Teaching, Learning, and Distance Education (TLDE) News

Professional Development Grants for Faculty!
The Instructional Improvement and Professional Development (IIPD) program has been operating at GRCC for over 30 years. It is made possible through funding provided by the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation and is administered by the Grants Department. 

The purpose of the IIPD program is to support faculty professional development to ensure continued growth, develop new avenues of instruction and curriculum, and to enhance the professional lives of faculty for increased student learning, achievement and success. 

Visit the IIPD Application & Guidelines website to learn more.  The application deadline for the fall cycle is October 21, 2022.

Reminder: Drop-in Support is available in RJF 373!

Ian Matthews, the GRCC online instructional designer, is available by email, or in-person 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to assist you in all things related to online teaching. Faculty liaisons, Deb Vilmont and Rachel Lutwick-Deaner, hold drop-in hours on Wednesdays, 9 am – 11 a.m., and Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Featured Upcoming Workshops/Events and Reminders:

1. Panopto Beyond Basics – Tuesday, 9/20, 1 – 2:30 p.m., HyFlex
2. Tips and Tricks – Thursday, 9/22, 11 a.m. – noon, HyFlex
3. Classroom Observation Training – Wednesday, 9/28, 3 – 4 p.m., In Person
4. Reminder: ETOM Fall 2022 Conference Proposals due on October 4 and Conference @ GVSU on November 4.  See http://etom.org/event/fall2022conference for more information.
5. Reminder: Community of Practice ImpACT Grant applications due on October 21, 2022.  As previously announced during the latest Read to Act Collective, this opportunity is still available.  See the attached document for all of the details.

Please visit the Workshops and Professional Development Calendar and Programming website for the current listing of all Fall 2022 Professional Development opportunities being offered by TLDE!

Study Away: Sample food from around the world

Date: Thursday, September 22
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Applied Technology Center (ATC) Rooms 122 and 124

This is an Open House Style Event open to all.

Feel free to stop in and sample the foods from our Summer 2023 travel destinations.

Spain
Morocco
Austria/Germany
Costa Rica

Hosted by Study Away

Student Life seeking Student Organization advisors

Looking to get more involved on campus? Ever considered advising a student organization? 

The Office of Student Life and Conduct values and promotes student engagement opportunities, and we believe student involvement increases the chance of completion, persistence and the number of students transferring from our college to a four-year university.

We are looking to collect a list of potential candidates for student organization leaders in need of an advisor!

Curious? Let us know by submitting your interest on Raider Connect. 

Go to Raider Connect > login using your GRCC credentials > go to forms and click Student Organization Advisor Interest.

My Story Started at GRCC: Growing Roots board President April Shirey returned to college at 30 and found success

“What am I doing with my life?”

April Shirey found herself asking that question after losing her general management job in the bar and restaurant industry.

After packing up her car and moving from California to Grand Rapids, she had been in the field for 13 years.

“I had absolutely no clue what I was going to do,” she said.

Shirey decided to enroll at GRCC – it would be her second attempt at higher education.

Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful.

“I went to college right after high school, and that was not for me,” she said during a GRCC Foundation event. “I was just doing what I was told: You graduate high school; you go to college, and you get an education. You get married, and you move on.

“Well, I tried that, and it was not very successful.”

Shirey sensed this attempt would be different: “GRCC welcomed me with open arms.”

She found her passion in the study of biogeography and served as president of Gamma Theta Upsilon, GRCC’s chapter of the international geographical honor society. She co-authored a paper on food insecurity among community college students that she presented before many groups, including the annual meeting of the American Association of Geographers.

After graduating from GRCC in 2017, she earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from Aquinas College and then a master’s from Western Michigan University.

She’s returned to Aquinas, as an adjunct instructor in geography. She’s also board president for Growing Roots Michigan, a disability services and support organization.

“I was a returning college student at 30 years old, and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing,” Shirey said. “With a network of amazing professors and people who work at GRCC, I was able to figure it out.”

Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply.

Learn from the Best: Visual Arts professor Matthew Schenk’s ArtPrize entry depicts an apocalyptic future

Grand Rapids Community College is an ArtPrize venue this year, but the college this year has connections beyond the entries in the Paul Collins Art Gallery.

GRCC assistant professor Matthew Schenk has entered his work, “Twin Apocalypse – Latoya Whispers to the Old Masters,” into ArtPrize this year. You can find it in downtown Grand Rapids at the Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum.

Schenk has taught in GRCC’s Visual Arts Department, part of the new School of Liberal Arts, since 2019.

He shared the motivation for his ArtPrize entry in his artist statement:

“In 1839 the late French painter Paul Delaroche was the first to say ‘painting is dead.’ In 1915 Kasmir Malevich’s Black Square heralded the end of painting. The abstract expressionists told us that imagery in painting is over.

