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HR Notification: Remote Work Agreement Update and HR Drop-In Sessions Jan. 13 - Feb. 5

Two Updates to Remote Work Policy Remote work agreements completed last year remain valid; however, all employees who continue to have a regular or occasional remote work arrangement will be asked to complete a new Remote Work   Agreement using the updated process this Winter semester. This agreement will only need to be completed once and will no longer be required on an annual basis, unless the employee changes positions within the college.  I.T. has launched a Remote Work Agreement tile in the Online Center, which replaces the previous PDF version of the form. Instructions on how to complete the new agreement were sent to everyone in an email, and employees are encouraged to contact their HR Business Partner with any questions. In addition, a specific remote work schedule is no longer required to be documented within the agreement. Scheduling expectations should instead be discussed between the supervisor and employee and documented according to internal departmental procedures. Sessions Available As previously communicated, Human Resources will also be hosting drop-in sessions for faculty and staff who have questions about remote work or other HR-related topics.  Tuesday, January 13 8 a.m. to noon RJF 204 Wednesday, January 21 8 a.m. to noon ATC, hallway outside Foodology Wednesday, January 28 1 to 5 p.m. SCC 336 Thursday, February 5 1 to 5 p.m.  Zoom -  HR Drop-in session   We look forward to connecting with you and are happy to answer questions or provide clarification as needed.  

First Annual Staff and Faculty Pickleball Tournament Winners: Whitney Marsh and Mary Reed

The Employee Wellness Committee hosted our first annual Staff and Faculty Pickleball Tournament last Thursday and we had a great turnout. We had 7 pairings and played 2 hours of pickleball.  Congratulations to Whitney Marsh and Mary Reed for coming in 1st place. Deb Dewent and Diane Smith came in 2nd. Snacks and drinks were included. It was a great way to relieve some first week back stress and get some exercise in. Everyone had a blast.     

Hands-On Learning With Little Ones for Occupational Therapy Assistant Students

Jan. 12, 2026 Do you avoid certain foods because you don’t like the texture? Or do you avoid wearing certain fabrics because you don’t like how they feel?    If so, then you are experiencing examples of sensory integration issues. “Sensory integration” refers to the body’s capacity for interpreting, processing and responding to internal or external sensory signals, and then responding appropriately.  While it may be no big deal for adults to avoid foods or fabrics they dislike, sensory integration issues can present much bigger challenges for children.  “Children are learning to respond to a lot of tactile stimuli, and sometimes their little processors can’t handle the load,” said Dr. Robin Pegg, assistant professor and academic fieldwork coordinator for the  Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. “This can make it difficult for them to learn. Their frustration or fear can also lead to inappropriate behaviors in the classroom, such as lashing out.”  Occupational therapy is a discipline that can help children overcome such challenges. At GRCC, OTA students are able to work directly with children through a partnership with the onsite  Early Childhood Learning Laboratory (ECLL).  “Julie Sizemore, an instructor with the ECLL, reached out to me two years ago because she recognized the impact that sensory integration struggles were having on child development,” said Pegg. “She suggested that we team up to give OTA students some incredible hands-on experience. At the same time, we would be helping the kids in the ECLL overcome their sensory integration challenges.”  Robin started by bringing students from her pediatrics class to the ECLL. They observe the classroom, identify the little ones who need some help, and then provide suggestions to help kids work through their sensory integration challenges. “We just completed a new sensory gym,” Pegg said. “It includes two swings, a crash pad, textured walls, tunnels and more. Our OTA students spend part of their pediatrics class here, trying out interventions with the preschoolers.” The peds class partnership worked so well that Julie and Robin expanded the relationship. Now OTA students also do some of their Level 1 field work at the ECLL. They go into classrooms, conduct screenings, and identify the children who need extra support for fine motor skills. Then they spend the rest of the rotation doing activities with the kids and documenting the results. Robin says the students love it, but it’s also transformative to the quality of their education.  “Practicing an activity with your peers is not like working with real kids,” Pegg said. “Kids don’t always cooperate! They say ‘no,’ or they run away, or they do an activity completely differently than it was designed. We put our students right into the messy situations where they have to problem solve and adapt on the fly. This adaptability is critical to their success. One of the biggest compliments I hear from our Level 2 field work partners is that GRCC students come in with more practical understanding and skills than some masters and OTD-level students.”   While the hands-on training benefits the OTA students, it’s also a great way to share knowledge with the ECLL teachers.  “OTA students receive a lot of training on developmental milestones,” Pegg said. “When they can identify developmental issues and then design interventions to help, they are teaching the teachers. This improves the overall quality of the ECLL program, too. We hear a lot about the number of children who are not ready to learn when they start school. The interventions we offer help ensure that our ECLL students have all the skills they need.”  Robin says that the OTA program at GRCC strives to be the gold standard. “We are always upping the ante to provide practical experience,” Pegg said. “When students from other programs visit us, they are amazed at what GRCC has to offer. This program is influencing the quality of OTAs in West Michigan.”   Learn more about the  Occupational Therapy Assistant program at GRCC.

MI-ACE Event at GRCC: Jan. 22

Bring Your Own Lunch and Learn with Jane Newton Shared Stories, Shared Strength Noon -1 p.m. RJF 375 Join the MI-ACE group at GRCC for an inspiring Bring Your Own Lunch and Learn with Jane Newton, MLRHR, SHRM‑SCP, vice president of People & Culture at Creative Dining Services.  She will lead a conversation on the topics of career growth, leadership, and the realities of navigating burnout and mental health as a woman in the workplace. Newton will share her personal journey from working her parents’ deli drive-thru to earning a seat at the executive table—reflecting on the intentional steps, bold decisions and pivotal challenges that shaped her leadership path. With honesty and heart, she will discuss the pressures of high‑visibility roles, her own experiences with burnout and the practices she uses to safeguard her mental health while leading with purpose. A passionate advocate for psychological safety and normalizing mental health conversations, Newton believes that every story shared opens the door for someone else to seek help. Her leadership centers on creating workplaces where people can thrive, feel valued and pursue their potential without sacrificing well‑being. Attendees will leave with practical insights on building a meaningful career, advancing as a woman in leadership, and sustaining both personal and professional resilience. Register via  TLDE or in the Online Center. About Our Speaker: Jane Newton, MLRHR, SHRM-SCP Jane Newton (she/her) leads the Creative Dining Services People and Culture team to deliver strategies aligned to the company’s mission and strategic vision to be the most trustworthy, flexible and attentive hospitality partner. Newton has a heart and mission to serve. She cultivates a work environment where each team member can thrive and be valued for their unique gifts. Her commitment enables Creative Dining to deliver welcoming and authentic hospitality, caring for and engaging every guest and every team member. She is a driving force to make career growth stories come true at Creative Dining and in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Creative Dining, Newton held positions as HR manager for General Mills and senior human capital consultant for Amway. She has a bachelor's degree in human resource management, a master's degree in labor relations and human resources, and a certificate in Organizational Inclusion and Diversity, all from Michigan State University. She is also a Senior Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management. Creative Dining Services, GRCC’s food service provider, is a trusted hospitality partner that provides sustainable, innovative and personalized dining programs for colleges and universities, Fortune 100 companies, senior living communities, conference centers, hotels, camps and independent K-12 schools spanning over 80 locations in 16 states. The company is headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan. To learn more, visit  creativedining.com . Newton’s Fast Facts Company: Creative Dining Services Position: Vice President of People & Culture Family: Stay-at-home husband, two daughters and a shih-tzu Community involvement: Michigan Hospitality Foundation Board of Trustees Chairperson, West Michigan Works! Explore Hospitality Talent Council Member, True North Community Services Board Member, Junior League of Grand Rapids Sustaining Member Award: 2021 Grand Rapids Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Business Leaders First Job: Working the drive-thru and serving the bulgogi daily special at her parent’s deli Biggest career break: Becoming the head of human resources for Creative Dining Services with a seat at the table Obsession: Food! “Gas station to Gourmet” Currently reading: Golden Son (Red Rising Saga #2) by Pierce Brown About MI-ACE MI-ACE is a statewide organization that is committed to improving the general climate and professional environment for women by identifying, developing, encouraging, advancing, linking and supporting (IDEALS) women in higher education careers throughout the state.  The GRCC MI-ACE group works to offer opportunities at GRCC that align with these goals.  All staff and faculty are welcome to participate. Questions?  Contact Julie Blaszak at julieblaszak@grcc.edu or Amy Lyn at amylyn@grcc.edu.      

Student Life Announcements for Winter Semester

GRCC Student Health Clinic As a reminder, the GRCC Student Health clinic is open for students to visit free of charge on Mondays and Thursdays in ATC 223.  Please share this information with your students! Students can also have health and wellness questions answered by calling Health Bar On Demand: Health Bar On Demand is an added service available 7a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday by calling (616) 200-6412. Involvement Day Involvement Day will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third floor of the SCC. This is primarily for student orgs, but campus programs offering student activities may also participate, but space is limited. Please contact assistant director of Student Life, Jacob Isaacson for more details at jacobisaacsin@grcc.edu.

