Lakers Ready

Division of Academic Affairs

September 9, 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

Updates

GVSU is well-positioned for the future, with solid enrollment and stable financial health. Our mission—empowering learners to achieve their pursuits, professions, and purpose—remains at the core of everything we do. In our ongoing effort to meet the evolving academic and professional needs of our students and community, we are excited to introduce a significant update on our strategic planning within the Academic Affairs Division.

We have recently partnered with Gray DI to enhance our strategic planning and decision-making capabilities. This collaboration brings us a powerful data platform that offers comprehensive analysis, advanced visualization tools, and intuitive search capabilities. These features will empower us to identify growth opportunities, address emerging talent needs, and better serve our students.

As we advance with this initiative, we are deeply committed to broad engagement and transparency.

This work starts with two key initiatives. Beginning later this month, we will start a series of workshops introducing the Gray DI platform and its capabilities to Academic Affairs leaders, including Deans and Assistant and Associate Deans, members of the Executive Committee of the Senate (ECS), and chairs of some standing committees (UCC, UAC, FSBC, and others). These workshops will be followed with opportunities for faculty and staff to learn how to access and use the Gray DI platform and tools. Second, later this semester and into the winter semester, we will conduct a series of collaborative engagements across Academic Affairs to discuss and develop our shared vision for growth and how units can help shape and engage in our shared work.

We will continue to communicate regularly through Lakers Ready, ensuring everyone stays informed and involved in this important work.

As previously announced, Dr. Jeff Potteiger will serve as the Interim Dean for the College of Health Professions for the next two years. To fill the vacancy at The Graduate School, Acting Provost Drake named two faculty members to two-year term, interim roles. Erica Hamilton will serve as Interim Vice Provost, overseeing policies and procedures, enrollment management, communication with graduate students, and curriculum and program review. Hamilton, Associate Professor of Literacy, Educational Foundations and Technology, most recently served in the Office of the Provost as Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. Jennifer Moore will serve part-time as Interim Assistant Vice Provost, focusing on research and scholarship within graduate education and coordinating graduate assistantships. Moore is an Associate Professor of Biology who has experience with graduate students in the classroom and on research teams.

The Johnson Center welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Dale to the GVSU community. As Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy, Dr. Dale will be responsible for shaping and pursuing an applied research and thought leadership agenda to explore and address key questions in the field. Dr. Dale joins us after eight years with Seattle University, where she most recently served as associate professor and director of the Nonprofit Leadership program.

Have you ever wondered who is responsible for curriculum development at GVSU? Do you know how the curriculum review process at GVSU works? Are you familiar with the procedures and policies for curriculum development and review? You can find the answers to these questions by visiting this University Policies website. For more context and a deeper dive into the nuts and bolts of curriculum review at GVSU, we have planned a meeting on September 16, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., via Zoom. Representatives from four university governance committees (GC, GEC, OEMC, and UCC) that deal with curriculum will explain their role in the curriculum review and approval process. This will be an interactive session with questions asked and answers provided. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please RSVP your attendance plans.

Many academic and co-curricular programs have submitted new assessment plans to the University Assessment Committee. If your program has not been given Process 2 (exempt) approval, please submit by September 13 your new assessment plan at the University Assessment Committee website. Templates and directions are described when visiting the link. Please reach out to UAC at uac@gvsu.edu with questions.

The 2024 election season is here, and questions are arising about expressive activity, free speech, and academic freedom at GVSU. Recently, Dean of Students Aaron Haight sent a letter to all students regarding freedom of expression, and she also attended most college start-up meetings with a brief training. Please contact her office if you wish to invite her to your unit. On the Office of the Provost’s site, we have information about speech in the classroom on our Teaching FAQ page. That item includes links to the Expressive Activities & Grounds and Facility Use site, and GVSU’s Political Activity policy and Academic Freedom policy. Please familiarize yourself with these policies.

Through a collaboration among Human Resources, the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, the Office of the Provost, and the Employee Ombuds, GVSU has published a new Standards of Conduct Policy for Employees, governing the behavior of University employees. The Standards of Conduct for Employees policy incorporates the prior Collegiality Policy into a more comprehensive statement of our community’s foundational standards and a formal process to address violations. Also published is a new Non-Retaliation Policy for Faculty and Staff, which prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who make good faith reports of violations of laws, regulations, or University policies. Employees are always encouraged to address concerns directly with colleagues or supervisors before initiating formal processes.

Several years ago, the Office of the Provost agreed to a request from faculty governance to provide an annual report on faculty reassigned time. The latest report, for the 2023-2024 academic year, was published this summer and is available on the Office of the Provost website. Older reports also are available.

Do you know a Grand Valley student that emulates what it means to be a Laker? Homecoming 2024 Royalty nominations are now open until September 23 at 11:59 a.m.
Homecoming Royalty candidates must be enrolled full-time (12+ credits), third or fourth year class standing (55+ credits), and in good standing with the institution. Nominators can nominate multiple individuals but cannot nominate themselves. The 2024 Homecoming Royal will receive a $500 scholarship toward their academics.

Empowered Education

Did you know the Library Research Center has peer consultants who can help students with library research? Students can visit the library Knowledge Market, or consultants can come to your class to help students apply what they learned from their librarian instruction to their own assignments. Consultants can help with everything from selecting topics to finding quality information to citing sources. For more information or to request in-class support, visit our website.