“There is talk of the Anti-aesthetic in Postmodernism. There is Post-Postmodernism.

There is Odd Nerdrum and Kitsch.

“There is a constant debate of ‘What is Art?’ and what isn’t, ‘Who is an artist?’ and who isn’t. Much of this discussion is handled by the ‘Art World.’

“There has been dialogue concerning the end of art and the loss of aesthetic import (Donald Kuspit) and of art being replaced by ‘Postart’ (Alan Kaprow).

“Art is over. “The media informs us that this is the End of Days and the social and economic state of the world is in ruins. I am painting in the Apocalypse”.

Before joining GRCC, Schenk taught illustration and medical illustration at Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design for 11 years.

From 1997 to 2005, he was a coordinator and production supervisor at Columbia Tristar Children’s Entertainment, now Sony Television Animation, where he worked on “Jackie Chan Adventures,” “Men in Black: The Animated Series” and “Jumanji.”

Schenk received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Michigan State University and a master’s in figurative painting from Academy of Art University. You can learn from Schenk in AT 130 Two-Dimensional Design I, AT 131 Color, AT 132 Digital Foundation, and AT 216Digital Painting.

Schenk is respected throughout the Grand Rapids art community. He has been invited by Kendall College to be a visiting artist on Oct. 28.

Join the conversation and learn how art and culture have influenced the world. Enroll in AT 106 History of Art Since 1400 – a seven-week class taught by GRCC adjunct instructor Elizabeth Raubolt starting on Oct. 18, 2022.

The Paul Collins Art Gallery is hosting three ArtPrize entries, showcasing digital animation, pen and ink technique and acrylic painting.

ArtPrize 2022 runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 2 and features 750 entries in the interactive art competition.

The Collins Art Gallery is found on the fourth floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 2, the gallery will be open from 1-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Guests visiting during the weekend should enter through the doors on the south end of Finkelstein Hall Level G2, near the iconic lion fountain, or through the skywalk connected to Parking Ramp A. Signs or staff will direct you to the gallery.

Alena Visnovsky shines as GRCC volleyball runs streak to six matches

The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team continued its hot streak by defeating Bay College in three sets, making it six wins in a row, with a career-best performance from sophomore middle Alena Visnovsky.

Visnovsky earned 12 points, six on the offensive end and six on defense. 

“It was good to be able to work on technique these past couple matches,” Visnovsky said. “We’d go in for a time out and then get back on the court with a specific goal or an action to tweak. The ability of this team to comprehend and then execute is great to see from the inside.”

The team, now 6-2 on the season, took care of the Norse in just under an hour, 25-17, 25-7, 25-13.

Sophomore Kara Hecht led GRCC in kills with seven and tied fellow outside hitter Audrey Torres with 10 digs to lead the team.

Eliza Thelen, Visnovsky and Karissa Ferry combined for 17 of the team’s 35 total kills.

GRCC, the pre-season pick to finish first in the conference, will have Sunday off before playing a doubleheader against Alpena Community College on Monday, and wrapping up the trip against Delta College on Tuesday.  

Meanwhile, back in Grand Rapids, the men’s and women’s cross country teams battled in their first Michigan Community College Athletic Association meet of the season at the Gainey Athletic Complex.

Despite not having the team’s All-American runner for the third straight meet, the GRCC men’s team battled tough to finish fourth among all conference teams while the women’s team finished second among all conference teams.

The meet consisted of runners from nearly 30 programs, including NCAA D1, D2 and D3, and NAIA schools. 

Northwood University, whose assistant coach is former GRCC coach Garrett Lacy, took the crown on the men’s side, while Aquinas College finished first on the women’s side.  Lansing Community College was first among all junior colleges in both the men’s and women’s meet.

Mason Kolhoff led GRCC’s men with an impressive time of 26:38, earning him 27th place.  Dan Kehoe each cracked the top-100 with times of 28:27 and 28:48.

On the women’s side All-American Kaylee Scott led the way with running the five-kilometer event in 20 minutes even, finishing in 23rd place.

Rose Meyer and Audrey Meyering finished in 33rd and 37th with solid times of 20:33 and 20:41.

The cross country teams will travel to Grayling on Friday to compete in the Kirtland Firebird Invitational.  

Petoskey stones and a sweep: GRCC volleyball team kicks off first road trip to Northern Michigan

The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team kicked off its first-ever swing through Northern Michigan by sweeping North Central Michigan College – and searching for Petoskey stones.

The team is playing in the newly created Northern Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association, and facing several new opponents.

GRCC is playing five games over a five-day period on the road trip, and coaches planned educational experiences along the way.

