Lakers Ready

Division of Academic Affairs

September 22, 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:

Grand Valley has a history of careful stewardship of our resources. With responsible budgeting over the years, we have been able to deliver our mission with strength and creativity. Continuing this tradition, each division is engaging in a review of their operating budgets. This is a proactive exercise to ensure that our resources remain aligned with our mission and our strategic priorities. It is not a response to cuts or crisis. We are working to build a culture and practice of forward-looking planning that strengthens our sustainability, adaptability, and impact.

Each division is determining its own approach to this university-wide budget exercise. In Academic Affairs, we are taking a holistic, division-wide approach and the work is underway. Deans, assistant/associate deans, key faculty governance leaders, and Office of the Provost staff are reviewing data and having conversations to shape our early thinking. We have identified eight shared values to guide our discussions: mission alignment, stewardship, transparent and honest communication, authentic collaboration and co-creation, a holistic approach to student success, a long-term mindset, accountability, and innovation.

In late October, I will share our initial work with the Senior Leadership Team who will review the proposals from all divisions and determine next steps. As we move to decision-making about next year’s budget, Provost’s Cabinet will seek input and feedback from colleges, units, and faculty governance.

This is challenging work, but it is also hopeful work. By approaching it with openness and shared purpose, we can ensure that our resources are invested in ways that advance our mission, reinforce our impact, and support the faculty, staff, and students who make Grand Valley strong.

If you have questions or need clarification about this budget exercise, I encourage you to reach out to your dean or appointing officer.

Best,

Jen

On September 11, we honored outstanding faculty who, during the 2024-2025 academic year, achieved the important career milestones of tenure, tenure and promotion, and promotion to full professor, senior librarian or senior affiliate. These achievements reflect their expertise, dedication, and the significant impact they have on Grand Valley, our students, and their disciplines. For a complete list of those who received tenure and/or promotion, please visit the Office of the Provost website.

Your voices are essential as we refine the Strategic Framework and move toward implementation. Between now and October 15, you can participate in any of the following ways:

Campus Forums
We have hosted four sessions already that featured thoughtful and engaging conversations. Please complete the RSVP form to join our remaining sessions. Participants are encouraged to pre-read the Strategic Framework.

Individual Feedback

If you prefer to respond independently or anonymously, use the Individual Feedback Form on the AASF website.

Updates

This semester, Fall Break is scheduled for October 19 - 21, which includes a Monday and Tuesday. As you build out your course and departmental calendars, please keep the following in mind. Although Fall Break days are not university holidays, they are comparable to Spring Break in that classes are not held and other activities outside of teaching are suspended. As such, there should be no faculty meeting held during Fall Break. In terms of courses, no assignments may be due, and no quizzes, tests or exams may be administered, except for the limited programs that have received an exemption from Fall Break.

Each February during the Faculty Awards Convocation, excellent faculty are honored for a range of accomplishments: teaching, scholarship, service to the institution and community, and mentoring students. The nomination deadline for these awards is November 1. See the Office of the Provost website to learn more about the criteria and nomination processes.

The latest episode of the GV Faculty Focus podcast is now available. This month features Jennifer Drake, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. Provost Drake shares how previous experiences have prepared her for her role and made a positive impact on her leadership style. Check out the episode on most major podcast platforms.

The University Counseling Center offers virtual Counselor Office Hours Monday to Friday from 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. Counselor Office Hours allow students to speak with a mental health care provider without making an appointment or completing paperwork. Like faculty office hours, Counselor Office Hours are available for support, questions, or to help with a specific problem or concern. This service is ideal for students who would benefit from same-day support and do not need ongoing or emergency treatment.

In the summer of 2023, an Active Shooter Educational Module was created to demonstrate what to do in various active shooter situations. This module can be found in Workday by searching "active shooter." Additional active shooter response videos and guidance can be found on the Department of Public Safety website. 

We encourage everyone to sign up for the GVSUAlert! Emergency Notification System. Alerts are automatically sent to your email, but you can easily add your primary mobile number to receive text alerts. Faculty and Staff will add their mobile phone in Workday while students will add by logging into Banner.  

Thank you to everyone who joined the Nuts and Bolts session of our curriculum review process on September 15. A recording of the question-and-answer session plus the presentation materials are now available on the Office of the Provost website.

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

GVNext featured a story on the impact of faculty and student researchers over the summer months. The story highlights researchers from a variety of disciplines that spent their summer asking questions, collecting data, gathering input and experiences from people, and more deeply understanding our world. Check out the complete story on GVNext.

The Charter Schools Office launched the "Impact 30" grant initiative to celebrate GVSU's 30 years as a charter public school authorizer. The initiative includes awarding up to ten $30,000 grants to faculty, staff, and students (with advisor support) who want to pilot innovative ideas alongside GVSU's K-12 charter public schools. Proposals should aim to improve learning experiences, strengthen systems, and create scalable solutions. Applications for an Impact 30 grant are due November 19.

