Nov. 16, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., – More than 4,500 Grand Rapids Community College students took advantage of an incentive program to receive the COVID-19 vaccines, part of a campus-wide health and wellness program.
About 180 people received the vaccine or vaccine booster shots at campus clinics during the last months, with plans for additional clinics in the months ahead.
A total of 4,534 students received a $200 credit on their RaiderCards to use for campus dining, parking, printing, and in the bookstore after being vaccinated before the Nov. 15 deadline.
Vaccines have been determined to be the most effective tool in preventing serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.
Eligible students received a $200 credit on their RaiderCards to use for campus dining, parking, printing, and in the bookstore.
The vaccination incentive program was available to students enrolled in an in-person, hybrid, virtual, or online credit course, clock-hour Job Training program, or apprenticeship program that began after Aug. 30.
The incentive program was one of the steps GRCC is taking or extending as part of a campus safety and wellness plan.
The college has hosted a series of vaccination clinics on the main campus and at the GRCC Lakeshore Campus. The Nov. 11 clinic had nearly 100 people getting vaccinations or booster shots, and an Oct. 27 clinic helped 76 people. Additional clinics are expected to be scheduled, and vaccination location information is available at vaccinatewestmi.com.
The campus is requiring face-coverings indoors, and has posted face-covering dispensers near entrances in many buildings.
On-campus class sizes will be limited to 75% capacity, and the college is replacing two-person desks with single-person desks in most classrooms.
The college is also installing new furniture for common areas that is intended to help with distancing.
Hundreds of hand sanitizing stations were added last year, and changes were made to campus cooling and ventilation to increase air flow.
College leaders are monitoring developments with COVID-19 and the delta variant, and are communicating with state and federal health authorities for guidance as conditions change.
GRCC Nursing students administered shots into the arms of students, campus employees, and others in the spring as part of the Shot of Love campaign, a partnership with Urban Church Leadership Center and Spectrum Health.
In May, the college hosted a campus vaccination pop-up clinic, which was visited by first lady Jill Biden.