Professors Roger DeVries and Beth Foster inspired generations of students

GRCC extends its condolences to the families of Roger DeVries and Elizabeth “Beth” Foster, highly respected faculty members who shared their expertise and love of lifelong learning with generations of students.

DeVries, who passed away on Aug. 16, was honored with Professor Emeritus status in 2018, and the Excellence in Education Award in 1995.

He started teaching at Grand Rapids Junior College is 1965, and is remembered for a practical approach to teaching – taking students outside the classroom to learn about environmental issues in their community.

DeVries, who was chairman of the Physical Science Department, helped initiate and plan the Calkins Science Center. There is a GRCC scholarship honoring DeVries and his friend and colleague, Albertus Elve.

Foster, who also passed away on Aug. 16, taught Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology for more than 40 years. She was received GRCC’s Salute to Women honors in 2014.

She is remembered for her influence on students and colleagues, especially inspiring young women students. She also is known for writing her own individual lab exercises – saying those available commercially didn’t meet her expectations.

Registration ends tomorrow to volunteer for United Way’s ‘Operation United’ with InteGReat CC

Grand Rapids Community College supports the United Way through many different activities. As a College, we “donate” hours of support through the Loaned Executive Program and through participation on various agency boards. As individuals, we financially support agencies through our payroll deduction giving. The 2018 Leadership Institute cohort has chosen to extend its support and provide an opportunity for College employees to participate in a volunteer event called Operation United.

When?

Volunteer teams will work on-site at the home of a veteran or current service member within Kent County. Opportunities available on Friday, May 17, 2019, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

What takes place?

GRCC employees volunteer to “work” a half day shift (4 hours) on this community service activity.

How do I get involved?

College-wide, we will provide opportunities for the first 50 full-time employees to register for this half-day event.

Do I need my supervisor’s approval?

Yes, employees who would like to volunteer must ask their supervisor for approval. To obtain approval, you are required to complete a Leave of Absence form which can be found on the Human Resources page.

Can I earn Professional Development for volunteering?

Yes, employees who would like to receive up to four hours of professional development credit for this community service simply need to request this in the “Tracking Professional Development Hours for Staff” section of the Leave of Absence Application, and indicate they type of leave being “Conference.”

Pay and Benefits?

Yes, you will work at your regular GRCC job for a half day and work at the United Way activity for a half day (and be paid your regular daily hours).The additional “benefits” you receive are knowing how much you can make a difference in our community and through the United Way organization!

How do I volunteer?

Review information about the service activity, and register online by the May 3, 2019, deadline.

Thanks for caring!

Final day to RSVP for Thursday’s Faculty Sharing and Learning Event

• Date: Thursday, May 2, 2019
• Time: 8:30-10 a.m.
• Place: Sneden Hall, Room 103

GRCC Faculty are invited to our Faculty Sharing and Learning Event. This event is specifically designed to bring together faculty to share and learn best practices around creating unique community engagement experiences as well as learning activities that deepen students learning of course outcomes.

We can all learn from each other, and we will be working through the following session learning objectives:

• Gain a better understanding of processes and procedures
• Identify, develop, and improve experiential learning experiences
• Enjoy each other’s company and professional expertise
• Enjoy a free breakfast

An RSVP is required. Please RSVP to Tracey Lacy (traceylacy@grcc.edu or x4162) TODAY, April 29, 2019.

Earn professional development hours through community outreach with InteGReat CC

Grand Rapids Community College supports the United Way through many different activities. As a College, we “donate” hours of support through the Loaned Executive Program and through participation on various agency boards. As individuals, we financially support agencies through our payroll deduction giving. The 2018 Leadership Institute cohort has chosen to extend its support and provide an opportunity for College employees to participate in a volunteer event called Operation United.

When?

Volunteer teams will work on-site at the home of a veteran or current service member within Kent County. Opportunities available on Friday, May 17, 2019, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

What takes place?

GRCC employees volunteer to “work” a half day shift (4 hours) on this community service activity.

