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2025-2026 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Student Life and Resources

Student Life

Athletics, Intercollegiate

Grand Valley competes in men's baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, swimming and diving, wrestling, tennis, and indoor and outdoor track, as well as women's basketball, cross-country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, and volleyball. For more information, visit gvsulakers.com.

Career and Employment Resources

Career Center

The Career Center helps you explore career options, develop short- and long-term career plans, and connect with employers and professionals in your field of study. Career Center advisors work with undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni to determine their interests and values as they relate to career choices and provide career guidance or job/internship search assistance. Visit us online at gvsu.edu/careers.

Employment Statistics
Grand Valley State University is focused on ways to enhance the success of our graduates. It is important for the university to get feedback on how we are doing in preparing students for success in achieving their postgraduation plans. One source of feedback is responses to our annual First Destination Survey.

Communications

WGVU Public Media is a multiplatform public media organization licensed to the Board of Trustees, Grand Valley State University. WGVU Public Media provides content across television, radio, and digital media, and through the community while offering hands-on experience for students in broadcasting, communications, journalism, marketing, business, and nonprofit leadership. You can learn more at WGVU.org or by calling WGVU Public Media at (616) 331-6666 or (800) 442-2771.

Computer Support

Grand Valley has many instructional computer labs throughout our campuses with Windows and Macintosh computers running hundreds of software applications. Virtual computer lab access to courseware is available through the GVSU website. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessible stations are available in most computer labs. For more information, visit us online at gvsu.edu/it.

Dining

Eating on Campus

Laker Food Co. offers a variety of restaurants, convenience stores, coffee shops, and concession options. Visit the website to see a map of campus locations, menus, and hours. Learn about Meal Plans, Dining Dollars, and resources for nutrition and food allergies.

Allendale Campus

Commons Fresh Food Co.
Holton Hooker LLC Einstein Bros. Bagels
Kirkhof Lobby Shop, Java City, Freshens, Panda Express, Qdoba, Erbert & Gerberts, Laker Grill, Ciao

Kleiner The Dish, POD C-Store, and Java City
Mackinac Hall POD Express
Library GV Brew
Blue Connection Zoca, Hearth, Savory Stack, P.O.D. C-Store, and Java City
The Marketplace Starbucks, Bento

Pew Campus (Grand Rapids)

DeVos Center Einstein Bros. Bagels, Erbert & Gerbert's
IDC Starbucks
Seidman Seidman Café

Inclusion and Equity Department

Through collaboration, consultation, and leadership with students, faculty and staff members, administrators, and community partners, Inclusion and Equity advances Grand Valley's social justice framework for equity and inclusion. The department coordinates sustainable and strategic institutional efforts to engage all members of the community, while also intentionally supporting and advocating for historically underrepresented communities. The department's work furthers the university's liberal education and student-centered mission. Visit our website at gvsu.edu/inclusion, or email us at inclusion@gvsu.edu.

Faculty and Staff ADA Accommodations

The Inclusion and Equity Department ensures university compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Grand Valley promotes the full inclusion of individuals with varying abilities as part of our commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive community. Inclusion and Equity provides support services and reasonable accommodations that enhance the environment for faculty and staff with disabilities.

Division of People, Equity, and Culture

The Division of People, Equity, and Culture connects people-centered operations including human resources, inclusion and equity support, the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX, and the employee ombuds.

Antidiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity

The Antidiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity (Antidiscrimination/EEO) office provides leadership to the campus for all facets of promoting and monitoring equal employment opportunity and antidiscrimination efforts. Visit our website at gvsu.edu/equalopportunity or email us at antidiscdrimEEO@gvsu.edu.

Inclusion and Equity Institute

The Inclusion and Equity Institute (IEI) advances GVSUs commitment to educational equity by partnering with individuals, departments, divisions, and colleges to cultivate knowledge, skills, and abilities. The IEI leads inclusion and equity efforts within the People, Equity, and Culture (PEC) Division and provides ongoing learning and development for faculty and staff. Additionally, the IEI collaborates with external individuals, organizations, and communities to support their inclusion and equity goals.

