The integration of academic and student affairs can take many forms, from individual efforts to university-wide initiatives. Examples include:

• Utilizing programming as a tool for classroom learning (e.g. organizing a speaker around specific course content, co-creating experiential learning that highlights classroom themes, etc.).
• Partnering with faculty to increase student engagement through support programs, internships, service-learning, tutoring, student organization membership, Laker leadership programs, Laker for a Lifetime efforts, etc.
• Mentoring students through tailored programs that serve under-represented students (e.g. Laker Connections Programs; mentor programs for students of color that include Brothers: Black Male Scholars, Laker Familia, and Niara).
• Participating in bridge programs that give new students an introduction to college life or introduce specific skills.
• Involvement in living-learning communities where students have chosen to live and learn together in order to expand their knowledge through shared learning experiences. Each community builds upon a specific theme, major or area of interest and faculty and student affairs educators work to create a rich learning environment.

Collaborations between academic and student affairs highlight the importance of learning both inside and outside the classroom and GVSU students benefit from this dynamic partnership!  

For more information contact Marlene Kowalski-Braun, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Inclusion, Dean of Students Office, at [email protected] or (616) 331-3585.