LGBT Faculty Association survey reveals deadnaming, pronoun disregard at GV

In their end-of-year newsletter, members of the LGBT Faculty and Staff Association (LGBT FSA) at Grand Valley State University reflected on LGBTQIA+ issues in the campus’ culture. A member survey illustrates trends in opinion regarding the University’s inclusivity, revealing persistent issues among faculty and staff with disregard of pronouns and identifiers. Several responses called out the University’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) for lack of cooperation and communication, including denying LGBT FSA a mechanism for advocacy work.

LGBT FSA is an affinity group at the University that works to foster a safer and more inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender faculty and staff members. The group analyses policies and practices at GVSU, and promotes programs that support LGBTQIA+ workers. 

Their newsletter included results of a survey that was sent out to LGBT FSA members, which allowed faculty and staff to express their successes and challenges of existing on campus. 52 members of the LGBT FSA responded to the survey, 80% of which advocated for a more inclusive and equitable campus climate. The results show a strong desire for more inclusivity among staff toward LGBTQIA+ individuals. Significant grievances expressed in the survey regarded faculty being “deadnamed,” using someone’s birth name rather than their preferred name, and the misuse or disregard of pronouns.

To read Max Bufkin’s full story about the FSA survey, click here.

Federal deportation threat prompts protest, anxiety in West Michigan

As part of his first day in office on Monday, Jan. 20, President Donald Trump signed 26 executive orders that reversed 78 bills from the Biden administration, declared energy and immigration emergencies, withdrew the U.S. from various alliances and attempted to end birthright citizenship, among various other actions.  For the Latinx community in Kent and Ottawa Counties, the president’s actions stirred upset and brought citizens to their feet in protest.

Trump halted immigration asylum until further notice, shutting down the CBP One app, which allowed immigrants to submit information and organize travel through customs and border control virtually, as well as canceling thousands of appointments and flights that were already scheduled for refugees. However, Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge. 

These orders have major implications for undocumented immigrants in the United States, as well as those seeking asylum from the persecution they may face in their home countries. The growing concerns spurred an active response from Kent and Ottawa County residents.

During Trump’s inauguration, more than 100 activists marched through Grand Rapids in protest of Trump’s immigration orders. The protest was organized by two local immigration advocacy groups, Movimiento Cosecha and GR Rapid Response. 

To read more about deportation concerns in West Michigan, click here.

Federal aid uncertainty strikes fear among GV community

On Monday, Jan. 27 President Donald Trump announced that all federal financial aid would be temporarily frozen, which sent students and federal aid-reliant organizations into an uproar. The executive order was then blocked by the U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan, temporarily pausing Trump’s effort to freeze funding. 

Trump’s push to freeze aid would mean that any program federally funded, excluding health insurance, social security and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, would not receive funding. Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the government’s Office of Management and Budget, wrote in an official memo, “The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equality, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a water of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve” 

Despite the freeze being paused, Grand Valley State University did not waste any time ensuring students that, at the time, they would be unaffected by Trump’s action. An email, which was signed by the University’s Vice President of the Division of Enrollment Development & Educational Outreach, B. Donta Truss, stated GVSU was carefully monitoring actions from federal officials. The email also confirmed that Pell Grants and other federal student aid loans would not be impacted by any administrative order or memo.

To read more about federal aid concerns, click here.

Religious artwork causes controversy at GV

A painting displayed in the Russel H. Kirkhof Center has ignited controversy at Grand Valley State University due to its depiction of Christian religious figures. The piece, titled “Pétalos De Cambio” (“Petals of Change”), was created by Irlanda Beltran for her graphic design senior thesis exhibition, and bought by the University for $1,800. The controversial piece of artwork, which has caused a stir among students and state lawmakers, was taken down on Thursday, Feb. 6 for relocation.

One of three panels in the 8-by-10 foot installation depicts a gun pointing toward Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Catholic apparition of the Virgin Mary. According to the GVSU Art Gallery, the piece’s supposed intention is “to raise awareness around issues such as gender-based violence, mental health, gun control and homophobia,” especially in Mexico.

