GVSU, GRCC to expand Holland programs
Oct 25, 2007
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.
Subscribe
Sign up and receive the latest Grand Valley headlines delivered to your email inbox each morning.