Alisha Karabinus, Assistant Professor of Writing, edited Historiographies of Game Studies. Historiographies of Game Studies is an open access collection featuring dozens of authors from all over the world considering how the boundaries of game studies have been established, codified, contested, and protected, raising critical questions about who and what gets left out of the field. Click here to learn more about this book.

Empowered Education

There are various systems available on campus to ensure student get the timely support they need. All are encouraged to become familiar with the systems.

Policies & Classroom Quiz

Question: When was the SG (shared governance) policy on parental leave last updated?

Question: On the homepage for the GV Classrooms site (search classrooms on gvsu.edu), there is an explanation about the committee that administers the site.  Is the Registrar a member of that committee?

Events

Register for the campus-wide Workday Student project update on September 24, 3:00-4:30 p.m. This session is open to all faculty and staff and will highlight the latest design decisions, upcoming priorities, and other updates from project teams. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Attend in person in Grand Rapids or join virtually on Zoom. If you can't make it, a recording will be available on the Workday @ GVSU website.

What's ahead for the Supreme Court? Join the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies for a conversation with POLITICO legal editor James Romoser and lawyer and legal scholar Elizabeth Price Foley as they preview what we should expect from the upcoming term. The event will take place on October 2, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus. This event is offered as part of the Hauenstein Center's Common Ground Initiative and in partnership with the Grand Rapids Bar Association.

The 16th annual Undergraduate Research Fair (URF) will take place October 7, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., 2250 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus. The URF will feature GVSU faculty and staff from academic departments and research groups, as well as local organizations providing information about research projects and internships. Students can circulate among the tables and learn about research opportunities by talking with faculty to explore possibilities and ways to become involved. Learn more on the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship website.

Nominate a student for the 2025 Homecoming Royalty. GVSU will honor the 2025 Homecoming Royalty at the Homecoming Football Game on November 8. At this time, the Office of Student Life is collecting nominations from students, staff, and faculty. Nominees must be enrolled full-time, third or fourth-year class standing, and are in good standing with the institution. Nominations will close on October 7, 2025.

On October 8, 8:30-10:45 a.m., 2204 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus, join for the next installment of the Student Success Series - Disability Justice in Higher Education. This symposium brings together students, faculty, staff, and community partners to explore disability justice as a framework for advancing student success and transforming higher education. Through a keynote presentation and  panel discussions participants will engage in conversations about accessibility, equity, and systemic change that directly impact retention, persistence, and belonging. RSVP by October 1 to attend.

Sometimes the most difficult conversations are with the people we love. Do you wish you could speak your mind without feeling like you are risking the relationship? This workshop provides insights into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging and provides strategies for talking with family members across political differences. Though serious in topic, the workshop also aims to be fun! Facilitated by the national bridge-building organization, Braver Angels. This event will take place on October 8, 1:00-4:00 p.m., Library Multi-Purpose Room, Allendale Campus. RSVP on the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse website.

The GVSU Fall Career and Internship Fair is on October 14, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., DeVos Place Convention Center, Grand Rapids. Over 200 employers from various industries will be there, ready to connect with Lakers. Students and alumni are invited to attend. Please direct attendees to the prep website to help them prepare.

Join the GVSU Climate Change Education Solutions Network in celebration of the Global Climate Change Week and its 7th annual CCESS on October 14-16. CCESS2025 "Rethinking the Role of Education in Times of Climate Emergency: Reflect, Repair, Regenerate" is calling on all educators, students, and community members to engage in a constructive discussion on the role of education at the time of climate emergency. To find additional details and to register for these events, visit the Climate Change Education Solutions Network website.

In Case You Missed It

9/12 - Reflecting On The Challenges and Power Of The Moment
9/15 - Continued Success In Growth and Retention
9/15 - Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
9/16 - GVPD Safety Tips: Care Reports
9/21 - Information Technology Division September 2025 Newsletter

Important Dates and Links

Previously Shared Events
9/24 - Workday Student September Project Update Event, 3:00 p.m., Seidman Forum, L. William Seidman Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus, or via Zoom
10/2 - Eyeing the Bench: A Supreme Court Update, 6:00 p.m., Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
10/2 - GV Technology Summit, 12:00 p.m., 102-104 DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, Health Campus
10/7 - Undergraduate Research Fair, 5:00 p.m., 2250 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus
10/8 - 2025 Student Success Series: Disability Justice in Higher Education, 8:30 a.m., 2204 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus
10/8 - Families and Politics Workshop - 1:00 p.m., Library Multi-Purpose Room, Allendale Campus
10/14 - GVSU Fall Career and Internship Fair - 1:00 p.m., DeVos Place Convention Center, Grand Rapids
10/14-16 - Climate Change Education Solutions Summit, Various times and locations

Dates
10/19-21 - Fall Break
11/26-30 - Thanksgiving Recess
12/6-13 - Exam Week
12/6 - Commencement
12/16 - Grades Due by 12:00 p.m.

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.