To inquire about learning and development consultation, training, or to participate in a workshop, visit us online at www.gvsu.edu/institute.

Office of Civil Rights and Title IX

The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX (OCRTIX) serves the GVSU community and assists individuals who may have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, misconduct, and retaliation. It provides education and training, implements measures that protect or support access to programs and activities, and oversees the resolution process for alleged violations of the Universitys Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and Misconduct.

OCRTIX leads the shared institutional responsibility for responding to all forms of discrimination, harassment, and misconduct, including sexual misconduct. Students, faculty, and staff members are protected from discrimination, harassment, and misconduct based on actual or perceived age, color, disability, familial status, gender expression, gender identity, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy or related conditions, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or active-duty military status, or weight. GVSU is committed under Title IX to address incidents involving sex-based discrimination, which includes sexual and gender-based harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, and exploitation against students, faculty, and staff members. Members of the university community are protected from any adverse, retaliatory action that may occur as a result of reporting to OCRTIX or participating in the resolution process.

The Title IX coordinator and equity officer/director can be reached by phone (616) 331-9530 or email titleix@gvsu.edu. You can also visit online at gvsu.edu/titleix.

Division of University Initiatives

Kaufman Interfaith Institute

The Sylvia and Richard Kaufman Interfaith Institute offers a broad range of programming that advances equity and belonging for persons of all religious, secular, and spiritual identities by fostering human connection, interfaith understanding, and collective transformation on campus and in the wider West Michigan community. Visit us online at gvsu.edu/interfaith.

Grand Valley Department of Public Safety

Grand Valley State University Department of Public Safety (GVDPS) is a multidisciplinary department that provides police, security, and emergency management services to the campus community. Both the GVPD and security personnel can be reached for nonemergency service calls at (616) 331-3255. In the event of an emergency, always dial 911.

To learn more, visit us online at gvsu.edu/dps. To view our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, go online to gvsu.edu/safety.

GVSU Laker Store

Textbooks and course materials for classes taught at Grand Valley State University are available through the GVSU Laker Store with locations in Allendale and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit the Laker Store online at lakerstore.gvsu.edu.

Students who attend classes in downtown Grand Rapids can purchase textbooks through the Laker Store website or at the Grand Valley Laker Store in Grand Rapids, adjacent to the plaza on the main floor of Richard M. DeVos Center.

Kirkhof Center

The central hub for students on Allendale Campus is the Russel H. Kirkhof Center. Located within the center are the Office of Student Life, Event Services, 2020 Information Desk, Promotions Office, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Ford LGBT Resource Center, Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity, Laker Military Resource Center, and Dining Services. For more information, visit us online at gvsu.edu/kirkhofcenter.

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS) offers a variety of opportunities and resources for undergraduates to pursue research and scholarship in various disciplines under the direction of a faculty mentor. These intensive research and scholarship opportunities enrich students' academic experiences and challenge them to strengthen their critical, analytical, and writing skills.

For more information, visit gvsu.edu/ours.

Padnos International Center

The Barbara and Stuart Padnos International Center is the centralized unit that leads and supports international education efforts across the entire university. The center welcomes, orients, and supports international students at Grand Valley, whether they are pursuing degrees or are studying for a short-term exchange. Education abroad activities, including study abroad, internships abroad, and other academic, credit-earning experiences outside the U.S. are coordinated or supported by the unit, with the input and advice of the faculty governance advisory body, the International Education Committee (IEC). For more information, visit our webpage at gvsu.edu/pic.

Parking Services

Parking on campus requires a permit, unless opting to park at pay-by-app spaces on each campus or conveniently located pay stations on the Allendale Campus. Semester permits are available for students to purchase online from Grand Valley Parking Services beginning in August of each year. Student daily parking permits are available for purchase online at Parking Services throughout the year. Temporary permits are also available to visitors at no cost. Visitor permits may be obtained from either the Parking Services office on the Allendale Campus at the Service Building or on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus in the L.V. Eberhard Center during business hours.

