"The anti-feminism backlash has been set off not by women's achievement of full equality but by the increased possibility that they might win it. It is a pre-emptive strike that stops women long before they reach the finishing line."

--Susan Faludi

The remarkable programming led by the WGS program and its students has been fueled in part by a significant grant this year from the Mellon Foundation. But, when you participate in one of the many events, it’s clear it’s not just the additional resources—it’s the passion and commitment of everyone involved. At the core of it all are the inspiring students. These students, whether WGS majors, minors, or enrolled in just one WGS course, regularly describe their learning as not only enlightening, but moving them to action. This is not a case of indoctrination, or faculty pushing agendas, as misguided observers may intone. It’s students taking it upon themselves to educate themselves and their families and their communities. This month, the annual meeting of the National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA) will be right here in Michigan—in downtown Detroit. Dozens of WGS students, faculty, and alumni will be in the middle of it all, and in force. Watch them—us—go.

As this year’s election approaches, it’s important to be mindful of your plan for casting your ballot. Feeling lost in the electoral process? Not sure where to start? On campus resources such as GVSU Votes! (through Civic Engagement) aims to make the democratic process easy, accessible, and convenient for students, staff, and faculty alike. Through creating satellite clerks offices in Kirkhof nearly every day leading up to the election, GVSU Votes! gives Ottawa County residents the ability to register to vote, vote absentee or early, or get general information on voting on campus. 

Not an Ottawa County resident? No problem! Click here to find statewide information on voting.

Already have a plan to vote? Make sure you’re sharing these resources with others to ensure they can fulfill their civic duty! 

Starting in 2025, GVSU, supported by the Native American Heritage Fund grant, will create and embed Anishinaabe teachings into several undergraduate courses. 

Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Dawn Rutecki, in collaboration with other professors have been making considerable efforts to integrate Indigenous teachings and culture into their curriculum. With the grant funds, hopefully these opportunities for intercultural connectivity and conversation will become even more present on campus. 

Click here to read more!

 "There is a commitment across campus to uplift Indigenous knowledge and to shift conversations in the classroom to better understand Native culture." - Dean Schaub

Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Program Director of Leadership and Business Fundamentals, Santos Ramos, was recently featured in an article from Second Wave Media of Southwest Michigan centering around his involvement as Program Director of the Masa Center. The Battle Creek based organization strives to create opportunities for Chicano and Latinx community members to engage in culturally relevant creative and educational endeavors. 

Click here to read the full story!

What started simply as a showcase of classwork has evolved into an event that has been hosted nearly 20 times semi-annually and is renowned in our campus community as a demonstration of our students dedication to their discipline and campus community.

The Sustainability Showcase, presented in the Fall and Winter each academic year by the Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program, provides an opportunity for ENS students to share their ideas and solutions with their peers and community partners. Virtual presentations are [gvsu.edu/ens/fall2024showcase] online for viewing November 18 – 23, with an in-person event on Friday, November 22.

The in-person events will be hosted from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm in Kirkhof's Grand River Room and the programming will consist of student and community partner presentations, designated time for networking, and a participatory workshop around GVSU Food Systems, led by INT 322: Wicked Problems of Sustainability. Online and virtual presentations topics will include, but not limited to; Managing Invasive Plants on the GVSU Towers Property, Reducing microplastics in the Great Lakes, Reducing car dependency in Grand Rapids, and Equity frameworks around rain gardens and green infrastructure information and accessibility.

Have any questions? Contact Academic Coordinator, Arnie VandeBrake (vandebrk@gvsu.edu). We hope to see you there! 

In light of the upcoming presidential election, Michigan Public NPR has created a six episode limited podcast series called What the Vote?, a series dedicated to giving Gen Z a platform to share their present thoughts, concerns, and hopes for this new era of American politics. Episode 4, which centers on reproductive rights, features two GVSU students to speak on the issue and how it impacts them as young voters. 

Click here to listen!

Stop by the Dean's Office (Lake Ontario Hall 224) to donate non-perishable food items which will be sent to GVSU's Replenish Basic Needs Center to help Lakers in need. We implore you to do your part in stopping hunger amongst our students and let's try to beat last years donation!

Starting Monday, November 18th, the Global Studies and Social Impact program will be hosting their annual Global Horizons Week! This series of GSI focused events is designed to give students opportunities to engage in global activities, dialogues, and perspectives all within their community. November 21st will be the culmination of the week-long program and will include international cuisine for all attendees. Questions? Please contact the Academic Coordinator of Area and Global Studies, Ryan Moore (moorer4@gvsu.edu).

October Snapshots

Here's a quick collage of this past months events from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Picture 1: Students listen intently to a speaker at the West Michigan Hindu Temple located in Ada as part of the Sacred Site Visit series hosted by the Religious Studies program. 

Picture 2: A student participating in the Red Sand Project which was held at the Cook Carillon Tower in Allendale on Indigenous Peoples Day (Oct. 14) to recognize and memorialize the MMIP (Missing & Murdered Indigenous People) Crisis. 

Picture 3: Digital Studies faculty members, Dr. Krista Benson and Dr. Janelle Malagon lead a discussion on When Rivers Were Trails and Thunderbird Strike for the Teaching Sovereignty with Indigenous-Authored Video Games Workshop.

Picture 4: Dr. Dylan M. Harris (Assistant Prof. of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Colorado - Colorado Springs) presents at the INT Landscapes of Student Debt Symposium. 

November 6 - African Dance Party

November 7 - QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training 

November 12 - Sacred Site Visit to Islamic Cultural Center (Behar)

November 8 - Wheelhouse Talk with Dee Bradley Baker

November 13 - Democracy 101: Post Election Reflection

November 14 - 15 - NWSA Conference (Detroit)

November 15 - Digital Studies Presents: Wii-Treats

November 18 - 23 - ENS Showcase

November 18 - 21 - GSI Global Horizons Week

November 21 - Civil Discourse Symposium: Gen Z Voices: If We Were President

*New events are posted regularly.
Stay up to date on Brooks College events by checking the events calendar on our website.

November 26 - Campus Closure

November 27 - December 1 - Thanksgiving Day Recess 

December 7 - Classes End & Commencement 

 December 7 - 14 - Examinations 

December 14 - Semester Ends

December 17 - Grades Due 

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