How do I get involved?

College-wide, we will provide opportunities for the first 50 full-time employees to register for this half-day event.

Do I need my supervisor’s approval?

Yes, employees who would like to volunteer must ask their supervisor for approval. To obtain approval, you are required to complete a Leave of Absence form which can be found on the Human Resources page.

Can I earn Professional Development for volunteering?

Yes, employees who would like to receive up to four hours of professional development credit for this community service simply need to request this in the “Tracking Professional Development Hours for Staff” section of the Leave of Absence Application, and indicate they type of leave being “Conference.”

Pay and Benefits?

Yes, you will work at your regular GRCC job for a half day and work at the United Way activity for a half day (and be paid your regular daily hours).The additional “benefits” you receive are knowing how much you can make a difference in our community and through the United Way organization!

How do I volunteer?

Review information about the service activity, and register online by the May 3, 2019, deadline.

Thanks for caring!

GRCC campus building schedules changing for summer

GRCC enhanced campus safety and security with a full electronic door security system this year. The door access system electronically controls the “unlock” and “lock” functions for all exterior doors.

With fewer classes and activities during the summer, the campus will be one a new schedule starting April 29. The change will largely affect weekend hours, and employee access with Raider Cards remains unchanged.

Faculty and staff wishing to schedule Saturday activities during June, July, and August need permission from the vice president of finance and administration.

Building schedules have been developed based on the following:

• Early morning and late evening safety and security for students and faculty is first priority.
• Classroom buildings open at 7 a.m., or 30 minutes prior to the first scheduled class.
• Weekend hours are scheduled as needed.
• Exceptions for special events and activities can be scheduled.
• Summer term schedules can be adjusted and are subject to change.

BUILDINGS	FALL/WINTER SEMESTER	SUMMER
Office Buildings Administration Building Bostwick Office Suite College Park Plaza White Hall	7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.* Monday – Friday * Exceptions – Admin Building open until 5:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday.  College Park Plaza open until 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday to allow for faculty office hours.	No Change
Applied Technology Center	6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday	7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday Closed Saturday
Calkins Science Center	7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday 7 a.m.– 4 p.m. Saturday	No change Monday – Friday Closed Saturday
Cook Academic Hall	7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday	No change
Ford Field House/Natatorium	6 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday	6 a.m. – 7 p.m.* Monday – Thursday 6 a.m.– 5 p.m. Friday * *Beginning May 28 Closed Saturday
LRC/Library	6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Monday – Thursday 6:30 a.m. – 4:45 a.m. Friday 10 a.m.– 1:45 p.m. Saturday	7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday Closed Saturday
Main Building/RJF Hall	7 a.m.– 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday	No change
Music Building	7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday	8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
BUILDINGS	FALL/WINTER SEMESTER	SUMMER
Sneden Hall	7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday	No change
Spectrum Theater	6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Friday Saturdays by schedule Theater lobby doors by schedule	8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday Theater lobby doors by   schedule
Student Community Center	7 a.m. –  7:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday	No change Monday – Friday Closed Saturday
Tassell M-TEC	6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday	6:30 a.m.– 10 p.m. Monday – Friday Closed Saturday

The Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory is secure at all times.

 

 

RSVP now for Faculty Sharing and Learning Event next Thursday in Sneden

GRCC Faculty are invited to our Faculty Sharing and Learning Event. This event is specifically designed to bring together faculty to share and learn best practices around creating unique community engagement experiences as well as learning activities that deepen students learning of course outcomes.

• Date: Thursday, May 2, 2019
• Time: 8:30-10 a.m.
• Place: Sneden Hall, Room 103

We can all learn from each other, and we will be working through the following session learning objectives:

• Gain a better understanding of processes and procedures
• Identify, develop, and improve experiential learning experiences
• Enjoy each other’s company and professional expertise
• Enjoy a free breakfast

RSVP is required. You can RSVP to Tracey Lacy at traceylacy@grcc.edu or (616) 234-4162. Please RSVP by Monday, April 29, 2019.

