Grand Valley State University holds firmly to values of inclusiveness and community, strives to build lasting community partnerships, and endeavors to create an environment in which all our communities can thrive. The Native American community is essential to both current efforts and our history. The University recognizes its foundation is rooted on lands of the First Nations and seeks to honor our indigenous ancestors through a renewed time of understanding, appreciation, and respect through strengthening the University’s commitment to Native American community engagement and support. In this spirit, Grand Valley, through its Division of Inclusion and Equity, reaffirms its commitment to our Native American students, staff, faculty and community members through the maintaining of a Native American Advisory Committee “Gchi Booskamgaad”. The committee is established by the Vice President for Inclusion and Equity to advise the Division of Inclusion and Equity on outreach and retention strategies for Native American students, faculty and staff. Through the Division of Inclusion and Equity, the Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC) works to support, elevate, and advocate for Native American perspectives at Grand Valley State University. The committee is committed to fostering strong relationships between the University and Native American communities, both on- and off-campus. The University is grateful for and honored by the longstanding commitment and dedication of many Native American community members who provide service and support to the University through their membership on this committee, its previous iteration as the Native American Advisory Board, and in many other ways.

DIVISION OF INCLUSION AND EQUITY GOALS RELATED TO THE NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY

1. Create and facilitate an inclusive environment for Native American students, staff, faculty, and community.
2. Advocate for and support the recruitment, retention and advancement of GVSU Native American faculty, staff, and students.
3. Support cultural competency for all GVSU employees related to the Native American community.
4. Influence curriculum to incorporate Native American perspectives and content across disciplines.
5. Develop, promote, and sustain meaningful Native American community partnerships.

COUNCIL MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

1. Advise the Division of Inclusion and Equity and the Vice President for Inclusion and Equity, or designee(s), related to support for Native American students, staff, and faculty.
2. Advise the Division of Inclusion and Equity and the Vice President for Inclusion and Equity, or designee(s), related to Native American-focused programming and education (training, curriculum, etc.).
3. Foster an environment of trust and engagement between the University, through the Division of Inclusion and Equity and the Vice President for Inclusion and Equity, or designee(s), and the Native American communities, both on- and off-campus.
4. Facilitate open communication between Native American communities and the University through the Division of Inclusion and Equity and the Vice President for Inclusion and Equity, or designee(s).
5. Support messaging and communication of GVSU efforts to advance Native American inclusion and equity to the broader community.
6. Serve as a conduit between the local, state, and national Native American communities.

COUNCIL STRUCTURE AND MEMBERSHIP 

1. Members are invited by the Vice President for Inclusion and Equity.
2. At least two-thirds of members should self-identify as Native American. Ex-officio administrative members are non-voting and, therefore, not included in this count.
3. At least one-third of members should be community representatives. Ex-officio administrative members are non-voting and, therefore, not included in this count.
4. Members should include:
   1. At least one representative from the Native American Students Association
   2. Representatives from faculty, staff, students, and community members appointed by the Vice President for Inclusion and Equity with nominations by the current council
5. Ex-Officio (non-voting) members include:
   1. Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs or designee (ex-officio)
   2. Vice President for Enrollment Development or designee (ex-officio)
   3. Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee (ex-officio)
   4. Representative from the Office of Multicultural Affairs (ex-officio)
6. Members serve a 3-year renewable term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
7. The Vice President for Inclusion and Equity or designee convenes the council. The Vice President for Inclusion and Equity is a voting member and included in the full membership counts.
8. In consultation with all member of the council, meeting agendas are developed by the Vice President for Inclusion and Equity, or designee(s). Any member of the council may propose items for discussion or information.
9. Council meets at least 9 times annually.
10. Format of meetings will be discussion and advise; individual members may provide item recommendations as needed.
11. Sub-committees may be created as needed.