Teaching, Learning, and Distance Education (TLDE) News

New Process for Distance Course Development Requests

TLDE has implemented a new process in Curriculog for requesting approval to develop an online or hybrid course. To launch a new proposal, visit Curriculog and select the Distance Learning Course Development Request form. For more information, visit the Online/Hybrid Course Development Process webpage or email DLIT@grcc.edu.

Featured Upcoming Workshops/Events and Reminders:

1. Portfolio Training – Wednesday, 10/5, 3-4 p.m., In Person
2. Curriculog Training – Thursday, 10/6, 2-3 p.m., Hyflex
3. Portfolio Training – Friday, 10/7, 10-11 a.m., In Person
4. Alignment A-Z – Tuesday, 10/11, 10:30-11:30a.m., HyFlex
5. Reminder: ETOM Fall 2022 Conference Proposals due on October 4th and Conference @ GVSU on November 4th.  See http://etom.org/event/fall2022conference for more information.
6. 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 CTE Calendar and Programming webpage for the current listing of all Fall 2022 Professional Development opportunities being offered by TLDE!

impact-grant-information-sheetDownload

Bishop Dennis McMurray honored for his leadership in the church and community as GIANT Among Giants

Bishop Dennis J. McMurray was honored for his leadership in the church and in the community, and named 2022 GIANT Among Giants during a ceremony on Saturday.

McMurray is the senior pastor at Renaissance Church of God in Christ of Grand Rapids, saluted as a spiritual visionary who brings an array of theological, business, management and financial expertise to his ministry.

“Bishop McMurray’s intellectual depth, unwavering love of family, pastoral service, and advocacy for justice exemplifies the core ethos of servant-leadership,” said Dr. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, Grand Rapids Community College’s chief equity and inclusion officer. “His contributions to the Grand Rapids community are immeasurable.”

The 39th Annual GIANT Awards and Banquet returned after a two-year hiatus, commemorating the stellar contributions of Grand Rapids leaders and organizations.

GRCC since 1983 has hosted the awards recognizing exceptional leaders who shape the history, quality of life, and culture of the Grand Rapids community. Each award is named after a historical local “giant” whose dedicated service, advocacy, and activism are memorialized through honorees.

Now in its 30th year, Renaissance is a progressive 21st century ministry that influences humanity globally through local church ministries and national/international television, radio programs and virtual platforms.

As a social activist, McMurray has provided leadership and has been a catalyst for many social change movements and organizations. He was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Clergy Task Force for the State of Michigan, and is a member of the Community Board of Directors for Spectrum Health.

McMurray served on the state Community Corrections Board, the National Board of Bethany Christian Services, Kent County Community Mental Health and Spectrum Health Executive Patient & Advisory Board.

He was the recipient of the Religious Life GIANT Award and the Who’s Who Award in Black Grand Rapids by the Black Chamber of Commerce of Detroit Michigan.

Professionally, McMurray has had a successful corporate career in the areas of sales, marketing, finance and management. His secular career has been in the areas of aerospace and industrial sales, finance and management and entrepreneurship.

Additional 2022 honorees are:

• Floyd Skinner Justice Award: Adam C. Sturdivant, partner, Drew Cooper & Anding.
• Walter Coe Public Service Award: Shellie Cole-Mickens, founder and executive director, Our House of Blessings.
• W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award: Nikeidra Battle-DeBarge, CEO and co-founder, New Destiny Pathways, Inc.
• Ethel Coe Humanities Award: Henry Sapp, CEO, Better, Wiser, Stronger Inc.
• Milo Brown Business Award: Daryl D. Reece, owner, Stock Da Bar & Stock Da Bar Vodka.
• Phyllis Scott Activist Award: Grand C.I.T.Y. Sports, Inc., Chris Sain, Jr., co-founder and CEO, and Preston Sain, co-founder and executive director.
• Raymond Tardy Community Service Award: Raynard Ross, president, Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education, and associate dean of student success at GRCC.
• H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award: Julian S. Newman, CEO and founder, The FutureCast Foundation.
• Hattie Beverly Education Award: Lorenzo Bradshaw, principal, Brookwood Elementary.
• Martha Reynolds Labor Award: Kevin L. Clemens, president, Kent County Court’s union, an affiliate of the Technical, Professional, and Office Workers Association of Michigan.
• William Glenn Trailblazer Award: Jermale Eddie, co-owner and CEO, Malamiah Juice Bar & Malamazing Juice Co.