Christopher Knape, the assistant vice president of University Communications, gave some insight into the University’s decision to purchase and display Beltran’s piece.

“Our museum staff have conversations on every piece of artwork that comes into Grand Valley’s collection,” Knape said. “There is a collections committee that reviews every piece that comes into the collection, including student work.”

To read more about the removal of this painting, click here.

Federal guidelines cue GV leadership to shrink Title IX, DEI protections

In adherence to federal policy changes, Grand Valley State University’s People, Equity and Culture Division (PECD) released a new version of the University’s Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment and Misconduct (SLT 9.1) on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The new policy reverts the University’s Title IX protections back to a precedent set in 2020.

GVSU’s current policy grants more protections to those accused of sexual misconduct, minimizes LGBTQ+ protections and is in line with a federal ruling that deemed the requirement of identity-affirming behavior to be a violation of free speech.

During President Donald Trump’s first administration, former Secretary of Education and West Michigan native Betsy Devos made revisions to Title IX federal law that were seen as controversial. Devos expanded protections for students accused of sexual misconduct in efforts of “ensuring a fair grievance process.” The revisions minimized definitions of sexual misconduct and required cross-examination of the accuser for statements in a case to be considered. 

The University’s policies have continually aligned with each presidential administrations’ Title IX changes. Under former President Joe Biden, the University’s 2022 policy included “unwelcome conduct based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or pregnancy” within definitions of misconduct. Those specific definitions remain largely intact in the current policy but are now subject to change.

To read more about changes to University policy, click here.

GV community members push back against anti-trans speaker

On Thursday, March 13, Grand Valley State University’s chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) hosted a speaking event featuring Chloe Cole, a political activist who opposes gender-affirming care.

The event, which was titled “Exposing the Trans-Agenda: A Talk With a Detransitioner,” was held at the Russel H. Kirkhof Center. The speaking event’s title and guest garnered outrage from many University students, especially those who identify as transgender. Several counter-demonstrations were held on campus, and attended by students and community members in order to show support for the transgender community.

The University’s TPUSA chapter claimed on Instagram that the event was not an attack on the transgender community, and that their actions were protected under the First Amendment. GVPD officers were present at the talk, as TPUSA requested security. Photographers, including Lanthorn staff, were barred from entering the event.

The talk outlined the views of both Cole and TPUSA, which are that transgender people pose a threat to femininity, the government and children. During the talk’s Q&A section, Cole expressed opposition to gender-affirming care for all transgender individuals, including adults, and described being transgender as a “choice.” Several students who were in attendance felt Cole’s evidence was primarily based on personal anecdotes, and not factual information. 

To read more about this event and the response, click here.

Federal investigation launched into GV scholarships

On Friday, March 14, the U.S. Department of Education announced it is launching investigations into 52 universities as part of a large-scale initiative targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. Grand Valley State University was listed as one of seven schools being investigated specifically for “alleged impermissible race-based scholarships and race-based segregation.” The University received notice from the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) regarding the investigation.

The investigation into GVSU is in response to a federal complaint filed in January by the Equal Protection Project (EPP), which alleged that 11 University scholarships for BIPOC students violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. 

GVSU President Philomena Mantella released a statement on Friday in response to the investigation.

“Our legal team is currently reviewing this communication from OCR and gathering information to inform the university’s response and next steps,” Mantella said. “GVSU will continue to lean into its values while maintaining compliance with the law.”

To read more about the federal investigation, click here. 

Reports: Ottawa commissioner concealed firearm at GV, despite policy

An Ottawa County commissioner brought a concealed firearm onto Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus earlier this month. Although administration and staff were notified quickly, the University’s response time to the incident is questionable, despite a firm policy that prohibits such behavior.

Commissioner Joe Moss was one of many community members who traveled to GVSU on Thursday, March 13, to hear a speech given by Chloe Cole, an anti-trans activist. During the time Moss was on campus for the event, which was held by the GVSU chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), multiple complaints were made to University administration and the campus police department stating that Moss was carrying a concealed firearm, which violates the University’s Weapons Policy. 

