GVSU Accountability Report shows continued strong performance

Grand Valley State University's annual Accountability Report shows the university is delivering on its promise of a quality public education for students, and is a public good for the people of Michigan.

The 11th annual report shows Grand Valley is again a top performer in the state in several key areas, including providing access to students who might not otherwise be able to afford a college degree and keeping students on a path to a timely graduation.

The report was released at Grand Valley's Board of Trustees meeting November 3 at the Kirkhof Center on the Allendale Campus. 

The report outlines seven core values that form the basis for Grand Valley's 2016-2021 strategic plan: excellence, integrity, inquiry, inclusiveness, community, sustainability and innovation.

Here are some highlights from the 2017-18 report:  

• For the fourth consecutive year, Grand Valley welcomed more than 25,000 students (25,049 in fall 2017), and a record number of students of color (4,344). More than 4,000 freshmen have enrolled for six years in a row.

• Grand Valley ranks in the top four of all public universities in Michigan for graduation rates, and third for retention.

• 93% of recent graduates are employed or in graduate school, and 86% are working and giving back in Michigan.

• The university was rewarded by the state legislature and the governor for the sixth year in a row with a portion of appropriations based on performance.

• Tuition remains in the bottom half of all Michigan public universities, while Grand Valley receives the second-lowest funding per student.

• The economic impact of Grand Valley on Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties is $816 million.

The full report can be viewed online at www.gvsu.edu/accountability. 

In other board action:

• The board approved a doctorate in occupational therapy degree in the College of Health Professions. The program is designed for those who are already credentialed. Students with a master's degree will be required to complete 36 credits of doctoral-level coursework with an advanced focus that may include service learning, problem-based learning and/or global learning.

• The board approved a bachelor's degree in information technology in the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing. The program will provide students with the fundamental computing background and tools needed to manage an organization's computing infrastructure, including secure networking, cyber-forensics and web systems integration. 

• The board approved a bachelor's degree in sports management in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The degree program will offer students opportunities to study managerial concepts while learning how to become transformational leaders in the business and culture of sports.