Sept. 13, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s Fall 2023 enrollment has increased 3.2% over the previous year – and that number could rise further with students still signing up for classes. As of this week, GRCC’s enrollment is at 12,157, with almost 4,000 new students. The college also saw double-digit growth in the numbers of Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American students: 11.3% and 11.89%, respectively.  “Our enrollment increase reflects our commitment to being a community college that is accessible, affordable and inclusive,” said Dr. Eric Mullen, dean of Student Success. “We believe that everyone has the potential to succeed, and we are here to support our students every step of the way.” The number of students taking classes online is now very close to in-person students: 7,549 and 9,082, respectively. “One of the many points of pride at GRCC, which is no doubt contributing to our fall enrollment figures, is the variety of our class offerings,” said Dr. Sheila Jones, the college’s interim provost. “GRCC faculty offer courses in ways that support student learning, goal achievement and scheduling needs. These include our in-person, online, hybrid and virtual offerings.” Virtual courses meet online at scheduled times; hybrid classes combine online and in-person instruction. The headcount figures do not include GRCC’s Workforce Training programs, which do not operate on a semester schedule. 

Sept. 12, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is hosting a series of discussions about technology’s influence on business as part of Tech Week Grand Rapids. Tech Week, which runs Sept. 18-23, includes hands-on exhibits, panel discussions and pitch competitions. Sponsored by West Michigan economic agency The Right Place, sessions will cover artificial intelligence, diversity and inclusion, startups, and retaining talent, among other topics. GRCC will be the site of “Tech Trends Reshaping Business,” a series of discussions about generative AI, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in the future of work. These conversations will run 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 20 at the college’s Secchia Piazza, inside the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center at 151 Fountain St. NE. “In partnership with The Right Place, GRCC is showcasing the intersection of innovation, technology and education in Grand Rapids – a testament to our region’s trajectory toward a tech-driven future,” said Dr. Kristi Haik, the college’s dean of STEM. Here is the schedule for Sept. 20: “Gen AI by flockX,” 9-10 a.m. – Devon Bleibtrey, CEO of flockX, will discuss how companies are using generative AI to help people plug into local communities, drive foot traffic to local businesses, and help local artists reach their local audiences. “Bypassing EDR with Malleable C2 Profiles by White Knight Labs,” 10-11 a.m. – This session, which will include a demonstration, focuses on settings in Cobalt Strike’s Malleable C2 that can be adjusted for memory-scanning evasion.  “AI by Bizstream,” 11 a.m. to noon – Brian McKeiver, co-owner and solutions architect at Bizstream, will look at how artificial intelligence, combined with Microsoft’s OpenAI solutions and Copilots, is creating efficient, automated, and future-ready workplaces. Registration for the GRCC sessions is available  online . To see the schedule for the entire six-day event, go to  techweekgr.com .

A recently signed agreement allows Grand Rapids Community College Dental Hygiene students to transfer more of their credits to the University of Detroit Mercy. Under the transfer partnership agreement, GRCC students who have completed the Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences in Dental Hygiene may count up to 96 credits – instead of the standard 63 – toward Detroit Mercy’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. “This is an excellent opportunity for our Dental Hygiene graduates to be able to complete their bachelor’s degree and save an additional 33 credits – ultimately saving them valuable time,” said Jamie Klap, director of GRCC’s program. Saving time on completing the bachelor’s degree will contribute to filling workforce demand. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the need for dental hygienists is expected to grow a faster-than-average 7% through 2032, with about 16,400 openings annually. Taylor McNeill, a clinical instructor and co-director of dental hygiene admissions for Detroit Mercy, noted that under the transfer agreement, GRCC students would need only 30 credits to meet the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. “With this new agreement, we have the opportunity for GRCC AAAS Dental Hygiene alumni to continue their education to earn the bachelor’s degree as quickly as possible,” McNeill said. “Typically, students who are in this program are able to take online and asynchronous courses to complete their education.” GRCC’s three-year Dental Hygiene program prepares students to take the Dental Hygiene National Board exam and Michigan’s regional licensing exam. To learn more, email dental@grcc.edu or call (616) 234-4349. More information about Detroit Mercy’s degree completion program can be found online or by emailing dentalhygiene@udmercy.edu .