Laker to Laker: Message from the Provost
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to day one of the spring semester. A week ago, we celebrated the graduation of more than 3,000 new Lakers for life. It was very moving to share in their joy and sense of accomplishment and for all of us to be part of such a life-transforming journey.
I would like to use this space to discuss the exciting evolution of the Blue Dot Project. This has resulted in making a State Capital Outlay Request in which we state:
“Technological innovation is fundamentally transforming the world we live in, requiring all institutions of learning to update their spatial layouts and courses of study to align with the skills and dispositions required for the contemporary workplace.
Here in Michigan, Grand Valley State University seeks to become a regional spark for this challenge by establishing the Blue Dot Lab, a trans-disciplinary hub of teaching and learning that will model a new way of nurturing innovation, honing skills of creativity and trans-media production, and fostering a culture of digital fluency that will impact lives, professions and industries across the state -- and beyond.
GVSU seeks to establish the Blue Dot Lab as a regional and national beacon for what the future of teaching and learning must ultimately look like - and require. Indeed, we have prioritized this project at our university because we know that the moment in which we find ourselves requires more than merely retrofitting existing buildings with technological gadgetry, or urging more collaboration across siloed departments.
Instead, what’s required is an entirely new type of space, program, and sensibility on campus -- one that does not yet exist here, or anywhere else across the state.”
This past Fall, President Mantella, considered the input of the original task force, and formed a team to bring a greater level of clarity to how we will accomplish our goal. The task force is led by Karen Ingle and Ed Aboufadel with sub-committee chairs Laurence Jose, Jonathan Engelsma, and Eric Kunnen. The task force includes several faculty members, staff, and advisors who will continue to contribute their insight and expertise. They have begun by researching the different facets of the project and seeking inspiration in similar successful models around the country. This has generated many lively conversations. At this moment it is important to create additional opportunities for input. We are creating a webpage for the project. The page will serve as repository for the different ideas and concepts and a space to provide your insights on the project. You can also reach out to faculty and staff participants directly listed.
Looking forward to seeing this project take shape, articulate our collective vision for the tech-enabled future, and ensure that all Lakers are prepared to lead and make an impact.
Have a great week everyone,
Fatma