Those who reported Moss to GVPD said the University did not act quickly enough, nor appropriately, in addressing the policy violation. Although University leadership, including public safety officials, claim immediate action was taken, Moss remained on university property for over half an hour before he was told by a GVSU official to leave campus. 

The incident raises questions about how GVPD procedure is set up to respond to reports of weapons on campus, even if they aren’t active threats.

To read more about this incident, click here.

Students react to CAB Spring Concert cancellation

On Thursday, March 27, Grand Valley State University’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) announced on Instagram that the annual spring concert, which was set to take place in April, is canceled.

The concert is a favorite tradition of many GVSU students, as it first began in 2009 and has been a highly-anticipated event ever since. The post, which reads as follows, expresses CAB’s apologies and disappointment in the event’s unfortunate turn, and highlights efforts made to book artists despite implied multiple rejections.

“After careful consideration, we regret to announce the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 Spring Concert,” the statement declared. “We are sorry, and we acknowledge the disappointment that students may experience with this decision. We’re feeling it too. Multiple offers to a variety of artists were made, and despite our efforts, none of them were accepted. It is also important to note that while the Campus Activities Board is a student-led programming body within the Office of Student Life, there are times that decisions like these are made outside of students’ control.”

To read more about the Spring Concert cancellation, click here. 

Jackson, Vanlerberghe set to lead Student Senate

Grand Valley State University’s Student Senate announced the results of their recent election on Friday, March 28. Evan Jackson and Ty Vanlerberghe were elected to serve as the next president and vice president. 20 at-Large senators were also elected, along with 19 college-specific senators. 

Prior to being elected president, Jackson joined the senate at the end of his second year at GVSU and has held the chief of staff position. Vice President-elect Vanlerberghe joined as a freshman and has served as both a general senator and public relations chair. As they prepare to step into their newly elected positions, they hope the student body sees their love and commitment for the University.

“As soon as we got the email with the official election results, we called each other as fast as we could to celebrate,” Vanlerberghe said. “The feeling was indescribable, knowing that all of our hard work had paid off and that we (have) the opportunity to lead the organization we love.”

To read more about Jackson and Vanlerberghe’s election, click here.

Homeland Security revoked two international student visas, GV says

On Monday, Grand Valley State University announced that two international students had their visas revoked by the federal government. According to the Division of People, Equity and Culture, University staff members discovered the revocation when reviewing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports. GVSU says they were not informed of the decision prior to their own review.

“That review was prompted by media reports about visas being revoked for students at other universities around the country,” said the announcement. “GVSU has not been contacted by DHS about the reasons for the visa revocations.”

 To read more about student visa revocation, click here.

“I tend to hold back on proving myself and my ability with dance,” Kyrlowicz said. “This is my moment to show my personality through movement.” 

Krylowicz’s self-choreographed solo titled “Uncharted Chapter” is a contemporary fusion with themes of resilience and perseverance, illustrating how Krylowicz views herself as a dancer. Krylowicz said she wants to focus on being herself and enjoying her last performance with the GVSU Dance Department.

“There are times when we feel down, it’s (about) reminding myself it’s alright to choose me instead of second-guessing.” 

Krylowicz’s group piece titled “Interfuse” features rhythmic and free-flowing hip-hop movement accentuated with contemporary dance vocabulary. The piece explores the fusion of different genres of movement into one cohesive whole, with the dancers costumed in neon colors and elaborate makeup.

“I am just proud of the dancers that I had the amazing opportunity to work with,” Krylowicz said. “I learned how to test myself as a choreographer and also open the space to try something out of their comfort zone.” 

At the beginning of the winter semester, Krylowicz, Armijo, Glover and Bernhardt began the enormous task of creating, funding and performing a complete dance concert. Every part of the showcase was organized by the group, from auditioning dancers, choreographing a group piece and a self-performed solo, raising money for tech production, setting lighting trees and hauling chairs into the performance space. 

“Capstones are so special,” said Jenna Altman, who danced in Armijo’s group piece. “I’m really excited to perform the amazing works these seniors have created, especially after going through the same process last semester.”