Tutor Recommendations Needed

The GRCC faculty are the primary source for tutor recommendations, we appreciate their help and thank them for their continuing support. We are reaching out again and asking for assistance in identifying potential tutors. Please take a moment and consider the students enrolled in your classes. Are there a few you would recommend as a tutor?

Students who tutor must have an overall G.P.A. of 3.0 and a 3.0 G.P.A. in the subjects they wish to tutor. If you have a potential tutor in mind, you may use one of the following methods to submit a recommendation:

• Online Submission Form – www.grcc.edu/TutorRec

• Download the Tutor Recommendation form at www.grcc.edu/TutorRecForm and return it to our office – Academic Support & Tutoring Services, 2nd floor Library, Room 232 LRC.
• Request a copy of the Tutor Recommendation form be sent to you by emailing dvanoeve@grcc.edu

We are asking that you submit these recommendations by Friday, May 10, 2019. We will contact the recommended students, explain our tutor selection process, and invite them to schedule a job interview.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Don VanOeveren by phone (234-3684) or by email (dvanoeve@grcc.edu).

Community outreach: United Way’s ‘Operation United’

Grand Rapids Community College supports the United Way through many different activities. As a College, we “donate” hours of support through the Loaned Executive Program and through participation on various agency boards. As individuals, we financially support agencies through our payroll deduction giving. The 2018 Leadership Institute cohort has chosen to extend its support and provide an opportunity for College employees to participate in a volunteer event called Operation United.

When?

Volunteer teams will work on-site at the home of a veteran or current service member within Kent County. Opportunities available on Friday, May 17, 2019, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

What takes place?

GRCC employees volunteer to “work” a half day shift (4 hours) on this community service activity.

How do I get involved?

College-wide, we will provide opportunities for the first 50 full-time employees to register for this half-day event.

Do I need my supervisor’s approval?

Yes, employees who would like to volunteer must ask their supervisor for approval. To obtain approval, you are required to complete a Leave of Absence form which can be found on the Human Resources page.

Can I earn Professional Development for volunteering?

Yes, employees who would like to receive up to four hours of professional development credit for this community service simply need to request this in the “Tracking Professional Development Hours for Staff” section of the Leave of Absence Application, and indicate they type of leave being “Conference.”

Pay and Benefits?

Yes, you will work at your regular GRCC job for a half day and work at the United Way activity for a half day (and be paid your regular daily hours).The additional “benefits” you receive are knowing how much you can make a difference in our community and through the United Way organization!

How do I volunteer?

Review information about the service activity, and register online by the May 3, 2019, deadline.

Thanks for caring!

Upcoming professional development sessions

LOTS of Google going on right now – get ready!

The GMail/Google Calendar transition is only three weeks away. Visit the Professional Development page to sign up for GMail/Google Calendar training.

More information about these interesting sessions can be found online, including links to register. Questions? Contact Angela (angelasalinas@grcc.edu).

There are still seats available in the following sessions; you could be there learning, growing, and enjoying!

• Friday, April 19 – Game Play: Staying Active as a Family
  • Noon-1 p.m.
  • 309 Sneden
• Thursday, April 25 – Drupal Basics
  • 10:30-11:30 a.m.
  • 351 Main
• Tuesday, April 30 – Customer Experience and Your Career
  • 9 a.m.-noon
  • 307 Sneden
• Tuesday, May 7 – Performance Evaluation Feedback
  • 1-2:30 p.m.
  • 207 Sneden
• Tuesday, May 14 – Active Shooter Response Training
  • 10-11:30 a.m.
  • 234 Student Center
• Wednesday, May 15 – Non-Verbal Communication
  • 1-3 p.m.
  • 304 Sneden
• Friday, May 17 – Living a Healthy Lifestyle
  • Noon-1 p.m.
  • 309 Sneden
• Wednesday, May 29 – Business Writing Workshop
  • 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Final month of nominations for the 2019 Excellence in Education Awards

Here at GRCC, we are truly fortunate to work with staff and faculty who go above and beyond their role at the college, in the community, or in higher education. These individuals make learning at GRCC a meaningful and impactful experience for our students and working at GRCC an honor and inspiration for fellow employees.