For more information, please visit gvsu.edu/parking.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Parking

A State of Michigan ADA plate or tag and a GVSU parking permit are required to park on campus in any non-visitor ADA space. In addition to allocating several designated ADA parking spaces, Grand Valley has instituted a shuttle service through Student Accessibility Resources. There are designated lots on both the north and south sides of the Allendale Campus to accommodate a "park and ride" service for those needing ADA accommodations. For additional information, please visit our website and select the ADA Parking tab or call Student Accessibility Resources at (616) 331-2490.

For more information about parking, please visit our website at gvsu.edu/parking or call (616) 331-PARK (7275).

Transportation Services

Transportation between, within, and around the Grand Rapids Campuses and the Allendale Campus is easy, convenient, and free. Grand Valley State University offers designated routes for students, faculty members, and staff members. All Grand Valley and The Rapid routes are free to ride with your student or faculty/staff ID card.

Current schedules can be found online at gvsu.edu/transportation. Please view other routes at www.ridetherapid.org.

Questions about the shuttle bus services should be directed to the Facilities Services Grand Rapids office at (616) 331-6700 or to bus@gvsu.edu.

Veterans Upward Bound

Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) provides free academic support to veterans to enroll in postsecondary education (degree or vocational/technical programs) at any institution. VUB provides an academic skill-building program that is coupled with individualized attention and a flexible teaching and tutoring schedule. Contact us by phone at (616) 331-8387, visit our website at gvsu.edu/vub, or email us at veterans@gvsu.edu.

Student Resources

Campus Health Services

Center for Health and Well-being
The Center for Health and Well-being is here to support you with nutrition, stress, sleep, rest, sexual health, and more! Connect with peer educators from the Wellness Information Team (WIT) through presentations, social media, or the Ask WIT service: ask questions anonymously online or find the team out each week on campus with the Ask WIT mobile cart. Get free support for your wellness goals through our Wellness Coaching (certified pro-staff) or Wellness Navigator (trained GVSU peers) services. We also offer a variety of sexual wellness services, including free condoms on campus and monthly STI testing in partnership with the local health department.

For more information, visit the Campus Health website.

Center for Health and Well-being: Victim and Survivor Advocacy
Victim and Survivor Advocates provide victims and survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking or human trafficking with free, confidential, non-judgmental, compassionate support, access to critical resources, and empowerment to build a path to healing. Any member of the Grand Valley State University community can contact a Victim and Survivor Advocate. Advocates assist victims/survivors with goal setting, overcoming barriers, safety planning, and navigating resources on campus and in the community. For more information about Victim and Survivor Advocacy Services, visit: gvsu.edu/campushealth/vsa.

Campus Health Center
The Campus Health Center, located on the Allendale Campus near the water tower provides convenient medical care for the university community. Medical staff include physicians and mid-level providers. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/campushealth.

Injury Care Clinic
The Injury Care Clinic (ICC) provides free injury care services, along with physical therapy (billable service), right on campus! The ICC offers injury assessment and evaluations, acute injury care, short-term rehabilitation services, preventative measures, stretching techniques, and professional referrals as needed. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/ICC.

Division of Student Affairs

The mission of the Division of Student Affairs is to elevate, challenge, and empower all learners to develop their passions and purpose in a healthy, inclusive, and equitable environment. The Division of Student Affairs positively impacts the university through engaging experiential learning and exceptional student support.

Children's Enrichment Center

The Children's Enrichment Center (CEC) enhances the lives of children aged 2½ to 12 years, serving faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the local community. Licensed by the State of Michigan, the center implements the Creative Curriculum along with the Teaching Strategies Assessment tool to nurture confidence, independence, creativity, and critical thinking through engaging, hands-on, project-based activities and play.

In addition, the center collaborates with the Great Start Readiness Program to offer FREE care for four-year-old children.

CEC also provides before- and after-school care during the academic year, as well as full-time summer care and camp programs for school-aged children. To learn more, please visit us online at gvsu.edu/child.

Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students Office empowers learners to be intentional and engaged citizens by providing a culture of equity, self-advocacy, and care through programs, resources, and support. The main office is located in the Lubbers Student Services Center on the Allendale Campus, but staff provide support for all Lakers.

