Health Compliance at Grand Valley State University is established to ensure that all students, faculty, and staff participating in clinical or non-clinical
experiential education or research at health-related affiliated organizations meet specified requirements. 

Infectious communicable diseases may be present in affiliated facilities and to protect everyone involved,
Health Compliance requirements are established using: 

Local, state, and federal statutory regulations 
Accreditation standards 
GVSU Health Compliance policy   

Health Compliance requirements are discipline-specific and are established in collaboration with each health-related academic program,
as well as being contractually bound by Affiliation Agreements.

Affiliation Agreements are established for the purpose of experiential education or research and they represent a contractual relationship between GVSU and affiliated facilities, specifying the responsibilities and liabilities of each party.  GVSU's Health Compliance Office is responsible for executing and maintaining Affiliation Agreements for GVSU's health-related academic programs.  An Affiliation Agreement must be established prior to experiential education or research in affiliated facilities.

GVSU has Affiliation Agreements with hundreds of locations across the United States and international locations.  If students are considering an international location for experiential learning, they should contact Padnos International Center (Contact information can be found by visiting the Padnos International Center website (www.gvsu.edu/pic/).

Mission:

Our mission at the University Health Compliance Office is to cultivate a culture of wellness and safety across our academic community and affiliated institutions. Through strategic affiliation agreements, innovative clinical initiatives, and vigilant risk mitigation, we uphold the highest standards of health compliance. We're dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of health-related students, faculty, staff, and patients, while promoting excellence in healthcare delivery and clinical education. By addressing regulations, promoting best practices, and fostering partnerships, we create environments where health thrives, and compliance is inherent. Together, we shape a healthier, safer tomorrow."

Vision:

We envision a university where health compliance is a fundamental guiding principle across all operations. In this environment, the well-being of health-related students, faculty, and the community is prioritized through proactive measures and strict adherence to regulations and guidelines. Our goal is to create a safe and healthy environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth, particularly in clinical placement experiences.

Values:

1. Commitment to Health: We prioritize the health and safety of our health-related program students and faculty above all else, recognizing that collective well-being relies on individual actions.
2. Adaptability and Resilience: We remain flexible and resilient in the face of evolving health challenges, continuously adapting our strategies to mitigate risks and protect health-related students and faculty.
3. Equity and Cultural Competence: We are committed to ensuring that health compliance efforts are equitable and inclusive. We strive to address barriers to compliance in our initiatives, this includes considerations for individuals with disabilities, international students, and those with limited financial resources. Recognizing the diversity of the university community, efforts are made to ensure that health compliance measures are culturally sensitive and inclusive, considering different beliefs, values, and practices.
4. Regulatory Compliance and Community Collaboration: We adhere to all local, state, and federal health and safety regulations, including those set forth by public health agencies and accrediting bodies. Recognizing that safeguarding health requires a collective effort, we actively collaborate with stakeholders across various sectors to promote a culture of health compliance.
5. Transparency and Accountability: We communicate openly and honestly to health-related students and faculty about health risks, guidelines, and measures, fostering trust and accountability within the university community we serve.