The 2021 and 2022 Junior GIANT scholarship recipients are:

• Ashyah Patterson, Georgetown University
• Christian Baty, Michigan State University
• James M. Baker, Grand Rapids Christian High School
• Alexandria Vaughn-Earvin, Prairie View A&M University
• Zhaniya Robinson, Michigan State University
• Summer R. Brown, Howard University

Each year, the GIANT Awards selection committee undertakes the task of selecting honorees based on the merit of their nomination and stellar achievements. Committee members are: Larry Johnson, Tempy Mann, Darius Quinn, Faye Richardson-Green, and Shannon Wilson.

The GIANT Awards committee, made up of former GIANT honorees, is soliciting help to plan and facilitate the 40^th celebration.

Please send inquiries regarding the nomination process, sponsorship support, and volunteer opportunities to: GIANTaward40@gmail.com

Back and better than ever: The GRCC Leadership Institute

The GRCC Leadership Institute has been transformed, updated, redeveloped and re-energized!

Human Resources has partnered with the leadership development consultants of Insight Action Learning Group to establish a program committed to strengthening new and emerging leaders from across the GRCC campus. 

Please apply to be one of the first participants in this new and improved seven month cohort experience. Meetings will take place monthly beginning in January through July. 

The GRCC Leadership Institute program seeks a diverse pool of candidates who meet the following criteria:

• exemplifies GRCC’s values
• Commitment to attending the program in its entirety
• Continuing employment at GRCC for one year after completion of the L.I. program

Please visit the updated Leadership Institute webpage to review more details and information about the program as well as the Leadership Institute application.

The deadline to apply to be a part of the 2023 cohort is Friday November 4.

Questions? More information? Contact Laura Caulk or Angela Salinas.

Spirit Award winners

To kick off Homecoming week, please help us congratulate our two new Spirit Award winners!

Employee Spirit Award Winner – Kristi Welling

Kristi Welling is the associate director of Enrollment Center Services. Kristi has spent the last 34 years dedicating her time and talents to ensure students have everything they need to reach their goals of a college education.

Her nominator shared, “Kristi’s daily energy and positiveness she brings to the job every day is contagious and genuine. She truly cares about not only the folks in her department, but everyone who works in the area, and most importantly, the students we serve. She has genuine empathy when she is talking and working with others.” 

Retiree Spirit Award winner – Alice Donahue

Alice Donahue was a faculty member in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program and retired in 2000. Alice spent her time at GRCC going the extra mile to assure the success of all students.

Her nominator shared, “To know Alice, is to know a true GRCC advocate. She loves, loves, loves GRCC and never misses an opportunity to share her love of the institution. Even after retiring, Alice volunteered to serve on the Gold Team, the advisory team for GRCC retirees. Alice is an example of what being a Raider is — it doesn’t stop after retirement.”

Congratulations Kristi and Alice! You embody what it means to have GRCC spirit!

For more information about homecoming activities happening throughout the week, please visit grcc.edu/homecoming. 

GEAR UP Wyoming Writing Workshop at Aquinas College

Plot five events on a personal timeline. Pick one. Explode a moment in this event with descriptive details appealing to all senses. Connect a lesson learned from this reflection to your expected success in college.

With these instructions, GEAR UP Wyoming juniors started possible drafts for college application essays last Saturday at Aquinas College.

Dr. Gretchen Rumohr, English department chair at Aquinas College, shared with students how they can use their own voices. Her tips: get started, be self-centered, use meaningful details, get feedback, answer the question, and remember your college admissions/financial aid audience.

In addition to discussing a sample essay, students also practiced strategies to approach the SAT writing and language section.

The GEAR UP cohort then brunched at Wege, met with Admissions staff to learn about academic programs and financial aid, and toured campus with stops at the library, a new science building, a dorm room, and the soccer field.