The team started the northern swing and conference play defeating North Central, extending its win streak to five matches.

“I was pleased with the way we executed after such a long delay,” assistant coach David Rawles said. “We got better with every point and finished on a high note.  Loved to see everyone contribute on the roster.” 

The team won 25-19, 25-15, 25-15, with the Timberwolves making their conference debut.

Sophomore middle hitter Alena Visnovsky shined, almost meeting her personal goal of three points per set.  She totaled six kills against just one error, hitting .455.  She also added an assist and earned herself the defensive save of the game, which ended up resulting in a Raider point.

Sophomores Kara Hecht and Karissa Ferry both hit .500 for the match and GRCC combined to hit a solid .269 for the match.

Every GRCC player got to see action and 11 different players scored at least one point.

The team, now 5-2 on the season, totaled 12 service aces and had just two reception errors.

GRCC takes another new opponent Saturday at 1 p.m., heading over the Mackinac Bridge to face Bay College in Escanaba. 

The team then takes a break on Sunday before playing a doubleheader against Alpena Community College on Monday, and wrapping up the trip against Delta College on Tuesday.  

The MCCAA split into three conferences this year in five sports due to the addition of three additional schools to the association. North Central Michigan College, Bay College, and Delta College, are first-year programs.

GRCC was the preseason favorite to win the newly created conference based on a coaches’ poll.

GRCC In the News 09/19/2022

What $70M plan will bring to Grand Rapids Public Museum

9/17/22 WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The price tag has grown but the plans are still on for the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s first expansion since it moved into its Pearl Street home 28 years ago.

… (Dale) Robertson says the museum is collaborating with the Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education in designing the outdoor food area, identifying potential career development opportunities for culinary students and potentially showcasing new culinary technology at the museum.

Associated Builders and Contractors of West Michigan presents annual construction awards

9/16/22 mibiz.com

GRAND RAPIDS — The Associated Builders and Contractors West Michigan chapter (ABC/WMC) recognized several contractors and projects as part of its annual Excellence in Construction Awards.

… Construction groups were also awarded for specific projects in 24 other categories:

• … Renovation/Addition/Tenant Build-out – $5-10 million: The Christman Co. for Grand Rapids Community College – Lakeshore Campus

‘I just kept letting him hit me’: MSP release report on shooting death of Joseph Nagle

9/16/22 FOX 17

MONTEREY TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A man who was shot and killed by an Allegan County deputy in June had cocaine and marijuana in his system the night of the deadly shooting, according to an investigative report by Michigan State Police.

… (Joseph) Nagle’s family says he was studying to be a police officer at Grand Rapids Community College. He ultimately decided not to go into law enforcement, his family says, because he didn’t like guns.

Turkey Trot is taking off for 2022

We are proud sponsors of the 30^th Anniversary of the Grand Rapids Public Schools Turkey Trot on November 24, 2022 (Thanksgiving Day)!

The Turkey Trot season starts next week on September 19. Proceeds from the race help to offset the cost of Grand Rapids Public Schools athletics.

Registration: GRPS.org/TurkeyTrot

$5 discount code: 2022GRCC5

Thanks again for the continued support to the students of GRPS! 

Dental Clinic services

The GRCC Dental Clinic is open now through December, and then again January until April.

The clinic is located on the third floor of the Cook Academic Building. Contact the clinic at 616-234-4237 to schedule a cleaning. Each appointment is three hours long, and the staff would need you to commit to two appointments with us initially.

The cost to students and faculty is $20, and $35 for all other patients. If you are age 17 and younger, the cost is $30. The clinic has many dates and times to choose from, Monday thru Thursday. Times vary, so please call ahead.

Each appointment consists of:

• Dental Cleaning
• Blood pressure screening
• X-Rays
• Oral Health Education/Assessments
• Patient Treatment Plan
• Fluoride Treatment
• Free parking if you park in one of GRCC’s parking garages
• And you get to have a great conversation and see what the GRCC dental clinic is like.

The clinic is available for many kinds of patients, whether it has been awhile since their last cleaning, or if they want to book their family to come at one time. The clinic can schedule just x-rays as well! 

Arbor Circle Youth Street Outreach Program on GRCC campus weekly for students

The Arbor Circle Youth Street Outreach Program (SOP) team is on campus Tuesdays in Student Life (02, Student Center Building) from noon – 2 p.m.

They are a mobile team that works with young people, 10 to 24 years old, who are experiencing homelessness, running away or who are struggling with unstable housing.

They can also be a reference for those outside of the age group to connect them to programs or resources related to housing and basic needs.

If you have further questions, contact Student Life at (616) 234-4160 or studentlife@grcc.edu.

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