President Mantella, student leaders discuss effects of COVID-19, adult learning, student voting on WJR College Tour radio program

The importance of student voting, adult learning opportunities and navigating COVID-19 on campus were just a few topics discussed by students and university leaders on the WJR College Tour 2020 radio program with Guy Gordon.

Gordon's show was broadcast live from the Allendale Campus October 27 from 3-5 p.m. 

President Philomena V. Mantella outlined the Lakers Together initiative and how students helped craft messaging surrounding COVID-19.

"Students want to be face to face; they want a college experience. They've lost so much this year and I think they are fighting for it, and they are doing the right thing," she said.

Mantella discussed how more academic programming will be coming to Grand Valley's Detroit Center in downtown Detroit and how the building is being used as an admissions center and as a place for local students to come together in small study groups. 

"We launched a new series of degrees for adult learners this year and we are bringing that to the Detroit region and using the center for those individuals to network and make career connections," she said.

Mantella highlighted the success of GVSU's accelerated degree program which helps adult learners finish their bachelor's degrees.

Greg Sanial, vice president for Finance and Administration and director of the Virus Action Team, was asked about Grand Valley's success in slowing the spread of COVID.

"We meet with health officials several times each week. We have an aggressive testing program and campus spaces are set up for social distancing," said Sanial. "All of these things together are contributing to our success, and students have been very responsive, understanding and cooperative."

B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development, said while COVID has impacted enrollment, Grand Valley launched a new gap year program called GVSU Momentum.

The program is for admitted or registered Fall 2020 first-year and transfer students who have chosen to withdraw from the first semester because of the pandemic. Students can receive gap year grants for up to two credits — one credit for personal planning and one for career planning.

Four student leaders discussed a number of topics during the radio show, including campus life amid COVID and the importance of voting.

Julian Sanders, a junior majoring in political science; Eric Siegrist, a junior majoring in accounting and finance; and Cameron Zbikowski, a senior majoring in human resource management and international business, all said they voted by absentee ballot.

Jocelyn Medina, a junior majoring in communications, said she plans to vote in-person to support her 18-year-old brother, a first-time voter. Medina said COVID has made for a different college experience, but she's finding support in student organizations.

Sanders said COVID has helped voters see what is at stake in the election. He said he voted for the candidate who best supports what he believes in and the programs he supports.

Siegrist said students are passionate about voting but some aren't passionate about either candidate running for president. "We see the candidates pivoting and not addressing specific policies or talking about the future," Siegrist said. 

He added how it's important to discuss politics face-to-face and not on social media in order to hear and share ideas in a meaningful way.

Zbikowski said more students have been making their voices heard during this election season compared to four years ago. "I'm not a huge advocate for either candidate, but I believe it was still important to vote," he said.

Zbikowski said COVID disrupted his plans to earn his master's degree in Australia. He has started the program online.