Trump’s order stated it would “return authority over education to the States and local communities,” and the President announced student aid would be shifted to the Small Business Association (SBA), an independent government agency. Closing DOE requires congressional approval. Even if it were to pass, many doubt the possibility of SBA overseeing student aid, especially in the face of staff cuts across federal agencies.

Still, the order has raised significant concern over the implications the order may have for students. However, according to Michelle Roads, the associate vice president of the University’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, GVSU has not made any preemptive changes as a result of the federal order.

“We have not heard of anything that will change from the student or parent perspective, and no changes that we know of now to any financial aid amounts,” Rhodes said. 

Many students at GVSU heavily rely on Federal Student Aid to pay for their education. Sophomore Regina Lavalle is one student who relies on government aid. She explained that neither she nor her parents can pay the full cost of tuition, especially since her little brother is also starting college. Lavalle expressed worry and frustration over the current situation. 

“If there are huge changes I am not sure I will be able to continue my education,” Lavalle said. “I rely on loans and grants to pay my tuition and am not sure I will be able to pay without them. Even if the amount just lessens, that may affect me.”

Another sophomore, Sara Duffiney, also relies on federal loans to pay for her education. For her, any large changes to financial aid would mean taking out even more private loans. This has led Duffiney to feel uncertain over what her educational journey will look like over the next few years.

“I’m not really sure what I would do if I did not receive federal loans,” Duffiney said. “My only plan as of right now involves cutting out parts of my payment to Grand Valley in the next few semesters to reduce my overall bill. Some of these (cuts) include not getting a meal plan, living off campus and not purchasing a campus parking pass.”

Rhodes said students would be notified, should any updates to financial aid occur. She concluded the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is available to answer questions from students about FAFSA and Financial Aid. In the meantime, students can visit their webpage for clarity about FASFA. 

The store on 2236 East Beltline Ave. NE joins its counterparts at the Woodland Mall in Kentwood and RiverTown Crossings in Grandville. Avid readers at Grand Valley State University have expressed enthusiasm at the thought of a new location.

“They’re (bookstores) so important because young people care enough to support things that matter and books matter,” said GVSU sophomore Claire Dillon. “Reading is so good for you. You’re strengthening your own vocabulary and mind, as well as developing a fun and engaging habit. It’s a win-win.”

According to WOOD-TV, Barnes & Noble is experiencing “tremendous growth,” with 60 locations set to open nationwide this year.

The store’s opening allows those in the greater Grand Rapids area, including students, to have increased access to books. Deanna Endlein, the new location’s deputy assistant manager believes it is very important for college towns to have ample supplies of books.

“Having the ability of books to read, opens you to different viewpoints,” Endlein explained. 

Sophie Gemmen is a GVSU student who works at an independent bookstore. Like Dillon, she is delighted about the new Barnes & Noble.

“The new location is exciting,” said Gemmen. “I love physically shopping for books and new physical bookstores provide more opportunities and resources for communities to do so.”

Gemmen said she typically visits Barnes & Noble in Holland to avoid the mall traffic of the Grandville store. With the new closer location, she said she might switch the Barnes & Noble she shops at. Touching on her employment experience, Gemmen also mentioned the importance of small bookstores.

“I enjoy and go to Barnes & Noble relatively often, but as an independent bookstore employee, I love to support local shops like Cellar Bird, Orchard House and Schuler Books, so I tend to choose those places first,” Gemmen stated. “Cellar Bird in particular is very close to GVSU’s downtown campus, which is very convenient.” 

Gemmen said bookstores are a place to relax, drink an iced latte and surround herself with people and stories she loves.

“Having bookstores right in or near college towns helps to foster community in ways only local bookstores can,” Gemmen said.

Her advice for students who want to pursue reading as a hobby is to interact with those in the book community. 

“Book people are the best kind of people, so if you’re looking for a positive community, I definitely recommend talking with booksellers or joining a book club,” Gemmen explained. 

Endlein also noted that students should find enjoyable books and stressed the importance of learning through reading. She acknowledged that with students’ busy schedules, it can be hard to make time for the hobby, but she feels it is a productive and entertaining way for students to use their time. 

“Even if you have a hard time making time for ‘fun reading’ during college, try to back into it because it’s worth it,” Endlein said.  “It’s nice to learn through reading, but it’s also fun just to explore. You only get one life, but through reading, you kind of get other lives and that’s awesome.”