Armijo’s group piece titled “Corporeal Projections (Of what we can’t control)” used themes of emotional identity to portray the complexity of an individual’s psyche. Her cast worked together to explore the internal push and pull within a person’s illustration of self.

“Essentially, the group piece is about acknowledging who this person in the dance is thus far in life: the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful,” Armijo said. “It’s a melancholic sort of vibe. We can see the struggle, but we also see the strength.”

Armijo added that the piece is informed by her own personal journey of growth in the last four years. Her solo also portrays similar themes in a deeper, more personal context. 

Altman said that performing in Armijo’s group piece was cathartic, as it landed in a personal place for her.

“The piece feels good to perform because I was given the chance to identify with the character and relate it to myself,” Altman said. “The piece was literally built for me to express the feelings Emma had in her vision, and in dancing it, I can identify an authentic emotional experience that is also true to me.”

Some dancers were cast in multiple group pieces, such as Haley Rosendale, who performed in both Armijo and Glover’s pieces. Rosendale said that participating in senior capstone projects is one of the most rewarding experiences in the semester. 

“My favorite part about dance capstones is getting to work alongside amazing dancers,” Rosendale said. “The connections that are formed throughout the process are really special.”

Glover’s group piece is titled “A Reflection of Me,” featuring a blend of contemporary ballet movement in a dynamic routine. Through this and his solo, titled “Unseen,” Glover was inspired to explore the authenticity and vulnerability in the choreography as a reflection of finding his own way during his time at GVSU.

“It’s about my journey in college, feeling alone and lost,” Glover said. “(It’s about) dealing with obstacles that came my way over the years and how God has helped me overcome those battles.”

Bernhardt’s solo was also a reflection on the obstacles she’s overcome, and was composed of contemporary and modern movements. Her group piece, “When the Dust Settles,” was an interpretation of the effects of societal challenges on individuals. 

“This has been a lovely process with my beautiful dancers, and I couldn’t be more grateful for them,” Bernhardt said. “Our rehearsals have always made me smile, even if I was having a bad day. I am so proud of their hard work and contribution to this process, I cannot thank them enough.”

GVSU dancer Kennedy Maynard, who performed in two of the pieces, said she finds the senior capstone projects a creative and inviting way to work with her friends. 

“My favorite part of the capstone process is getting the opportunity to connect with everyone during rehearsals,” Maynard said. “These groups are such a great support system throughout the semester, and it is nice to have people to lean on inside and outside of rehearsals.” 

Krylowicz, Armijo, Glover and Bernhardt all said they felt a special connection while working with their dancers to put on the showcase. “Moiré Patterns” was a reflection of their own unique illustrations of identity under an artistic lens and their all-encompassing, end-of-year send-off. 

“Credit overload” is a phrase used to describe college students who have registered for more courses than what is required for full-time enrollment. At GVSU, the requirement for students to

receive full-time status is to register for at least 14 credit hours per semester. According to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, there were nearly 2,000 students at the University enrolled in 16 or more credit hours during the Fall 2024 semester.

During the fall semester, there were two students enrolled in 23 credit hours, and 14 students enrolled in 20 credit hours. 23 hours is the highest number of credits a student has taken in the last four years. This is higher than the current cap on enrollment standard published by the GVSU Registrar’s Office, which states a student can take no more than 20 credit hours. Every scenario where a student wishes to take more than 20 credits has to be approved on a case-by-case basis by the Student Academic Success Center at the University.

This data shows that college students are managing fuller schedules, with multiple classes

demanding their attention and mental energy, on top of homework, extracurriculars and often, other jobs. Most students taking over 16 credits in one semester feel it is the most time-efficient way to graduate from GVSU within four years. However, for some students, pushing their limits to graduate on time has caused stress, sleep deprivation and little to no downtime.

GVSU charges an additional fee for any student with credit overload status upon their course registration and enrollment. Depending on the amount of credits a student has already earned, that student must pay an additional charge for every credit hour past 15 credits. This means that if a student were to take 20 credits each for eight semesters, they would be paying an additional $3,070 to $4,515, not to mention any additional tuition charges based on the courses they’re in.