Visits to area colleges help cohort juniors at Kelloggsville, Wyoming, Godfrey Lee, and Godwin Heights with this year’s assignment to compile college lists based on affordability, admissibility, and other fit factors.

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My Story Started at GRCC: Airport Authority Police Chief Braden Myers says GRCC prepared him for success

When Braden Myers returned from deployment overseas with the Military Police, GRCC was there.

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.

Myers entered the Police Academy and found the internship opportunities especially valuable.

“Through the academy and with assistance from instructors, I was able to gain the basic knowledge and connections needed for my desired field,” he said.

After serving in some internships, Myers, who graduated from the academy in 2014, joined the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Police Department.

“I was chosen for promotion and worked as a law enforcement sergeant for two to three years,” he said. “I then had a desire for the next level and put in for the vacant chief of police position.”

Myers, who has served as chief for two years, oversees 22 sworn department members and 40 contract employees. He credits the GRCC Police Academy for setting him on his way.

“GRCC is the necessary foundational step I needed to start my career in civilian law enforcement,” he said.

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

GRCC volleyball team wins 14th match in a row, topping McHenry County College and Lake Michigan College

The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team extended its victory streak to 14 matches, defeating McHenry County College and Lake Michigan College on Sunday in the Raider Challenge tournament.

GRCC first played a tough McHenry team, which last year finished in 10th place at the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship tournament.

After narrowly winning the first two sets 25-23 and 31-29, GRCC started the third set with an 8-1 advantage. McHenry, from Crystal Lake,, Ill., battled back to take the set 25-22, but GRCC rebounded to take the final set 25-18.

Outside hitters Audrey Torres and Kara Hecht combined for 33 of the team’s 52 total kills, and seven of the team’s 10 service aces.

Audrey Gower led the team with 23 digs, Shannon Russell had a team-high 40 assists and Alena Visnovsky was the team’s block leader with five.

“I feel like it was nice to play some competition outside of our conference, especially a top-20 team in the nation like McHenry, so we can see where we are at,” sophomore Karissa Ferry said. “I’m happy with our success this weekend, but know we always have to keep working.”

In the final match of the tournament, GRCC topped the Western Conference leading- Lake Michigan College, winning 25-15, 25-19, and 25-11.

Every GRCC player played in the game, and 12 players scored or had an assist.

Torres led the team again with 12 kills and Eliza Thelen contributed with 10 while hitting a solid .381.

“I think that playing teams we haven’t played before is beneficial,” Gower said. “It teaches us how to find new ways to play above other teams and pull out a win.”

GRCC, now 14-2 on the season, begins round two of conference play on Oct. 7. The game is against North Central Michigan College, and the homecoming celebration includes honoring GRCC’s 2012 national championship team.

GRCC women’s cross country team cruises to victory, while tie-breaker puts men’s team in first

Grand Rapids Community College’s women’s cross country team cruised to victory at the Oakland Raider Invitational with three runners finishing in the top six on Friday while the men’s team also was victorious; and in dramatic fashion.

GRCC’s women’s team, ranked No. 6 in the first U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association poll of the season, dominated the field of 13 teams, beating second place Southwestern Michigan College by 22 points; 49 to 71.

All-American runners Kaylee Scott and Audrey Meyering along with Rose Meyer finished second, fourth and sixth in the 5-kilometer race with times of 20:07, 20:11 and 20:32. The field consisted of 80 runners from the Michigan Community College Athletic Association.

Six of GRCC’s seven runners all ran personal bests for the season, including freshman Zoe Zawacki, who ran 7:37 faster than her first collegiate race.

“Kaylee and Audrey ran a strong race together,” coach Sharon Becker said. “I’m thrilled that they were able to help each other power through almost every step together. Audrey was a little dissatisfied that she was unable to hold off the third-place finisher, who passed her at the very end. But moments like that are great ones to learn from. Audrey will be working on her finish kick the next few practices.

Becker said she is proud of all of the student-athletes on her team.

“Each of them ran an excellent race with their efforts for their last mile of the race continuing to be strong,” she said. “I saw every one of the women Raiders pass competitors or keep their pace so that they were giving every effort to reach the finish line as fast they could possibly go. I’m proud of our team and their commitment to each other and to helping each other. Today was a beautiful day and it was very fun to coach the team.”