To recognize them, please consider nominating them for the Excellence in Education Award! The Excellence in Education Award was established in 1989 to honor an individual Grand Rapids Community College employee. In 2000, the award was expanded to provide recognition in the form of a staff award, and a separate full-time faculty award. In 2010, an additional award was added for an exemplary adjunct faculty member.

There is a cash award of $1,000 for full-time faculty who have taught at GRCC for at least 5 years, a $750 cash award for adjunct faculty who have taught at least 2 years, and staff members may also be nominated to receive a cash award of $1,000.

Anyone can nominate! Deadline for nominations is May 10, 2019:

• Staff nomination form
• Faculty nomination form
• Adjunct nomination form

Questions?

• Faculty & Adjunct: Call or email the Provost Office at (234-3920); provost@grcc.edu
• Staff: Call or email Angela Salinas in HR/Staff Development at (234-2567); angelasalinas@grcc.edu

Thank you for taking the time to nominate a deserving member of the GRCC family for these awards.

CTE Annual Faculty Showcase and Faculty Appreciation event today in Main

Join us April 9 for the Center for Teaching Excellence’s Annual Faculty Showcase and Faculty Appreciation. This is a “poster/exhibit type” event and is designed as an informal opportunity to see how your peers are using innovative teaching practices in the classroom. There will also be refreshments, free chair massages, and chances to win GRCC swag!

• LOCATION: Main 308, 310 (SAS Conference Room), 347, and  351
• DATE: Tuesday, April 9, 2019
• TIME: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Please mark your calendars and join us for this awesome event!

A special thank you to all of our presenters…

• Steven Putt – GRCC Library OneSearch
• Vicki Meyers – Bringing Live Simulation to the Classroom with Streaming Video
• Tari Mattox – Fire and Ice: Bringing the Real World into the Classroom
• Kelly Webber – G Suite Transition information
• Tracy Payne – Student Records Quick Reference
• Garry Brand – A New and Improved Techsmith Relay
• Lora Blumenstein – Mind Mapping-Opening up the Possibilities
• Dustin Altschul – Virtual Reality in Interior Design Exploration
• Holly Christopher – Graduate Student…Again. But Online.
• Melissa Boman – Early Childhood Technology
• Melanie Schiele Gady – Honors Project – How Exercise Improves Body Function
• Anna Maria Clark – Retention through Research! A Successful Partnership Between a 4-Year Institution and a Community College that inspired First Generation/Low Income Students to Consider Research a Viable Academic Avenue

Important Notice: dental/vision reimbursement program transition to a calendar year

At our last healthcare consortium meeting, we all agreed that we should switch our dental/vision reimbursement program from a fiscal year to a calendar year basis.  (Thank you to our health care consortium members who have asked good questions and provided us input on our benefit programs!)

Switching to a calendar year makes the most sense… this will be consistent with our health plan and it will be much easier for those employees who have flexible spending accounts to coordinate in a calendar year!

To make the transition between fiscal year to calendar year for a January 1, 2020 implementation, we have approval to move in the following direction:

Benefit-eligible employees…	Reimbursement available:	Notes:
Start date prior to 7/1/2019 OR start date between 7/1/2019 and 11/30/2019 Note: Start date of 12/1/2019 allows benefits to begin on 1/1/2020.	$3,750	Six month and twelve month allocation. This amount would be available 7/1/2019 through 12/31/2020.
Start date on or after 12/1/2019	$2,500	“Regular” twelve month allocation. This amount will be available through 12/31/2020.
All eligible employees….as of 1/1/2021….	$2,500	… and each calendar year thereafter. (unless changed in collective bargaining agreements or handbook)

All union leaders have signed off on an MOU for this switch to a calendar year. The company we use, ASR, is prepared for our transition plan.

