2012-2013 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Continuing Education
Continuing Education Office
Administration
Executive Director: Simone Jonaitis
Website
www.gvsu.edu/learn
Mission
The Continuing Education Office provides programs and services that link the needs of lifelong learners with the resources of the university.
Program Information
The Continuing Education Office coordinates academic programs and services for students at regional sites and locations throughout Michigan. The Office of Continuing Education recognizes the unique needs of the nontraditional student and the multiple time constraints and demands of an individual's experience. For more information about programs and services available at Grand Valley's campuses and regional sites throughout Michigan please contact us by phone at (616) 331-7360 or on the Web at www.gvsu.edu/nontraditional or www.gvsu.edu/learn/.
Nontraditional students are described as meeting any one or more of the following criteria:
- Play multiple roles in addition to being a student such as a full-time employee, a spouse/partner, or parent
- Returning to a learning environment after three or more years of absence
- Aged 24 years or older
- A veteran of the military
The Continuing Education Office also coordinates professional development and community engagement opportunities. These include:
- Grand Forum
- Professional Development
- The Professional Development Partnership Program (for education and social work professionals)
Details about these programs can be found in the Community Resources section of the catalog. Classes are offered in Allendale, Grand Rapids, and/or the following locations:
Holland
Grand Valley State University offers the undergraduate degree in liberal studies at the Meijer Campus in Holland. This degree completion program is specifically designed to meet the needs of nontraditional and adult students returning to higher education. A variety of undergraduate courses are offered, as well as graduate courses in business and education. The campus hosts a full range of student services including academic and career advising, tutoring, computer labs, library, and career services. Full registration and payment services are also available. In addition to academic programming, personal and professional development workshops are offered at the Holland Campus. Individuals and organizations seeking additional information about Grand Valley in Holland should call (616) 394-4848 or visit www.gvsu.edu/learn/holland/.
Muskegon
The Muskegon Regional Center is located at the James L. Stevenson Center for Higher Education on the campus of Muskegon Community College. The liberal studies major is offered in Muskegon. This degree completion is specifically designed to meet the needs of nontraditional and adult students returning to higher education. Staff members at the center are available to advise students considering transfer to Grand Valley as well as to assist with registration and payment services. Individuals and organizations seeking additional information about Grand Valley in Muskegon should call (231) 777-0505 or visit www.gvsu.edu/learn/muskegon/.
Traverse City
Grand Valley State University also offers degree completion and a full range of services to Northern Michigan. The Traverse City Regional Center, located at the Northwestern Michigan College University Center, offers undergraduate degrees in elementary teacher certification and liberal studies. Students can earn a master's degree in education and social work. Other Northern Michigan locations include Boyne City, Cadillac, and Sault Ste. Marie. Individuals and organizations seeking additional information about Grand Valley in Northern Michigan can call (231) 995-1785 or visit www.gvsu.edu/learn/traverse/.
Scholarships
Grand Forum Scholarship for Continuing Education: This scholarship provides financial assistance to persons whose college education was interrupted for one or more reasons and who wish to continue to pursue earning a college degree at Grand Valley. Candidates must be returning as undergraduate students. Candidates must have a minimum of 24 prior credits at Grand Valley and be enrolled as a degree-seeking student with at least three credit hours. They must demonstrate financial need as defined by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Amount: $1,200 renewable.
Graduate Assistantships
Continuing Education occasionally provides graduate assistantships at our regional sites. Please contact Continuing Education at (616) 331-7360 for more information.