HOLLAND, Mich. — Grand Valley State University is
partnering with Grand Rapids Community College to expand academic
program offerings at its Meijer Campus in Holland to help
non-traditional students earn degrees. The new initiative is aimed
primarily at adults who have already earned some college credit.
Details of the plan were set to be announced by Grand Valley
President Thomas J. Haas and GRCC representatives at the Grand Valley
State University Board of Trustees meeting at 11 a.m. the Meijer
Campus in Holland, 515 S. Waverly Road.
“We think this new collaboration between Grand Valley and GRCC is
unique in the state,” said Haas. “More often, universities go onto
community college campuses. Here, we’re doing the reverse. Together,
we will better fulfill the need for higher education and degree
completion.”
GRCC will offer general education courses on the Meijer Campus in
Holland. The partnership will take advantage of existing consortium
arrangements to include financial aid, equivalent courses and
concurrent enrollment.
“We’ve offered classes for 18 years in Holland,” said Grand
Rapids Community College President Juan Olivarez. “We’re pleased to be
able to collaborate with Grand Valley to better meet the educational
needs of the people on the Lakeshore.”
Grand Valley announced that it will offer a flexible degree
completion program through its Department of Liberal Studies. The new
program allows students to build on what they have already completed,
whether at Grand Valley or any other accredited college or university.
It will also let students build a unique degree that suits their own
interests. The new program will offer convenient, flexible, and
alternative formats and scheduling options. The program will become
available beginning with the Fall 2008 semester.
“Grand Valley is responding to the needs of Lakeshore communities
for greater access to higher education,” Haas said. “The university
is also responding to the Cherry Commission's call on Michigan's
colleges and universities to help adults who have earned college
credits in the past to come back to complete their degrees.”
The Liberal Studies curriculum will include core classes as well
as credits in an emphasis area such as Leadership and Ethics,
Communication Arts or Human Journey. Students will also be required to
complete the university's general education requirements.
Grand Valley has been offering courses in Holland since the
1980's and expanded its Holland offerings when the university's Meijer
Campus opened in 1997. Haas noted that Grand Valley values all of its
community college partnerships — including its long-standing
partnership with Muskegon Community College, serving the Muskegon and
Grand Haven areas.
Information on the new program is available at the Meijer Holland
Campus, 515 Waverly Road, or by phone at (616) 394-4848.
Media contacts:
-- At Grand Valley, contact Brian J. Bowe, (616)
331-2221, [email protected]
-- At GRCC, contact Nancy O'Brien, (616) 234-4213
GVSU, GRCC to expand Holland programs
Oct 25, 2007
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