A Message from VP Shorty

Happy Fall 2025, colleagues!

The start of this academic year is bringing a new sense of energy and possibility to campus, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it as I approach my one-year workiversary. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of joining New Faculty Orientation, several college start-up meetings, and Campus Life Night. The genuine excitement that comes with welcoming new colleagues and new students into our community is energizing. Moments like these truly highlight the importance of community!

The beginning of the year is not only about a fresh calendar—it’s about renewing our shared commitment to supporting student success, advancing our disciplines, and building a strong, connected GVSU community.

I look forward to the year ahead, the opportunities we will pursue together, and the many ways we will continue to make an impact. Thank you for your leadership, your teaching, and your care for our students and each other.

Sincerely,

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

To ensure faster and more secure access to your tax documents in January, faculty and staff are encouraged to provide consent for electronic W-2 delivery.

To update your preference, navigate to My Tax Documents (click the link or go to your “Pay” app > select “My Tax Documents” > and select “Edit” under printing election) and submit your consent.

If you elect to receive both electronic and paper, the paper copy will be postmarked by 1/31 and the electronic copy will not be available until 1/31. Those who select electronic-only will be able to access them earlier in January.

We are excited to share that as of August 1, GVSU now has unlimited job postings with Veterans in Higher Ed, a job board for all transitioning military veterans and their families! Check out all the spaces we post your open positions beyond GVSU Careers.

Effective mid-July, student employees no longer need to apply as external candidates when seeking faculty or staff positions at GVSU. If they are currently employed through student employment, they’ll now apply directly through the Careers Hub in Workday—located in the Workday Menu—just like other internal candidates. This change streamlines the process and ensures student employees can easily explore opportunities for continued employment at the university. If you have any questions, reach out to the Student Employment Office at studentjobs@gvsu.edu.

Previously known as the "sandwich generation" network, the Caring Across Generations brings together caregivers who are responsible for caring for multiple generations, often their own children, aging parents, and the family members in between. No matter who you're caring for, you are not alone. Meet with the Caring Across Generations group to connect with fellow GVSU faculty and staff members about your unique experiences and share resources.

This group meets on the third Thursday of every month. Contact Joy Allen (gianakuj@gvsu.edu) about upcoming gatherings.

Love talking about all things pop culture? Then Pop Culture Network is for you! This is a great way to network with fellow faculty and staff during monthly lunch meetings on campus. We discuss music, movies, TV shows, and other pop culture news. We also have regular evening events including movie screenings, trivia nights, and happy hours.

Contact Anna Davis at davisan6@gvsu.edu to join the fun. 

The Tired Moms Club is a warm and inclusive community for moms from all walks of life. Our monthly gatherings provide a precious opportunity for you to take off your professional hat and connect with other moms who understand the unique joys and challenges of balancing work and family life. We can't wait to meet you and embark on this wonderful journey of motherhood together.

Fill out the Interest Form or contact Katrina Begrow (begrowk@gvsu.edu) about upcoming opportunities!

Leadership Roundtable – Branching Out for Collaboration: Featuring An AVP, Faculty, Staff, & PSS Panel
September 11, 11 a.m.–Noon, Virtual

Join us for an interactive panel discussion on how we can collectively bridge the gap at GVSU between our many different types of employee groups - featuring panelists from AVP, Faculty, AP, and PSS.

Communicate to Lead: Essential Skills for Managers – Authentic Communication
September 18, 9-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m., Health Campus (DCIH)

Leaders and organizations thrive when their communication climate celebrates and promotes genuine, robust, and open communication. The techniques featured in this session will help you navigate delicate topics, address conflict, and create safe spaces for rigorous low and high-stakes discussions.

Join us on Wednesday, August 27 for GVSU’s annual Rainbow Social, a vibrant welcome-back celebration hosted by the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center! This signature event is your chance to connect with LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff while learning about campus and community resources. Expect an afternoon full of connection, affirmation, and joy, special guests for our live balcony performances to be announced! 

All are welcome. Come as you are and celebrate with us!

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! Interested in presenting? Proposals are due Monday, October 20. 

Learn more about the Teach-In.

LGBTQ Foundations, Level I: Terminology and Language
September 4, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

The "Inclusive Terminology and Concepts'' session serves as a foundational exploration of language and identities within the LGBTQIA+ community.

LGBTQ Foundations, Level II: Gender Identity and Expression
September 18, 10 a.m.–Noon p.m.

In the "Understanding Gender Identity and Expression" session, participants will embark on a comprehensive exploration of the intricate concepts surrounding gender diversity. 

This Fall, we're excited to share we will be updating the Mandatory Reporter Training Module in Workday. You will receive an email notifying you when the new training module is available, and it will appear in your Workday “tasks” queue at that time.

As we embark on a new academic year, it's a great time to review a brief summary for mandatory reporters on our website!

All GVSU faculty and staff, including student employees, resident assistants and graduate assistants, are designated as mandatory reporters and required to complete annual training. The only exceptions are those who serve in confidential roles, such as counselors in the University Counseling Center, health service providers, Victim Advocates, Student and Employee Ombuds, Human Subjects Researchers (during their studies), and associated staff.  

As a mandatory reporter, you are required to report all known details of actual or suspected discrimination, harassment, or misconduct to OCRTIX. Reporting is available online 24/7, by phone at (616) 331-9530, or through walk-ins (JHZ 4015) during regular business hours. Once a report is made, you are also required to provide information to the impacted party about how to submit their own report and how we can help them.

For any questions about reporting, reach out to our team at titleix@gvsu.edu or (616) 331-9530.

The Office of the Employee Ombuds is located in Lake Michigan Hall, Suite 133. Appointments are available in-person on the Valley Campus, in the Cook-DeVos Center For Health Sciences on the Health Campus, and virtually. The Employee Ombuds Office will make every attempt to meet you at a time and location that is secure and accessible for you. 

Interested in scheduling an appointment? Call (616) 331-8009 or book online at Calendly - GVSU Employee Ombuds Officer!

Kolby Williamson

Kolby works as an HR Generalist on the Human Resources team. When asked what her hope or vision is during her time on the PEC team, she said:

"My hope is to contribute to a community where every colleague feels seen, supported, and valued. I envision PEC as a space where courageous conversations lead to actionable change and where every initiative reflects a deep respect for the diverse identities and experiences that make up GVSU. I’m excited to be part of a team that not only talks about equity but actively builds systems that support it."

Learn more about Kolby.

Ann Kaiser

Ann works as the Office Assistant on the People, Equity, and Culture team. When asked what aspects of the division's mission and work most excites or inspires her, she said:

"What most excites me about the division’s mission is its strong commitment to people-centered opportunities. I appreciate a culture where personal growth and collective accountability are deeply valued. This focus aligns with my passion for creating inclusive environments where all voices are heard."

Learn more about Ann.

Maggie Ouellette

Maggie works as a Payroll and Benefits Specialist on the Human Resources team. When asked how her lived experiences or core values shape her approach to her work, she said:

"We are all humans and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Even when going through stressful or less than ideal situations, we have to remember to give each other the grace and understanding we hope is bestowed on us."

Learn more about Maggie.