Pamela Wells is the associate vice president and registrar at GVSU, as well as a professor of mathematics. Wells said it is possible to get a degree in four years without being considered credit overload, however, being able to do so may depend on several factors. Major changes, program requirements, the number of degrees a student is enrolled in and repeating or withdrawing from courses can all play a role.

“The ideal credit load varies based on multiple factors,” Wells stated. “How much is the student working? Do they have childcare responsibilities? If other factors allow, taking 15 credits per semester is the most fiscally advantageous for a student and helps complete 120 credits within four years.“

According to Wells, the number of credits per course is decided at the liberty of approval by the University’s Division of Academic Affairs and faculty governance, in accordance with the Higher Learning Commission. The Higher Learning Commission is an American organization that accredits colleges and universities so they can grant degrees.

Mike Messner is the director of the Student Success Programs and the chair of the University’s Academic Review Committee. Messner said when he receives a request for course overload from

a student, there are several factors he considers before he makes a decision to approve or deny their request.

A student’s GPA over the last several semesters and their previous course completion rate are some of the first things considered when determining their aptitude for handling extended course requirements. Courses being requested for override, other courses scheduled for that semester, letters of support from faculty or advisors and advising notes are also weighed in the decision, according to Messner.

“I am trying to take a holistic look at how the student is doing and make a decision on if I believe that the student will be successful if the overload is approved,” Messner said. “If I have strong concerns about the possibility of the student being successful, I will deny it, but I generally attempt to have a conversation with the student letting them know why I am denying the request.”

Messner said that personally connecting with students can also help reveal additional information that factors into his decision.

GVSU senior Makenna Krylowicz has taken between 18 and 20 credits every semester since her freshman year. Krylowicz is double majoring in exercise science and dance, both of which are majors that involve heavy lifting outside of scheduled class time. As a matter of fact, 27% of dance majors are double majoring in another subject at the University. The dance program contains the highest percentage of double majors for any program with less than 100 students at GVSU.

Krylowicz felt she had no choice but to take more credits than the requirement if she wanted to graduate within four years. Despite this, a typical day in her life could look like the busiest day of the semester for another student.

“I didn’t have a choice to cut my credits down, unless I wanted to be here (in college) for five to six years, due to none of my classes overlapping,” Krylowicz said. “I am someone who constantly needs to keep myself busy or else I will have no motivation.”

Krylowicz said she wasn’t shocked that so many GVSU students are taking over 16 credits each semester. Krylowicz recommends speaking with faculty advisors about “what scheduling works” because advisors best understand each course’s workload.

“I will say that if someone decides to do more than 15 credits, make sure you have a purpose,” Krylowicz said. “I stress this because being a stereotypical college student like you see in the movies is not the same when having more than 15 credits.”

GVSU senior Hannah Bernhardt also is enrolled in 20 credits this semester. Bernhardt is a dance and advertising double major, maintains a social media and outreach internship, participates in extracurricular dance performances and choreography competitions, and is in Momentum, a dance organization on campus.

“I definitely feel as though taking a large amount of credits has inhibited me,” Bernhardt said. “I have copious amounts of homework that take up a large portion of my day and stress me out.”

Bernhardt said that if she were to give advice to students considering a similar course of study, she would warn them to carefully and meticulously plan. She said that for her, it’s necessary to work ahead in every class, or else the entire semester will quickly unravel.

“I have lost sleep trying to balance school with my personal life due to the nature of all the assignments,” Bernhardt said. “Between school, work and speaking time with my friends, I do not have much time for myself or to sit still.”

Many of the largest programs at the University, including education, finance and psychology also contain the highest number of students whose enrollment status exceeds full-time. Many students in these programs are also pursuing second majors.

Enrollment data shows that the education program has the highest number of credit-overload students, as 108 of the 652 students enrolled in the education program took 16 or more credit hours last semester. During the fall semester throughout the last four years, 606 total education students have been enrolled in 16 or more credit hours.

Ashley Shannon is the interim director of the Academic Advising Center in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at GVSU. Shannon is also a professor in the University’s Department of English.

Shannon said education majors are required to double major. Education students’ second majors are specific content areas that they plan to teach.

