Grand Rapids Community College is taking several steps to meet the needs of students financially and through distance learning so they can continue their education during the global pandemic.
Its latest step to support students is waiving all fees for summer classes, saving many students taking six credits over two summer sessions more than $200.
The college typically applies universal fees to cover technology, record keeping, facilities and student activities, with some classes also requiring additional charges for materials. Students who already have registered and paid for summer sessions will have their fees refunded.
GRCC’s summer schedule has two seven-week sessions and one 14-week session, with most classes starting on May 11. Classes in the 14-week session and the first seven-week session will be conducted through distance learning, as the college works with state and local authorities in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The second seven-week session, scheduled to begin June 30, is set to offer classes through both distance learning and face-to-face instruction. GRCC leaders will determine by May 22 if any changes need to be made to the second seven-week schedule. Students can still register for summer courses at grcc.edu/enroll.
“We know people are hurting right now,” said GRCC President Pink in a press release. “We want to make it easier for people to start — or resume — an education to prepare for their next step. GRCC will play an important role in getting West Michigan back to work. We want to remove as many barriers as we can to best serve our community.”
GRCC’s bookstore is also providing free shipping for all textbooks and class materials for summer classes. The college also has loaned laptops to students needing technology, and has boosted Wi-Fi access to the parking lot on the DeVos Campus to help students connect with the internet for classes.
In the area of other supports, GRCC is offering remote advising and counseling. Staff from the Enrollment Center, the College Success Center and the Library and Learning Commons are also available to answer questions and assist with registration.
The college frequently updates grcc.edu/gethelp, listing college and community resources to help address food and housing insecurity and other challenges.
