Dean's Message
I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion. ― Mia Hamm
A couple of weeks ago, I was surprised by four student-athletes with the best gift I’ve received in a long time. The customized jersey I was presented with was part of a GVSU Athletics outreach effort at Faculty/Staff appreciation. I guess my regular appearance at sporting events (especially Women’s Basketball, Football, and Women’s Soccer over the past two decades) had been noticed and valued.
I’m not alone in their appreciation, however. You all have long been at least as supportive of student-athletes in your advising support, excellent teaching, and flexibility in working with the demanding schedules of student-athletes. Of course, so many of our other students also juggle various competing demands on their time, including employment, child/family care, and more. But student-athletes dedicate much of their uncompensated time and energy to preparing and performing in a unique way. As a former (Division III) student-athlete myself, I understand the benefits and joys of having a close-knit set of teammates to run with. But the additional travel and practice time that commitment involved was something I needed help with from faculty, staff, and coaches.
| |
One of the very best things I’ve loved about GVSU for nearly 23 years is the fact that we have such a great athletics program: both highly successful (23 national championships and 13 NACDA Director’s Cups) and conducted with integrity. The fact that our highest-paid coaches still earn less than the university President serves as evidence we have our priorities straight as an educational institution. Excellence at the Division II level has meant we’ve been able to avoid the cost, compromise, and controversy we see at the Division I level.
And then there’s this: the retention of student-athletes at GVSU exceeds that of the general population of undergraduates (93% for the women and 88% for the men). The 570 rostered student-athletes also boasted a 2020-21 cumulative GPA of 3.16; that’s remarkable, considering the practice, travel, and competition requirements. Our colleagues in athletics are dedicated educators, who work alongside us for student success. I’m proud of Brooks College’s history of holding up our part of this team effort. Thanks, and Go Lakers!
| |
Mark Schaub
Dean of Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies
| |
Faculty Awards Nominations Due October 8
Each February, excellent faculty are honored for a range of accomplishments: teaching, scholarship, service to the institution and community, and mentoring students. The nomination deadlines for these awards are due to the Dean's Office by this Friday, October 8. See the Faculty Awards page on the Office of the Provost website to learn more about the criteria and nomination process. This year's Faculty Awards Convocation is scheduled for February 8, 2022.
| |
October is Sustainability Month at GVSU
Throughout the month of October, Grand Valley will celebrate Sustainability Month with a variety of events. The schedule includes a harvest party, photo challenges, repair clinic, backpacking trip, and a service project at the Blandford Nature Center. For details and more events, visit the sustainability website.
| |
Save the Date: (Re)Start Meeting on January 21
Save the date for Brooks College Winter 2022 (Re)Start Meeting on Friday, January 21, 2022, 8:45 - 11:30 a.m. The event will be held in person in the Kirkhof Center, room 2204 (Pere Marquette).
| |
Do You Know Whose Land You're On? A Land Acknowledgement Series for Faculty and Staff
Andrea Riley Mukavetz (Chippewa of Thames First Nation/Crane Clan), assistant professor of integrative, religious, and intercultural studies, will facilitate a professional development opportunity for faculty and staff about land acknowledgement.
The series is designed to broaden understanding about the significance of land acknowledgement as a part of a larger goal of Indigenous visibility and settler harm reduction in higher education.
Attendees are able to choose between Session 1 or Session 2, however, attendance of both dates for any session is required.
- Session 1: October 27, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and November 17, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
- Session 2: October 28, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. and November 18, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
The sessions are designed to introduce concepts related to Indigenous sovereignty set goals to support Indigenous visibility on campus, and reflect on how to achieve these goals in collaboration with colleagues, students, and community members. Learn more and register on Sprout.
| |
Virtual Exchanges Allow Students to Gain Language, Global Competency Skills
As study abroad opportunities remain limited because of COVID-19 protocols, hundreds of Grand Valley students are learning about global cultures and speaking another language by connecting virtually with peers around the world.
The Padnos International Center has facilitated exchanges for about 100 students this semester. That builds on last year's total of 217 students in French, Chinese, Japanese, German, and Spanish classes who communicated with 253 peers from Grand Valley partner institutions. Read more on GVNext
| |
Troy VanKoevering Shares Outdoor Adventures on YouTube
Last year, Troy VanKoevering, Office Coordinator for Sustainability Practices and Brooks College Advising Center, started posting videos on YouTube as a creative outlet and to connect with others during the pandemic. And connect he has! One of his videos, a review of his Kawasaki motorcycle, has tallied over 50,000 views!
So far Troy has shared nearly 90 videos, most of which document his adventures fishing, hunting, and exploring the forests of West Michigan. Follow along with Troy on his YouTube channel.
| |
The GVSU Farm Stand is open Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Cook Carillon Tower
| |
|