EAB Navigate and CARE Report systems ensure students get the timely support they need. All are encouraged to become familiar with the systems.

The Student Ombuds office is a safe and private space where students can go to discuss and process difficult situations. The office is neutral, fair and can help students understand processes, and procedures at the university. The Student Ombuds helps to promote a positive campus environment by assisting students with conflict resolution and problem solving related to their university learning, living, and working experiences. It is a resource for students and any faculty who have questions. 

A webpage was created to help students if they have complaints or concerns at the university. This webpage provides a starting point to file reports for a number of reasons, including academic grievances (e.g., grade appeals), Title IX/institutional equity concerns, and hazing, as well as other situations. Included on the page are updated procedures for non-academic concerns (outside the classroom), such as allegations of inappropriate behavior that is not under the purview of the Title IX Office.

Educational Equity

Elisa Ortega-Shultz, as the Employee Ombuds, is available to listen, empower, offer conflict coaching, make inquiries, and explain policy and procedures. She can offer insight into the institution by elevating systemic concerns and trends to promote equitable processes. The Office of the Employee Ombuds has just published its 2023 annual report whose purpose is to show accountability, elevate systemic concerns, and highlight trends to promote equitable processes. The information enclosed in the report includes utilization of the office, survey response data, data on the reach and scope of the office, and systemic trends and patterns. This report and the Winter 2024 semester report can be found on the Employee Ombuds webpage under “Reports.”

Lifetime of Learning

GVSU was highlighted as top in the nation for retaining graduates in a story about the strength of regional universities. Findings from the Upjohn Institute were published on August 25 by Washington Monthly. The organization found that for every $100,000 spent in state appropriations, GVSU retains nearly five graduates, far outpacing the next Michigan public university and topping the nation. Experiential learning opportunities were key for students to remain in the state, the study found.

Engaged Scholarship

The Faculty Research and Development Committee is happy to present a new funding opportunity for affiliate faculty. The Affiliate Faculty Support Fund is designed to support affiliate faculty engaged in programs of research, scholarly, and/or creative activity. Projects should display potential for having a significant impact on one’s field or chart a new trajectory in one’s scholarly, creative, or artistic development. Awards of up to a maximum funding of $3,000 are available. 

The first round deadline for the Catalyst Grant for Research and Creativity, Collaborative Research and Creative Activity Initiative, and Affiliate Faculty Support Fund is fast approaching. There are three submission cycles per year with deadlines on October 1, February 1, and March 15 of each year. 

Ryan Copping, Visiting Faculty of Visual and Media Arts, published The Great War in American and British Cinema, 1918-1938: Art Amidst the Ashes. This book recounts the reception of selected films about the Great War released between 1918 and 1938 in the United States and Great Britain. It discusses the role that popular cinema played in forming and reflecting public opinion about the war and its political and cultural aftermath in both countries. Click here to learn more about this book.

Congratulations to Ian Winkelstern and Tara Kneeshaw, Assistant Professors of Geology, Matt Cooper, Associate Professor of Biology, and Ryan Otter, Professor of Water Resources, for their National Science Foundation MRI grant. This award of $241,000 will fund the acquisition of a Water Isotope Analyzer which be used in geo science, ecology, and climate research. The award will build GVSU's capacity for research and support undergraduate and classroom experiences, and make cross-disciplinary scientific research more accessible to students from different backgrounds.

Events

Grand Valley is pleased to partner with The Right Place and Confluence to host a series of events during Tech Week Grand Rapids. Tech Week Grand Rapids is a multiday collection of events designed to showcase the region's vibrant tech community. Space is limited. RSVP at techweekgr.com.

Dr. Adolph Brown will explore blind spots and implicit biases, hidden forces that shape our opinions, attitudes, perceptions, and decisions about others, on September 18, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus. Confirmation biases and microaggressions will be discussed. By attending, you will gain skills to develop and/or maintain safe spaces of respect, acceptance, and support for ALL. Dr. Brown will also provide motivation and knowledge to help you remain focused, motivated, and inspired.

In alignment with our commitment to fostering continuous learning and growth, the Inclusion and Equity Institute is thrilled to unveil a new array of opportunities designed to enhance awareness, knowledge, and skills in the realm of inclusion and equity. We strongly encourage everyone to dive into these resources and share your feedback to help us refine and improve our programs. Together, let's embrace this chance to learn, grow, and advance our collective journey toward greater equity and inclusion. Check out all the upcoming opportunities on the Inclusion and Equity Institute for Lakers website.

Important Dates and Links

Previously Shared Events 
9/16 - Fall 2024 Nuts and Bolts of GVSU Curriculum Review - 11:00 a.m., Zoom
9/18 - Interfaith Dimensions of Campus Inclusion - 10:00 a.m., 1142 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus
9/18 - Understanding Trauma and Practicing Resilience - 1:00 p.m., 2263 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus
9/18 - Student Success Series: All Means All! - 8:30 a.m., Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus
9/18 - Study Abroad Fair - 10:00 a.m., 2250 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus
9/19 - Understanding the Title IX and Civil Rights Process at GVSU - 2:00 p.m., 1104 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus
Every Wednesday through October - SAP Farm Stand - 10:00 a.m., Carillon Tower, Allendale Campus

Dates
10/7-11 - Mid-term Evaluations
10/20-22 - Fall Break
11/27-12/1 - Thanksgiving Recess
12/7 - Commencement
12/7-14 - Examination Week

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.