Advancing Academic Affairs: Update

Over the past year, Dr. Ryan Otter has provided exceptional leadership during an important period of transition and growth within the Faculty Research and Innovation Center and across Academic Affairs. Following a comprehensive review process that included assessment feedback and conversations with faculty and staff, Ryan has been appointed Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, effective August 6, 2026. His appointment reflects the strong confidence faculty and staff have expressed in his collaborative leadership and strategic vision.

As Vice Provost, Ryan will continue advancing research and creative activity at Grand Valley by strengthening faculty support, expanding interdisciplinary collaboration, increasing external partnerships and grant activity, and helping position the university for continued growth and impact. Throughout his interim appointment, he demonstrated the ability to bring people together around a shared vision, navigate change thoughtfully, and advocate for faculty, staff, and students while strengthening our culture of research, scholarship, and creative activity.

Updates

As noted in the July 13 email about parking permits for 2026-27, to enter or leave the DeVos Lot, it is now necessary for faculty and staff to use their GVSU ID with a clearly printed barcode on the back. If the barcode on the back of your GVSU ID is faded or not readable, replacements can be acquired at the Registrar's Assistance Center.

On August 7, Blackboard will introduce a refreshed look for the Gradebook grid view. This update is cosmetic only; there are no changes to Gradebook functionality. Learn what to expect in our Knowledge Base article and join one of our upcoming brief webinars to explore the new interface along with time-saving Gradebook features and tips.

The Tutoring and Reading Center has been awarded certification as a Level 1 tutor training program by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). Achieving certification means that the Tutoring and Reading Center has met CRLA's high standards for tutor selection, training, service, and evaluation as an integral part of their tutoring program.

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

Corey Anton, Professor of Communications, co-edited General Semantics and Politics. This book is designed for those discovering general semantics for the first time as well as for scholars who are well versed in it, this collection provides vital analytic tools for understanding the contemporary world of politics. Click here to learn more about this book.

Events

Provost Jennifer Drake and the Provost’s Cabinet invite all Academic Affairs Staff to appreciation events in their honor. These events are our way of saying thank you
for all you do throughout the year. Come enjoy sweet summer treats and good conversations with colleagues. All events will be outdoors, with indoor accommodations 
available if needed. RSVP your attendance.

Register to attend the 32nd Annual Fall Conference on Teaching and Learning. Keynote Presentation by Dr. Tracie Marcella Addy (Rutgers University), session titled "Teaching for Student Success: Designing Learning Environments That Help Students Thrive."
All faculty and staff are welcome. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Questions? Reach out to Maggie Goss (gossmar@gvsu.edu) or the Pew FTLC (pewftlc@gvsu.edu).

Join on August 19 for the second annual Learn the Library Conference, held at the Mary Idema Pew Library on the Valley Campus. This free one-day conference seeks to engage with faculty and staff at all levels–particularly adjuncts, visitors, and new arrivals–with the many services and resources the University Libraries and Art Museum has to offer. Please register on the conference website by August 11.

In Case You Missed It

7/16 - People, Equity, and Culture: GVSU Medical Benefits Updates for 2027
7/15 - People, Equity, and Culture: Join us at the Wellness Summit, July 29

Important Dates and Links

Previously Shared Events
7/29 - GVSU Wellness Summit
8/13 - Fall Conference on Teaching and Learning, L. William Seidman Center, City Campus
9/15 - GV Technology Summit 2026 Proposals Due

Important Dates
8/10-11 - Examinations for 2nd 6 and 12 weeks
8/31 - 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
Laker Weekly - repository of the weekly e-newsletter sent by the Division of Student Affairs to current GVSU students
Inclusion and Equity Institute Workshops - Inclusion and Equity Institute offers free, dynamic, and helpful workshops on a variety of topics

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