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Grand Rapids Community CollegeHONORSPROGRAM2020-21 HANDBOOK1
TABLE OFCONTENTS3 Welcome5 IntroductionProgram PillarsProgram BenefitsProgram Learning OutcomesHonors Space6 Curriculum and RequirementsHNR 101 – Introduction to HonorsHonors ProjectsHNR 250 – Honors Capstone8 Faculty TestimonialsBill FaberLeigh Kleinert, M.H.S.9 Ambassador SpotlightLuis Reyes10 Advising and Transfer SupportHonors AdvisorU-M Transfer Bridges Program11 Ambassador SpotlightCaitlyn Bilkovski13 Community Engagement and LeadershipDear Honors Student,Choosing the Honors Program to be a part of yourexperience at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC)is a great decision.While following your academic plan, you will collaboratewith your peers to create unique academic and communitybased projects. The Honors Program will introduce youto new ideas and new ways of applying your learning.And you will connect with on and off campus leaders.Through your experience in the Honors Program youwill take risks, both academically and socially. The programoffers several experiences to challenge yourself. CompletingHonors Projects will not only challenge you, they will alsoprepare you for academic rigor and allow you to workmore closely with faculty. Building rapport with facultyis a great way to help you explore career options andtransfer institutions.The Honors Student Handbook introduces you tothe curriculum of the program, program completionrequirements, ways to connect with your fellow Honorsstudents and more. We are very excited to be offering thisunique experience specifically for you while attending GRCC.Sincerely,Day of ServiceHonors Ambassadors14 Ambassador SpotlightJessie Webb16 AlumniNate VerStratAmber Wychers18 SupportMichael Schavey, MSW, MPADirectorDepartment of Experiential Learning(Honors, Study Away and Service Learning)mschavey@grcc.edu(616) 234-4180BlackboardGoogle CalendarDepartment of Experiential Learning23
INTRODUCTIONThe Honors Program is a small community of highly motivated students who want more out of theircollege experience. Success in this program is not just measured by academic performance, degreecompletion, or transfer. Success is also building collaborative relationships with faculty and peers.Program PillarsProgram Learning OutcomesThe pillars of the program allow the collegeto create curricular and co-curricular activitiesaimed to strengthen essential skills designedto help you to become a stronger student andcitizen. Program pillars include communityengagement, teamwork, creative problemsolving, research, and communication.Students will be able to:Program Benefits A cohort experience unlike any in the nation.Honors students will experience a built-insupport network of students and faculty topromote community and collaboration. Unique opportunities to interact with collegeand community leaders. Community engagement experiences inwhich students will serve and impact theircommunities. Opportunity to create a collaborative researchproject showcasing student passions. The opportunity to present at local, regional,or national conferences. A dedicated advisor to help students developclear pathways to degree completion and/ora successful transfer to a four-year institution. A competitive edge for transfer andemployment applications. Scholarships to assist you in completingprogram requirements (up to 500).4 Use a variety of brainstorming techniques togenerate novel ideas of value to solve problems. Engage effectively on a team with multipleperspectives. Engage in research methods and activities. Make effective formatting choices and useof visual representations to enhance theircommunication as well as use audienceappropriate language.Honors SpaceThrough the Department of Experiential Learning,the Honors Program offers students unique spaceto study privately or in groups, have large groupmeetings, seek advising assistance, or just grabsome food and socialize. Located on the DeVosCampus on the 3rd floor of the Mable EngleHouse, 455 Fulton St. E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503.See grcc.edu/Map.