The IFC is a student-led organization that oversees and governs the fraternity community at GVSU. The Vice President of Community Development is a bridge-building role that promotes belonging, both within the IFC and the Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) community. There has been speculation that the name change is in relation to current equity and inclusion policies being ushered in nationwide by the Trump administration. However, according to the Associate Director of Student Life Jeremy Paul, that is not the reason for the change.

“Several states have passed laws at the state level that have led to (the) re-framing of diversity, equity and inclusion work, however, the move by the GVSU IFC is not in response to laws in other states,” said Paul.

Dylan Mason, the vice president of Community Development, further emphasized Paul’s point.

“When I was elected as the JEDI chair at the beginning of the Winter 2025 semester, I was honored and excited to be Phi Kappa Tau’s first representative on the IFC Executive Board,” said Mason. “That excitement remains as strong as ever. These changes are designed to better align with the goals and direction of the IFC.”

Mason added that his position has always been about fostering connections in the GVSU community.

“(My role) serves as a bridge between the Interfraternity Community, the broader Fraternity & Sorority Life network and the greater GVSU community to ensure a sense of belonging for all,” stated Mason.

The new title is meant to improve the clarity of the position’s goals and convey expanded responsibilities.

“The title of vice president of Community Development clearly communicates its goals, while also continuing to support the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within the Interfraternity Council,” Paul stated.

Mason described that his role plays a vital part in shaping a positive Greek Life experience at the University by helping members feel supported and connected.

“By further developing this position to align with the structure of other FSL councils, we enhance its (the role’s) long-term effectiveness and impact,” Mason said. “That’s why I am honored to be the one leading this role into its next chapter, embracing its new name and position on the GVSU stage.”

In the future, Paul hopes the changes will provide more direction for the vice president role. He emphasized that he wants more people to feel like they can “find a home” in the University’s FSL community.

 “I’m looking forward to seeing how our fraternities can rise to the occasion of prioritizing belonging and community with the further expansion of the Community Development role,” Paul said.

Paul explained that justice, equity, diversity and inclusion remain a priority of both the IFC and FSL.

“Our Greek Standards and Assessment Program specifically assesses chapter performance in the area of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, along with seven other categories, and will continue to do so during the 2025 calendar year,” Paul stated. 

Although neither Paul nor Mason have heard student feedback regarding the change, they both welcome comments on how IFC can better support students in these areas. 

The Hauenstein Center’s Common Ground Initiative convened the panel, and aimed to discuss leadership challenges facing the major political parties, internal calls for reform and governmental squabbles. After the initial panel, there was a Q&A section from the audience, which gave individual attendees a chance to express their personal concerns. 

The panelists included Kevin Portteus, a politics professor and director of American Studies at Hillsdale College, Christina Wolbrecht, a professor at the University of Notre Dame and Donald Zinman, a professor at GVSU. Each panelist was asked a series of questions regarding topics ranging from party representation, takeaways from the 2024 presidential election and the influence of money in elections. The panelists also helped to explain the current state of politics in the United States. Throughout the event, all speakers remarked that American politics are in a state of transition, realignment and polarization on both sides. 

“We have a kind of realignment that I don’t think we’ve really seen since the 1930s,” said Portteus. “(It’s) not just about one party or another coming to power, but a fundamental scrambling of coalitions.” 

Wolbrecht mentioned the two-party system has consistently gone through historical periods of change, much like American society’s seeing right now.

“Parties are amazingly adaptable,” Wolbrecht stated. “Throughout our history, they have remade themselves, remade their functions (and) how they work in response to changing economic, political and social conditions.”

Zinman highlighted challenges the Democratic Party will have to overcome following its loss in the 2024 presidential election and the right-wing political dominance that has transpired. He explained the party has to find new leadership and redefine its appeals to voters.

“It’s normal for a party that has lost an election across the board to go through these growing pains,” Zinman said. “It can be kind of a painful process, but it has to happen if they’re (the Democratic Party) going to be a winning apathy again.” 

Wolbrecht discussed how America’s political shift has put the country into a period of uncertainty, which makes it hard to predict what could happen in future elections. She explained that political scientists explain current trends rather than predict future ones. This confusion and uncertainty can cause voters, especially those of younger generations, to have feelings of anxiety or even anger surrounding politics.

“I think that no matter what the time or place, there are always going be these large forces in the world you can’t control,” Wolbrecht said. “They (political actions) really have a big impact on your life, and (that’s) challenging.”

