Grand Rapids Community College — Local services in Grand Rapids

I have had little to no pride in going here, except for the fact of being in college. But it is a necessary obstacle if I want to get to the universities where hopefully the truly intellectual open minded people are. Most credits do transfer and the academics were on the level of "worth what you're paying". The student body is all pretty young and seem more interested in the social status of themselves and others than actually going to school or obtaining knowledge. You are not really able to interact in class due to some teachers wanting to constantly be in complete control, any information a student could bring is basically disregarded. The other students seem to want to put others down specifically those that truly interact in class, even when these students that interact just want everyone to do the same. We all have some knowledge to bring to the table, in any situation, but this seems disregarded at times. The faculty seems a bit corrupt. Bad experiences of teachers sharing personal information with other teachers and students alike, including single grades, and potential personal problems a students may have. The students here like to make fake drama constantly like any college I suppose, but here it seems to be embraced to a corrupt degree. I have seen students constantly manipulate teachers and come up with new stories on a weekly basis to try and get other students into trouble, or ruin their reputation, or even try to get other students falsely kicked out of school. A smarter teacher would know to ignore these things and teach the class, but a few of these teachers embrace it and make it an even harder learning environment.The diversity is not what was expected, both race and religion/political views all lean to the Conservative Christian Caucasian side. People of different religious beliefs, or lack of, seem to not even be considered human and deemed "evil", let alone embraced or accepted for these different viewpoints. Literally being singled out for not being christian in multiple classes, as well as students openly citing scripture in the middle of class, but the opposing viewpoint to this religion is not even accepted, probably due to the fact the majority rules which is the christian viewpoint. A few good teachers make up for a lot of this and gives hope to continue schooling. The campus is nice and safe considering the location which is great because its right downtown GR. Maybe after some more time here my mind will change but so far this is the sad truth. If you are able to go to any other college you will be much better off doing so. Three million dollars in debt after the winter 2014 semester (while doing a $30 million dollar renovation), due to students leaving, and a provost that left for another college and took a $30k a year pay cut to do so, these facts cant be ignored and can very easily be directly connected to the aforementioned problems spoken of. Oh and the solution to this debt is raising tuition even more. This is my honest opinion after a semester here. After spending two semesters at another cc type college, where the academics did not seem to be quite as good, but none of the mentioned dealings...

GRCC is by far the worst college I've ever attended! They nickel and dime you at every chance they have, have no pre-loaded student accounts at the beginning of each semester for printing, which means they're charging 15 cents to 10 cents for a black and white copy and A DOLLAR FOR A COLOR COPY!!!. Their library DOES NOT contain the books of the courses they offer which is UNLIKE ANY college in the state of Michigan! Registering for classes is one hell of a time, their admissions process is also just as difficult. You do not get to choose your professors . It is the right of a student to know and choose the teaching style they need to best work for them. It is an extremely religious government funded school. All of the teachers have some kind of heavy religious background that they do mention and or have some influence from in their classrooms, I've experienced this personally in over five of my classrooms! I only note this because I am agnostic and do not care about what church you attend. (god(s) is a nature thing not a building thing.) They are more concerned with the cosmetics of their campus than student care and satisfaction. They will spend millions on renovations but they won't even supply their library with the books of their courses. They have a monopoly with federally funded money, whereas at most colleges you're given a higher one card one week prior to semester to order your books from you wherever you choose to save money. BUT!!!! At GRCC YOU HAVE TO USE their book store and they're used books only run $20 less than their brand new books. Which makes no sense this college is not a student's college this college is a corporation's college. I have brought these issues up to the board, the President and the Student Congress to which nothing has been addressed or even considered. Grand Rapids Community College could really stand to take a few lessons from Lansing Community College prior to President...

First of all, I want to say how truly blessed West Michigan is having GRCC as a learning institution - right in our very own city! Their outstanding academic varieties of classes, majors, and career choices is superb. Today I had the privilege to watch my son graduate from the LPN program at GRCC. Although it took him almost 24 months (on the waiting list to enroll), I can honestly say it was worth the wait. While waiting to get into the nursing program, he was able to take the basics i.e. English, history, psychology, etc....all while working and saving for enrollment in the LPN program. Upon entering the nursing program, he was guided by some of the most genuinely compassionate, caring, and talented professors and staff. I want to really thank the Director of nursing Michelle Richter, Professor Laura Moody, Glenes Hamersma, Michelle Olszewski and many others who have taught, instructed, and guided my son so well. Although the nursing courses, exams and clinical time were extremely challenging and intensive, he graduated debt free, with no student loans to pay, and best of all, he has already received job offers!!! His future plans are to continue his studies at GRCC towards his RN degree. It was a heartwarming day, yesterday, when my son texted me: "I PASSED I officially passed. I got a 92% on the final exam!!!! I am officially successful in the Licensed Practical Nursing Program for Grand Rapids Community College. THANK YOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!! Thank you all for your prayers they have been answered." I am proud to say that today, was my sons GRCC LPN "Pinning" ceremony ! He made me very proud today....