The Human Resources website has been updated to include information about the dental/vision reimbursement program as well as this transition.

Marty DeVries and Cathy (with the help of Media department) created a video to help explain the changes:

If you would like to attend a short information session to ask Q&A’s, please attend any of the following:

• Tuesday, April 16, 10-10:45 a.m. – SCC 234 Multipurpose Room
• Monday, April 22, 2-2:45 p.m. – ATC 168 Auditorium

If you have any questions about the transition to a calendar year or our dental/vision reimbursement program, please give us a call:

• Maria Belmares-Herrera, (616) 234-4052
• Debra Davis, (616) 234-4175
• Cathy Kubiak, (616) 234-3971

Open leadership positions for students in CAB

Student Life and Conduct is looking for student leaders to apply for Campus Activities Board! Please pass on the message to students that would be great at it! This is a paid position and students get great “real-world” experience! CAB plans Homecoming, Finals Relaxers, the Leadership Banquet, and Welcome Weeks. We have 4 spots open: CAB President and 3 VP positions.

Interested students need to submit a one-page letter of intent as to “why you are interested in becoming a CAB E-board team member and for what role you’re interested in applying.” All letters should be sent to Thalia Guerra-Flores at thaliaguerraflores@grcc.edu by Tuesday, April 15.

Elections will take place April 19 from 1:15-2:15 p.m. If students are interested but unable to attend on the 19th, they should email Thalia Guerra-Flores (thaliaguerraflores@grcc.edu) to reschedule.

 

Registration open now for summer OHCC

The summer Online and Hybrid Certification Course (OHCC) starts May 10, 2019.

The OHCC is designed to provide instructors with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver a high-quality online/hybrid course. Successful participants will also be able to teach effectively online through active facilitation and a variety of student engagement techniques and technologies. Training in Blackboard Basics (on the latest version of the LMS) is a prerequisite. Blackboard Basics may be taken online in a self-paced format or in-person on Friday, May 10, from 10:30 a.m. – noon.

The OHCC is a six (6) week, rigorous course that includes weekly participation and assignment requirements. This training is much more than “Blackboard training,” as it includes elements of instructional design and strategies for building, developing, sequencing, and delivering online content. When you are done, you will have a template for your online and/or hybrid course. You must complete the course, including the assignments for all six weeks, for certification. This includes the completion of your final presentation.

The campus sessions are on Fridays from 1-2:30 p.m. in 351 Main and virtually using Zoom. This is a hybrid course (online course with some classroom instruction).

Only one session is offered during the summer, so sign-up today!

For more information, visit the Online and Hybrid Certification Course website – http://www.grcc.edu/ohcc.

To sign up, visit the Faculty Professional Development Registration website – http://www.grcc.edu/ctereg.

G Suite Tip – how to create a list for your tasks

Keep track of your to-do list digitally through Google Tasks, a simple application located within the right-hand panel of all G Suite Applications for easy viewing and editing. This means the same tasks will appear in both Gmail and Calendar.

Tasks can be used to remind you of emails to send, appointments that need to be made, or documents that need to be written. (I have created a Google Task to complete this GRCC Today article within Google Docs!) Tasks can be used as a simple way to track how you are meeting your daily goals, and are there for your individual use.

If your objective is to create reminders that are shared with others, you can learn more about the other application found in the right-hand panel through the Google Keep instructions online.

You can create lists to keep track of your different tasks.

Create a list:

1. On your computer, go to Gmail and login to your pilot account.
2. On the right, click Tasks.
3. At the top, click the Down arrow.
4. Click Create a new list.
5. Enter a name.
6. Click OK.

Switch between lists:

1. On the right, click Tasks.
2. At the top, click the Down arrow.
3. Click the list you want.

Move a task to a different list:

1. On the right, click Tasks.
2. Click the task you want to move. Then, click Edit.
3. Click the list name.
4. Choose a list.

When you complete a task, it will only appear at the bottom of the list it was on under Completed. This means that creating a list for your tasks is a great way to view and track progress for different projects within your work day.