Her advice for young people navigating this era of uncertainty is to find issues they care about, and become involved in the local community. Wolbrecht mentioned such actions are a way for young voters to “feel like they are making a dent.” 

“The people who have the biggest effect are the ones you show up,” Wolbrecht said. “That’s (engaging in politics) the most effective thing you can do.” 

Trustees discussed the development of new courses, majors and programs, and brought attention to systematic and technological commitments in the University’s future. The BOT also touched on societal and political forces pressuring higher education institutions; however, some attendees wished to see more direct conclusions on that front.

The new degree programs, expected to be released for the Fall 2025 semester, include a bachelor’s and master’s in artificial intelligence and software engineering. These programs were co-designed with input from industry partners during the College of Computing’s August brainstorming sessions to ensure courses align with real-world, industry needs. 

According to an article published on the School of Computing’s website, the AI and software engineering programs will provide students with cutting-edge skills in the fields and make GVSU a leader in computing education.

The AI program features training in robotics, human-AI interaction, computer vision, natural language processing and cybersecurity, with a strong emphasis on ethical AI and human-centered design. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in AI systems, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, edge and cloud artificial intelligence and human-centered artificial intelligence.

The software engineering program will allow students to gain hands-on experience with technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, data analytics, virtual reality and embedded systems. Learning such skills would help ensure graduates have the expertise needed to build reliable, efficient and cost-effective software systems.

The BOT also approved three motions for charter schools in the area. These included the authorization of a new Montessori school, the renewal of seven existing charter schools and the reappointment of school board members.

President Philomena Mantella also took the time to address uncertainty in educational and political climates. Despite national ambiguity, she acknowledged GVSU maintains a responsibility to support students’ development in an educational environment. 

“In a world full of uncertainty, there is a certainty in our strength,” Mantella said. “We will turn tensions and the unpredictable winds of change into an ability to unleash GVSU value, GVSU people and our ability to adapt without distraction from our own personal mission.” 

GVSU Professor Andrew Spear spoke to the BOT during the meeting’s public comment portion, reflecting on Mantella’s speech. He was able to find parallels between his sentiment and ideas conveyed by Mantella, a sign that, to him, was “very encouraging.”

Spear claimed all universities are currently facing pressure and hostility, which ultimately affects students’ education. He warned against the threat of short-term thinking and unchecked leadership, restating that the University’s foundational goals uphold education.

Spear drew connections from literature written by Hannah Arendt, a German-Jewish intellectual, author and refugee, relaying dubiety in the future of education. He recited a quote from Arendt’s 1954 work “The Crisis in Education.” 

“To preserve the world against the morality of its creators and inhabitants it must be constantly set anew,” Spear recited. “Education is the point at which we decide whether we love the world enough to assume responsibility for it, and by the same token, save it from that ruin, which, except for renewal, except for the coming of the new and young, would be inevitable.”

Spear said it’s natural to make compromises in the face of adversity. However, he added that such compromises shouldn’t sacrifice integral values of educational institutions.

“Compromise can go too far if it distorts or undermines our mission (at GVSU),” Spear said.

The first episode was released on Tuesday, Feb. 4, and featured History Professor Matthew Daley. Daley is an urban historian who has been a member of GVSU’s faculty since 2004. His work focuses on U.S. history and important topics such as affordable housing and the impact of race, class and labor on communities. The conversation included what inspires him as a historian, his approach to student engagement and his current research focus.

Chirs Knape, assistant vice president of University Communications, said Mantella is excited to highlight knowledge within the faculty community.

“This (the podcast) was just one more way for her (Mantella) to shine a light on the work that they’re (faculty) doing and to build closer relationships with them (faculty),” said Knape.

Podcast guests are chosen based on suggestions from each college’s dean.

“This is actually something that we’ve worked with the deans of each college (on),” said Knape. “The deans of the colleges were asked to bring forward candidates for the podcast, and President Mantella is choosing from among the pool of who’s available based on who’s interested and who’s recommended.”

So far, the project seems to be welcomed by staff members at GVSU. Philosophy Professor Andrew Spear thinks the podcast is a great way for professors to share their passions and educate others.

“I think the podcast is a nice way to spotlight what some faculty are doing at GVSU,” Spear said. “In general, professors at GVSU feel appreciated when (their) passions and work are recognized and valued. The podcast is new, and it will be curious to see how it develops, but I think it is a nice step.”

