Oct. 2, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College students will have a clear pathway to a Calvin University bachelor’s degree under a new transfer agreement.
The memorandum of understanding strengthens and expands the relationship between GRCC and Calvin. Under the agreement, the two institutions will work together to provide GRCC students interested in earning their bachelor’s degree with a clear pathway to transfer to Calvin.
“In addition to strengthening our long-standing relationship with Calvin University, this MOU provides a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students and our community,” said GRCC President Charles Lepper. “Our mission is to prepare individuals to attain their goals and contribute to the community. This MOU furthers that mission.”
Calvin President Wiebe Boer said the agreement brings benefits to both schools.
“This MOU is a way to expand the invitation for more GRCC students to continue their academic exploration at Calvin,” he said. “We look forward to seeing the gifts they bring to our campus.”
Under the agreement, the two institutions will also explore ways to share facilities, especially in athletics and housing, and will consider other opportunities to collaborate.
Representatives from Calvin and GRCC agree the memorandum’s benefits will touch undergraduate, international and adult students as well as West Michigan residents.
“GRCC appreciates the opportunity to partner with Calvin University in building clear transfer pathways,” said Sheila Jones, GRCC interim provost and executive vice president of Academic and Student Affairs. “We are both deeply committed to our students’ success.”
Calvin Provost Noah Toly said the memorandum of understanding expands students’ options.
“It provides another on-ramp to a Calvin education – one that GRCC students might not have thought about or imagined when they began their academic careers,” he said.
About Grand Rapids Community College:
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer, and skills that lead to rewarding careers. GRCC was Michigan’s first community college, established in 1914, and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings and Saturdays. Courses are also available online and at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties. To learn more, visit grcc.edu/about.
About Calvin University:
Founded in 1876, Calvin University is a top-ranked liberal arts institution that equips its 3,300 students from 48 U.S. states, 55 countries and five Canadian provinces to think deeply, act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world. Calvin offers more than 100 majors and programs, including a growing portfolio of graduate-level offerings. Calvin students engage in intensive internships, community-based service learning, and significant research that results in publishing and presenting alongside world-class faculty. The university’s 400-acre campus is in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, Mich. Discover more at calvin.edu.