2019-2020 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Student Life
Grand Valley State University reaches far beyond the typical college activity list to make life on campus exciting and enjoyable. Students can take advantage of a great variety of clubs and organizations, including cultural organizations, performing arts groups, recreational clubs, faith-based groups, social organizations, fraternities, and sororities, professional associations, special interest groups, leadership groups, and community service organizations.
Student Organizations
Academic & Professional
Students who join these organizations have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and appreciation for academic disciplines outside the classroom. Almost every academic program offers such co-curricular opportunities. Guest lecturers, field trips, special projects, contacts with professionals in the field, and networking provide opportunities for individual development.
| Advertising Club | Philosophy Club |
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American Humanics Student |
Photographers Guild |
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American Marketing Association |
Physical Therapy Class of 2006 |
|
American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
Physics & Astronomy Club |
|
(ASME) |
Pre-Med Club |
|
American Society of Safety Engineers |
Pre-Occupational Therapy Club |
|
Anthropology Club |
Pre-Chiropractic Club |
|
Art Education Student Chapter |
Pre-Dental Club |
|
Association of Student Geographers |
Pre-Optometry Club |
|
Bachelors of Social Work Student |
Pre-Physical Therapy Club |
| Organization (BSWSO) |
Pre-Physician Assistant Club |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Club |
Pre-Veterinary Club |
|
Biology Club |
Psychology Club |
|
Center for Health Sciences Interdisciplinary |
PT Class of 2007 |
|
S/B Council |
Public Relations Student Society |
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Chemistry Club |
of America (PRSSA) |
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Collegiate Chapter for the National Association |
Radiological and Imaging Sciences |
|
of Music Education |
Student Organization (RISSO) |
|
Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization |
Seidman I.P.O/Investment Club |
| DPT Class of 2008 |
Seidman Real Estate Group |
| Economics Club | Society for Advancement of Management |
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Free Thought /On Campus |
and International Business |
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Geology Club |
Society of Human Resource Management |
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German Club |
(SHRM) |
| Graduate & Professional Student Association |
Society of Manufacturing Engineers |
| Health Service Association |
Society of Women Engineers |
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Hospitality and Tourism Management Club |
Sociology Club |
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La Tertulia |
Student Chapter of the National Science |
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Law Society |
Teachers Association |
| Les Franglais |
Student S/B Council for Exceptional Children |
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Liberal Studies Student Organization |
Student S/B Nurse Association |
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(LSSO) |
Student Occupational Therapy Association |
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Masters of Social Work Student Organization |
Teachers of Tomorrow |
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Math and Stats Club |
Tech GV |
|
Mini Baja Club |
Therapeutic Recreation Club |
|
National Society of Black Engineers |
Vinette |
|
Organization for Internal |
Writer's Club |
Passport Student Organization
Cultural Interest Organizations
Students who join these groups will have the opportunity to explore other cultures and share their own heritage. A wide range of activities, including lectures, concerts, and festivals, allows students to develop leadership skills and promotes culture and diversity at Grand Valley. Students need not be members of each group, but have an interest in celebrating and educating others on each heritage.
|
African Student Council |
International Club |
Fraternities and Sororities
Grand Valley State University is proud to have nationally recognized fraternities and sororities on campus. Our Greek community is value focused and participates in an annual values assessment process. Fraternities and sororities offer many opportunities for life-long friendships, leadership development, service to the community, and academic achievement. New members joining fraternities and sororities have a higher grade point average than their peers and develop a strong sense of community during their time at GVSU.
|
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, |
Order of Omega |
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Incorporated |
Panhellenic Council |
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Alpha Omicron Pi |
Phi Beta Sigma |
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. |
Fraternity, Inc. |
| Alpha Sigma Alpha, ZT chapter | Phi Sigma Sigma |
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Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity |
Rho Lambda |
| Alpha Sigma Tau |
Sigma Gamma Rho |
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Delta Sigma Phi |
Sorority, Inc. |
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. |
Sigma Kappa Sorority |
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Delta Zeta |
Sigma Lambda Beta |
| Greek Life Council |
International Fraternity Inc. |
| Independent Greek Council |
Sigma Phi Epsilon |
| Interfraternity Council | Sigma Pi International Fraternity |
| Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. | Theta Chi Fraternity |
| National Pan-Hellenic Council | Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. |
Honorary
| Beta Alpha Psi | Omicron Delta Kappa Society |
| Delta Sigma Pi | Phi Alpha Theta |
| Iota Tau Alpha | Psi Chi |
| National Residence Hall | Sigma Tau Delta |
Media
Many opportunities for students to get involved in radio, television, newspaper, and programming are made available through the following student organizations.
|
Apples & Oranges |
Renaissance Faire |
Performing Arts
Student organizations having involvement in artistic performance activities are included in the following student organizations. Additional opportunities for music and dance are available through the music department.