Upon listening to the podcast’s first episode, Spear admires the thoughtful questions, focus and attention given to little details, such as the theme being composed by the University’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

“I appreciate little touches like that (the theme), as they highlight the richness of talent and expertise that GVSU has to offer,” said Spear. “I’ll be curious to see how it develops.”

Len O’Kelly, associate director of GVSU’s School of Communications, shared similar sentiments regarding the new faculty podcast.

“I think it’s a nice way to connect on an informal level,” said O’Kelly. “It’s (the podcast) got great potential. I think it’s a nice way to get to know people across campus that we may not necessarily cross paths. There are many interesting people in the GVSU community that we might not otherwise meet.”

However, O’Kelly also offered critiques of ways the podcast format could be improved. O’Kelly feels the podcast is targeted toward other faculty members and administrators.

“Honestly, I think the target audience here is wrong,” O’Kelly stated. “A podcast aimed at students to get to know people they work with on their educational journey might be more useful.”

He feels the podcast’s tone is very “work-centric,” and that asking professors more about their personal lives might help build stronger bonds between faculty and students.

“There’s an opportunity, I think, to showcase the people that make up the GVSU community as people and not just as researchers,” said O’Kelly. “It might greatly benefit faculty to have another means to connect on a personal level with a changing student population.”

In addition to these critiques, O’Kelly also expressed hope for future student involvement in the podcast.

“I’m wondering, are any students involved in the production of this podcast?” O’Kelly questioned. “This seems like a great opportunity for a particular major program to have students gaining practical experience by using skills they already possess.”

According to the article, RICE has the potential to delay the healing process. Icing an injured area and resting reduces the amount of blood flow, and can slow down recovery. Todd Buckingham, a movement science professor at Grand Valley State University, said blood flow is essential to healing.

“One of the ways the body heals injuries is through increased blood flow to (an) injured area,” said Buckingham. “Increasing blood flow to the area brings oxygen and nutrients that can help the body heal. There are also cells that can help fight infection and repair (a) wound, like white blood cells. By icing the affected area, you are decreasing blood flow, which inhibits the amount of repair and healing that can occur.”

RICE can still be used, but it should not be a long-term plan for recovery. 

“RICE can still be helpful in certain situations, such as managing pain and swelling immediately after an injury occurs,” Buckingham said. “However, its use should be limited to immediately post-injury.”

Two of the new methods, MEAT and PEACE, focus on movement and improving patients’ recovery time. MEAT stands for movement, exercise, analgesics (pain medication) and treatment. PEACE means protection, elevation, avoiding anti-inflammatories, compression and education.

MEAT consists of light, pain-free motion under the supervision of a coach, doctor or athletic trainer.

“By gently moving the affected area, you can increase blood flow, which will increase the amount of healing and repair that can occur,” Buckingham said.  “Obviously, there is such a thing as too much movement, which is why it’s important to check with your doctor before doing anything too strenuous.”

PEACE is an approach that puts more emphasis on education. The more informed a patient is about their injury, the better equipped they will be to manage recovery. PEACE prevents patients from doing too much too soon, while still doing functional movement to heal their injury.

Both of these practices can then be followed by LOVE– load, optimism, vascularization and exercise. This protocol is typically used four to five days after injury, and still focuses on movement and increasing blood flow to improve recovery. However, unlike MEAT and PEACE, having the right mindset is a pillar for this approach. 

Maintaining positivity during healing is something Leeyah Samuels believes is necessary. Samuels is a student-athlete on GVSU’s track and field team. Having had minor injuries in the past, she’s familiar with RICE, but believes that if she knew of other methods, her recoveries would’ve been different. Samuels stated the road to recovery is ultimately easier with a good attitude. 

“I strongly believe mindset is a big part of recovery,” Samuels said. “You have to stay positive and be patient while your body heals itself. It is very easy for us to doubt ourselves and our ability to perform after we get back from an injury. Your mind will make you believe that you are unable when you are more than capable.”

House Bill 5436 allows Michigan pharmacists to write prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, emergency contraceptive pills, patches and vaginal rings. House Bill 5435 requires insurance companies to cover the cost of pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception in the State. Michigan’s state licensing agency and pharmacy board have until the fall 2026 to create the rules of each law’s rollout, according to the Detroit Free Press. 