The men’s title came down to the untraditional tiebreaker rule. With GRCC and St. Clair County Community College tied at 59, the race was determined by how each team’s sixth-best runner did. By a mere eight seconds, GRCC’s Lucas Schneider defeated St. Clair’s sixth runner 28:36 to 28:44.

“Wild race today!” men’s coach Rob Hyde said. “We had some season-bests today and some not season bests.  What that created was our pack was closer together than normal.  Looking back, that was a blessing in disguise.”

Freshman Mason Kolhoff continued his fantastic freshman season, finishing second overall with a time of 26:48, tying his personal best. Andrew Periard was second on the team with a time of 28:02, finishing in 13th place.

GRCC is next scheduled to compete in the Muskegon Community College Invitational on Oct. 15.  

Tutorial services closed for an hour on Tuesday, Oct. 4

All tutorial services will be CLOSED from 10 AM-11 AM on Tuesday, Oct. 4 to allow our tutors to attend an Appreciation Event.

GRCC In the News 10/03/2022

Student story: From Harvard to community college

9/27/22 aacc21stcenturycenter.org (American Association of Community Colleges)

When you have a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Indiana University and a master’s in education from Harvard, where do you go next?

For Abbie Groff-Blaszak, it was Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC).

Adding zip to students’ acceptance letters

9/27/22 Community College Daily (American Association of Community Colleges)

It started after leaders at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) heard from an applicant who received a letter from the Michigan college.

Morning News

9/28/22 WZZM

(Giants Awards.)

Leading with enthusiasm, energy and a lot of positivity

9/28/22 schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)

Comstock Park — Warren Cody is bubbly, vivacious, a go-getter who knows how to make an impression. Admitting that people often hear him before they see him, the senior describes his leadership style as “energetic and loud.” 

… Despite the challenges, he is in the top 4 percent in his class of 120. When he enters college next fall he will have a semester of college credits under his belt already. He’s taken two AP classes in psychology and government and politics, and is currently enrolled in five that include AP statistics, chemistry and language arts as well as interpersonal communications and medical terminology at Grand Rapids Community College. 

20 YEARS OF STATE CHAMPS! 20 STATE CHAMPIONS SERIES: 2004 Rockford Rams

9/29/22 statecampsnetwork.com

Rockford — The 2004 Rockford Rams football team made an indelible imprint on the program. propelling it forward and establishing its state-championship tradition.

… Both (Spencer) Klukowski and (Josh) Rauser played in college at Northwood. O’Rourke played college baseball at Grand Rapids Community College and then Ouachita Baptist, where he played in the NCAA Division II World Series. Zach Breen (Grand Valley State) shared backfield duties with O’Rourke on the ’04 Rams. Breen was co-captain of the squad alongside Klukowski.

Northern Michigan University’s new president vows to engage rural students

9/29/22 Bridge Magazine

Northern Michigan University has named a university leader from Montana as its next president. 

… Former Grand Rapids Community College president Bill Pink began the presidency at Ferris State University in July.

A new high school program aims to beef up West Michigan’s technical workforce

9/30/22 Crain’s Detroit Business

GRAND RAPIDS — Western Michigan University is rolling out a certificate program for high school students who want careers in design and manufacturing.

… “If they … take the manufacturing track, it can set them up for a multitude of things: They can go to GRCC, and it maps directly into an associate degree there; they can go to Western, where it maps into a four-year degree there; or they can go straight into the workforce, where employers will employ them at a step above entry-level, because they already have a skill set that a lot of incoming employees don’t have,” (Kimmy) Beuchler said. “If they do the design side, they’ll basically knock a full semester off a product design bachelor’s degree with Western.”

When Her Bike Was Stolen, Their Relationship Turned a Corner

9/30/22 The New York Times

A month after Rachel Christine Koppelman purchased a mountain bike from Gregory Alan Saxton, in October 2016, it was stolen from the bicycle shop where Mr. Saxton was working as the head mechanic.

