Lakers Ready

Division of Academic Affairs

July 14, 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:

A Note from the Provost

Dear Colleagues, 

As we move through the heart of summer, I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for our Administrative Professional (AP) and Professional Support Staff (PSS) colleagues. Your dedication, adaptability, and care are felt across every corner of our university. You are essential to the work we do and to the experience we provide our students—and I am so grateful for the many ways you contribute to our shared mission. 

Whether you're solving problems behind the scenes, helping students find their path, keeping our learning environments running smoothly, or coordinating the countless details that keep us moving forward—you make a difference every day. 

As a way of recognizing that impact, I hope you’ll take part in the upcoming Staff Appreciation Events. These gatherings are a chance to pause, connect, and celebrate the incredible work you do. 

Thank you for all the ways you support our community. I am honored to work alongside you. 

Warmly, 
Jen 

Projects and Initiatives Updates

The Integrated Student Success Initiative is a comprehensive approach to enhancing student experiences through coordinated academic policies. Rather than treating institutional policies in isolation, this initiative recognizes how various requirements collectively influence student outcomes. In collaboration with multiple campus departments and student representatives, educational modules were developed to address key policy areas that impact student success. Click on the links below for resources pertaining to upcoming academic events. For questions or additional information about this initiative, please contact Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Felix N. Ngassa.

Video Resources:

Updates

GVSU will begin using Workday's Academic Progress Report (APR) for academic planning and registration in January 2027. Students will register for Fall 2027 and Winter 2028 in Workday starting March 2027. Summer 2027 registration will remain in Banner, creating a brief transition period where both Banner and Workday will be used. Currently, DegreeWorks (MyPath) is used to track degree progress.

Beginning June 25, the cost for official electronic and printed transcripts is now $8.00 per transcript. These funds are used to support secure electronic transcript service through Parchment as well as other student-facing systems in use at the university.

The transition to Windows 11 began in January 2025 and will continue throughout the summer, with completion expected before the start of the Fall semester for all of GVSU. A phased migration schedule and resources are available on the Windows 11@GVSU webpage. If your device is scheduled but not yet migrated, please complete your upgrade within 60 days of your assigned start date.

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

On July 1, 2025, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced that it will not accept new proposals for the NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program during the previously scheduled FY 2026 submission window (October 15 - November 14, 2025). The NSF MRI program anticipates accepting new proposals again during the next submission window, scheduled for October 15 - November 16, 2026. If you have questions, please email Kim Squiers at squiersk@gvsu.edu or call 616-331-6868.

Congratulations to Megan Woller-Skar, Professor of Biology, for a contract with Lake Leelanau Lake Association of $7,600 for water quality assessment. Dr. Woller-Skar and two students have been reviewing water quality data in order to determine long-term trends in water quality in this location, identify areas of potential concern, and make recommendations for mitigation.

Jonathan Wessell, Senior Adjunct Instructor of Geography and Sustainable Planning, was an editor of Experiential Learning in Geography: The World as our Classroom. This book provides insight into the importance and impacts of experiential learning in geographic education. This second edition follows the same three areas experiences, evaluation, and encounters as a guide. This edition broadens the examination by using multiple types of experiential learning. Click here to learn more about this book.

Policies & Classroom Quiz

Question: On the GV Policies site, which section of BOT 4.2.10 (personnel procedures) describes the relevant period of review for personnel actions?

Question: On the GV Classrooms site (search classrooms on gvsu.edu), find the page for 449 Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall (RFH), Health Campus. Does the room have windows? Which donor is honored with a plaque? What is surprising about the view from the back of the room?

Events

Join People, Equity, and Culture and the Office of the Provost for an art reception celebrating the new installation of artwork in both offices on July 22, 3:00-5:00 p.m., 1000 & 3090 Zumberge Hall, Valley Campus. Explore the artwork, enjoy light refreshments and learn more from our GVSU Art Museum colleagues. RSVP your attendance on the Office of the Provost website.

This half-day conference on August 11, 10:00 - 3:00 p.m., Mary Idema Pew Library, Valley Campus, 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 has to offer. Lunch will be provided. RVSP on the University Libraries website.

Important Dates and Links

Previously Shared Events
7/15 - Academic Affairs Staff Appreciation - 3:00 p.m., Atrium, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Valley Campus
7/23 - Academic Affairs Staff Appreciation - 3:00 p.m., The Schowalter Family Terrace, 5th floor, DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, Health Campus
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

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.