Hello colleagues! We are so glad to see the campus alive with Fall activity. We love the bustling students, energized faculty, football games, marching band practices, Laker Con, Renaissance Festival, and so much more. What is your favorite part of Fall?

Proposal Deadlines

The first round deadline for the Catalyst Grant for Research and Creativity, Collaborative Research and Creative Activity Initiative, and Affiliate Faculty Support Fund is fast approaching. There are three submission cycles per year with deadlines on October 1st, February 1st, and March 15th of each year.

Chalk Art Symposium

Registration is now open for the 4th annual Chalk Art Symposium, to be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025. No need to be creatively inclined! The symposium is a way to feature the work of student researchers, scholars, and musicians through non-traditional means. We have partnered with Grand Valley State University Alumna and chalk artist, Emily Miller, '14 and '20, who worked with students to translate research from traditional posters and oral talks to the sidewalk. Registration closes on Friday, September 12, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.

Research Intensive Course Designation Workshops and Consultations

This workshop will be split into two parts. First, we will offer a brief overview of the Research Intensive (RI) Designation at GVSU. Second, we will allow space for faculty to ask questions about how to apply for the Research Intensive (RI) Designation at GVSU.

Course Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) Programs*

*These programs will be scheduled based on participant interest and registration. E-mail Anna Hammersmith to participate, or for additional information.

FTLC Mentoring Community for Faculty Mentors

This mentoring community is geared toward faculty who are interested in making mentoring of students a significant part of their focus at GVSU. For more information about the community, e-mail Anna Hammersmith.

Updated NSF Training Requirements

Effective October 10, 2025, the NSF is requiring all Principal Investigators and Key Personnel listed on grant submissions to complete Research Security training. This training must be completed PRIOR TO GRANT SUBMISSION. Please be sure to account for this training when planning your grant proposal submissions. See the GVSU Responsible Conduct of Research website for more information.

Classroom Presentations

The ORCI is currently scheduling classroom presentations for the Fall semester. If you are interested in having a representative from the ORCI and/or the Institutional Review Board (IRB) serve as a guest presenter in your classroom to discuss research ethics/compliance topics (i.e., human subjects research, responsible conduct of research, etc.), please email the ORCI. We will try to accommodate as many requests as possible.

Doing any international work or travelling internationally on behalf of GVSU?

Not sure if or how export controls apply to your work? Please check out the GVSU Export Controls webpage for the latest information. We have also developed a guidance document outlining the export control responsibilities of faculty and staff members. As always, the ORCI is available to answer any questions you may have regarding export controls or other compliance areas.

New Interim Director of OSP

There has been a change in leadership in the Office of Sponsored Programs. Dr. Marsely Kehoe is excited to step into this role and work to shape the office's future as we continue to support research and innovation at GVSU. We thank Kim Squiers for her service to GVSU and wish her well in her future endeavors.

Learning Opportunity: NIH SBIR/STTR Proposal Preparation Intensive

Are you considering, or planning on, submitting a proposal for National Institutes of Health's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs? The next deadline is January 5, 2026, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is offering a FREE three-part training on Sept. 30, Oct. 1, and Oct. 2, from 1:00-2:30pm. There's no cost to attend, but registration is required.

Updated Terms and Conditions on Federal Awards

Are you a recipient of a federal grant, such as from National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, or Department of Education? Then you're probably aware that there have been recent changes to grant policies and priorities, and some programs have updated their terms and conditions. We'd like to remind you that only the university's Authorized Official is authorized to approve any new terms, so if you receive a notice of terms and condition updates, please contact your Grants and Contracts Specialist to determine how these impact your project and for assistance in processing an authorized signature.

We're Taking Research Matters on the Road!

The Research Matters team is busy working on our Fall 2025 schedule of in-person training sessions. Reach out to Marsely Kehoe if you or your unit/college is interested in having us come present to your faculty. The Research Matters modules are also available as recorded sessions on our website, and as always, feel free to reach out to your Grants and Contracts Specialist whenever you have a proposal on your horizon.

Study Abroad Fair

Start your adventure at the Study Abroad Fair - the Padnos International Center s biggest event of the year. At this event, students are invited to browse programs, talk to students that have studied abroad, and meet international students and program directors. Get answers to questions about SCHOLARSHIPS, academics, programs and more. Free food and refreshments!