Creating a Community of Care and Respect

Through new programs, staff training, and safe spaces, the Division of Student Affairs and its Social Justice Centers made significant strides in advancing diversity, equity, and justice. These centers greatly benefited students by fostering inclusivity and promoting diversity awareness. They offered safe havens for marginalized groups to find community and care, and organized educational programs and workshops that raised awareness about social justice issues. By empowering students to advocate for positive change and seeking understanding across differences, the division created a vibrant and respectful campus environment where all students can thrive academically and socially.

The Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity (CWGE) offered various programs and resources throughout the academic year, including violence prevention education, victim and survivor advocacy, and health and well-being resources through the Replenish food and basic needs center. Most students reported a greater understanding of different cultures after participating in CWGE programs, and those utilizing Replenish's services indicated a positive impact on their overall access to basic needs.

The Military and Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) welcomed a new director in the fall of 2023. To further build community among employees, The MVRC and  President Emeritus Tom Haas collaborated to establish the Military Veteran Faculty Staff Association. This initiative significantly strengthened the veteran community at GVSU, leading to increased participation in MVRC-sponsored events and the introduction of new programs throughout the year. One notable event was the Veterans Center's first annual “Hug a GI Week” in March 2024. This event featured yard signs on the Allendale campus showcasing 23 student veterans/active/reserve members and 17 faculty & staff veterans/active/reserve members with QR codes for "virtual hugs," generating 70 “hugs”. Additionally, the MVRC hosted a special graduation celebration. Friends, family, faculty and staff gathered at the Kirkhof Center on April 22 to honor and celebrate 19 Laker veterans and service members who graduated in the winter 2024 semester.  The Veteran Graduation Celebration was the first on campus in several years, and included congratulatory remarks from President Philomena V. Mantella and President Emeritus Thomas J. Haas,, as well as a “Waddle of Honor” during which 100 military-themed rubber ducks were released on to Zumberge Pond as a “senior send off.” 

The Office of Multicultural Affairs offered 65 vibrant programs centered on the identities of marginalized students, creating opportunities for learning about various identities within the campus community and fostering a sense of belonging for all students. Departments such as the LGBT Resource Center and Recreation & Wellness (RecWell) played a crucial role in creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.

The LGBT Resource Center's initiatives, including LGBTQIA+ Foundations training and Open Door Discussions, integrated DEI-AB principles into daily operations, increasing student awareness of diverse perspectives and enhancing inclusivity and acceptance on campus. Ten Open-Door Discussions were led this past year — facilitated by student staff and leaders, these events aimed  to meld cultural humility with academics..During 2023-2024 academic year,  the Center hosted seven student-led evening clubs and  introduced a summer Queer & Trans Meet-up that met weekly, averaging 3 students in attendance  per week. They introduced two new clubs: NeuroQueers for students who identify as LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent and General Queer Alliance for any and all LGBTQIA+ students besides first-years. A total of 152 students attended one or more of the Center’s evening clubs. Key events like Rainbow Social, Wear the Rainbow, and Lavender Graduation were highlights of the year, seeing great attendance and participation. Additionally, the Center hosted the BAMM Pride Summit —a connection for secondary school students to explore life as future Lakers. This important event is considered pathway programming for LGBTQ+ students to engage with the GVSU campus, connect with peers, and learn about the extensive resources and support available for the LGBTQ+ community. A record number of 459 people were in attendance.

Collaborating with the LGBT Resource Center, RecWell hosted joyful events like Queerapoolooza and continued popular programs like LIFT (LGBTQ Inclusive Fitness Training) and Women on Weights classes. RecWell expanded inclusivity through diverse offerings such as seated volleyball, wheelchair tennis, and goalball. Additionally, they pioneered events within the Esports center to promote inclusion for women in the gaming community, such as Women's Game Night and the Game Changers Esports team. Together, these efforts contribute to a welcoming campus environment.

Additionally, the Dean of Students Office hosted impactful student outreach efforts, such as Dinner with the Dean. During two dinner events, the Dean connected with 30 attendees from the LGBT Resource Center and leaders from Black Student Organizations to discover topics on the minds of students, foster conversation, and offer support.

The Division of Student Affairs deeply values every learner and their unique ways of learning. DSR, which registered 3,237 students with disabilities, dedicated itself to making the college experience accessible to all by integrating student support into the classroom with new services like the Accommodation Memo Consult for faculty and staff. 

RecWell partnered with the Comprehensive Therapy Center to offer programming for neurodivergent kids aged 10-14 and their caregivers, while the Children’s Enrichment Center (CEC) collaborated with GVSU’s START (Statewide Autism Resources & Training) Project and the Psychology Department. CEC staff and teachers worked closely with GVSU graduate assistants and faculty to create and implement tailored behavioral and educational support plans. This collaborative effort ensures that every child at the CEC receives equal opportunities for education and appropriate care, reflecting a commitment to supporting every learner with compassion and dedication.

The Office of Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR) has been an advocate for students by guiding them through various academic misconduct situations. Aiming to inform students about all aspects of the conduct process, and ensuring fair treatment of everyone involved, OSCCR has seen a 7.4% decrease in total incidents as compared to the 2022-23 academic year, . The highest amount of referrals came from first-year students. 

Providing personal support to our students, Housing and Residence Life (HRL) ensured every student had a safe and welcoming place to live on campus. The Gender Justice House fostered a community of students dedicated to self-exploration and actively working towards gender justice. Additionally, Gender inclusive housing was available across campus, offering students the opportunity to live with individuals they felt most comfortable with, regardless of gender.