CARE Team
The CARE Team supports students through social, emotional, physical, and mental challenges; connects them to appropriate campus and community resources; promotes growth in self-advocacy; and empowers students to build confidence in their ability to navigate toward their own solutions.

For more information, visit us online at gvsu.edu/care.

First-year and Parent/Supporter Programs
The Dean of Students Office partners with colleagues throughout the university to promote programs targeted toward first-year students and parents/supporters. We also manage communication to parents/supporters throughout the year through monthly Laker Family Network newsletters.

Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution

The Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR) utilizes an educational and restorative process, whenever possible, to address student misconduct and to repair harm in our campus community. All Grand Valley students and registered student organizations must conduct themselves in accordance with The Student Code: The Anchor of Student Rights and Responsibilities. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/conduct.

Student Ombuds

The student ombuds strives to promote fairness and foster a positive campus environment by offering students a number of mechanisms for early conflict resolution and problem-solving. Students may contact the student ombuds for assistance if they have a conflict. Meeting with the ombuds is private. For more information, please visit our webpage at gvsu.edu/ombuds.

Housing and Residence Life

Grand Valley considers residential living to be beneficial in helping all students become oriented and adjusted to college life. There are a variety of housing options on campus. Visit gvsu.edu/housing to learn more about options on North and South Campus.

Admission to Grand Valley does not guarantee housing of any kind. In order to secure on-campus housing students must apply online via myHousing on myBanner. Students may apply for housing immediately upon acceptance to GVSU. On-campus residency is required for all incoming first-year students. All first-year students must either submit a housing application or receive a residency exemption. Students who apply prior to May 1 are given priority placement but not guaranteed requested style.

Applications, contracts, and other housing information are available at gvsu.edu/housing. For questions, concerns, or to schedule a housing tour, please contact the Central Housing Office at 616-331-2120 or gv_housing@gvsu.edu.

Office of Student Life

The Office of Student Life exists to help you make the most of your college experience. Find your community, boost your resume, and pursue your passions by joining a club or student organization. Whether youare interested in dance, baking, cars, engineering, or board games, there's a place for you here within Student Life.

You can also get involved by attending campus events, taking advantage of leadership development opportunities, and participating in civic engagement programs. Check out the campus events calendar at gvsu.edu/events. You can learn more about Student Life and involvement opportunities at gvsu.edu/studentlife.

Campus Activities Board
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is a group of students who help Student Life plan concerts, dances, craft nights, and more. Thanks to CAB, there's always something to do on campus! If you're interested in helping plan cool events, get involved with CAB and develop event planning, marketing, and collaboration skills that will help prepare you for the future. Learn more at gvsu.edu/cab.

Campus Life Night
Campus Life Night is the perfect opportunity to learn more about student organizations and explore involvement opportunities. Student organizations, campus departments, volunteer agencies, and area businesses come together to share information and answer your questions. Visit our webpage at gvsu.edu/campuslifenight.

Student Organizations
The Office of Student Life is proud to host hundreds of student organizations to help you make new friends, discover new interests, and explore leadership opportunities. You can find a full list of Registered Student organizations on LakerLink. Fraternities and sororities provide lifelong opportunities for leadership, service, academic achievement, and social involvement through association with a national organization. Learn more at gvsu.edu/greeklife.

Student Senate
Student Senate serves as a representative and partner of the student body by advocating for the diverse needs of the GVSU community to Grand Valley administration. The senate is an elected body of students that provides a forum for discussion, investigation, and resolution of student ideas and concerns. Learn more at gvsu.edu/studentsenate.

Promotions Office

The Promotions Office provides graphic design, print, photo, and video services to students, registered student organizations, and the campus community. Students are encouraged to utilize the Promotions Office to promote campus events, initiatives, programs, and more.

Recreation

Recreation and Wellness
GVSU Recreation and Wellness (RecWell) provides the campus community with a variety of opportunities that engage all levels of ability, skill, and interests. In addition to a variety of wellness and fitness programs, club sports, Esports, and services, RecWell also hosts events throughout the year and employs student workers. A full list of opportunities and employment information can be found on our website at gvsu.edu/rec.

Recreation Facilities
Access to the Rec Center, Aquatic Center, Climbing Center, and Kelly Family Sports Center is free to students and offers something for everyone. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/sportsfacilities.

Student Accessibility Resources

Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) provides support services and accommodations that enhance the environment for persons with disabilities and helps educate the university community on disability issues. It is the policy of Grand Valley to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Grand Valley will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Visit our webpage at gvsu.edu/accessibility.

Social Justice Centers

Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity

The Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity (CWGE) is dedicated to promoting gender justice by fostering education, engagement, and empowerment within the GVSU community. Through its Replenish Basic Needs Program, CWGE advocates for food justice on campus, providing students with access to food and essential resources in partnership with campus and community collaborators.

Visit our webpage at gvsu.edu/cwge or email us at cwge@gvsu.edu.

Milton E. Ford Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center

The Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center advocates for institutional equity, promotes community-building, and provides educational opportunities to create an informed, cohesive, and just campus where community members of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender presentations are supported and welcome. The center is located in Kirkhof Center, room 1161.

Visit our webpage at gvsu.edu/lgbtrc or email us at lgbtcenter@gvsu.edu.

Office of Multicultural Affairs

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is committed to building an inclusive campus. Through our celebrations and programs, OMA enhances student learning and development by fostering an appreciation for the history, tradition, and culture of different ethnic groups and empowering students to be active and engaged learners.

We offer a welcoming environment with a gathering space at 1240 Kirkhof Center. Visit our webpage at gvsu.edu/oma or email us at oma@gvsu.edu.

Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Resource Center

The Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Resource Center serves as a central hub for active-duty service members, military veterans, guards/reservists, spouses, and family members, providing a single point of contact for their diverse needs. Our overarching goal is to ensure that every military-connected student receives the support and resources necessary to thrive academically, personally, and professionally during their time at GVSU. To contact the military and veterans resource manager, call (616) 331-2369, email mvrcdirector@gvsu.edu, or visit online at gvsu.edu/veterans.

University Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center supports the well-being of individual students and the campus community through a broad spectrum of services, including individual counseling, group counseling, and outreach. The center is staffed by a diverse team of professional counselors committed to recognizing the unique needs and experiences of each student.

Mental Health Services
Mental health services are available at no cost to currently enrolled students. Students can schedule an initial screening appointment by phone at (616) 331-3266 or in person on the Allendale Campus in 206 STU.

The center also offers urgent care services for students experiencing a mental health crisis. If you or someone you know is in crisis, reach out for support by contacting the University Counseling Center during business hours or by dialing 911, 988, or GVPD at 616-331-3255 any time.

Campus Mental Health Outreach
Mental health programs and events are scheduled throughout the year and can be requested on behalf of a student group or organization. These equip students with knowledge, skills, and resources to maximize their emotional well-being. Additional information about mental health outreach, including self-help materials, screening tools, and 24-hour peer support can be found online at gvsu.edu/counsel.

Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Services

AOD Services is devoted to developing and promoting opportunities for students to increase knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy and responsible choices regarding alcohol and other drugs. Our staff provides presentations on campus to various groups and organizations, which can be requested through our website gvsu.edu/aod/outreach.

Students can utilize our online assessment tools that provide individualized feedback on alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and other substance use, which can be found online gvsu.edu/aod.

Currently enrolled students interested in substance abuse counseling can access services at the University Counseling Center in 206 Lubbers Student Services Center. Please contact the University Counseling Center by phone at (616) 331-3266. Additional information can be found at gvsu.edu/aod/community.

The AOD Services office supports recovery meetings on campus for students and the community. These meetings include Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and Adult Children of Alcoholics. For the most up-to-date information about recovery meetings, visit gvsu.edu/aod/recovery.

If you have additional questions, please contact us by calling (616) 331-2537 or emailing aod@gvsu.edu. Additional information can be found on our website including the university's Alcohol and Drug Policy Handbook.


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