During the final student leaders town hall meeting of the 2024 fall semester, the Grand Rapids Community College Student Government and Campus Activities Board shared their plans for the winter semester and recapped their work done this semester.
At the Dec. 11 meeting, Student Government president Alex Miranda reported that “(Student Government and GRCC Votes) had for sure more than 100 people register to vote” during voter registration drives hosted around campus during the semester.
Additionally, Student Government also hosted more than 200 people at the Latine Heritage Month celebration and plans to collaborate with the international language club for the cultural festival in the future.
Miranda also spoke about the new partnership between GRCC and The Rapid that provided students and staff with free transportation for the first time this semester. He shared that Wave cards picked up during the start of the fall semester would be deactivated at midnight on Dec. 12 and that the winter sign-up form is now available for students registered for winter classes.
“We will be able to start providing (winter semester Wave cards) when we return to work on Jan. 2, but the pass will not be active until Jan. 6,” Miranda said. “If someone picks up (a card) before Jan. 6 and attempts to use it, the card will get blocked by The Rapid and a new one may be needed.”
Miranda also gave the Student Government treasurer report, as treasurer Maria Choi was absent from Tuesday’s meeting. A total of $3,430.90 was allocated out to clubs this semester, leaving $29,949.50 in the budget for the winter semester.
“With that being said I would encourage (organizations) and clubs to plan for winter semester events or even summer events,” Miranda said.
Looking forward to the winter semester, Student Government plans to highlight the diversity of GRCC and focus on health and wellness.
In other news, CAB announced the lineup of events for the winter semester. Six events will be hosted on the main campus along with two events at Lakeshore.
Main campus events include:
- Bingo Night on Jan. 15
- Comedy night with Ben Palmer and Caleb Elliot on Jan. 16
- Valentine’s Day card making on Feb. 11
- Winter dance on Feb. 13
- Free food day on April 17
- Cap decorating on April 17
CAB will also be hosting Valentine’s Day card-making on Feb. 10 and sign painting on March 19 at the Lakeshore campus.
During the second week of the winter semester, students will have the opportunity to meet with various clubs and organizations during Involvement Day on Jan.14.
A free flu vaccine clinic will take place at the same location in partnership with Corewell Health. Students are encouraged to RSVP for the flu clinic through RaiderConnect, as only 50 shots will be available.
Additionally, in January, Alyssa Gamez, CAB Advisor, shared that tabling will be happening for stalking awareness month and mentioned an uptick of reported cases on campus.
“(There will be resources on) how to stay safe, (and) also what stalking looks like and how you might notice it if it’s happening to you,” Gamez said.
Throughout February, tabling for teen dating violence awareness will also take place in addition to health education specialist and communication expert Dr. Lori Bednarchik coming to campus on Feb. 5 to talk about healthy communication in relationships. Resources will also be available in March for sexual assault awareness month, followed by drug and alcohol information week in April.
The next student leaders town hall will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
