With many students needing to arrange schedules and appointments around work and family responsibilities, a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education will help Grand Rapids Community College tailor advising services to all students.
GRCC was one of three Michigan colleges to earn a Strengthening Institutions Program grant. The college will use the money to transform its student support efforts, according to information from the community college.
In a press release, Eric Mullen, GRCC’s dean of student success and retention, said it’s often challenging for students to schedule appointments with academic advisers because they are attending school part time and have other life responsibilities.
The grant will allow GRCC to fund technologies for counselors to have detailed information available, and for students to connect in a variety of ways and at convenient times.
Plans include creating a system where student data is collected and available through a single interface and a mobile app to allow students to access support and receive messages of recognition or encouragement.
