Teaching, Learning, and Distance Education (TLDE) News

Midwest Institute for International-Intercultural Education

Did you know that GRCC is a member of the Midwest Institute for International-Intercultural Education?  The Midwest Institute for International-Intercultural Education (MIIIE) is a self-funded consortium of two-year colleges.

Its primary mission is to provide curriculum and professional development by organizing workshops, conferences, and funding for college projects.  Visit MIIE’s website to learn more information about their events and learning materials.  To access the learning materials, contact Sheila Jones to obtain the GRCC member access code.

On Monday, December 5, MIIE is hosting its first Zoom-based Book discussion ofLeading with Dignity by Donna Hicks.  The discussion will take place from 7:00-9:30pm (Eastern Time) and will feature the following: 

• Summary and critique of the book by Holly Norton (University of Northwestern Ohio, serving at the reviewer-facilitator) for 30-45 minutes.
• Video interview of the author by Badri Rao for 55 minutes.
• Facilitation of group discussion for 50-60 minutes by Holly Norton.

If you are interested in participating in the book discussion, please fill out this application and email it to Theo Sypris, Director of MIIIE, at: tsypris@kvcc.edu. 

Featured Upcoming Workshops/Events and Reminders:

1. Tips and Tricks Fall 2022 – Thursday, 11/3 – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Hyflex
2. 1st Year Assessment of Student Learning Training – Friday, 11/4 – 1:00  to 2:00 p.m. in Person – 315 RJF Hall
3. Managing the Grading Load – Thursday, 11/10 – 12:00  to 1:00 p.m. – Hyflex
4. Instructional Design Charrette – Wednesday, 11/16 – 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. – Hyflex

Please visit CTE’s Calendar and Programming webpage for the current listing of all Fall 2022 Professional Development opportunities being offered by TLDE!

My Story Started at GRCC: Jacki Fuller gained skills to become director of nursing at Spectrum Health Hospitals Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Jacki Fuller credits GRCC for the nursing skills she uses every day and for helping her develop a trait that’s equally essential: leadership.

As director of nursing at Spectrum Health Hospitals Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, she oversees care for 140 patients and supervises a staff of about 150, including registered and licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, nurse managers, nurse supervisors, doctors, case managers, a nurse educator, and a specialist in infection prevention.

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.

Fuller appreciates the leadership classes she took at GRCC.

“Being a leader is incredibly multifaceted, especially in the world of nursing,” she said. 

The hands-on training through clinicals and the simulation labs prepared her for patient care, but it was the Nursing Program’s work in the community that had a special impact.

“I was able to see real health issues and disparities that people in my own community are facing,” Fuller said. “Being able to contribute to improving those issues as a nursing student was impactful in my journey.”

A trip to Costa Rica with her cohort in the Associate Degree Nursing program is a favorite memory.

“This was eye opening!” she said. “It was incredible to see how the people in Costa Rica live and what little access to health care they have. Our time volunteering made a huge difference in their lives.”

Fuller graduated with her associate degree in Nursing in 2016, after first earning her Licensed Practical Nurse certification in 2013. She had worked with Spectrum Health during a clinical rotation and knew she wanted to build a career there.

“I worked as a bedside nurse for a few years while also going back to GRCC for my ADN,” she said. “During this time, I was offered a position as a nurse supervisor. I continued in the nurse supervisor role for two years and then moved into a nurse manager role. I recently moved from the nurse manager role into the director of nursing role.”

Fuller, who completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing last year through Capella University and plans to complete her master’s there in December, leans on what she learned at GRCC every day.

“GRCC is a great size,” she said. “They have the tools and resources to provide a quality education but also aren’t so large that I felt like a number. I truly felt like I was valued, and my success was important.”

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

GRCC cross country teams finish second in NJCAA Region XII, MCCA Championships

The men’s and women’s nationally ranked Grand Rapids Community College cross country teams both punched their tickets to the national tournament after a runner-up finish at the MCCAA/NJCAA Region XII Championships on Saturday.

Lansing Community College, ranked No. 1 in both the women’s and men’s national poll, ran away with both victories, but GRCC finished well ahead of the third-place teams in each race. Southwestern Michigan College was third in the women’s race, and St. Clair County Community College in the men’s competition.