“Today, I’m signing commonsense bills to further protect everyone’s fundamental freedom to make their own decisions about their own body,” Whitmer said at the legislations’ signing. “These bills will save women time and money so they can access the birth control they need and cut unnecessary red tape that stands between people and their health care.”

According to Michigan.gov, there is a shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYN) in the state. In one-third of Michigan’s 83 counties, there are no OB-GYNs at all. This healthcare shortage impacts thousands of State residents. House Bill 5435 recognizes the vital role of pharmacists in reproductive healthcare.

Heather Alberda is the health promotion specialist at GVSU’s Center for Health and Well-being. She said birth control is essential, and claimed the new legislation will make it more accessible for student communities that need access.

“Access to birth control is essential for everyone, especially our GVSU students,” Alberda said. “It can prevent unplanned pregnancies, promote health and well-being, provide empowerment and autonomy, reduce financial stress, support emotional and mental health and promote healthy relationships.”

To GVSU student Abrianna Imbrogno, birth control is necessary to keep her body healthy and regulated. Imbrogno said she needs birth control to help regulate her menstrual cycles so she doesn’t develop uterine cancer or ovarian cysts. Although she hasn’t experienced much difficulty accessing birth control, Imbrogno worries if she will have enough medication due to her insurance.

“Insurance companies only cover some brands of birth control, and only some brands send out multiple months (worth of medicine),” Imbrogno said. “Most of the time I never know if I will have enough for a couple months unless I ask my insurance company.” 

Imbrogno said she hopes both House bills will help her and others. 

“I think the (bills) signed in Michigan (are) a great step moving forward,” Imbrogno said. 

Alberda said limitations to birth control access can prevent some students from understanding their health and taking care of themselves.

“We know there are barriers (such as) cost, location, transportation, general availability (and) stigma around sexual health to access,” Alberda said. “The Center for Health and Well-being is committed to ensuring all students have access and knowledge of sexual health services both on and off campus.” 

Alberda said the center offers a variety of resources to students. These resources include emergency conception, Opill (a birth control pill available over the counter without a prescription) and STI/HIV testing in collaboration with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. Other support programs at the center include presentations focused on sexual health. The Center for Health and Well-being will also host Sex Ed Week on campus from Feb. 10-14.

The unpredictability of climate change prompts questions from researchers and uncertainty from climate change deniers. However, irregular weather events have spurred many to look to climate change as the source. Erratic events like rampant fires in Los Angeles, blizzards in Southern states and even inconsistent Michigan winters are all signs of climate change, but it’s not the sole culprit.

A recent story published by The Atlantic warns of unforeseen effects of climate change and pollution, stating the “coming decades may be far worse, and far weirder” than even the most advanced technology can illustrate.

Robert Hollister, a professor of biology at GVSU, draws from 20 years of experience as an educator in environmental science to insist on a different conclusion. Hollister said current erratic weather events were predicted, to some degree, almost 30 years ago.

“I can say with great confidence that the events happening now (sea level rise, hurricane intensity, drought, flooding and fires) were predicted in the 1990s,” Hollister said. “You can go back, read the literature and find, in broad terms, (that) it (the literature) was accurate.”

Though historical predictions offer only generalizations about climate change’s impacts, an argument can be made that some predication is enough indication to rebuke the claim spotlighted by The Atlantic. According to Hollister, the more pertinent issue climate models have trouble predicting is the amount of greenhouse gasses being put into the atmosphere.

“In the broadest terms, the biggest uncertainty (is) about what emission of greenhouse gasses will be,” Hollister said. “We (environmental scientists) understand the impact of greenhouse gasses on the climate at broad scales.”

Laura Schneider is an associate professor of political science at GVSU. As a specialist in environmental policy, Schneider said climate change measurements are a complicated issue.

“All we have ever had to ‘predict’ climate change is computer models,” Schneider said. “Depending upon the data the computer analyses, we get different projections on what might happen to the climate.”

Schneider said that scientists have never been able to predict the future with certainty.

“What scientists are now seeing is that some of our worst-case scenarios are coming true,” Schneider said. “Some changes are happening faster than anticipated, so (climate maps) need to be adjusted with what we’re seeing now to better assess what might happen in the future.”

There are aspects of certain geographical areas more susceptible to certain events, like California’s hot, dry biome. However, Hollister said climate change still contributes to disasters’ severity. According to the World Resources Institute, “unusually severe weather conditions” led to the Palisades and Eaton fires having been some of the deadliest wildfires in California history.

