Grand Valley State University shows that it has increased access
and efficiency while contributing millions to the West Michigan
economy in its fourth annual Accountability Report released at its
October 22 Board of Trustees meeting.
The report shows Grand Valley is attracting students with
academic performances in the top tier of all Michigan public
universities. These students are contributing to Michigan after
graduation -- 88 percent of recent graduates are working in the state.
More than 90 percent of recent graduates are employed or in graduate school.
Grand Valley attracts these high-quality students from nearly
every county throughout Michigan, yet receives the lowest funding per
student from the state. Despite that, Grand Valley’s tuition remains
among the lowest of all of Michigan’s public universities. Grand
Valley’s cost of operation is $2,000 less per student than the state median.
“Grand Valley can keep its tuition low, its financial aid to
students high, and see incredible academic results because the
university demonstrates remarkable efficiency,” President Thomas J.
Haas said. “This report is online and we want lawmakers, taxpayers,
and students and their families to see all the ways Grand Valley gives
a great return on their investment by producing qualified and
productive graduates using each dollar efficiently.”
The report shows that as Grand Valley celebrates its 50th
anniversary, a record number of individuals and organizations have
donated to the university, its programs and buildings, including the
Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons and the L.
William Seidman building that will house the Seidman College of Business.
The report shows that Grand Valley’s students, faculty and staff
in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties in 2008-2009 contributed more
than $600 million to the local economy, and construction on campus
created more than 700 jobs.
The full Accountability Report can be viewed at www.gvsu.edu/accountability
and click on accountability.
Other action by the Board of Trustees included:
- Approval of an annual state appropriation request, asking the
state to increase funding for Grand Valley students to $3,775 per
student. That is the number set by the state Senate as a minimum
funding floor.
- Approval of a capital outlay budget request and five-year plan
for FY 2012, including a request for funds for a new classroom/office
building on the Allendale Campus to increase the number of special
labs, student study spaces and faculty offices.
- Approval of the purchase of about 23 acres of land at 4497
Fillmore St., in Allendale adjacent to campus.
- Approval of a Student Recreation Fields Project on the west
end of the Allendale Campus to accomodate club and recreational
sports.
DOWNLOADABLE AUDIO:
* President Thomas J. Haas said the accountability report shows Grand Valley is committed to increasing access and operating efficiently (audio).
* Haas said he is pleased by an increase in the number of Grand Valley graduates choosing to stay and work in Michigan (audio).
* Haas said Grand Valley is operating on a stable platform (audio).
