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Register for Fall 2025 Classes at GRCC — Your Pathway to an Affordable, Achievable College Education

Aug. 12, 2025 Fall enrollment is now open at Grand Rapids Community College, and with it comes a powerful opportunity for students to take the next step toward their goals — whether that means earning an affordable degree, transferring credits to a four-year university or gaining career-ready skills. With flexible schedules, high-quality instruction and significant financial aid opportunities, GRCC remains a top choice for students of all backgrounds and experiences. “No one should have to walk their educational path alone,” said GRCC Interim President Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg. “At GRCC, we’re committed to walking alongside our students — from their first class to graduation and beyond. This fall is the perfect time to get started.” GRCC offers more than 145 career, transfer and certificate programs — from  business and healthcare to skilled trades and technology. Classes are offered in Grand Rapids, Holland and online, in a variety of formats, giving students the flexibility to design a schedule that works for their life. And thanks to programs like the Grand Rapids Promise Zone, Michigan Reconnect and the Michigan Community College Guarantee, many students may qualify for free or reduced tuition: The Grand Rapids Promise Zone covers the full cost of GRCC tuition, fees and textbooks for eligible students who live in the city of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of these designated high schools . Michigan Reconnect could cover the cost of in-district tuition for adults age 25 and older who haven’t yet earned a college degree. The Michigan Community College Guarantee could cover in-district tuition for 2024 and 2025 high school graduates with additional Pell Grant support available. Fall semester begins Monday, Aug. 25, and students can apply now at grcc.edu/apply . Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a working adult returning to college or a guest student looking to transfer credits back to a university, GRCC is here for you. Together, we’ve got this.

Professors Mursalata Muhammad and Lindsay Burton Both Have Essays in New Book - Malcolm X and the Arts: Ten Centennial Reflections

Third World Press states, "…the forthcoming volume Malcolm X and the Arts: Ten Centennial Reflections brings together a powerful collection of essays examining Malcolm X’s profound impact on artistic expression across generations. This groundbreaking anthology delves into how Malcolm X’s vision and ideology have influenced creative works spanning poetry, theater, opera, literature, film, and hip-hop, affirming his continued relevance in shaping Black artistic and political consciousness.” More information and how to get the book can be found at New Book Explores Malcolm X’s Enduring Influence on the Arts in Honor of His Centennial . Also, Muhammad recently had a poem published in  For Gaza’s Children: Black, Brown, and Jewish Writers and Poets Speak Out .

Wesley Fox

Dr. Fox has over 20 years of experience in higher education, criminal justice, and business administration. He has served as Interim Dean of Professional Development and Graduate Studies at Talladega College and Dean of Faculty at Miami Dade College, overseeing academic programs, curriculum development, faculty management, and accreditation. He has extensive teaching experience in criminal justice, business and management, instructing undergraduate and graduate courses in criminology, criminal law, organizational behavior, and strategic management. He has taught at Talladega College, Middlesex Community College, and Southwest Tennessee Community College, with experience in online education and curriculum alignment. Dr. Fox has led program development, student retention strategies and community engagement. He has supervised the Second Chance Pell program, led accreditation efforts and secured grants for academic initiatives. His workforce development experience includes partnerships with law enforcement agencies, aviation programs and corporate training. He holds a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership and has contributed to research, accreditation, and faculty development. His expertise includes curriculum development, policy implementation and strategic planning in higher education. He is affiliated with the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Alpha Phi Sigma and multiple advisory boards.