“Climate change makes wildfires more likely, and more likely to be worse,” Hollister said. “But any given fire is a result of the weather at that moment in time, and other factors like land use and fire suppression (play a role).”

Schneider agreed, pointing to the contribution of industrial factors like zoning and building codes to the already prominent fire risk in Southern California.

“The wildland/urban interface and the geography of the region made it a bad situation when fire erupted,” Schneider said. “It wasn’t one or two fires, it was a handful, (which was) beyond expected. Climate change is, in part, about the unprecedented, (and) we certainly see that here.”

In Michigan, changes in precipitation, extreme temperature swings and intense storms are the result of global warming. Inconsistent, unpredictable weather patterns have caused a slew of issues in agriculture. One of the most distinct effects of climate change here is sparse ice coverage on the Great Lakes.

Other obvious conditions are visible on ”ozone action days” during Michigan summers, when residents are advised to limit outdoor activities for health reasons.

“Warmer air is more likely to have ozone and other unhealthy compounds,” Hollister said. “That said, fires in Canada have greatly impacted Michigan summers due to smoke.”

Consequences will persist and conditions will worsen if there is not more aggressive legislative action from the U.S. government. Governmental orders addressing the root of climate change at state and federal levels are inconsistent and incomplete, according to Schneider.

“We do not have a federal policy that directly addresses the problem of climate change,” Schneider said. “We have policies at the federal level that address pieces of climate change, like investment in renewable energy, (but) if we are serious about combating climate change, we need to do better.”

The equipment and renovations will be integrated in three phases, with the first phase focusing on accessibility. The remaining two phases of the update will focus on strength and functional fitness areas of the facility. The renovations act as an investment from the University to increase participation and belonging by matching the needs of the entire student body.

The Rec Center is a community-oriented health facility that is frequented by many GVSU students and community members. Director of Recreation & Wellness Aaron Mowen said the facility will continue to foster “stronger community connections, support mental health and provide equitable access to recreation” for students.

The new equipment will include treadmills, bikes and ellipticals made by the brand Technogym. When used with the Technogym app, users will be able to track workouts, communicate their progress with coaches and instructors, access guided workouts and utilize streaming services.

“The introduction of Technogym equipment enhances engagement through interactive workouts, gamified challenges and virtual coaching, while the Technogym app allows users to track progress, set goals and check equipment availability in real-time,” Mowen said. “These efforts, combined with strategic facility updates and inclusive programming, help break down barriers to participation, reinforcing a sense of belonging and community.”

The newly-minted, inclusive workout space features equipment that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The room highlights a first-of-its-kind “REV pulley” that supports precision training by users at all levels. The workout space also has a personal fitness area at the upper-track level that includes a multifunctional rack, accessories and benches for circuit training. 

“Making changes to the Recreation Center is essential for enhancing student engagement, well-being and accessibility while aligning with campus-wide goals of belonging and inclusion,” Mowen said. “This commitment is reflected in training that prioritizes approachability, accessibility and customer service to ensure that everyone feels comfortable from the moment they enter the facility.”

The University maintains a reserve fund for renovations and replacing outdated equipment, according to Mowen. 

“This financial planning ensures that the facility can continuously evolve to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff while maintaining a high standard of quality and accessibility,” said Mowen.

As well as upgrades to the center itself, the intramural sports program is also expanding so that students of all abilities can participate. Adaptive sports such as pickleball, wheelchair basketball, goal ball, seated volleyball, tennis and flag football are expected to host additional sessions. 

Carson Smith, a sophomore at GVSU, is excited about the updated intramural sports program. Smith is part of the University’s intramural soccer and volley programs, and is hoping to participate in the accessible flag football sessions. 

“I enjoy (intramural) sports because they allow me to keep playing sports I love, without the time commitment and stress of playing club sports,” Smith said. 

Dakota Francoeur, the intramural sports coordinator at GVSU, said the inclusive sport programs are for all students, not just those who may need different accommodations.

“A lot of people look at adaptive sports as something they can’t do because they don’t have a disability,” Francoeur told GVNext. “We (in intramural sports) want to make an inclusive environment for the students that need it, but also a space to educate those that don’t.”

By purchasing new equipment and developing more inclusive health facilities, the Rec Center hopes to meet student feedback and industry standards with innovative and accessible solutions to better accommodate all students.