A peer guide is an experienced staff member paired with a new APSS employee to welcome and assist them in learning about GRCC culture, values, and beliefs, common acronyms and other nuances. This can include locating available resources, answering questions about the college or functions of their role, and helping to build a GRCC network of colleagues.
New hires in the APSS group will be assigned a peer guide volunteer to help new employees feel welcomed, connect to others doing similar work, increase their internal network at GRCC, and serve as a resource while new hires learn their role. Peer guides are eligible for up to 5 hours of professional development per year.
A peer guide must:
- Have worked at GRCC for at least 2 years
- Be friendly, willing to connect, and have a positive attitude
- Exemplify GRCC values
- Work in a different department than the new employee
Resources
One of the biggest challenges facing new employees is getting up to speed with the skills they need to work in higher education, and knowing who and where to go for help. As a peer guide, you will serve as the connection between the new employee and available resources. This could include connecting them with staff who are experts on a certain task or topic, available training resources, or even providing them direct assistance if you are able to.
GRCC Staff
The staff of GRCC are our greatest resource. As a peer guide, you will serve as the connection between the new hire and subject matter experts, facilitating introductions and highlighting potential partnerships and collaborations.
Professional Development @ GRCC
Human Resources/Staff Development facilitates continuous improvement at GRCC by supporting professional development, promoting employee enrichment, and enhancing work-group effectiveness. These courses are offered in person at GRCC campuses, in hybrid, and online formats.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an award-winning industry leader in online training, with a digital library of over 20,000 courses covering a wide range of technical, business, software, DEI and creative topics. It allows you to create an individual training and development path for areas that you are interested in enhancing your individual learning. You may watch an entire course, or individual videos, some are as short as four or five minutes. You will be able to bookmark courses that are of interest, pause and easily return to videos, keep track of the courses you have taken, and when you complete a full course, you’ll receive a certificate. You have the opportunity to refine or develop your professional skills, learn new software, and explore other areas as you plan for your career growth.
Become a Peer Guide
Interested in becoming a peer guide? Let us know by filling out this short application or contact Nathan Sutton at nathansutton@grcc.edu or (616) 234-3489 for more information.
Forms & Documents
- Application
- Peer guide presentation
- Peer guide Checklist