Free Monthly Webinars Offered Through Your Employee Assistance Program Benefit: Pine Rest EAP

Available for Viewing During the Month of August Strategies For Enhancing Emotional Intelligence Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ) is more important than IQ when it comes to predicting both personal and professional success. Defined as a combination of self-awareness and self-management skills, as well as our ability to sense and appropriately respond to the needs and emotions of others, EQ is at the heart of effective relationships. Join us for this dynamic session where you will gain strategies for enhancing your emotional intelligence and learn about its connection to success and fulfillment.  To participate in this webinar, please  Sign in as guest . You will be prompted to enter your company username — enter: GRCC Upcoming Webinars September: Finding Harmony: Being a Parent and a Professional October: Your Elder Loved One's Desire: Live Independently

GRCC Students Visit University of Michigan for Summer Research Symposium and Transfer Exploration

Aug. 7, 2025 On July 30, more than 35 Grand Rapids Community College students and staff traveled to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for a day filled with discovery, inspiration and academic connection. The visit offered students a valuable opportunity to learn about the transfer experience firsthand, engage with University of Michigan (U of M) partners and explore one of the state’s top universities. One of the most inspiring parts of the visit was attending the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Summer Research Symposium, where eight GRCC students presented the results of their summer research projects. These students had independently applied and were selected for UROP Community College Summer Research Fellowship, and their participation was made possible through support from Transfer Bridges to the Humanities@Michigan, a partnership funded by the Mellon Foundation that helps expand access to U of M research and transfer pathways for community college students.   This summer, Andrew Anderson, Juliette Bolle-Leon, Alma Frutos, UmmulBanin Hassani, Clarissa Hernandez-Ceron, Nicholas Moore, Sally Odren, and Rolando Ramos worked alongside U of M faculty mentors on cutting-edge research aligned with their academic goals and personal interests. Their project topics spanned a wide range of disciplines, including: "The effect of conditional Bmpr1a deletion in suture mesenchyme" "Longitudinal associations of maternal mobile device use and maternal-infant wellbeing" "The experiences of Latino graduate students at U-M" "Effects of functional electrical stimulation on post-stroke ankle injury" "Green hydrogen and fuel production using artificial photosynthesis" "Examining the role of admissions officer background in admissions work" These rigorous research experiences not only deepened students' academic engagement but also helped them build confidence, mentorship connections and a stronger vision for their future as transfer students. “This program is an incredible example of what’s possible when institutions work together to support student success,” said Leanne Challa, GRCC program manager for Transfer Bridges. “Our students aren’t just visiting a four-year university — they’re actively participating in the research and academic culture that makes U of M such a vibrant learning environment.” In addition to celebrating their peers’ achievements at the symposium, visiting students had the chance to tour the Ann Arbor campus, speak with admissions representatives and get a feel for what life might be like as a transfer student at U of M. Congratulations to our GRCC student researchers on a successful summer of scholarship, and thank you to our partners at the University of Michigan for welcoming our community so warmly. Learn more about transfer opportunities, campus visits, and how to participate in the UROP Summer Research Fellowship .      

Tech Tip: Ensuring Smooth Data Transition During Employee Separations

Today, we have a tech tip that’ll make employee separations a breeze! When a member of your team is preparing to leave the college, it’s crucial to ensure a seamless transition of data and information. Here’s how you can do it like a pro: Share Data Before the Farewell  Encourage your employees to share their work-related data, files, and important emails before they bid adieu. It’s like passing the torch of knowledge! J Drive: The J Drive serves as personal storage space for each employee, with exclusive access. For seamless data transition, we suggest that your departing team member relocate relevant files to a shared location such as the S Drive or a designated Team Google Drive folder. Google Drive: Prior to your employee taking their leave, have them transfer departmental files from their My Drive into a shared Team Drive folder. Additionally, they will need to transfer file ownership to another department member to maintain accessibility. Google Calendar: In case your employee has created shared calendars or meetings, guide them to grant permission to others for ongoing modification and management. GMail: For a graceful exit, ask your departing employee to forward any pertinent emails to a designated team member. This will ensure that any critical information doesn’t vanish into the digital abyss.  Remember, it is crucial to take these necessary steps prior to a colleague’s last day. IT resources for file recovery are very limited once the employee has departed.    For more information and helpful tips, please visit the IT Customer Support Portal or contact the IT Customer Support Desk at x4357.    

Seeking Volunteers to Welcome our Students Back Aug. 25-27!

