Concerned about the wellbeing of a student?
The Dean of Students Emergency Fund helps students facing small one-time financial hardships.
Mission
We inspire and support learning for all Lakers.
Vision
To be a national leader in innovative and inclusive student affairs practice — where students and staff thrive, teams lead with heart, and impact lasts a lifetime.
Guiding Principles
Well-being
We promote holistic wellness and supportive systems that uplift our community.
Equity, Belonging, and Accessibility
We cultivate inclusive environments where all people are seen, heard, and empowered.
Community of Care
We nurture a culture of empathy, respect, and connection where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.
Accountability
We act with integrity, transparency, and responsibility, guided by our principles and informed by data.
Relationships
We foster open communication and authentic partnerships to break down barriers and reach shared goals.
Engagement
We enrich student life through dynamic, hands-on experiences that spark reflection, growth, and lifelong learning.
Division of Student Affairs Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement
The Division of Student Affairs is committed to continued excellence by learning, growing, and acting within our GVSU Laker community. We center students in everything we do and strive to create a safe and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We acknowledge that the United States has a complex history of embedded and structural inequities that create barriers for many people to full participation in public life, including in higher education. By offering dynamic opportunities for culturally informed and responsive programming, and by fostering environments for brave and rich dialogue, we strive to promote a university community that values difference. Through this work, Grand Valley Lakers are empowered to challenge oppressive systems and cultures and to create socially diverse and just environments within Grand Valley State University and our society.
Resources to Navigate Executive Orders
Grand Valley has a dedicated webpage to help Lakers navigate executive orders and other federal actions that could affect higher education or members of the GVSU community. To learn more about the university resources available to you, visit the Division of People, Equity and Culture's website.
Upcoming Events
Adult Children from Alcoholic/Addicted or Otherwise Unhealthy Family Systems (ACA)
Growing up around addiction or unhealthy family dynamics can have lasting effects. Learn about common patterns experienced by adult children of addiction and unhealthy family systems and explore strategies for building healthier relationships and copin...
Unnatural Causes (INT 100/201 approved)
Unnatural Causes is a documentary series that explores the effects of social factors on health and health care in the United States. It focuses specifically on race, socioeconomic standing, geography, and gender in its examination of well-being and lon...
Smoky Mountains National Park - OA Fall Break Trip
Trade the classroom for the trail and spend Fall Break exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Hike scenic mountain ridges, discover hidden waterfalls, camp beneath star-filled skies, and experience the outdoors like never before. This adventure...
Pumpkin Painting
Join AOD at our annual pumpkin painting event to celebrate this Halloween! Supplies will be provided and costumes are not required, but they're encouraged! Hope to see you there!
DEM 101: Election Game Night with Linc Up!
Test your civic knowledge through fun, interactive games and friendly competition! Join Linc Up! for an engaging game night where youll learn about elections, government, and voting while connecting with fellow students.
Co-occurring Issues (Substance Use & Mental Health)
Substance use and mental health can influence each other in complex ways. Learn how anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns can intersect with substance use and where to find support.