Martin Luther King Jr “Legacy Week” Events: Jan. 13-19

  Join GRCC in honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a week of reflection, service, dialogue and community-building. Kids Food Basket: Bag Decorating Tuesday, Jan. 13 11 AM – 2 PM SCC Raider Grille 205 & SCC 3rd Floor Corridor Movie Film Screening: One Night in Miami Wednesday, Jan. 14 Screening at 11:30 AM Screening: ATC Room 168 Discussion at 1:30 PM Discussion: ATC Rooms 122/124 MLK Campus Guest Speaker: Dr. Dar Mayweather Thursday, Jan. 15 ATC Rooms 11–11:30 AM Brunch (Rooms 122/124) 11:30 AM–1:30 PM Speaker Presentation (Room 168) Livestream: Dr. Dar Mayweather Presentation 1-15-26 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Community Leaders Panel Discussion: A Call To Courageous Community Action Monday, Jan. 19 6  PM Wealthy Street Theater Watch the livestream on Vimeo from our  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration webpage. Additional Community Events For more community events, visit The King Center’s  2026 King Holiday: Mission Possible 2- Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way webpage.  You can also learn more about the great work the The King Center does by providing many services and opportunities: education and training, offerings for students and educators, research and scholarship, program and events, and a global network. They state, “Our mission is to empower people to create a just, humane, equitable and peaceful world by applying Dr. King’s nonviolent philosophy and methodology (Nonviolence365).”  

Nominations being sought for 2026 Emeritus Faculty Award: Due Feb. 6

You are invited to nominate a GRCC retired faculty or administrator for the Emeritus Faculty Award. This award was established in 1985 to honor those instructors and administrators whose dedication and creativity have left an indelible mark on the lives of students and colleagues at GRCC.  During their tenure at GRCC and since their retirement, they have continued to promote GRCC’s “Commitment to Excellence.” Please submit online nominations by noon on  Friday, Feb. 6, 2026  on our  Emeritus Faculty Award Nomination Form webpage . For more information, please visit the  Emeritus Award webpage.  

New Career Pathways Partnership Connects Promise Zone Students to In-Demand Careers

Jan. 9, 2026 A new partnership between the  Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority and the  Grand Rapids Chamber is opening doors for Promise Zone students to explore careers, connect with employers and prepare for the workforce. Launched in January 2026, Career Pathways expands access to career exploration, employer engagement and workforce readiness resources designed to help students align their education with high-demand careers in West Michigan. Bridging the Gap Between Education and Careers Career Pathways connects Promise Zone students with employers through small-group conversations, structured career readiness tools and ongoing support through experience. The goal is to remove barriers between students and employers while providing meaningful, high-quality opportunities to explore careers and build confidence. “We are working to remove barriers between students and employers, creating high-quality experiences for career exploration,” said Jamell Hatchett, talent pipeline program manager at the Grand Rapids Chamber. “Career Pathways will provide support before, during and after each opportunity, ensuring every student feels seen, connected and prepared.” Programming begins during the Winter 2026 semester and offers students clearer, more accessible pathways into high-demand fields. How the Partnership Works Through a collaborative, hands-on approach, students will gain real-world insight into careers such as: Health sciences Skilled trades Business Technology Hospitality The Grand Raids Chamber will engage industry professionals to participate in employer conversations, site visits and mentoring, helping students better understand workplace expectations and career options. Students will also receive support with resumes, interview preparation and access to Chamber-supported talent development resources. The Grand Rapids Promise Zone will lead student outreach, preparation and follow-up to ensure sustained engagement and meaningful outcomes. “We are excited for the partnership and the opportunities it will provide our students to gain career insights, build connections and gain experiences that prepare them to enter the workforce,” said Ashlee Mishler, director of the Grand Rapids Promise Zone. Building on Strong Educational Partnerships This new initiative builds on a longstanding partnership between the Grand Rapids Promise Zone and Grand Rapids Community College, which became the first city-wide collaboration between public, public charter and private schools in Grand Rapids’ history. Promise Zone students who earn an associate degree at GRCC may also complete a bachelor’s degree at Ferris State University or Grand Valley State University through a new partnership that provides up to $7,000 per academic year at each university. About the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship The Grand Rapids Promise Zone removes financial barriers to higher education by covering tuition, fees, textbooks and more. The scholarship also includes: A $500 credit each fall and winter semester at GRCC for on-campus expenses such as food, parking or printing Additional staff support to connect students with on- and off-campus resources To qualify, students must live in the city of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of 25 eligible high schools, with continuous residency and attendance since the start of 11th grade. Since launching in 2020, more than 2,000 GRCC students have received support through the Promise Zone Scholarship. Enrollment has grown from 245 students in fall 2020 to nearly 800 students enrolled this fall. Promise scholarships like Grand Rapids’ are now offered in 13 communities across Michigan.
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