Dance Troupe
Euphoria
Rhythm in Blue
Society of Composers, Inc.
STAGE
Voices (Gospel Choir)
Faith-Based Groups
Student organizations that focus on religious beliefs offer opportunities for spiritual growth and social interaction.
| Alpha Omega Co-ed Christian Ministries | Orthodox Christian Fellowship |
| Christianity on Campus | Prayer Gathering |
| Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) | University Christian Outreach |
| Hillel | Ways of the Earth |
| His House Christian Fellowship | Wesley Fellowship |
| Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship | Young Life |
Service & Advocacy
A variety of student organizations provide community service-learning opportunities within the local community. Other organizations advocate a particular social issue and strive to educate the campus community.
|
Alpha Phi Omega |
Measure For Measure |
Special Interest Groups
Grand Valley students interested in politics, academic discussions, hobbies, social action, or a variety of other concerns have many clubs from which to choose.
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Alternative Realities |
International Relations Organization |
Sport Clubs
Recreational sport clubs provide opportunities for competition with other schools at the regional, national, and some at the international level through individual and team events. Participation in these team programs enables student athletes to further develop leadership skills, cognitive and social skills, and often results in lifelong friendships.
|
Backpacking & Outdoors Club |
Foosball Club |
Student Governance and Community Councils
Students residing in the living centers can become involved in their individual living community.
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Community Intercultural Council for Stafford & Swanson Copeland Community Council Holland Student Organization Kistler Multicultural Tribunal Council Niemeyer, Hills, Frey Community Council North/West Community Council Pew, Pickard, DeVos Community Council |
Ravines Neighborhood Association Residence Housing Association (RHA) Mark A. Murray A, South B and Calder Student Senate Weed, Hoobler, Ott, Johnson & Robinson Community Council Winter and Secchia Neighborhood Association |
Student Senate
The Student Senate is an elected body of 50 students. The senate conveys student opinion to the Grand Valley Administration and the Board of Trustees in matters of institutional policy. The senate also provides a forum for discussion, investigation, and resolution of student ideas and concerns. The senate is responsible for the allocation of the Student Life Fund and for the appointment of student representatives to all university standing committees and advisory boards. The Student Senate operates through an established committee structure, which includes the Appropriations, Campus Affairs, Educational Affairs, Intercultural Affairs, Political Actions, Public Relations, and Student Resources Committees. Contact (616) 331-2333 for more information.
Spotlight - Campus Life Programming
Spotlight Productions, the campus entertainment board, selects and organizes large-scale concerts, big-name comedians, a series of free movies, monthly coffeehouse performers, nationally recognized speakers, aspiring artists, and many Grand Valley State University traditional events such as "Sibs and Kids" weekend. Students work together to choose and produce events while obtaining numerous event planning, marketing, and collaboration skills that will transfer into their professional lives. Contact (616) 331-2806 for more information.
Cultural Board
The Grand Valley State University Cultural Board promotes unity, mentoring, leadership, advocacy, and programming that celebrates ethnic backgrounds. Comprised of six registered student organizations, the Grand Valley State University Cultural Board is open to all students regardless of ethnic or multi-ethnic backgrounds. The board meets regularly to organize campus-wide cultural celebrations and to work with faculty, staff, and other students to increase multicultural awareness in our university community. Contact (616) 331-3965 for more information.
Lanthorn
The Lanthorn is an award-winning twice-weekly student newspaper that gives students an opportunity to gain experience in the production of a newspaper. The Lanthorn office is located on the lower level of the Commons. The Lanthorn staff includes editorial, advertising, business, graphic art, staff writing, and staff photography positions. Call (616) 331-2460 to find out more information.
GVBN - Student Television
Grand Valley State University's own student run broadcasting network offers hands on experience in technical areas of producing as well as writing, reporting, promotions, directing, and acting. The channel is non-commercial and broadcasts on cable access channel 10. GVBN's office is located in the Student Organization Center, lower level of Kirkhof. Contact GVBN (616) 331-4826 for more information.