“A significant part of the reason education students have a high rate of over 15 credits (per) semester is because of their student teaching semesters,” Shannon said. “This is especially true if that student has a teachable minor or an additional endorsement area. (It) is possible but challenging to complete (their degree) in four years without having at least some (over 15 credit semesters).

The finance program at GVSU contains the second highest number of credit-overload students, with 452 students having been registered for 16 or more credit hours in the fall over the past four years. Data collected from the Office of Institutional Analysis shows that 18% of all students majoring in finance at GVSU also have another major.

Ryan Gilmore is a double major in finance and accounting at GVSU, has taken 16 credits, completed two internships and works an off-campus job. He is also the president of Seidman IPO (Investment Portfolio Organization), a student organization at the University. In addition, Gilmore previously played hockey at the University, until a career-ending injury caused him to drop the sport.

Gilmore said he thinks the reason so many finance students surpass the full-time requirement is because there are many double major combinations within the program.

Joy Gianakura, the associate dean of the Seidman College of Business, said there is one course that often pushes finance students over the 15-credit course load. Intermediate Managerial Finance or FIN 322 is an Excel lab class with a lecture component. Gianakura said even though the class may sometimes bump students past 15 credit hours, the Excel lab is the best way for students to get comfortable with software that’s used in the field.

“Every student has a timeline they are aiming for and we do our very best to help them achieve that,” Gianakura said. “We also want to see them (students) utilize all University resources to their advantage. Our employers have shared that to properly prepare students for the work world, they should be proficient in utilizing Excel. With our finance majors, it made the best curricular sense to add content that gave students the opportunity to fully utilize Excel within their finance major.”

Class schedules are ultimately determined by the student registering for courses, as well as the requirements of the programs they are completing. Gianakura confirmed that the only semester finance students need to complete 16 credits is when they are enrolled in FIN 322. Often, those who complete the course are rewarded with their final semester requiring only 12 finance-related credits.

Gilmore said that even though the workload was heavier when taking FIN 322, his appreciation for finance outweighed the course’s extra effort.

“It’s kind of nerdy, but I love finance (and) find it really interesting, so I did enjoy (FIN 322) and I didn’t have any trouble doing the work outside of class,” Gilmore said. “Also, just by nature of the industry that I’m getting into after college, it did set me up well for knowing how to work, have a lot of homework and manage that.”

Gilmore said it’s relatively easy to manage his hectic schedule because he’s interested in each topic, even with all the extracurriculars he’s involved in.

“Obviously, there’s times (I) feel more overwhelmed, (with) exams and stuff like that,” Gilmore said. “I think it was more valuable than detrimental, learning how to organize when I was going to get stuff done, how to work when I’m tired (and) how to work when I don’t want to. Those skills are really valuable.”

The psychology program is the third leading major at GVSU for credit-overload students. Over the last four years, there have been 347 students enrolled in 16 or more credit hours during the fall semester. Enrollment data collected from the Office of Institutional Analysis also shows that one in every 14 students majoring in psychology also have another major.

Shannon said the reason why many credit-overload students are enrolled in the psychology program has been, historically, hard to pinpoint. However, she stated the psychology program has fewer credits than other majors, meaning many double majors might find psychology easier to manage.

“These students (in psychology) often have a second major or minor, and that could be playing a role (in their credit-overload status),” Shannon said. “I’d also speculate that this major sees a good number of transfer students and (that) major-changers could be playing a role, since these students might be more motivated to take higher credit loads to reduce their remaining time to graduation.”

Ana Ahmed is a double major in behavioral neuroscience and psychology with a minor in biology. Ahmed took 16 credits last semester and is also on E-Board for the Psychology Club.

Since the psychology program also requires some courses that have lab components, students are often pushed past the full-time requirement. Ahmed said she’s had at least one lab every semester. According to Ahmed, some lab classes are even prerequisites for other courses in the major, so “there isn’t much wiggle room on when you can take them.”

Ahmed wasn’t surprised by the amount of credit overload students in the psychology program. She believes the program is appealing for double majors because psychology is applicable in a variety of fields. Ahmed plans to attend grad school for occupational therapy– a move she considers uncommon for a psychology major.

