In collaboration with the GRA250 initiative, GRCC will host Democracy Café events on campus. These are open, facilitated conversations focused on civic engagement, democracy and community dialogue. Light snacks provided. Date: July 21 Time: 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. Location: Juan R. Olivarez Student Plaza (with indoor backup location) Learn more about  Democracy Café . About the Campus Common Reading Initiative  The 2026-2027 Campus Common Reading Initiative is a three-phase exploration of history and democracy that intentionally connects the 175th anniversary of Grand Rapids, the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 112th anniversary of Grand Rapids Community College. The project begins with local grassroots movements in Grand Rapids, expands to examine the city’s contributions to American history and concludes by reflecting on GRCC’s role in shaping the lives of people locally and nationally. Grand Rapids Grassroots: An Anthology is available for free to GRCC students and staff. Pick up your copy in the Library (RJF 5th Floor) or in the office at the Lakeshore campus. The book is also available to read online through the  GRCC Library .  See the full list of summer programming on the  Campus Common Reading web page .  

The Active Assailant Response training is now going to be held on Thursday, July 16 instead of Wednesday, July 15.  See our   Upcoming Professional Development Offerings: June 15– July 27 post for further professional development offerings.

During our peak advising season in July and August, the Academic Advising and Transfer Center (AATC) will provide an Advising Lab where students can ask questions and get help planning their courses for the next semester. The  AATC Advising Lab webpage has more information on dates, modalities and directions. What Is the Advising Lab? The Advising Lab is a peak-season resource to serve students. Advising appointments tend to fill quickly in July and August. This service will allow us to help as many students as we can. Who Is the Advising Lab for? Students who need last-minute help or have questions on planning their courses. Refer students to the Advising Lab for quick academic check-ins, questions and course planning. Please refer students who are assigned to Disability Support Services (DSS), OSP Occupational Support (OSP), Promise Zone (PZ) or TRIO to their advising centers.  Please  do not refer students to the lab if: They need help with registration (refer them to Student Services) They need help with financial aid (refer them to Financial Aid) They have any holds in PeopleSoft that block enrollment (refer to the office who placed the indicator) They have general questions about parking, books, RaiderCard, student email, Canvas or billing (Refer them to Student Services)  Need help? Visit  Advising to learn where advisors are assigned. If there is not an assigned advisor, refer them to the  AATC . When and Where Is the Advising Lab? Various dates throughout July and August. Visit the  AATC Advising Lab web page for specific days and times.  We will offer both virtual and in-person sessions. Additional Resources Visit GRCC’s  YouTube channel for how-to videos on topics like registering for EN 101 or accessing student email. Search for answers to common questions on the  Student Affairs Resource Portal . Visit the  How to Plan Your Classes web page directions on how to choose classes. Reference the  Advising Lab How-To Guide for more information on where to direct students. Unsure where to refer a student? Call the AATC at (616) 234-3900 or text (616) 404-0044. 

Stephanie Smith, storeroom manager for the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, and assistant Hannah Ferrer dropped off two pallet bins containing old cutting boards from the program. Rather than have these go to a nearly full landfill, Padnos Recycling will repurpose the material after grinding them down. Smith said, "[Padnos] tested it in their lab while I was there and said it's a type of plastic they don't get often." This effort directly supports the objectives highlighted in the May 2025 article, “ GRCC's first year in the Campus Race to Zero Waste: A step towards sustainability ,” which emphasized that “whether through broader composting initiatives, increasing awareness of proper recycling practices or encouraging students and staff to think more critically about their environmental impact, GRCC remains committed to prioritizing sustainability.” This proactive approach exemplifies the ingenuity and critical thinking required of college personnel to advance GRCC’s institutional commitment to environmental stewardship.

Upon the retirement of Bob Cebelak after 43 years of teaching physics at GRCC, Klaas Kwant sat down with Bob, chemistry professor Bill Faber and retired biology professor Laurie Foster to reminisce about teaching science at GRCC over decades.  Recorded and uploaded to Storycorp at  Teaching science at GRCC: Chemist Bill Faber, Biologist Laurie Foster and Physicist Bob Cebelak reflect on long careers.