Student Life is pleased to announce we are continuing to offer Information Stations the first three days of Fall 2025 semester! These stations assist students with finding their classes and answering any last minute questions. Please share your time and welcome our students to the new academic year! Sign up on our Fall25 Info Stations sheet. A resource document to help you answer any questions is linked in the header of the sign-up. If you have any questions about Info Stations, please contact the organizer, Ocrea Collier, Student Resource Coordinator at  ocreacollier@grcc.edu .

Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp Offers Stability for Shemond Wallace

August 5, 2025 After arriving in Grand Rapids for a traveling construction job, Shemond Wallace didn’t plan to stay long. But everything changed when he became a father. “I met my son’s mother and had my son,” said Wallace. “Now I’m here and I want a job that is going to offer me stability.”   The work Wallace found after moving to the area wasn’t enough to support his new set of responsibilities.   “If it was just me, that’s fine, I could have kept doing what I was doing. But I’m not living for myself anymore, it’s for my son. I went to Urban League here in Grand Rapids,” said Wallace. “It was there that I learned about the Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp opportunity. I told them my main concern was finding a stable job. Through the welding course, I would earn my certificate and could immediately apply for welding jobs.”  Creating Opportunities for Growth Heavy metal band Metallica started the All Within My Hands Foundation to support workforce education and build sustainable communities. One of its signature initiatives — the Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp — is offered through GRCC’s workforce training program. Thanks to a grant from the foundation, qualified students can enroll in the program for just $50.  The three-month course meets once a week for four hours and requires no prior experience. Students learn welding fundamentals, hands-on techniques and how to fix mistakes with practical knowledge. “I didn’t understand welding at first,” said Wallace. “After I took this class, I understood all the different parts that go into it. The teachers show you how to fix your mistakes, why you made them in the first place and how you can move forward with more knowledge to not make that mistake again.”  As a working father, Wallace appreciated the flexibility. “Once a week you come to class. Of course I can fit that into my schedule,” said Wallace. “It’s great learning the skills I need to start this career and then to come out of the week, no stress, just learning. You can’t beat that.”  Even though Wallace walked in with limited knowledge of welding, he left the program confident in his abilities. “Professor Nick and his assistant Trish, the two instructors for the course, are amazing teachers. They know what it’s like to be a beginner. They know no one is perfect and set the tone for us to ask questions and not feel worried about not knowing what to do,” said Wallace. “Even if you show that you understand the material, they take the time to make sure you know how to execute it.”  Offering Skills for More Than Just a Career Wallace said the bootcamp gave him more than just technical training. It taught him personal growth and patience. “This class taught me more patience,” said Wallace. “When you’re welding and you’re in that mode, it’s like art. You’re moving slowly, like you’re drawing. It’s about growing the patience of having the helmet on, the welding gun in your hand and you just have to stop and breathe. It’s like being a father. If I make my son overwhelmed or he makes me overwhelmed, we just have to stop and breathe and be artful about our next step. We just need to slow down and know we can do it.”  Caring About the Future The All Within My Heart Foundation continues to create a brighter future for every student who walks into the classroom. They open doors for students like Wallace, offering more than just job training — they offer hope.  “This program is full of people who care about teaching you,” shared Wallace. “We live In a world where people don’t seem to care much about anything. The way the teachers step up to show us this skill, and to help us understand it, is amazing. Knowing a band like Metallica would set this up for all of us is incredible. Metallica helped me do more for my family and I’m thankful. It’s been a joy to be a part of.”  Wallace graduated from the program in April 2025, earning his certificate in welding with his son by his side. His journey became an example of resilience and responsibility — setting the tone for the next generation.  “Sign up, super fast, as quickly as you can,” said Wallace. “This is a great opportunity to learn and grow, even if you don’t know what you’re doing at first. They take you step by step. You’re going to figure it out, they make sure of it.”  Learn more about the Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp . Story reported by Anjula Caldwell.  
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