Student Services

Student Services

• Academic Advising and Transfer Center
• Counseling and Career Development
• Disability Support Services
• Occupational Support Programs
• TRIO Programs
• Academic Testing Services
• Academic Support & Tutoring Services
  • Tutorial Labs
• Student Life

Academic Advising and Transfer Center

(616) 234-3900
Room 327, Student Center

grcc.edu/advising

Here at GRCC, professionally trained academic advisors are available to assist you with all aspects of academic advising and transfer planning.  Advisors will help you with the important decisions that you must make regarding course selection, choosing an academic program (major), as well as planning for transfer to one of our four year partner institutions, if you plan to transfer after GRCC.  Please take advantage of this resource, as effective academic planning is key in your path to college graduation. In order to utilize the services of the Academic Advising & Transfer Center (AATC) it is best to contact our office and make an appointment.  Planning ahead and making an appointment ensures that an advisor can give you the in depth personal attention that you deserve.  Aside from appointments, the AATC does offer Express Advising services whenever possible. However, Express Advising is designed to answer brief advising related questions and is not intended to be an equitable substitute for appointments.  Again, appointments are strongly recommended and must be made in advance by calling.

Description of Services offered via AATC

• Academic Advising

It is important for you to know that successful students typically meet with their assigned advisor during the first semester to draft an academic plan and continue to meet with them, at least annually to review that plan.  In addition to drafting a plan,  advisors also help students understand course placement and  help explain  the various academic programs offered here at GRCC.   Of similar importance, please know that you  are responsible for  your academic decisions and that the AATC team is eager to assist by providing expert information related to the following: exploring possible majors, degrees, programs of study, course prerequisites, course selection and admission requirements of those programs with specific admission criteria.

It is important that students have the correct academic program declared when they come in for advising.  Students can change or declare an academic program by completing a change of academic program (major) form.  Students changing out of a Health curriculum code must contact the Health Admissions Office at (616) 234-4348 or to change your academic program into a health program, please complete the health admissions application.

• Transfer Planning

The AATC offers a variety of opportunities for students who plan to transfer.   There are multiple transfer events held throughout the year that bring several of our four year partner schools onto campus at one time.  As well, on a regular basis we have a rotation of transfer representative from those same schools visit us in our Transfer Center, located on the 3rd floor of the Student Center.  Also, available in the Transfer Center are the most recent transfer guides/ equivalencies and transfer checklists that will help guide you in your successful transition.   While we make these resources available it is still the responsibility of each student to verify the transferability of any course taken at GRCC and this is best done by working with your assigned advisor and transfer representative. 

Visit Transfer Information for more details. 

• First-Year Experience

The First-Year Experience program at GRCC is designed to provide the services and programs new students need in order to be successful in college. The GRCC First-Year Experience program is designed to help incoming students maximize the first year through on campus orientation, success workshops, and a two-credit course, College Learning Studies (CLS 100).  CLS 100  is designed to assist new students in obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to be successful in college. This course is highly recommended to all new students at GRCC. In addition to the above, new college students enrolled in 12 or more credits can also participate in the GRCC First Scholars program.  GRCC First Scholars is designed to promote healthy educational habits that help lead to degree attainment.  To learn more, visit GRCC First Scholars.

Counseling and Career Development

(616) 234-4130
Room 327, Student Center
grcc.edu/counseling

The Counseling and Career Development program provides free and confidential counseling to current GRCC students.  Our licensed mental health professionals help students manage mental health concerns including anxiety, social anxiety, and depression, and personal issues including relationship and academic concerns. The staff also provides screening for substance use and eating disorders.  For long-term or specialized treatment care, our staff will also provide referrals to off-campus mental health providers. Career counseling helps students explore and identify career values and interests and provides support throughout the career exploration and decision-making process. Our services also include same-day urgent consultations for students who are confronting current or recent traumatic crises, life-threatening circumstances, and acute mental health concerns. Our Mind-Body Wellness series of workshops cover topics including managing anxiety, overcoming depression, career planning, stress management, and other topics relevant to the emotional well-being of college students. To learn more about these services including hours of operation, please visit the Counseling and Career Development website.

Disability Support Services

The mission of Disability Support Services (DSS) is to ensure equal access for students with disabilities to all curricular and co-curricular opportunities offered by the institution. This office provides reasonable accommodations for eligible students. A student must be registered with DSS to qualify for accommodations. Students who wish to receive accommodations should visit the DSS Website for information regarding next steps.