After a GRCC record-setting performance in her last meet, All-American Kaylee Scott led the No. 4-ranked women’s team with a time of 19:35, 25 seconds behind the winner Olivia Vanderway of Lansing. She was fourth overall out of 80 competitors.

Fellow All-American Audrey Meyering finished in eighth place with a time of 19:58. Rose Meyer was 11th overall with a time of 20:11. All three Raiders earned All-MCCAA and All-Region honors for their performances.

Women’s coach Sharon Becker said she is “satisfied with some solid performances and amazed and thrilled with some others performances!”

“Kaylee finishing in top five was super cool for her- she ran a great, steady, strong race today!” Becker said. “I’m so proud of Audrey and Rose for their strength, resilience and perseverance to power through to the very end. Today was a huge step to the progress we plan to pay off and finalize on Nov. 12!” Becker said. “The Raiders are not done yet. They have more to accomplish and look forward to the privilege and opportunity at the National Tournament in Florida!

GRCC’s men’s team, ranked No. 7 in the latest U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association poll, was led by the first time this season by 2021 All-American Coleman Clark, who ran the race in 26:35.

Freshman Mason Kolhoff ran 26:41 finishing in sixth place, while Andrew Periard and Dan Kehoe both broke 28 minutes finishing in a respective 17th and 18th place.

Clark and Kolhoff both earned All-Region and All-MCCAA honors, while Periard and Kehoe earned All-MCCAA honors with their performances.

Men’s team coach Rob Hyde said he is “super proud” of his team.

“Yes, we did not beat Lansing but it is the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, and we’ve gotten closer and closer to it,” Hyde said. “We broke up the top group like we’ve never had before and our guys coming behind them are getting closer and closer. My guys are bummed that the times are slow, but every single person in this race had a slower time. That’s cross country. We were ahead of teams by larger margins than ever before. So overall, we are still moving in the right direction with one more race to go.”

Both teams will have two weeks off to prepare for the National Championships, which will take place Nov. 12 in Tallahassee, Fla.  

MCCAA champs! GRCC volleyball team earns sixth-straight title with victories over Lake Michigan College, Mott Community College

The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team won its sixth-straight Michigan Community College Athletic Association Tournament championship with back-to-back wins on Saturday, including a five-set thriller in the championship match.

“Our staff was extremely proud of how our kids represented our school and the new MCCAA North Division of our conference” Coach Chip Will said. “To defeat the West and East champions was a great way to prepare for the regionals next weekend. Both our opponents pushed us to get better each set and grow under some pressure situations. Another goal was met for our season with two more big goals to still achieve.”

After winning the 12th conference title in program history, GRCC qualified for the MCCAA Tournament to first battle Lake Michigan College, the champions from the Western Conference. GRCC dominated, winning 25-6, 25-15, 25-13.

GRCC played nearly flawlessly, committing only one reception error and one service error while hitting a superb .369, the team’s second best this season.

Audrey Torres had 12 kills, while hitting a career-high .524 while teammate Eliza Thelen had 11 kills and hit .500.

In the championship against the host school, Mott Community College, the GRCC grinded out a 15-12 fifth set win to beat the Eastern Conference champions for the second straight year.

After dropping set one 26-24, the GRCC regained control of the match, taking the next two sets 25-21 and 25-16. But the Bears responded with a 25-21 win to force a final set. GRCC led by as many as seven points, and Thelen finished off with her 21st kill of the match.

Torres led the team again with 22 kills while hitting .300, while Karissa Ferry bested her career high by five with 16 kills and Audrey Gower picked up her 800th career dig.

On the day, Shannon Russell totaled 92 assists, 21 digs and five kills, including a killer B in the fifth set.

GRCC now awaits their opening match opponent in next week’s Region XII-Great Lakes B Tournament.  They will play against the winner of Schoolcraft College and Southwestern Michigan College on Thursday Nov. 3 at 6 p.m.   

GRCC In the News 10/31/2022

GRCC auto program sees high demand for mechanics

10/28/22 WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Mechanics are in high demand in West Michigan as the industry continues to face challenges from a global parts shortage.

