During their March town hall, student leaders from Grand Rapids Community College Student Government and Campus Activities Board gathered student opinion on RaiderConnect and the student code of conduct ahead of potential changes coming to campus.
In a conversation facilitated by Student Government President Maria Choi, those in attendance shared what they like and dislike about RaiderConnect, the website utilized by GRCC as a hub for campus events.
Common criticisms of the website included that it was difficult for student organizations to post on, and underpromoted by the college, leading to the website receiving potentially lower engagement from the student body.
Many student leaders expressed their belief that social media is the best and easiest way for them to connect with other students. However, attendee and Democrats at GRCC Vice President Ella Johnson pointed out that not all students use social media.
“As someone who doesn’t use any social media, RaiderConnect is the one way I can find out about campus events as opposed to word of mouth and fliers,” they said.
Other mentioned positives of RaiderConnect included that the host site Campus Labs is utilized by some four-year universities in Michigan, including the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University. CAB President Brayden Smith also mentioned that RaiderConnect serves as an archive to student leaders, allowing them to look back at what their organization has done in the past and how many people attended their events.
A proposed solution to the underutilization of RaiderConnect, presented by CAB Communications Director Victoria Biadala, included showing students how to use the website at orientation. Many would also like RaiderConnect to be added as a tile on the MyGRCC webpage.
Currently, GRCC is in year one of a three-year contract with RaiderConnect, costing the college $42,000 over the course of three years.
Additionally, student government is also gathering feedback on the student code of conduct via a survey that is due on Monday, March 31. All responses to the survey are anonymous.
During the Wednesday meeting, Choi also drew attention to the GRCC legal aid webpage, which helps provide students with off campus legal aid resources, including information for immigrants and migrants.
Additionally, the new student government treasurer, Banin Hassani, presented the treasury report, with a total of $17,735.92 remaining in the student activities budget. Student organizations looking to make requests are encouraged to do so at the final student leaders town hall in April.
Ahead of the final month of the semester, the student leaders promoted their groups upcoming events. CAB will be rounding off March with a sign painting event Wednesday, March 19 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on the Lakeshore Campus. In April, CAB will be hosting a free food day on April 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the fourth floor of Raleigh J Finkelstein Hall. Grad cap decorating will be the next day, from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the main campus student life hub. The Democrats at GRCC will be hosting Rep. Carol Glanville on Monday, March 17 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. in room 215 of RJF.
Both CAB and Student Government are taking applications for the upcoming academic year. To apply, students must have a reference letter. Members of the executive board cannot hold E-Board positions or other on-campus jobs.
The final student leaders town hall of the semester will be on Wednesday, April 9 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in room 215 of RJF.
Editors note: This story was updated Wednesday, April 9 at 4:58p.m. to correct a spelling of a students last name. The Collegiate apologizes for this error.
