A Message from VP Shorty

Dear faculty and staff, 

The new year offers us an opportunity to refocus and recommit to ourselves, to each other, and to the work that guides us forward. In returning from break, I'm feeling inspired by the many upcoming opportunities we have to do so.

In the note I sent on Tuesday, I invited you all to join in commemorating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the week of activities, beginning Monday, January 19. From keynote speakers to the silent march, panel discussions on nonviolence to our Day of Service and Solidarity, these gatherings offer opportunities to honor Dr. King’s legacy while strengthening our shared commitment to equity and justice.

Next week also brings the National Day of Racial Healing (January 20), an annual observance hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF). Observed every year on the day following MLK Day, it reminds us that racial healing is a foundation of racial equity, and is a reminder that our collective power can have a large impact in creating a more just world.

As we recommit to ourselves this year, I recognize that showing up at work and life requires balance in all aspects of well-being. To achieve that balance and invest in yourself, I encourage you to explore the Thrive Wellness Coaching program, providing free and confidential support to help you reach your goals and Omada, a program offered through Priority Health.

Thank you as always for continuing to show up for yourselves and for this amazing community. I look forward to learning and growing with you in the months to come.

Sincerely,

Robert Shorty
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

GVSU recently activated email notifications to be sent for numerous Workday reports and assignments within Workday Learning courses, overdue finance tasks (e.g., unexpended credit card transactions), and absence/time tracking tasks (e.g., workers with no time entered).

To adjust your Workday email notifications, follow the Customizing Your Notifications Help article.

The GVSU Dads Network is a welcoming community for dads across campus to connect through the joys and challenges of fatherhood. This group is about building community, sharing stories, and supporting one another. No expectations, just connection and conversation. If you’re looking to build community with other dads on campus––as a brand-new dad, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between––this group is for you.

Is there an Administrative Professional (AP) staff member you admire for their contributions to GVSU? Help them get the recognition they deserve by nominating them for one of these prestigious awards! Nominations in these six categories are now open until 5 p.m. on Friday, February 13:

To learn more and nominate an AP colleague, visit our AP Awards website. Winners will be honored at the AP Celebration & Awards Luncheon April 21––save the date! 

We invite you to join the fourth annual cohort of Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT), a program that supports participants in building relationships that lay the groundwork for powerful systemic change, offering an opportunity for participants to re-envision and reshape their institution's policies and practices.

This three-session experience will take place January 29, February 19 and March 26, and is limited to the first 30 individuals who sign up. Register to be part of the 2026 cohort by Friday, January 23.

LGBTQ Foundations, Level I: Terminology and Language
Feb. 10, 2:30-4 p.m., Zoom

Build shared understanding of evolving LGBTQIA+ language, inclusive communication, and respectful engagement.

Inclusive Leadership: From Identity to Action (2-Part Series)
Feb. 13, 10 a.m.–Noon, Kirkhof Center

Explore how identity, leadership and equity intersect, the influence of social identity and implicit bias on leadership, and reflect on shared equity leadership.

Understanding & Interrupting Implicit Bias 201
Feb. 20, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Zoom

Building on previously learned concepts, participants will delve deeper into practical applications centered around implicit bias and microaggressions. 

Registration to join a Shared Equity Leadership (SEL) Learning Pod has been extended! SEL Learning Pods offer a space for faculty, staff, and students to come together for learning and relationship building.

Small groups (4-5 people) will meet once a month (January-April, virtual and in person options are available) for one hour to explore equity-centered leadership practices across diverse roles and contexts.

You play a vital role in shaping an inclusive campus culture. Deepen your understanding of equity and leadership, connect with colleagues and students, learn strategies to embed equity into your work, and be part of a community committed to institutional change.

Upon signing up, you’ll be assigned to a pod and your monthly curriculum will be provided.

A Pod Coordinator will support your pod with logistics and coordination, and you will engage in activities from a provided workbook.

This is your last opportunity to join a pod! Space is limited. If you have any questions, contact Lauren Enos at enosla@gvsu.edu.

The HerStory series allows the GVSU community to hear firsthand the stories of women in leadership positions and discover how these experiences contributed to their success.

The LGBTQ+ FSA Steering Committee welcomes you to Happy Hour at the Knickerbocker! Shared appetizers will be provided. You’re responsible for your beverage of choice. The Knickerbocker has a wide variety of beer, cocktails, wine, NA options, and a full food menu. We hope to see you there!

Connect with international faculty, staff, and friends from across GVSU! IFF’s Last Thursday Coffee & Snacks series is a casual, community-building gathering where you can enjoy the Laker Club’s complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks while meeting colleagues. We hope you’ll stop by, say hello, and help us continue building a strong, supportive international community at GVSU.  

Save the date for upcoming gatherings: February 26, March 26. 

Hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., this four-episode special examines the historic relationship between Black and Jewish American communities in all its complexity, possibility, and depth. Its purpose: to create shared understanding so new Black-Jewish coalitions can form and thrive. RSVP for this free screening event.

Join the Asian Student Union community for a free dinner, cultural performances, a fashion show and more at their annual Asian New Year Festival! Family and friends are encouraged to attend as we welcome in the Year of the Horse. Learn more about how different Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year! Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

The annual Asian Scholars Showcase offers space for Asian researchers to present what they’re working on to the community, hear from others across disciplines, and connect in a relaxed space. Presenters will share short talks on current or recent work, with time to chat and ask questions. Dinner will be provided. RSVP by February 6, 2026. 

The HerStory series allows the GVSU community to hear firsthand the stories of women in leadership positions and discover how these experiences contributed to their success.

The OCRTIX team welcomed Ty Moody as the new administrative assistant at the beginning of January. Ty has been a Laker for nearly two years, previously working in the Seidman College of Business. 

"I’m excited to join the PEC team, bringing experience in administrative support, client coordination, and community-centered service at GVSU," Ty shares. "I’m passionate about creating organized, efficient processes and providing clear, supportive communication to help the team succeed. I look forward to collaborating with everyone and contributing to the important work PEC does for our community."

In response to the visits made to the Employee Ombuds office, semesterly reports are created to highlight emerging systemic themes and patterns, share high-level stats on the utilization of the office, and more.

In the most recent 2025 Winter Semester Report, you can explore trends and how the Employee Ombuds continues to support faculty and staff.

Click to read the Winter 2025 semester report.

As the Employee Ombuds office approaches their 5-year anniversary at GVSU, they want to hear from you! Do you have any impactful memories, stories, shoutouts, or words of encouragement to share as it relates to the office? If so, share them below:

Stay tuned for more information about a 5-year celebration!