A Message from VP Shorty

Good morning, colleagues!

October is coming to a close, and the fall vibes on campus are incredible. This semester has been full of momentum and milestones, from strong enrollment and the excitement around our new branding campaign to the release of our economic impact report.

We've also marked some major moments: the opening of the Battle Creek Innovation Hub, the inaugural GV Technology Summit, our new location for classes in Traverse City, thanks to a partnership with Northwestern Michigan College, and our vibrant Hispanic Heritage Month celebration that connected community and culture (check out photos below!). Each reflects the creativity and collaboration that make Grand Valley shine.

This month, we also honored Indigenous Peoples’ Day. I shared a few thoughts on LinkedIn about what this day means for our shared journey.

As we move into the month of November, nationally recognized as Native American Heritage Month, I’m excited to be partnering with the Native American Advisory Council, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and more campus partners to welcome renowned Ojibwe scholar and author, Dr. Anton Treuer, for a compelling public lecture: Decolonizing Our Future: Truth, Sovereignty, and Student Success. We hope to see you on Tuesday, October 28, from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Cook-DeWitt Center (Valley Campus) for this exciting event.

We have so much to be proud of and so much more to do together in our shared leadership journey. Thank you for your leadership, partnership, and the spirit you bring to Grand Valley every day.

With appreciation,

Robert Shorty
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

Mindfulness for Well-being
November 3, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Brought to you by the AP Committee, participants will be introduced to mindfulness and learn guided experiential practices drawn from awareness and concentration.

Leadership Roundtable: The Power of People and Possibility
November 4, Noon–1 p.m.

This roundtable connects empowerment, collaboration, inclusion, integrity, emotional intelligence, well-being, and innovation into one shared vision: creating a community where every Laker feels valued and inspired to contribute.

The next round of faculty and staff group fitness classes begins so soon! Register for a variety of classes to add some movement into your work week.

Step away from the busyness of your day and join us for a 10-minute virtual mindfulness session designed to help you breathe, reset, and refocus. No experience or equipment needed—just a few minutes to calm your mind, ease tension, and restore clarity. Choose the time that works best for you and return to work feeling centered, refreshed, and ready to move forward with intention.

An Introduction to Restorative-Based Conflict Prevention & Resolution
October 29, 11 a.m.–Noon

Participants will reflect on their individual conflict styles, learn about basic principles of restorative practice, and gain familiarity with resources and tools related to conflict prevention and resolution.

Understanding and Enhancing Support for International Students
November 5, 9-11 a.m.

Through small-group breakout discussions, participants will share and learn how different people and units have effectively supported students during difficult times.

Join us for a series of film screenings to honor and celebrate the voices of our veterans. These events will showcase three powerful films that highlight the experiences of those who have served our country, followed by a panel discussion. This free event is open to everyone.

RSVP for Honoring Veteran Voices, Oct. 27 Screening

RSVP for Honoring Veteran Voices, Nov. 3 Screening

The GVSU Teach-In is a two-day campus event where students, faculty, and staff lead educational sessions focused on raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and inspiring action. Mark November 12-13 on your calendar to attend!

Tell us what you love most about the Teach-In or what you're most looking forward to this year for a chance to win PEC swag!

On Monday, October 6, the Asian Faculty & Staff Association (AFSA) hosted its “Moonlit Decade” Fall Reception, marking 10 years since it was chartered. The event drew a full room celebrating AFSA’s legacy of leadership, connection, and advocacy for GVSU faculty, staff and students.

Beyond a milestone, the gathering highlighted the critical role Faculty and Staff Associations (FSAs) play in advancing GVSU’s commitment to equity and inclusion by enhancing retention, engagement, and institutional culture. Here’s to another 10 years of creating spaces where faculty and staff find community and belonging at Grand Valley.

Save the date for Wear the Rainbow, our annual, free clothing pop-up shop with gender affirming workshops. Clothing donations will be accepted from Monday, Oct. 20–Wednesday, Nov. 12. Learn more about Wear the Rainbow.

The GVSU Inclusion & Equity Institute collaborates with individuals, organizations, and communities to enhance understanding, skills, and actions toward inclusion and equity commitments. In recent months, Food Literacy Educators from the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) participated in a two-day workshop offered by the I&E Institute.

The workshops, led by Crystal Scott-Tunstall (Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies) and Dr. Chasity Bailey-Fakhoury (College of Education), centered on educating about food systems, food equity, and food-based solutions. The learning wrapped up with a tour of GVSU's Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP).

We are thrilled to work with community partners to achieve shared outcomes. If you serve on a non-profit board, or know of a for-profit company that could benefit from learning about inclusion and equity or deepening commitments, please send them our way via our contact card or by calling (616) 331-3296.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the Employee Accessibility Resources Office has released a new training module to help you understand disability accommodations at GVSU.

In the module, you will review civil rights legislation that protects persons with disabilities, walk through the interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations, apply your new knowledge through case studies, and explore communication methods. This module can help you advocate for yourself and support your colleagues. All supervisors are encouraged to review the content to prepare for conversations about accessibility and accommodations in the workplace.

On October 9, Elisa Ortega-Schultz, employee ombuds, celebrated Ombuds Day with Takeelia Garrett, student ombuds, Genna Brong, administrative assistant in the Office of the Employee Ombuds, and many other Lakers.

Thank you to all those who stopped by in support on Ombuds Day!