CURRICULUM AND REQUIREMENTSTo complete the Honors Program,students must: Complete Honors 101 and Honors Capstonecourse (3 credits total) with a “B” or better. Complete (4) Honors Projects. Earn a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA at thetime of completion.Your official transcript will reflect thecompletion of each Honors Project and anadditional notation for completing all programrequirements. Students earning a degree willbe recognized at commencement with HonorsCords and in the program.“As part of myIntroduction toPublic Health class,I wrote a researchpaper on howlocal, non-profitorganizations inGrand Rapids,Michigancontribute toimproving thecommunity’s publichealth concerns,such as povertyand childhood hunger. As part of my researchI was able to have a job shadow experienceat Kids Food Basket, a nonprofit organizationthat provides sack suppers to children in need.My Honors Project has really pushed me toconsider what to do next in my life. It hasopened a lot of future opportunities.”Sarah KenneyHNR 101 – Introduction to HonorsAll students start the program by takingHNR 101 – Introduction to Honors. This coursefocuses on three essential goals, understandinghow to: Participate and complete the Honors Program. Successfully create and complete an HonorsProject. Work as a team – to successfully join withothers to achieve a common goal.Offered in a 7-week format, this course willfeature guest speakers and unique learningactivities. Students have the option of taking thisclass either M/W or T/Th from 7:45-8:45 a.m. or4-5 p.m. The course is one credit and studentswill earn a 250 scholarship upon completion.Honors ProjectsAn Honors Project is the development of aunique learning activity that deepens thestudent’s learning. Students will work in ateam and alongside a faculty member.Honors Projects have three essential goals.While aligning to the Program Pillars, projectactivities may include a range of activities.From additional readings, to a volunteer project,a small research project, or even a job shadowexperience. Students should anticipate tenhours of additional time spent outside of theclassroom to complete their projects.HNR 250 – Honors CapstoneUpon completing HNR 101 and at least threeHonors Projects, students will participate in thetwo credit Honors 250 Capstone course. Thisseven-week course has three essential goals.1. Practice interdisciplinary teamwork skills.2. Develop an appreciation of multipleperspectives.3. Utilize skills in previous courses andHonors experiences to present research ona community issue.Students will work collaboratively on a communityresearch project. Over the course of the semester,teams of students will work together to presentsolutions from their disciplinary perspectives.Students are encouraged to volunteer at anonprofit organization that provides servicesfocused on their designated issue as well asgather information from community experts.Students will have the option of taking thisclass either M/W or T/Th from 7:45-8:45 a.m.or 4-5 p.m. Students will be awarded a 250scholarship upon completion.Past Research Projects have included:1. Reducing plastic waste going into landfills withparticular emphasis on styrofoam and plasticstraws being used and disposed of on campus.2. Creating a community garden to provide freshproduce to students in need.3. Reducing the use of biocides as part of ourlawn and garden upkeep.4. Educating our youth where food comes fromand making healthy choices.1. Foster a passion for learning.2. Provide an opportunity for a structuredlearning experience that prepares studentsto deepen and apply their learning.3. Develop mentorship-like relationships witha faculty member.Every semester, students have the opportunityto choose a course they would like to completean Honors Project in. During the first weeksof the semester, students work with a facultymember to develop an Honors Project.Honors Program student67
FACULTY TESTIMONIALSEach semester faculty prepare Honors Projects with specific learning activities that are aligned tomeet both course outcomes and the Honors Objectives. Descriptions of current Honors Projectscan be found online at grcc.edu/Honors.AMBASSADORSPOTLIGHTLuis ReyesWellspring Prep High School Graduate“Having Honors students enhances the wholelearning experience in the classroom becausethese dedicated students commit time to digdeeper into the material for the course. Thiscommitment allows them to ask better questionsand apply concepts to actual situations or topics inscience. Our small group meetings move into areasthat we typically do not cover during the normalclass time. We have time to explore science on anethical and social level. I think this discussion reallyhelps students understand the complexity of lifeand why education is such a crucial part of beingan informed citizen.”Bill FaberProfessor, Physical Sciences“I really enjoy teaching the Honors capstonecourse. I’m amazed at the passion andinnovation students have in creating andimplementing solutions to community issues.They continue to exceed expectations whileleaving a legacy and making our communitya better place for everyone.”Leigh Kleinert, M.H.S.Professor, Biological SciencesHonors Faculty Curriculum Coordinatorlkleiner@grcc.edu(616) 234-42518What’s next for you?I intend on transferring, earning a bachelor’sdegree in political science, then earning a lawdegree in hopes of practicing immigration law.Describe an Honors Projectyou’ve completed.In MA 124 I combined Mathematics with mylove of politics. At the time it was during theNovember elections and redistricting was going tooccur. I did my project on redistricting of the partylines using multiple mathematical equations, andmade an equation with my professor as well.What do you like most about theHonors Program?The opportunities made available to you such asHonors advising with Katie and the volunteeringevents. The free coffee doesn’t hurt either.Share something unique about yourself.I can speak 3 languages. English, Spanish,and German.