The Grand Rapids Community College Auto Technology Program is the biggest trainer of technicians in West Michigan and almost every person who completes the program finds a position in the industry.

How GRCC supports their student veterans

10/28/22 “eightWest”

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – As we approach veterans day, we’ll be taking a look at organizations and events that support veterans in our community. Grand Rapids Community College is now a gold level college, reflecting their commitment to student veterans.

 GRCC nets 6th-straight MCCAA volleyball championship

10/29/22 FOX 17

FLINT, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is celebrating its volleyball team’s sixth-straight MCCAA Tournament championship!

Interview: Ron Jenkins and Avery Mills of CINDERELLA at Lionheart Productions

10/30/22 Broadway World Michigan

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella opens at the Grant Fine Arts Center this week, bringing back Lion Heart Productions’ first large-cast musical since Mamma Mia! In 2019. The show is running 2 weekends, through November 12th, and is the new Broadway adaptation of the classic musical. This contemporary take on the classic tale features Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago”. Broadway World Michigan had a chance to speak with Director Ron Jenkins and one of the show’s stars, Avery Mills playing Ella, about the delightful holiday comedy. Enjoy our chat and their fun answers to get you excited for the performance tonight and in the coming weeks!

… Avery Mills: I grew up all over West Michigan in Spring Lake, Grand Haven, and graduated from Zeeland. After that, I moved to Grand Rapids where I went to GRCC for Vocal Performance and studied under some really incredible teachers. I just moved back to Grand Rapids after living in Nagoya, Japan for three years. I miss it terribly, but I am so glad to be able to do theatre again!! I have been doing theatre locally since I graduated from High School. There are too many shows to list – but I have worked in Hamilton, Holland Civic Theatre, West Michigan Savoyards, and Master Arts Theatre. As well as a handful of shows when I was attending GRCC. My most recent shows have mostly been performing Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta with the West Michigan Savoyards. My last role was Mabel in Pirates of Penzance. It’s a group I hold near and dear to my heart!

GRCC Foundation celebrating Dr. Juan R. Olivarez and Mary Olivarez for their service to the college and community at Scholarfest

The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation is honoring Dr. Juan Olivarez and Mary Olivarez for their service to the college and community in this year’s Scholarfest.

Scholarfest is an annual event celebrating GRCC’s philanthropic leaders and highlighting achievements of faculty, staff and students. Proceeds support GRCC scholarships.

The event is planned for 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 1. It will be the first event in the Secchia Piazza, located in the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St. NE in Grand Rapids.

Tickets are available here.

The GRCC Foundation awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships last year and supported students in other ways as the community was affected by the pandemic.

“Juan and Mary are such an important part of our campus community, and their service extends throughout West Michigan,” said Dr. Kathryn Mullins, executive director of the GRCC Foundation and vice president for College Advancement. “Honoring them allows us to salute their service, and also inspire the next generations of GRCC students and those who help them be successful.”

As GRCC’s eighth president, Juan Olivarez forged community partnerships and increased educational opportunities for underserved populations.

The son of migrant workers from Benavides, Texas, he was the first Hispanic president of any Michigan college or university.

Dr. Olivarez was an educator in the Grand Rapids Public Schools for more than 20 years before becoming GRCC’s Dean of Institutional Research in 1991.

After retiring from GRCC in 2008, Olivarez became president and CEO of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. He was named Aquinas College’s seventh president in 2011, retiring in 2017. He was a distinguished scholar in residence for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Grand Valley State University’s Dorothy Johnson Center for Philanthropy between 2018 and 2021.

Dr. Olivarez continues to be an important part of GRCC, serving as interim president while the college searches for a new president.

Mary Olivarez is equally committed to education, spending 24 years with Grand Rapids Public Schools, teaching kindergarten and early childhood education, and working with students with multiple impairments. 

The Secchia Piazza is the newest addition to the GRCC Main Campus and connected to the renovated Heritage restaurant. Supported by donations by former Ambassador Peter Secchia and his family, the Secchia Piazza provides opportunities for students in the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education and tells the story of the program’s global reach.

Get some pronoun practice

Photo by Devin Kira Murphy licensed CC BY-NC 2.0

Still struggling with singular ‘they/them’ pronouns? Let us help you.

