Aug. 7, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – With university students across Michigan considering their fall semester plans, Grand Rapids Community College has created Express Advising and Express Registration programs to answer questions on how they can continue their education safely and affordably at GRCC.
Leaders at several Michigan universities have encouraged students to take online classes at home during the fall semester rather than live on campus.
Community colleges are a strong option for students, especially freshmen and sophomores, looking to save money in a safe environment while continuing to earn transfer credits and stay on track for graduation.
“It’s understandable that many families are evaluating all their options for the fall and will have many questions,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of Students Affairs. “Many students are looking to stay close to home, or are taking all online classes at their universities. GRCC offers quality classes that will transfer to our four-year partners with an affordable tuition.”
Hoxie said many university students, especially those looking to gain general education credits, can benefit from taking classes at GRCC. The college already is seeing a number of university students who have decided to spend the semester at GRCC.
With the Aug. 31 start of the fall semester just weeks away, GRCC’s Academic Advising and Transfer Center team is ready to answer questions. Express Advising sessions run weekdays through August, with the schedule available at www.grcc.edu/academicadvisingtransfercenter.
Express Registration sessions are planned for 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Aug. 11, 12 and 13 through the Google Meet program for students who are ready to enroll. Students also can connect with a GRCC Student Ambassador for a one-on-one appointment. Information about both types of sessions is here: www.grcc.edu/studentorientation.
These just-in-time assistance options have been enhanced to help students during the pandemic.
GRCC’s new Financial Aid Hotline is staffed by experts who can answer questions about paying for classes and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA. Students can call (616) 234-4030 or email financialaid@grcc.edu.
Students can also take advantage of a payment plan that requires no money down before Aug. 14 and 25% down by Aug. 21.
The college’s Call Center can connect students directly with staff members who can assist them. That number is (616) 234-4000.
During the pandemic, the college also is offering loaner laptops and a limited number of wifi access hotspots help students access virtual, online, and hybrid classes this fall.
GRCC’s fall semester class offerings are intended to provide options for students to gain an education in the safest possible environment:
- The college is expanding the number of virtual classes, which meet online at specific times using programs such as Zoom, Google Meet and Blackboard, allowing students to interact with faculty and classmates in real time.
- Online classes are entirely online with no set meeting times, and are ideal for people who work well independently or who need a flexible schedule.
- Hybrid classes have students working mostly online, with limited meetings on campus.
- On-campus classes meet on campus at specific times, with proper social distancing and safety protocols.
It is possible that hybrid and on-campus classes could shift to remote or online instruction at any time in the event of another pandemic-related shutdown. GRCC leaders continue to work closely with state and Kent County health authorities to be on top of the latest developments.
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.