ADVISING AND TRANSFER SUPPORTAcademic advising is an essential resource for students in the Honors Program. Students are requiredto meet with the Honors Advisor once in the fall and once in the winter semesters. Designed to be“check-in’s,” Honors advising has four goals.U-M TransferBridges Program1. Help students understand programcompletion requirements.2. A ssist students to access and navigate theHonors Program online resources.3. A ssist students in developing an academicplan that leads to the completion of theHonors Program and academic goals.4. Help students identify college resourcesto assist them in meeting their academicgoals i.e., Career Services, Tutoring, TransferCenter, etc.Honors AdvisorKatie Hughes MA, ) 234-3900The University of MichiganTransfer Bridges programis an opportunity for GRCCstudents who are interested intransferring to the College of Literature, Science,and the Arts at the University of Michigan (U-M).Free activities and resources include: Annual U-M campus visit and tour. Access to U-M co-curricular programs in socialinnovation, career coaching, and professionaldevelopment. Monthly on-campus advising from a U-Mrecruiter, in addition to support from GRCCadvisors. Monthly workshops and tailored support focusedon successfully submitting your application. Student mentors who can help answer yourquestions about the transfer student experience.“The Honors Program at GRCC is a greatfit for me! The Honors Projects are veryinteresting and keep me engaged in class.Also, the personal academic advisor is agreat bonus!”AMBASSADORSPOTLIGHTCaitlyn BilkovskiNorthview High School GraduateDescribe why you chose to attend GRCC.I had been accepted to a few private liberalarts schools, such as Loyola of Chicago andCarthage College, however these were veryfinancially demanding colleges. Deciding that itwould be better to save money and obtain myassociate degree before attending a four yearuniversity, I settled on attending Grand RapidsCommunity College.What’s next for you?I was recently accepted as a transfer studentto the University of Michigan. I hope to graduatewith a degree in both Communications andInternational Relations.Describe an Honors Projectyou’ve completed.I set up a French Club on campus andmaintained it through the semester as aCo-President. I learned a lot about what it tookto be a leader and how to get people engagedin what the French program was providing.Give one tip to a new Honors student.Don’t overload yourself! Having started myfirst semester by taking 16 credits and working30 hours a week on top of that, I know what it’slike to feel overwhelmed. Give yourself room tobreath and have a social life on top of school andother obligations.Share something unique about yourself.I dual enrolled at Kendall College of Art andDesign in high school and loved every momentof it. I also love to draw and paint in my free time,it still brings me a lot of joy.What do you like most about theHonors Program?I love the sense of community establishedthrough group volunteering and social events.Fostering friendships and a network system is agreat advantage of being a part of the HonorsProgram, and you do it all while helping thecommunity around you.Stella SperoHonors Program AmbassadorBusiness1011
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTAND LEADERSHIPCommunity engagement and leadership is an essential experience and skill we want all studentsin the program to have. These experiences will help students to broaden their understanding of theworld through the eyes of others as well as join with peers to achieve a common goal.Day of ServiceEvery fall and wintersemesters, students willparticipate in a large Day ofService event. These eventsbring together all Honorsstudents to volunteer alongsideeach other. It’s a great time tomeet your peers and make animpact on your community.The Ambassadors areinstrumental in establishingand maintaining an invitingand engaging climate amongstudents of the HonorsProgram. The program selects5-7 students each year tobecome an Ambassador.Students selected make acommitment for the full yearand receive a 1,250 stipend — 500 for fall semester, 500 forwinter semester and 250 forthe summer.Honors AmbassadorsHonors Ambassadors are aselect group of emergingstudent leaders who createunique and engaging programsand events for students in theHonors Program, such as: Develop Honors Alumnievents. Participate in our GRCC OpenHouse events. Coordinate social events(escape rooms). A ssist students in learningabout scholarships andopportunities for recognition.1213
AMBASSADORSPOTLIGHTJessie WebbNorthview High School GraduateDescribe why you chose to attend GRCC.I knew that I wanted to go to college somewhereaffordable, yet full of opportunities so I appliedto Grand Rapids Community College. As a firstgeneration college student I was very nervous tobegin college, and GRCC seemed like the easiesttransition from high school to college.What’s next for you?After changing my major a few times thesepast couple of years, I finally declared my majorfor Sports Management. This is my last semesterat GRCC, and I am hoping to transfer in thefall to the University of Michigan to completemy bachelor’s degree in sports management.Following my bachelor’s, I would like to completemy Master of Education.Describe an Honors Projectyou’ve completed.Last semester my Honors Project was to workwith Professor