As Grand Valley State University embarks on what’s next, a critical part of the journey is having a map to guide us forward. Over the past several months, an incredibly dedicated team of students, faculty, and staff have created a living map to unite us toward increased enrollment and student success. This path to the future is our Strategic Enrollment Management Plan. Its creation would not have been possible without the incredible collaboration and contributions of the Strategic Enrollment Management Planning Team.

Thank you all for approaching this process with both curiosity and urgency. Together, we have created a mission, vision, and guiding principles for enrollment management that led to our goals, objectives, and strategies. You’ve anchored our commitment to current and future students and their families.

Supporting the university’s enrollment goals and strategies is more critical than ever. As a public institution, creating equitable pathways for access and participation is a unique opportunity to fulfill our promise to the communities we serve. One of my favorite parts of our plan is having specific practices for different populations of students, which require diversified approaches. There is not a “one-size-fits-all” method for recruitment and retention. Individually and collectively, this plan provides the needed guidance to streamline and prioritize our efforts toward enhanced institutional and student outcomes from enrollment to graduation. This plan provides the vision to make waves at Grand Valley and beyond!

I’ve learned that as Lakers, we believe that we can, and should, make things better for our students. It has been an honor to lead this initiative alongside passionate colleagues and students. I look forward to continuing to facilitate the shared success of the Strategic Enrollment Management Planning Team. Our university-wide partnerships and engagement will yield incredible results.

Sincerely,

B. Donta Truss
Vice President for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach