Lakers Ready

Division of Academic Affairs

July 28, 2025

Lakers Ready is sent by the Office of the Provost
to faculty and staff within the Division of Academic Affairs

In this issue of Lakers Ready:

Updates

Due to this morning’s power outage at the Pew Campus and the shift of many staff to remote work, we have decided to postpone the Staff Appreciation Event. We will share more details once a new date is determined.

The newest episode of GV Faculty Focus is now available, featuring Dr. Jonathan Engelsma from GVSU's College of Computing. Engelsma joined President Mantella to discuss how his work bridges the classroom and the outside world, allowing students to work on meaningful projects that shape both their futures and the future of our region. This episode and previous episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Following the closure of Siena Heights University (SHU), Grand Valley State University is committed to supporting affected students by offering:

Questions regarding this agreement can be directed to Felix Ngassa, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Ongoing updates and resources related to new executive orders, federal memos, and other important federal actions are available on Division of People, Equity, and Culture website. Updates on executive orders impacting federally-funded projects can be found on the Office of Sponsored Programs website.

Engaged Scholarship

Congratulations to Natashia Swalve, Assistant Professor of Psychology, for her recent $50,000 grant from the Campbell Foundation. Over the next two years, Dr. Swalve and student workers will be studying the relationship between Parkinson's disease and coffee, which has been shown in preliminary studies to offer some neuroprotection. Her work on this will expand our understanding of this neurogenerative disorder, and potential methods of delaying or even preventing the condition.

Jamie Langlois, Associate Professor of Social Work, co-authored Interactional Supervision: A Teaching Guide for the 4th Edition. The guide combines Lawrence Shulman's supervision principles with activities, assignments, and quizzes that align with the 2022 Council on Social Work Education EPAS. The guide supports educators by using Bloom's taxonomy and backward design for intentional learning outcomes. Click here to learn more about this book.

Policies & Classroom Quiz

Question: In the GV Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog, what is required for a student to be placed on the Dean’s List?

Question: On the GV Classrooms site (search classrooms on gvsu.edu), how many general purpose classrooms are in Lake Huron Hall?

Events

The 31st Annual Fall Conference on Teaching and Learning is on August 14, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Eberhard Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus. This year the focus is on empowering educational experiences that center human connection and relationships. Particularly, how relationships drive student success. This milestone event promises a day filled with insightful discussions, innovative teaching strategies, and networking opportunities. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow educators and enhance your teaching practice. Register an the FTLC website. 

Join President Philomena V. Mantella and Provost Jennifer Drake at the University Address on August 22 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Louis Armstrong Theatre, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus. Come hear how we'll continue to make a bold impact on our learners and our community in the upcoming academic year. RSVP by August 15.Questions can be directed to Morgan Knapp in the Office of the President. 

Join colleagues on October 2, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m., 102-104 DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, Health Campus, for the free GV Technology Summit. Explore how tech is shaping teaching, learning, and work at GVSU. Enjoy 40+ presentations and a Women in Tech panel featuring Sara Sutton (Assistant Professor of Computing), Samhita Rhodes (Professor of Engineering), L Dettling (Technology Acquisition Clerk/Computer Science Grad Student), Morgan Hamlin (Information Security Analyst), and Haley Young (IT Services Specialist).

In Case You Missed It

7/15 - GVSU will offer guaranteed transfer admission and scholarships for displaced Siena Heights students
7/17 - You’re Invited: 2025–2026 GVSU University Address
7/24 - Please Join Us in Welcoming H. Julian Woods, GVSU’s New Executive Director of Human Resources

Important Dates and Links

Previously Shared Events
7/28 - Academic Affairs Staff Appreciation - 3:00 p.m., Regency Room, Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
7/29 - Health and Well-being Townhall - 2:30 p.m., 2266 Kirkhof, Valley Campus
8/11 - Learn the Library Half-Day Conference - 10:00 a.m., Mary Idema Pew Library, Valley Campus
8/14 - 31st Annual Fall Conference on Teaching and Learning - 8:00 a.m., Eberhard Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
8/22 - University Address - 11:00 a.m., Louis Armstrong Theatre, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Valley Campus
10/2 - GV Technology Summit - 12:00 p.m., 102-104 DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, Health Campus

Dates
8/1 - Classes End
8/4-5 - Examinations
8/25 - Classes Begin

Links
Lakers Ready - repository of this newsletter and a link to submit content
Laker Family Network - repository of the monthly newsletter sent by the Division of Student Affairs to GVSU parents/supporters

Lakers Ready will be distributed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.