Melanie Shiel-Gady and herStrength and Conditioning class, an inclusiveclass that works with Noorthoek Academy.Noorthoek Academy is a college for studentswho have mental disabilities who have graduatedhigh school and have the desire to continue intosecondary education. My duty was to help leadone class a week for four weeks. I was able tohelp Melanie by working with students whomay need extra help. Following each classsession, I would write a reflection. Then afterthe entire experience I then wrote a report aboutmy experience and the school and its impact.What do you like most about theHonors Program?My favorite part about the Honors Programis the opportunities that they provide you.Since joining I have been able to attend not onlythe Mid-East Honors Conference, but also thenational conference. These experiences haveallowed me to not only network myself, but alsoto emerge myself in new cultures and to get outof my comfort zone.Share something unique about yourself.I am married, and I also have a daughter. As acollege student it can be hard to juggle our sociallife, our academics and work life. I know I can attestto the challenges of being a mother and a wifewhile also trying to pursue my passion but takingadvantage of the Honors Program has helped meflourish into the confident person I am today.Honors students and faculty member HilleryHaney attend the National Collegiate HonorsCouncil Annual Conference in New Orleans.1415
ALUMNI“I have been acknowledged on the President’sList and the Dean’s List, and I have been giventhe opportunity to participate in a wide rangeof activities.”Being open-minded about his new environmentpaid off with his very first class: English 100 withTom Mulder.“Professor Mulder completely changed myphilosophy on writing,” VerStrat said. “I wastransformed from a student who hated thesubject into someone who now works as anEnglish tutor and loves writing!”Nate VerStratGRCC gave Nate VerStrat the freedom to trynew things, make new friends and change hismind. He found friends and support in GRCC’sHonors Program.VerStrat had an early start at GRCC, taking threecourses here while he was homeschooled as ahigh school student. After graduating, he decidedto continue at GRCC because he wanted moreexperience in the college environment.“I have accomplished more than I believedpossible in two years of college,” he said.“Purposeful and introspective, Nate was anachiever in our English 100 class,” Mulder said.“He contributed insightful writings, thoughtfuldiscussions and unobtrusive leadership in ourMonday evening classes.”Wychers returned to Grand Rapids fromArizona with plans to go back to school anddecided that GRCC was the perfect fit. She wasinspired to become a doctor after working fortwo years at a safe house for girls rescued fromhuman trafficking.VerStrat graduated this spring with an Associateof Arts. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degreein either collaborative design or computer scienceand then a master’s in architecture.“I’m so thankful for the smaller class sizesand the relationships that I’ve been able to buildwith faculty,” she said.“Part of the beauty of a community collegefor me has been the freedom offered to changepathways and majors without significant financialrepercussions!” he said.She found ways to become involved on campusand in the community through the HonorsProgram. The Honors Program also connectedher with a mentor who helped her find medicalprofessionals to job-shadow.Amber WychersAmber Wychers found a mentor in GRCC’sHonors Program as she works toward her dreamof becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist.1616“I’ve made amazing friends and worked oneon one with professors to complete HonorsProjects,” she said. “I hosted a blood drive oncampus and implemented a community gardenon campus to help combat food insecurity.”17
SUPPORTThe Honors Program actively connects our alumni to current students through several engagingevents throughout the year. There are two primary resources to assist students in staying informedabout program events and resources.BlackboardGoogle CalendarBlackboard (Bb) is a tool that allows GRCCto provide resources for students to accessonline. Resources may be specific to a courseyou are taking, a student organization you are amember of, or a way to simply add funds toyour RaiderCard.The Honors Program utilizes a google calendar tohelp make students aware of events, workshops,advising drop-in’s, deadlines, etc.The Honors Program uses Bb to provide studentswith important information like tracking yourprogress in completing program requirements,sharing upcoming events or deadlines and evenannouncing scholarship opportunities. Onceyou’ve logged into your Bb account, we stronglyencourage you to explore the Honors ProgramBb page.1818Department of Experiential LearningThe Honors Program is one of three high-impact,experience-based learning opportunities nestledwithin the Department of Experiential Learning.19
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experience at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is a great decision. While following your academic plan, you will collaborate . with your peers to create unique academic and community-based projects. The Honors Program will introduce you to new ideas and new ways of applying your learning. And you will connect with on and off campus leaders.
