The summer UCN meeting provided communicators with university updates, photo resources, glimpses into a new program that connects students with alumni and an in-depth look at survey showing how student belonging correlates to retention.

See all slides from the Aug. 6 meeting.

Stacie Behler, vice president and chief public affairs and communications officer, gave a preview of President Philomena V. Mantella's University Address on August 19. RSVP to attend the event in the Haas Center for Performing Arts.

Corey Stamps, University Communications multimedia project specialist, gave a demonstration about PhotoShelter, the digital asset management system. Questions? Connect with Stamps at stampsc@gvsu.edu.

Kyle Barnhart, assistant director for Alumni Engagement, discussed the launch of Ask an Alum. This database matches students seeking advice about careers or majors with alumni who have that experience. Communicators can assist by sharing this information with students and alumni to build more connections to support students.

The keynote presentation from Valerie Guzman, director of Student Life (pictured above), centered on student belonging and involvement in registered student organizations. For example, 90% of students who belonged to RSOs reported a sense of belonging compared to 58% of students who did not belong to RSOs. Guzman encouraged communicators to share a link to GVSU's 400+ student organizations with students and to partner with RSOs for events.

Student Life also shared a video that highlights the importance of RSOs.

The University Communications team, led by photo and video, is planning a 24-hour visual feature to tell Grand Valley's story hour by hour. The goal is to document the daily rhythm of campus life on Thursday, September 3, a date selected because it includes both classes and a home football game.

The project is intended to serve as a time capsule, capturing the action on campuses through candid photography and video timelapses. 

We’re looking for authentic, documentary-style moments that reflect university life. When complete, the assets will create a visual record of the university’s activity, giving prospective students and others in the community a glimpse of what a day at GVSU looks like.

Communicators can help by raising awareness of this project with others in their areas and sending ideas of an activity to capture to photographer Cory Morse at morsecor@gvsu.edu.