Distance education is designed to work with students taking hybrid, synchronous or asynchronous classes. GRCC faculty and staff are here to support you however you take your classes.
Types of Distance Education
Choose the distance learning experience that best fits your needs.
Online Learning
Is this class online, in person or both?
- Learning is completely online. No need to come to campus, but you will have deadlines and assignments to complete.
When and where will these classes meet?
- No specific meeting time.
- Check syllabus for due dates and course requirements.
Is this course format right for me?
- You are organized and can work independently.
- You like flexibility to study when it fits your schedule.
Virtual Learning
Is this class online, in person or both?
- Live online classes at specific times using video streaming (e.g., Google Meets or Zoom).
When and where will these classes meet?
- Online meeting dates and times will be listed on the class schedule.
Is this course format right for me?
- You like interacting with others but do not want to come to campus.
- You prefer set schedules for classes.
Hybrid Learning
Is this class online, in person or both?
- Mix of online work you can complete independently and some in-person meetings with your instructor and classmates.
When and where will these classes meet?
- In-person meeting days, times and location will be listed on the class schedule.
Is this course format right for me?
You miss some face-to-face interaction but still want flexibility.
In-Person/Virtual Learning
Is this class online, in person or both?
- Both! You will have some parts in a real classroom with your instructor and classmates, and some parts online at specific times
When and where will these classes meet?
- The in-person meetings days, times, and location will be listed on the class schedule.
- The online parts will also have specific dates and times mentioned in the class schedule.
Is this course format right for me?
- You prefer meeting at scheduled times and are comfortable meeting virtually (e.g., Google Meets or Zoom)
Online Support & Resources
Support no matter where you're learning
Our student services are just as easy to access online as they are in person. Some departments even offer instant messaging for live support!
- Technology Resources: The Technology Learning Center is a one-stop support resource for students using GRCC technologies.
- Student Services
- Instructional Support Services: These resources can help you with academic matters related to your distance courses.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
GRCC has been approved by the state of Michigan to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. GRCC is authorized to operate in all states that participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
Information Related to Professional Licensure
Federal regulation 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v) requires an institution to make readily available to enrolled and prospective students whether programs leading to professional licensure or certification meet educational requirements.
Students considering pursuing an academic program that leads to professional licensure are advised that GRCC's programs prepare students to practice in the state of Michigan and are not intended to prepare students for out of state licensure. GRCC has not determined whether its curriculum prepares students for licensure in any other state.
Students enrolled in GRCC's programs seeking to practice outside the state of Michigan are advised to contact the appropriate licensing agency
within their home state to seek information and additional guidance before beginning a program outside of their home state.
Student Complaint Process for Out of State Enrollments
GRCC works in cooperation with related departments and statewide through NC-SARA to comply with governmental regulations to provide online learning courses to students outside of Michigan.
Grand Rapids Community College students should follow the GRCC Complaint Process and the GRCC Student Academic Grievance Procedure for final grades, and in compliance with the following Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008 the following information is also available for out of state students:
"§ 668.43 (b) Institutional Information - Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
(b) The institution must make available for review to any enrolled or prospective student upon request, a copy of the documents describing the institution’s accreditation and its State, Federal, or tribal approval or licensing. The institution must also provide its students or prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor and with its State approval or licensing entity and any other relevant State official or agency that would appropriately handle a student’s complaint."