Whether you know it or not, we guarantee you interact with non-binary people who use these pronouns. 

Come learn some best practices, share your concerns, ask questions, and get some hands-on practice with us in a brave space.

It’s not about ideology; it’s about creating a supportive and safe environment for our students and peers. 

We hope to see you there on November 2!

Register for this “Using They, Them, Their Pronouns” session via the Professional Development tile of your Online Center account. 

Multi-Factor Authentication for students on November 1

IT recently announced that we will be launching Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on student MyGRCC accounts starting Tuesday, November 1.

What does this mean?

Starting November 1, students will be prompted to authenticate through MFA in the same way as faculty and staff.

Students signing into their MyGRCC account off campus or from a personal device on campus will be prompted for a one-time passcode sent to their email address or phone.

Here is what can be expected:

We are working to make this change as easy as possible for everyone.

Reminders are being sent out to students encouraging them to log into their MyGRCC portal and verify they have the correct phone number and email address through these steps.

For those working closely and assisting students, please follow these instructions or you can watch this quick video. 

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns at our IT Support Portal or by calling (616) 234-4357.

GRCC In the News, 10-28-22

Global internship experience brings marketing student closer to her goals

10/26/22 Western Michigan University article

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Presenting to her company’s president and vice presidents during a meeting in Sweden with six other interns from around the world, Western Michigan University seniorIsabel Henrickson took an important step toward launching her marketing career and solidifying her interest in search engine optimization (SEO).

… Even after selecting her marketing major, her search for the perfect career fit continued. In a marketing research course led by one of her mentors, Dr. JoAnn Atkin, associate professor of marketing, she was able to find the connection to her interests. “When I first transferred to WMU from Grand Rapids Community College, Dr. J was one of the first people I talked to. Her marketing research and analytics courses allowed me to see that there is a technical side to marketing that I hadn’t realized was there.”

GRCC Policies updated

Policy Meeting

October 2022

11.15 Purchasing

Policy Statement

• Increased amount for Director of Purchasing or designee to approve $10,000 or more (up from $5,000 or more).  Increased amount for Procurement Specialist or designee to approve less than $10,000 (up from less than $5,000).

Forms

• added Attachment A – GRCC Logo Apparel
• added Attachment B – MLBE

6.2 EEO & Non-Discrimination

• Section VII(c):  Changed “Ethics Monitoring Brochure” to linked “Ethics Monitoring System.”
• Section VII(d): Revised Policy names to reflect accurate titles.
• Section IX(b): Fixed several broken hyperlinks.
• Section IX(c): Updated definition of “prohibited discrimination” to include harassment by “vendors, volunteers or any member of the campus community.”
• Section IX(c): Revised definition of “prohibited discrimination” related to “retaliation” to prohibit retaliation for having “participated in” a discrimination investigation or lawsuit.”
• Section IX(g): Revised definition of “Political Affiliation.”
• Section IX(j)(2): Revised language to be gender neutral.

6.3 Unlawful Harassment

• Revised Title
• Section V: Revised covered entities to ensure consistency with EO and Non-Discrimination Policy.
• Section VI: Revised to ensure consistency with EO and Non-Discrimination Policy.
• Formatting, grammatical and title changes throughout Policy.

The new/revised policies have been added to the College Policies website.

The best cross country runners headed to Grand Rapids as GRCC hosts NJCAA Region XII, MCCAA championship meet

Some of the fastest cross country runners in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana are headed to Grand Rapids on Saturday, as Grand Rapids Community College hosts the NJCAA Region XII and MCCAA Championship meet.

The event includes representatives from the GRCC cross country teams and student-athletes from 20 other schools competing at the Gainey Athletic Complex, 1661 E Paris Ave SE, in Grand Rapids. Admission is free, and parking is $5.

“GRCC is proud to host an event that showcases the best programs in the region,” Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said. “This is a great opportunity for people in West Michigan to see some of the top community college runners in our state and beyond.”

The women’s five-kilometer race will begin at noon and the men’s eight-kilometer race is set for 1:00 p.m.

