Lakers Ready

Division of Academic Affairs

April 1, 2024

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

Laker to Laker

Dear Colleagues, 

The act of engaging in research and the act of creating art are the most powerful and compelling ways for our students to learn, develop a scholarly or creative voice, and explore complex questions. For our faculty, introducing students to the practices of scholarship and creative expression, teaching the history and methods of research or artistic practice in their discipline, and mentoring students as they engage in undergraduate research and creative work are solemn acts. Student Scholars Day (SSD) is a culmination of this collaborative work of our students and faculty.

We are thrilled to extend an invitation to you for the upcoming Student Scholars Day celebration. 

SSD is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a celebration of the dedication and ingenuity of our faculty and the transformative impact their research and creative activities have on our students. At the heart of our academic community, faculty research plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience at GVSU, inspiring innovation, and fostering a culture of curiosity. 

The significance of the mentoring faculty members provide as they teach students about and model research and creative activities cannot be overstated. Faculty members’ work with students not only advances our understanding of the world but also provides our students with invaluable opportunities to explore, discover and share the outcome of their research experiences. Our students have opportunities – even as undergraduates -  to engage in hands-on research, collaborative projects, and mentorship experiences that extend beyond the classroom. 

Colleagues, this event is an occasion to recognize and applaud the dedication of our faculty who guide, inspire, and empower our students to reach new heights. Through faculty members’ mentorship and commitment to excellence, our students not only gain knowledge but also develop the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to their respective fields. 

We invite you to join us in celebrating the culmination of these efforts at the Student Scholars Day Celebration. This is a unique opportunity for us to come together as a community, appreciate the collective achievements of our faculty and students, and foster pride in our academic accomplishments. The SSD Celebration begins on April 9th with a keynote talk by Dr. Imani Perry. Student presentations are on Wednesday, April 10. The SSD Exhibit Artist Reception is on April 11.

We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your dedication to our students! 

Warm Regards,

Robert Smart, Vice Provost for Research Administration and Executive Director, Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence

Susan Mendoza, Director, Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement

The Office of the Provost is inviting applications for two leadership roles: Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (mainly focused on areas surrounding curriculum) and the Vice Provost for Research Administration and Executive Director, Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence. Qualifications for these positions include tenured status, preferably at the professor rank; administrative or other significant academic leadership experience, preferably at the unit head level or above; strong organizational skills, a flexible and collegial work and communication style; and comfort with high levels of responsibility and accountability. Applications for the positions will be accepted by email to Mary Albrecht (albrechm@gvsu.edu) through Friday, April 5, 2024.

If you have questions about either position, please contact Mary Albrecht or any of the other AVPs in the Office of the Provost.

Faculty Voices and Recognitions

Final candidates for the Kirkhof College of Nursing dean position have been announced with interviews beginning today. Faculty and staff are invited to attend the open meetings and receptions for each candidate. Please see the Dean search websites for additional information:

Kirkhof College of Nursing Dean Search website

          Open Meetings

         Candidate Materials

Friday, April 5 is the final day for faculty to complete the COACHE survey. Faculty who have not completed the survey will receive one final reminder soon by email. (The emails with the survey link are being sent from "Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education", which is COACHE.) Our response rate as of March 28 is 58% and rising. With our incentive of $25 being added to GVSU’s Student Emergency Fund for each survey completed, so far $13,500 has been set aside for the Fund. Can we get the response rate to 75%? As noted previously, see our GVSU-COACHE page for more information.

Attend the second annual Reach Higher Showcase! During this immersive and interactive community event, you will have an opportunity to experience more than 140 faculty and staff projects and demonstrations showcasing how this work is fueling GVSU's vision. April 12, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Richard M. DeVos Center, Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Please RSVP to attend by April 5 at www.gvsu.edu/reachhigher2025/rsvp. Learn more at gvsu.edu/showcase.

Empowered Education

The Student Success Network connects our newest Lakers with faculty who play an integral role in supporting college success. Faculty partners commit to sending messages (provided) to their groups and be an active resource when necessary. The SSN team provides extensive support to faculty partners making the time commitment minimal. This is a valued University service activity that can have a significant impact on our students. Click here to learn more and to share your interest by April 15.

Student Awards Convocation is scheduled April 8, 6:00 p.m., Eberhard Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Awards to be presented include Excellence-in-a-Discipline, Gayle R. Davis First General College Student Emerging Leader Award, and Glenn A. Niemeyer Awards. All are welcome to attend the ceremony to honor the outstanding achievements of our students; names of faculty representatives are not being collected this year. Contact the Office of the Provost if you have questions.

