  • Assistance in completing the VA education benefits process.
  • Peer support, outreach, and resources for student veterans through Peer Advisors for Veteran Education.

The center is planning a veteran student orientation coming up on Aug. 17, and student veterans are still able to enroll in fall semester classes, which begin Aug. 29.

Students can connect with Coleman by phone at (616) 234-2578 and with our benefits certifying official, Janice Holton by email at veterans@grcc.edu. Additional information is available online at grcc.edu/veterans

Tech Tip: Student employee access extension

Do you have a student employee who will be working with you again next semester? Now is the perfect time to request for their access to be extended with the IT department! If you weren’t aware, access for student employees is only granted on an academic semester basis. 

We’ve simplified the process for you! Please navigate to the Network Account Provisioning Form  on our Support Portal and under request type select extend current access. From there you add the student’s information and submit the request. IT will make sure your student employee’s access is extended for them when they come back to work the next semester. 

For other great tips, visit the IT Customer Support Portal and search the Knowledge Base for other articles.

If you have a suggestion or a Technology Tip you think can be useful, you can submit them by emailing techtips@grcc.edu.

GRCC In the News 08/09/2022

Have I Been Accepted?

8/8/22 National Council for Marketing & Public Relations blog

It started after we heard from a student who received a letter from the college after applying: “Have I been accepted?” she said. “I can’t tell.”

That prompted Grand Rapids Community College’s (GRCC) Communications Department to take a peek at the letters going out to new students, then work with campus partners to elevate our acceptance experience.

Information Station volunteers needed

Hi Everyone!

We are looking for volunteers to help with the Information Stations that will be set up for the first three days of the new semester.

Sharing in the excitement of new opportunities, easing nerves, and helping students find their way is a great way to start the semester and show our students that we support them.

As we have in the recent past, we will have stations set up Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, August 29 through August 30 in four locations.

The stations on the north end of the Dr. Juan Olivarez Plaza, the first floor of Sneden Hall and the fourth floor of the Finkelstein (Main) Building will be open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

The station at the second floor entrance of the ATC will be open from 5-6:30 p.m.

Here’s the link to sign up! F22 Info Station Sign up