“People think all psychology majors have the plan of going into traditional counseling of some sort, but a psychology major is applicable in most fields,” Ahmed said. “I have met people who are psych majors but plan on going into fields like H.R., business or marketing, as well as people who plan on furthering their education in med school, PA school or to get (a) Ph.D. in a specific field of psychology.”

Since such a large part of the student body is considered credit overload, the question arises if it is time to reconsider program requirements or reevaluate the tuition charges of students with more than 16 credits. Gianakura said each program’s major requirements are determined through consultation with an advisory board with representatives from various businesses or organizations. This is done in an effort to best adjust curricula so that they accurately reflect current job fields.

“It is unusual for us to add credits to courses, and we do not take it lightly,” Gianakura said. “The three-credit structure has been a long-time tradition in higher education. As a result, we have built our programs around that structure, (which) can be limiting at times. GVSU has always been a student-centered institution, and we do all we can to assure (that) students are well prepared for their goals upon graduation.”

The cost of attendance and the amount of time required to complete a program are pushing many students to do everything in their power to stay on course, even if it means taking 20 credit hours or more in one semester. Bernhardt said she often questions how she has even been capable of keeping up with her intense schedule.

Bernhardt and many other students stress that pacing themselves is the only way to maintain such a rigorous academics schedule, as well as multiple extracurricular activities. She warns of the impact that falling behind can have, especially when there is so little time in her schedule to compensate and catch up.

“(Work) can pile up quickly and feel overwhelming if you do not pace yourself and look at the work ahead to ensure tasks are completed on time,” Bernhardt said. “If you are someone who can handle large amounts of work at the same time, then take as many credits as you would like, but please be careful of your mental health and burnout as those can quickly deteriorate if you are not handling the situation properly.”

Determination is a common thread in every credit-overload student at the University. Every student’s path to receiving their diploma and earning their degree looks different, with unique challenges and successes. Academic, physical and mental sacrifice are not the only road to success, even while pursuing multiple degrees. Nonetheless, these trends in enrollment data and course registration have illustrated the prominence of dedication to education and perseverance that persists in GVSU’s student body.

The State of the Student Senate address was held at the University’s Cook-DeWitt Center. The address highlighted various updates from each of the Senate’s five committees, along with updates from the Senate president and vice president. In addition to discussing each committee’s policies, reestablishing faculty-student relationships and solidifying responsibilities of the new “chief of staff” position were central focuses.

Senate President Quinten Proctor opened the address by providing updates on his recent work, which included reestablishing relationships between faculty and students. To do so, Proctor has worked closely with the University Academic Senate (UAS).

“Generally, faculty care a lot about the student experience and want to ensure students are successful, so student and faculty interests are aligned in many ways,” Proctor said. “I’ve worked very closely with Courtney Karasinski, the chair of (UAS), which has helped us both have a greater understanding of student and faculty perspectives on issues.”

In March, Proctor said he plans to introduce a new bill to the Senate focusing on learning disabilities, alongside Senator Brin DeVries.

“(The bill) will for sure be asking Inclusion and Equity and the (Pew) Faculty Teaching and Learning Center to create module(s) highlighting disabilities, and also (how) communication challenges can impact students’ experience and ability to engage in class,” Proctor said. “This would be a resource available to faculty seeking to better support students, and this bill will encourage faculty to use (the) module.”

The bill proposal may also call to shift a portion of mandatory staff “core competency” training to focus on inclusivity, though Proctor said the bill is still in the developmental stage.

Chief of Staff

Following Proctor’s speech, Senate Chief of Staff Evan Jackson was introduced. His position is a brand new role to Student Senate, and was established in the organization’s restructuring last year. Jackson said building the position from the ground up has been “both rewarding and challenging.”

“Since this was the first time Grand Valley’s Student Senate had a Chief of Staff, I had the unique opportunity to define what the role should be,” Jackson said. “My focus has been on three key pillars: efficiency, accountability and communication. That meant ensuring committees and executive leadership were aligned, holding senators accountable to their commitments and creating stronger communication between (the) Senate and the student body.”