WCKS - Student Radio
WCKS is the student-run campus radio station located on the lower level of the Commons building. Opportunities for all aspects of radio production and broadcast are available to students. Contact (616) 331-2356 for more information.
Office of Student Life
Students are in class an average of 30 percent of the time during a week of college life. Students are encouraged to MAXimize their college experience through participation in a variety of campus experiences. Employers continue to look for employees who have a broad base of experiences and are comfortable working with others. Historically, students who are successful have developed a plan for how they will spend the other 70 percent of their time.
The Office of Student Life, located in the Kirkhof Center, creates an exciting environment for students to experience unlimited opportunities to interact with other students in addition to their traditional academic classroom times. This interactive environment provides a student development experience that fosters individual student growth.
Students are encouraged to participate in student organizations, attend campus events, and become involved in leadership and service projects. The Office of Student Life annually registers close to 300 student organizations. More information is available at www.gvsu.edu/studentlife or by calling (616) 331-2345.
The Kirkhof Center, named in honor of Russell Kirkhof, is a place for students to come and enjoy. Whether it is for a meeting, entertainment, or studying, the Kirkhof Center is a place for the campus community to gather in a formal or informal setting. Located within the student center are the Office of Student Life and Event Services, Student Organization Center, Office of Student Senate, 2020 Information Desk, University Bookstore, Women's Center, Java City/Lobby Shoppe, food services, postal services, pay phones, commuter lockers, copy center, ATM machine, game room, and giant movie theater room.
The Kirkhof Center Daytime Programs provide free entertainment and cultural events during weekdays. These events usually occur around noon in the Kirkhof Center and are great for non-traditional and commuter students that cannot attend events on campus in the evening or on the weekends.
Laker Late Night is an energized program that provides quality late night entertainment during prime social time, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., on Friday and Saturday nights in the Kirkhof Center. Laker Late Night provides a social environment where programs are sponsored by student organizations that build community through participation in music, film, dance, comedy, crafts, games, and novelty programming.
Laker Leadership Programs
Emerging Leaders Retreat
The Emerging Leaders Retreat is designed to assist newer leaders to create and enhance their personal philosophy of leadership while developing basic leadership skills and learning about the leadership opportunities the GVSU community has to offer. All students, especially first-year students, are encouraged to be a part of this program, particularly those who are interested in future leadership roles. This retreat teaches leadership through interactive activities and discussion led by student leaders and staff from the Office of Student Life. This retreat is a great way to get acquainted with leadership in a college setting.
Intermediate Leaders Institute
Opportunities are designed for those who are eager to improve their interpersonal leadership skills, team dynamics, networking, and communication abilities. This experience will help students become leaders in groups and in the community, while developing the characteristics needed to become established members of the Grand Valley leadership community.
Advanced Leaders Capstone
This program is for experienced leaders who desire to increase their impact as a civically engaged member of the GVSU community. The interactive program teaches advanced skills, focusing on societal and lifelong leadership development. Through this program, students realize the experiences at Grand Valley can be transferred far beyond the reaches of this campus, to affect future workplaces or communities. There is a special emphasis on civic engagement and citizenship, which will allow these advanced leaders to adapt their skills for life after college. Participants will also be asked to share the skills that they have gained, to influence other future GVSU student leaders to follow in their paths.
Additional Leadership Opportunities
Leadership Summit is a one day statewide conference that provides student leaders and faculty from throughout the state the opportunity to come together to discuss leadership topics with national and regional leaders while networking and sharing ideas. With topic areas such as Fraternities and Sororities, Student Government, Cultural Programming, Campus-wide Programming, Service-Learning, and many others, Leadership Summit is one of the largest multi-focused gatherings in the state of Michigan. Leadership Summit provides excellent networking and developmental opportunities for student leaders at any level.
Workshops on Demand is a year-round program that the Office of Student Life offers free of charge to registered student organizations and university affiliated non-formal groups. The program offers specialized leadership and service related workshops. This is a great way to provide educational workshops and community building experiences to group constituents.
Venderbush Leadership Luncheon recognizes Kenneth R. Venderbush who served as Vice President of Student Affairs at Grand Valley State University from 1969-1973. The luncheon features a speaker from the community, or a past Grand Valley Alum, sharing their experiences and inspirations on the topic of leadership and service.
