College Success Center Closure Frequently Asked Questions

To better support your academic journey, GRCC is strengthening how we provide advising and student support. As part of this change, the College Success Center has permanently closed. The coaching roles have been restructured into new full-time academic advising positions. This change allows us to serve more students, create better alignment between advising and academic programs, and ensure you continue to receive personalized support for your success.

You still have access to:

• Individualized support for your academic and career goals
• Ongoing meetings with your assigned advisor throughout the semester
• Help with academic strategies, time management and study skills
• Transfer and career planning resources
• Workshops and events to build skills and community

• You’ll now be working with a professional advisor instead of a success coach.
• Many former success coaches are now serving as academic advisors and continue to bring a student-first, holistic approach.
• Advising will be more closely connected to your academic program or pathway, helping you get tailored support based on your goals.

Your academic advisor is your point of contact for:

• Academic Planning & Programs
  • Choosing the right program for your career goals
  • Making changes to your major
  • Picking courses for the upcoming semester
  • Planning for graduation or the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA)
• Classroom Success Strategies
  • Time management, study skills and note-taking
  • Help if you’re struggling in a class or unsure how to improve
  • Understanding what to do if you might not pass a course
• Transfer and Career Support
  • Exploring transfer options and understanding transfer requirements
  • Exploring career directions or deciding between options
• Navigating College
  • Communicating with instructors
  • Understanding college emails or messages

1. Log into My GRCC and open Navigate.
2. You’ll see your assigned advisor and can schedule an appointment. Please watch this short video for more information.

our appointment confirmation will show your advisor’s office location. It will either be in RJF first floor, 3rd floor Student Center or at the Lakeshore campus. 

Possibly! Many students will continue with the same person, now serving in an advising role. If your assigned advisor is changing, you’ll receive a communication directly from them.

If you’d like to request a different advisor, you can submit an Advisor Change Form.

Note: If you are  part of TRiO, Disability Support Services, or Occupational Support Programs, your assigned advisor through those programs will remain the same.

Yes! GRCC will continue to offer skill-building workshops, career and transfer planning sessions and events designed to support your academic journey. You can  find and register for these opportunities on Raider Connect.  

Yes! Advisors are available throughout the semester and you’re encouraged to meet with them more than once. You can schedule in-person, Zoom or phone appointments. You can also text or email for quick questions:

Text: (616) 404-0044

Call: (616) 234-3900 

We aim to reply within 2 business days (Monday-Friday). During busy times it may take a bit longer, but we’re committed to connecting with you as soon as possible.

In Navigate, you’ll see these options

• Academic Strategies: Struggling in a class?Need help with time management or study habits?
• Career Exploration: Not sure about your major or future career?
• Course Planning: Need help choosing classes or preparing to register?
• Degree Planning: Want to stay on track to graduation or make sure your program fits your goals?
• Transfer Planning: Want to learn about transferring and which classes will carry over?

Additional academic advising FAQs

Prepare to meet with a advisor information.

As we transition, we’re aligning advisors more closely with programs of study, so the person helping you will better understand your goals, classes and options. Make sure your declared major in the Online Center matches your plans.