In addition, this office consults with and educates faculty members about disabilities, how to implement accommodations in the classroom, and methods to evaluate accessibility of their course materials.

DSS is charged with ensuring that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rehabilitation Act, Section 504, and Michigan Disability Civil Rights laws are respected at Grand Rapids Community College.   

Please note: Arrangements for personal care services are the responsibility of the student (see Regulation 35.135, ADA).

Occupational Support Programs

GRCC’s Occupational Support Program (OSP) is a specialized advising program. The mission of OSP is to provide academic support services to eligible students who are enrolled in occupational programs at Grand Rapids Community College and are experiencing economic, social, personal, or academic difficulties.

Students can partner with the Occupational Support Program (OSP) to develop a plan to earn their degree or certificate at GRCC and be ready to step into a career. Participants may benefit from an assigned counselor/advisor, individualized academic planning, job readiness support, financial resources, child care options, and resume building.

Any student requesting occupational support must meet the eligibility requirements and schedule a meeting with a counselor/advisor in the Occupational Support Program.

GRCC Programs that OSP can usually support:

• Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences, A.A.A.S.
• Associate of Business, A.B.
• Associate of Nursing, A.D.N.
• Associate of Music, A.M.  (Recording Technology)
• Certificates

TRiO Programs

Room 368, Student Center

grcc.edu/sss

TRiO/Student Support Services has been serving students at Grand Rapids Community College for over 30 years. It is a program designed to work with eligible students by providing support and encouragement for those wanting to earn an associate’s degree and then transfer to a 4-year institution.  Services provided include: professional tutoring, academic planning, personal counseling, career exploration, research opportunities, college visits, volunteering opportunities, and much more! 

• Student Support Services Program
  (616) 234-4150
  Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program that provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education. The SSS program may also provide grant aid to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants. To receive assistance, students must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at Grand Rapids Community College in a degree-seeking program. Low-income students who are first-generation (neither parent graduated from a four-year college/university) and are in need of academic support are eligible to participate in SSS.

Academic Testing Services

(616) 234-3413
Room 325, Student Center

The Academic Testing Center provides testing services for GRCC students and the community at large. We offer a variety of tests from College Level Examination Programs (CLEP) and Challenge exams for college credit, to professional certification exams for the business community. We also offer Online and special proctored exams for students from other colleges. Students requesting testing accommodations related to a disability are directed to contact Disability Testing Services. This office provides reasonable and effective testing accommodations. You must be registered with the DSS office to qualify for testing accommodations.

Academic Support & Tutoring Services

(616) 234-4145
2ND Floor, Learning Center

Academic Support & Tutoring Services (ASTS) is a main point of contact for students who need help with their academic coursework.  Knowledgeable and encouraging tutors will provide students with support for their classes. All current GRCC students are welcome, and all of the services are free. We offer a variety of tutorial support to help students achieve their academic and personal goals here at GRCC

• Subject-centered tutorial labs are available on a walk-in basis in the following areas: Biology; Mathematics; Health; Advanced Math, Physics, and Chemistry; Writing and Language; Business and Economics; Computers; and Auto CAD/Pro-E/Mechanical Desktop. Professional and student tutors assist students with their coursework in line with classroom instruction, answering questions about class lectures, or and readings assigned in textbooks.  In addition to tutoring and support, all the tutorial labs offer open computing for all GRCC students.  Locations of the various labs are listed below.
• Appointment-based tutoring allows students to receive tutoring through scheduled appointments. Students may be placed in a group with other students who share the same instructor and course number.  Once scheduled, they will meet with the same tutor every week for the remainder of the semester.  Forms to request a tutor are available in the Academic Support & Tutoring Services office, room 232, 2ND Floor Library & Learning Commons.

If you have questions about our services please visit GRCC Tutoring.

Student Life

(616) 234-4160
02, Student Center

grcc.edu/studentlife

The Office of Student Life and Conduct values and promotes student engagement opportunities, and we believe student involvement increases the chance of completion, persistence and the number of students transferring from our college to a four-year university. Our office trains and supports over twenty student organizations, promotes and maintains a civil learning environment by holding students accountable to the expectations of the College, and supports student success by serving as a primary point of contact for students to Get Help with accessing basic needs like food, housing and other emergency resources