Community Service Learning Center
The Community Service Learning Center located in the Kirkhof Center, is an outreach office that encourages the Grand Valley population to engage themselves in community awareness through community issues education, volunteer skill set training, campus-wide volunteer/service opportunities, and community agency partnerships. Grand Valley students are encouraged to become involved in a community service activity that will enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and challenge them to be committed to a life of community service. The CSLC is a clearinghouse for Kent and Ottawa counties volunteer opportunities. Individual meetings with staff and Volunteer Net may be utilized as a resource to search for volunteer opportunities and to track personal volunteer hours.
Campus Life Night
Campus Life Night, held the Tuesday evening after Labor Day in the Fieldhouse Arena, provides students with the opportunity to find out about their extensive choices for involvement on campus. Student organizations, campus departments, volunteer agencies, and area businesses set up displays and provide information.
Traditions and Festivals
Student organizations and special committees work with professional staff in sponsoring and planning campus traditions including such events as Family Weekend, Homecoming, Sibs and Kids Weekend, Make a Difference Day, Intercultural Festival, Relay for Life, Community Outreach Week (COW), Renaissance Festival, and Presidents' Ball.
Asian Festival: Each February the Asian Student Union sponsors a variety of events, the most celebrated being the annual celebration honoring the Asian New Year. An authentic and diverse type of Asian food is provided to festival participants. In addition, the festival coordinators provide traditional New Year dances and songs presented by professional artists.
Black History Month: Each February the campus community offers a comprehensive series of programs to celebrate black history.
Intercultural Festival: Students, faculty, and staff sponsor booths showcasing cultural cuisine, traditions, and crafts specific to a culture of their choice. The campus community enjoys good food, lively entertainment, and an exchange of ideas as the world comes to Grand Valley.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Each fall the university community celebrates Hispanic history and culture with a variety of events. Students, faculty, and staff educate on the diversity within the culture and offer campus-wide celebrations featuring traditional foods and presenting and teaching music and dance.
Pow Wow: The annual spring event celebrates the Native American culture. The Native American Student Association, with the leadership and permission of the Ottawa Tribal Council, shares an entire day of ceremony and trade with the campus and the general public.
Soulfest: Each February the Black Student Union shares with the campus a night of African cuisine that was adapted to the resources available during slavery, now known as "Soul Food.'' Along with a selected form of entertainment requiring audience participation, Grand Valley celebrates the legacy of African Americans.
Student Organization Center
Located on the lower level of the Kirkhof Center, the Student Organization Center (SOC) provides an exciting environment for campus student organizations to interact and conduct their daily business. The SOC provides resources and information for students who are interested in getting involved. The SOC also features interactive spaces for the organizations to collaborate with each other. Additional resources include: computers, telephones, business center, resource information, library, and meeting spaces. Close to 300 student organizations are supported by this center.
University Promotions
The University Promotions Office provides graphic design and advertising to assist student organizations in promoting their events. Students produce various promotional pieces to publicize upcoming campus activities. Contact (616) 331-2340 for more information.
Campus Events Information
Information Desk
Located in the main lobby of the Kirkhof Center, the 2020 Information Desk provides the campus community with up-to-date information regarding campus events and what to do in West Michigan. The student staff that operate the desk are there to answer questions and assist students. Contact the 2020 Information Desk staff at (616) 331-2020.
Campus Events Calendar
A comprehensive electronic calendar of events for Grand Valley is available online for easy reference. The calendar is a great resource for the campus community to stay current on the many events and programs scheduled. Check out the campus events calendar on the Internet at www.gvsu.edu/events.
For additional information on campus events, contact the Office of Student Life at (616) 331-2345 or athletic event information (616) 331-8800.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Grand Valley is a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). Membership in the GLIAC includes Ashland, Ferris, Findlay, Gannon, Mercyhurst, Grand Valley, Hillsdale, Lake Superior, Northern Michigan, Northwood, Michigan Tech, Saginaw Valley, and Wayne State. Grand Valley is also a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA Division II).
Since the creation of the GLIAC in 1972, Grand Valley has won the President's Cup, a symbol of athletic excellence, twelve times. Grand Valley's men's teams have won conference championships in football eleven times; basketball, seven; baseball, ten; wrestling, six; tennis, one; golf, two; indoor track, seven; outdoor track, five; and cross country, four. In women's sports, Grand Valley has won championships in basketball eight times; cross country, six; softball, eleven; tennis, two; volleyball, eight; indoor track, seven; outdoor track, seven; and golf, four.
Scholarships are offered in all men's and women's sports.
Grand Valley competes in the following sports: Men - baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, swimming and diving, tennis, and track. Women - basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track, and volleyball.