… Mr. Saxton, 35, who grew up in Holland, Mich., had moved to Aspen in 2010 after attending Grand Rapids Community College, in Grand Rapids, Mich. He liked that Ms. Koppelman was familiar with fishing from growing up around lakes and streams in Colombia, Mo., and that she had an interest in mountain biking.

Bishop McMurray named 2022 GIANT Among Giants

10/1/22 WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A pastor with a long history of community leadership is this year’s GIANT Among Giants.

Bishop Dennis J. McMurray received the honor Saturday night during the annual GIANTS banquet hosted by Grand Rapids Community College.

ArtPrize 2022 ‘shows what Grand Rapids has accomplished’ says executive director

10/1/22 MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – ArtPrize, the annual interactive art competition that draws thousands to Grand Rapids, came to a close Friday night at the 2022 awards celebration.

… Juried Winners: $10,000 for winner, $2,500 for honorable mention

… Digital: Gary Mesa-Gaido, ‘Derivations of a Gothic Arch Part 2′ (GRCC Paul Collins Gallery) Honorable Mention: Charles Cusack, ‘Algorithm + You = Art’ (House Rules Lounge)

 Morning News

10/2/22 WZZM

(Noorthoek Academy Big Step walk.)

Bishop Dennis J. McMurray named 2022 GIANT Among Giants, 11 others honored

10/2/22 MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Bishop Dennis J. McMurray was named the 2022 GIANT Among Giants on Saturday for his contributions in shaping the history, culture, and quality of life in the Grand Rapids community.

… “Bishop McMurray’s intellectual depth, unwavering love of family, pastoral service, and advocacy for justice exemplifies the core ethos of servant-leadership,” said B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, Ph.D, Grand Rapids Community College’s chief equity and inclusion officer, in a news release. “His contributions to the Grand Rapids community are immeasurable.”

Possible service disruptions while accessing GRCC Wireless at the Devos Campus

Information Technology is upgrading our wireless network starting with the Devos Campus. Users may experience a service disruption as they move locations.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

For the most up to date information please visit our IT Status Page.

If you have any questions regarding this change, please feel free to contact us at 616-234-4357 or by submitting a support request at our Customer Support Portal.

October employee learning opportunities

Fall into a great learning experience this October! 

Log into your Online Center account to view session descriptions, details, and enroll!

Tuesday, October 4

Intro To Peoplesoft

Thursday, October 6

Benefits 101

Friday, October 7

Got Grit? Remaining Resilient

Tuesday, October 11

Student Records & Privacy – FERPA

Tuesday, October 11

Emotional Intelligence & Leadership

Thursday, October 13

Formula for Success: Google Sheets

Friday, October 14

Mindfulness Made Simple

Tuesday, October 18

Good People Make Mistakes

Wednesday, October 19

Refreshing Your Perspective

Thursday, October 20

GRCC Accounts Explained

Tuesday, October 25

FSA/HSA Lunch & Learn

Thursday, October 27

Google Tips & Tricks

Tutor Appreciation Week: October 3-7

It’s National Tutor Appreciation Week (Oct 3-7), and we need your help thanking GRCC’s amazing tutors! It will only take a moment of your time. 

1. Fill out this quick survey to say thank you to all tutors, to a specific center, or to your favorite tutor.
2. Are you on-campus?  Stop by a tutorial center and add a note to our appreciation board or verbally thank the tutors.
3. So that all of our tutors can attend our Tutor Appreciation Event, all tutoring services will be closed on Tuesday, October 4 from 10 AM-11 AM.

We look forward to sharing your notes with our tutors and thank you for your time!

– Academic Support & Tutoring Services

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Health Care Careers Panel and a Recruiting Event, October 4

Spectrum Health and GRCC’s Occupational Support Program offer you a 

Health Care Careers Panel and a Recruiting Event, October 4 on GRCC’s Campus.

Spectrum Health is interested in sharing about careers and positions that are clinical & non-clinical.

There are more possibilities than you might think!

Recruiting Table

12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Right outside the Raider Grille

Health Care Careers Panel (learn about the wide variety of jobs that exist in the hospital environment)

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Multipurpose Room, 2nd Floor Student Center

Registration encouraged but drop-in’s welcome!  

Register at: Spectrum Health Recruitment Event in Partnership with GRCC’s Occupational Support