Eight schools competing are ranked in the latest national poll, including Lansing Community College, has the No. 1 men’s and women’s teams in the nation. GRCC’s women’s team, coached by Sharon Becker, is ranked No. 4, and the men, coached by Rob Hyde, are ranked No. 7.

The GRCC team includes All-Ameicans Kaylee Scott, Audrey Meyering and Coleman Clark.Scott set a GRCC record at the Oct. 15 meet, and was named MCCAA Cross Country Runner of the Week in September. Mason Kolhoff earned the honor earlier this month.

Gainey is located one mile east of Calvin University’s main campus and borders East Paris Road SE and the university’s nature preserve.

The start and finish are located on the Gainey soccer fields. The course features 10-meter-wide paths cut through the Calvin property north and west of the Gainey Athletic Complex, wide sweeping turns, a long straightaway parallel to the service road, beautiful tree-lined trails, and good footing. A brief segment runs through the Gainey Baseball fields and finishes just west of the start near the soccer stadium bleachers.

GRCC In the News 10/27/2022

Grand Rapids movie studio plans move to Walker industrial building

10/26/22 mibiz.com

WALKER — A movie studio that formerly operated in downtown Grand Rapids is eyeing a larger industrial space in Walker to accommodate local filmmakers seeking to rent out production space.

… “I dropped out of Grand Rapids Community College after about three and a half weeks as a major in broadcasting,” (Josh) Sikkema said. “I didn’t have any resources and (there was) nowhere for me to shoot. The next best option for me was renting studios, but they are not affordable.”

John Gibbs: New Third District leans left, but it’s not unwinnable

10/26/22 FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The new third congressional district in Michigan might lean slightly more Democrat after redistricting, but GOP candidate John Gibbs doesn’t see the new lines as impenetrable.

… The new 3rd District would also encompass Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College. While Gibbs wants to make college more affordable, he doesn’t agree with the Biden administration’s sweeping student debt relief.

TRIO & Power Of Education Fundraiser

Hello GRCC Family!

TRIO Student Support Services is hosting our annual fundraiser for the Power of Education Foundation that benefits Samuel, a 10 year boy who attends their school in Haiti.

COVID changed our fundraising efforts for the past few years but we are back and better than ever!  We are hosting a donut and churro cheesecake (homemade!) to raise the $800 for his tuition, food, medical/dental needs, and school supplies.  You can also donate directly without purchasing anything. 

Please see below for additional information:

1.)  Donations accepted beginning Monday, October 31st thru Friday, November 4th at: PEF Donation for Samuel

2.)  This year we are selling Krispy Kreme donuts by the dozen and Churro Cheesecake by the slice and whole cake.  *Deadline for all orders will be on Thursday, October 27, 5:00 PM.  Follow this link for pricing details and to place your order: Donut & Churro Cheesecake Order Form

3.)  Goal: $800

4.)  Learn more!  Jen Masternak, the Creative and Finance Director for the Power of Education Foundation, shared a video about the foundation and the school.  And how their connection to GRCC, and how the GRCC community and TRIO Student Support Services has supported their efforts over the years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWR0_Ik3gzU&feature=youtu.be

Thank you for your support!  This fundraising partnership has existed for 10+ years between GRCC, TRIO and the Power of Education Foundation. 

It has truly been a GRCC community effort that has raised thousands of dollars and provided life-changing education, support and care for children.  Not only have we raised needed funds but our students have gained an awareness of another culture and appreciation for the access to education we have.  

If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact me at 616-234-2167 or via email at vpowers@grcc.edu. 

Applying for a grant: Learn about our process

Interested in applying for a grant? Your first step is to contact the Grants Department! 

We are the college-wide point of contact that manages all aspects of grant-seeking and grant administration to ensure that projects are developed and managed in compliance with the sponsor’s terms and College policies.

As a full-service department, we’re here to assist you and your team with all things grant-related.

As such, please be reminded that no work should begin on a grant until the Grants Department has been contacted. 

Want to learn about our process? Check out our new Grant Development Guide.

PeopleSoft and other systems scheduled to be down for required maintenance

Thursday evening, October 27, all of PeopleSoft which includes the Student and Faculty Online Centers will be down for scheduled patching. 

The updates will start at 9:00 p.m. Thursday and finish by 1:00 a.m. Friday.