Happy March Faculty and Staff,
This month brings many opportunities for celebration and reflection, as diverse communities recognize significant observances. We also acknowledge the ongoing transitions and changes that shape our world. Just as the season shifts to spring, the People, Equity, and Culture division is experiencing its own evolution. Mychal Coleman, associate vice president for Human Resources, has departed from the university. We extend our sincere gratitude to Mychal for his contributions to GVSU and his impact on the HR team. We wish him well in his future endeavors. Our HR team is committed to supporting the GVSU community and we are enthusiastic about the momentum we are building as a division. As we move forward together, I want to share a few requests to help us navigate the developments within and beyond the university:
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Stay informed: As a reminder, the university is closely monitoring executive orders and their potential impact on our campus. I ask that you utilize our central resource page, which offers ongoing updates and resources, to stay informed. Myself and other university leaders remain deeply committed to taking care of all of our community members as we navigate the road ahead.
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Learn about university priorities: To engage in open dialogue and meaningful conversations around the university's priorities and key initiatives, I invite you to join myself, President Mantella, and other leaders at Insights and Ideas. These sessions are scheduled through May.
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Engage in learning opportunities: As highlighted below, our division and campus partners offer a variety of learning opportunities, covering topics ranging from knowing your rights to communication skills for leaders. These programs are designed to encourage growth and promote lifelong learning within our community. I encourage you to explore and sign up for any sessions that resonate with you.
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I’m looking forward to another great month ahead and the opportunity to continue working with each of you to make GVSU a supportive and safe space for all.
Sincerely,
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Robert Shorty
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer
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Learning Opportunities and Events |
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Communicate to Lead: Proactive Communication
Mar 26, 9-11 a.m. OR 1-3 p.m., Pew Campus
Discover why conventional “best practice” meeting disciplines often fall short and how to transform meetings into dynamic, productive gatherings.
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New Job Boards Advertising GVSU Positions |
After your job postings are published to GVSU Careers, many online job boards funnel all Grand Valley postings to their platforms, free of charge, to help diversify our applicant pools. In February, we partnered with two new job boards, Ability JOBS and Higher Ed Jobs, to post our positions on their platforms. Learn more about where we advertise your job postings.
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As you navigate tax season, please note if you live in Grand Rapids, Walker, Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, Detroit or Battle Creek, you will need to start the specified city tax deduction by following the Update Local Withholding Elections Help article. If you move out of the area where city taxes are being held on your paycheck, you will need to reach out directly to payroll (payroll@gvsu.edu) to have this deduction stopped.
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Know Your Rights
Mar 25, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Allendale Campus
Participants will learn what constitutional rights you hold, whether or not you are a citizen of the United States. (Password: people)
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Employee Accessibility Resources
Mar 25, 1 p.m.–2 p.m., Virtual
During this interactive session, participants will review the new application and disclosure processes in Workday, the basics of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the steps in the interactive accommodation process.
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Staying Centered in a World of Chaos
Mar 25, 1-2:30 p.m., Health Campus
Join us to discover how nourishing your whole self - body, mind, and spirit - can empower you to make lasting change.
Sponsored by the Kaufman Interfaith Institute.
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LGBT Resource Center Events |
In support of our LGBT community and in preparation for Trans Week of Visibility, March 25–31, leading up to International Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31, we wanted to highlight the following events and encourage you to share with students:
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| Mar 13, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Kirkhof Lounge
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| Mar 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Fieldhouse Pool
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| Mar 25, 1:30-4 p.m., Kirkhof Center
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In compliance with recent updates to federal regulations and other guidance from the federal government, GVSU has updated its Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment and Misconduct and the related procedures. We encourage all colleagues to review the policy and procedures in full to familiarize themselves with their rights and obligations as Lakers. We understand that many members of our community have additional questions about the university’s response to federal action and its impact on GVSU, and we are continuing to monitor the situation alongside our colleagues. Meanwhile, rest assured that Grand Valley remains committed to our shared values and our shared equity leadership.
Colleagues in the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX are available for a visit to your department or unit to provide a brief training session on the policy and answer questions. Fill out this form to request training.
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Get in the (Resolution) Pool! |
Shake off those March blues by getting in the pool–the Resolution Pool, that is! The Resolution Pool is a group of trained faculty and staff that supports the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX’s resolution processes by serving in roles such as co-investigator, hearing panelist, and case advisor. Colleagues from any background, employee class, or area of the university are encouraged to join the Resolution Pool. No prior knowledge of university policy or state and federal law is required. Members of the pool must be able to apply strong critical thinking, objective decision-making, and professional neutrality skills in a variety of roles and situations. All members of the pool must act impartially at all times in the best interest of a fair, just process.
The time commitment for each case varies between 8-15 hours across multiple weeks/months. All roles come with a $200 stipend upon completion of service. Learn more and sign up for the next training session on Wednesday, April 16.
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Review Recent Employee Trends and Data from Fall 2024 |
Since its inception in 2021, the Office of the Employee Ombuds has served as a vital resource for employees, offering support and guidance in addressing workplace challenges. In response to the visits made to the ombuds, annual reports are created to reflect this role by showcasing the office’s utilization and highlighting systemic themes and patterns that have emerged over time.
Read the 2024 Fall Semester Report for a full story of how the ombuds continues to support faculty and staff.
Past reports are available to all faculty and staff on the Ombuds website.
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| Click to read the Fall 2024 annual report.
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On February 20, the first cohort of Leading Lakers: Accelerate, the second tier of our leadership development program, were recognized for their work. Members of this cohort came together to pitch innovative ideas for improving our work environment to members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
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1 Campus Drive
1000 James H. Zumberge Hall
Allendale, MI 49401
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