Updates

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Janel Pettes Guikema, Professor of French, as the new Director of Curricular Initiatives. She joins the Pew FTLC in this new role this coming August, bringing both expertise and experience in curriculum innovation to the Center. Over the past 20+ years, Janel has led innovative curricular projects in Modern Languages in Literatures, in collaboration with departments across the university, and through leadership roles within the Pew FTLC. Her work has involved integration of new technologies, faculty-led study abroad, K-12 outreach, and interdisciplinary program development. With Janel’s leadership, we look forward to offering new programs and opportunities for faculty, in alignment with the Academic Affairs Strategic Framework. 

Workday Student is six months away. As GVSU transitions from Banner to Workday, changes will roll out in phases. Key milestones include:

More details will be shared as go-live approaches. Please see the Workday Student Timeline webpage for more key dates.

Ongoing supply constraints impacting memory and storage components continue to affect pricing, lead times, and product availability across the tech industry. As a result, suppliers are shortening quote validity periods. Faculty and staff should review quote expiration dates carefully and notify Workday approvers of timelines for non-stock purchases to help avoid pricing or availability changes before orders are placed. Contact Technology Acquisition at techsupply@gvsu.edu with questions.

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

Congratulations to Kevin Strychar, Professor of Water Resources at the Annis Water Resources Institute, on a contract with the Muskegon Conservation District to complete a feasibility study for restoring a former celery field to natural wetland habitat. The study will be used to help develop engineering and design plans, construction budget, engage stakeholders and local residents through outreach events, and include sediment sampling.

Congratulations to Erik Fredericks, Associate Professor of Computer Science, on an award from the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates program, for "Intersecting Computing and Evolution." This three-year program will offer a summer research experience for students (both from GVSU and elsewhere), beginning in summer 2027.

Azizur Molla, Professor of Interdisciplinary Health, co-edited Climate Change, Drinking Water Security, and Public Health - Global Challenges and Solutions. This book explores the scientific evidence showing how climate change endangers drinking water security and human health. Readers will learn about strategies and interventions currently employed to reduce the risks of climate change on water scarcity, safety, and public health. Click here to learn more about this book.

Events

Many have expressed interest in presenting at the 2026 GV Technology Summit on November 3, but needed additional time to submit their ideas. To support broader participation, the proposal deadline has been extended to September 15. Visit the GV Technology Summit webpage to learn more and submit a proposal or register to attend today.

Join colleagues for an open-house style gathering to come together in community, enjoy a shared meal, and reflect on the significance of Juneteenth. This event will take place on June 18, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 2204 Kirkhof Center, Valley Campus. RSVP for the Juneteenth Celebration.

In Case You Missed It

6/1 - Message from Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture: Happy Pride Month

Important Dates and Links

Previously Shared Events
6/29 - Faculty Sabbatical Proposal Workshop Q&A Session, 2:00 p.m., Virtual
6/17 - GVSU CommCon - All day, DeVos Center for Interdisciplinary Health, City Campus
6/30 - GV Technology Summit 2026 Proposals Due

Dates
6/23-6/24 - Examinations for 1st 6 weeks
7/3 - Independence Day Recess
8/10-11 - Examinations for 2nd 6 and 12 weeks 

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
Laker Weekly - repository of the weekly e-newsletter sent by the Division of Student Affairs to current GVSU students
Inclusion and Equity Institute Workshops - Inclusion and Equity Institute offers free, dynamic, and helpful workshops on a variety of topics.

Lakers Ready will be distributed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.