The Student Academic Success Center and the University Counseling Center are teaming up to support students as we approach final exam season! The workshop will take place April 9, 12:00-1:00 p.m., 2201 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus. This workshop will cover study strategies, test taking tips, and managing test anxiety. Please encourage students to RSVP.

Graduate Showcase is an event offered by The Graduate School and Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence to highlight exceptional work done by graduate students. This event features graduate poster presentations on a wide variety of research and scholarly activities from all disciplines. Check out the poster presentation on April 23, 3:00-4:30 p.m., Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall, Allendale Campus and the awards ceremony, 4:30-5:00 p.m., Loosemore Auditorium, Allendale Campus.

Engaged Scholarship

Jason Crouthamel, Professor of History, published Trauma, Religion and Spirituality in Germany during the First World War. Inspired by trauma studies, the history of emotions, and the cultural history of religion, this book focuses on the lived religious experiences of ordinary people during the First World War. It traces the broad spectrum of beliefs utilized by men and women who tried to endure unimaginable violence. Click here to learn more about this book.

Congratulations to the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Seidman College of Business for receiving a $440,000 sub-grant from Ann Arbor SPARK through the Michigan Economic Development Center’s Small Business Support Hub program. It will provide small business programming to local entrepreneurs with a focus on disadvantaged small businesses. This will include both one-on-one consulting and the Uplift Michigan program that offers 8-week cohort-style trainings.

The Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence and the Office of the Provost will showcase faculty and staff books during the upcoming Reach Higher Showcase and your assistance is needed! We appreciate the commitment of GVSU authors who invest significant time, effort, and rigorous research into their publications. We want to recognize not only individual contributions but also underscore the collective impact our intellectual endeavors have on academia and society. Authors who have already submitted information for inclusion in Lakers Ready will be featured and need to do nothing more! For questions about this opportunity, please contact Robert Smart, Vice Provost for Research Administration.

Updates

Join our 2024 graduates in celebrating their academic achievements during the Winter Commencement ceremonies April 26 - 27. Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 17, if you plan to attend and process during one of the ceremonies. More information can be found on the Commencement website.

Events

Dr. Molly Sears from the MSU Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics will present, "Valuing Recycled Water for Irrigation: Direct and Indirect Benefits to Coastal Agriculture" on April 12, 2:00-3:00 p.m., 225 Lake Michigan Center, Muskegon Campus.

In May 2024, we'll mark one year since the Bb Ultra migration. Join eLearning Technologies, Disability Support Resources, and University Libraries to explore best practices, new features, and hands-on applications at dedicated pedagogical topic tables. Participants can bring their laptops and switch tables, fostering collaborative discussions and immediate takeaways. This event will take place on May 13, 10:00-2:00 p.m., 1008 Seidman Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Registration is required for catering, however, faculty can come and go as needed.

Important Dates and Links

Previously Shared Events 
4/8 - Student Awards Convocation - 6:00 p.m., L.V. Eberhard Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
4/9 - Final Exam Prep & Test Anxiety Workshop - 12:00 p.m., 2201 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus
4/9 - Student Scholars Day Keynote Speaker - 4:00 p.m., 2204 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus
4/10 - Student Scholars Day
4/10 - Climate Change Student Symposium - Virtual
4/11 - Student Scholars Day: Exhibitions of Art - 5:00 p.m., Calder Art Center, Allendale Campus
4/12 - Valuing Recycled Water for Irrigation: Direct and Indirect Benefits to Coastal Agriculture - 2:00 p.m., 225 Lake Michigan Center, Muskegon Campus
4/12 - Reach Higher Showcase - 4:00 p.m., Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
4/15 - Jordan Christian LeVan, Fighting for my Voice - 10:00 a.m., Cook-DeWitt Center Auditorium, Allendale Campus. 
4/17 - Toast to the Class of 2024 - 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., L.V. Eberhard Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
4/19 - The Graduate School Citation Awards - 5:00 p.m., Loosemore
Auditorium, DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
4/23 - Graduate Showcase - 3:00 p.m., Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall, Allendale Campus and Awards Ceremony, 4:30 p.m., Loosemore Auditorium, Allendale Campus
5/13 - From Surviving to Thriving: Bb Ultra Half-Day Celebration - 10:00 a.m., 1008 Seidman Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus

Dates
4/20-4/27 - Exam Week
4/26-4/27 - Commencement Ceremonies 

Links
Lakers Ready - repository of this weekly 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