Editor’s note: Coverage of campus police reports has been delayed due to the Grand Rapids Community College Police Department now requiring The Collegiate to file a Freedom of Information Act request in order to obtain reports.
A Grand Rapids Community College professor reported potentially being stalked by a former student in August 2024., stating that the interactions with the perpetrator began in the 2023 winter semester, and continued to August 2024.
According to the police report, the professor had the student in one of her classes in the 2023 winter semester, the student failed her class and repeated it with a different professor. During this time, the student kept in contact with the professor over email for questions relating to coursework. Later, in the spring, the student failed another class and was removed from the program.
After being removed, the police report states that the student delivered a handwritten note which contained details about her personal life, as well as reference to a discussion between her and the professor and a $10 gift card to the professor’s mailbox. Additionally, in the note she wrote she wished she would have the professor in class again.
In fall 2024, the professor ran into the student in the hallway and engaged in small talk. Following, the student sent an email to the professor regarding a Zoom call and again stated she wished she would have the professor in class again, and wanted to “re-introduce her best self” to the professor, according to the report. The professor replied with an apology for hearing the student was now removed from the program, and asked the student to “keep her updated.” The student replied expressing gratitude for encouraging her, and referenced seeing the professor a few days prior in-person.
According to the police report, the student was seen again holding a textbook in the same spot she was in the hallway a few weeks prior by the professor. The professor asked the student what she was doing there and asked about the book. Then, the professor left the conversation because she had to give a tour. The student then emailed the professor regarding the interaction, and asked if they could have a full conversation, to which the professor did not reply.
The following week, the student was in the same spot again, covering her face with her hand. The professor did not engage in conversation.
The following day, the professor did not work. She asked a colleague to check the area for the student, and the colleague said the student was not there.
The police report states in winter 2024, the professor began actively avoiding the spot in the hallway, and upon checking if the student was returning to the spot, she was continuously. The professor informed her boss of the situation, and her boss went and found the student sitting in the spot. The student said she was there preparing and studying for her return into the program.
In May, the student gave the professor a gift and a note in her mailbox, which again she wrote how she wanted to take the professor’s class again and expressed gratitude to the professor. The gift was a wooden plaque with the professor’s name engraved as well as flowers, according to the police report.
On Aug. 27, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. the student emailed the professor notifying her of her return to the program in January. She said she was “ready to return with a calmer mind.”
The professor told the GRCC Police Department she was losing sleep over the situation and wanted to put an end to the interactions. The officer suggested she tell the student she did not want to remain in contact, to which the professor said she did not want to speak to the student again, at all. The police report stated the officer said to let GRCCPD know if she ever wanted to be escorted to her car and to let them know if she was to ever be contacted by the student again.
If you are feeling unsafe on campus you can call GRCCPD at (616) 234-4010.