Jackson said he has worked to simplify the Senate structure to make it easier for the general public to understand his position. He has also assisted senators with 193 events, and

addressed results from a mid-semester survey, which highlighted successes made by the Senate. Survey findings show that 97% of senators felt engaged during General Assembly meetings, and spotlighted a rise in organizational diversity.

Advocacy & Policy

The chair of the Senate’s Advocacy Committee, Genna Wright, shared information about multiple events that the Advocacy Committee recently helped make possible. These events include teach-ins, service opportunities honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and spreading awareness about breast cancer in October.

Wright teased the introduction of a new event in the works titled “Multicultural Night.” The event will be held on Thursday, March 29 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Kirkhof’s Grand River Room. The event’s focus is to highlight the diverse culture found throughout the University’s campuses.

Policy Chair Alec Palumbo shared that the Policy Committee has been working to build relationships with on-campus services, such as Housing and Residence Life, Parking Services, the Office of Sustainability Practices and the University Libraries. He also shared further information about a holiday bill for international students that was passed in January by the Senate.

Other legislative updates included the introduction of a new bill to provide Narcan, menstrual products and other health-related resources to students in an accessible manner. Vice President Paris Lawson further addressed the initiative in her closing remarks.

Allocation Address

Allocations Committee Chair Nancy Boyd said the committee was able to utilize a $100,000 fund from the Office of Student Life to help 50 different student organizations.

“Student Senate is honored to support student organizations (that) have members dedicated to engaging the campus community,” Boyd said. “Allocating $100,000 to diligent and enthusiastic student organizations has been an absolute honor. They (student organizations) are the backbone of this campus.”

For any allocation of funds to be given, a registered student organization can request funding on LakerLink, which will then be reviewed by the Senate’s Allocations Committee. Following this, requests can be denied, approved or adjusted.

The committee was also able to use a portion of the reserve fund to renovate the Russel H. Kirkhof Center by upgrading audiovisual systems in several rooms of the building. The $200,000 allocation to upgrade these systems improves convenience for faculty and students. Of the 12 rooms in Kirkhof that have or are in the process of being renovated, three have received equipment to become “Zoom rooms.”

“This allocation upgrades incredibly outdated technology (in Kirkhof), and allows these rooms to accommodate events and clubs that require such technology,” Boyd said.

Public Relations Address

The Public Relations Committee’s main focus has been improving its social media engagement and collaborations with other on-campus services.

Ty Vanlerberghe, public relations chair, shared that there has been a 250% increase in the Senate’s Instagram engagement.

“Aside from collaboration, this year, I am especially proud of our expanded social media presence with an increased professionalism across our accounts,” Vanlerberghe said.

Health Vending Bill

Lawson closed out the address talking about the focus of her work in the Senate. Lawson shared that she has facilitated the Senate’s legislative process, worked on dashboard documents and recently passed a bill to add health vending machines to areas of the University’s Allendale, Pew and Health Campuses.

The machines will provide free Narcan, emergency contraception, condoms, over-the-counter medication, menstrual products and pregnancy tests.

The bill is a great pride of many senators, and Proctor said he is very proud of the Senate’s work.

“The Vice President, Paris Lawson, spent a lot of time and effort to write this bill and garner support from stakeholders across campus,” Proctor said. “I also think this bill will be impactful to students.”

Overall, Senate Events Chair Karen Theakston feels one of the most promising developments of late has been the building of unity between senators.

“I’m deeply proud of how our Student Senate has significantly ramped up its involvement in various events and activities, particularly in (its) volunteering efforts,” Theakston said. “We’ve seen a noticeable increase in collaboration among senators, (which has) fostered a sense of unity and teamwork that has been truly heartwarming.”

Pay adjustments for Michigan employees have sparked disputes among lawmakers and questions from state residents. As legislative ground for the future of Michigan’s minimum wage continues to shake, employers within Grand Valley State University prepare to acclimate to the new requirements.

A 2024 decision by Michigan government officials raised the minimum wage from $10.33 to $10.56 on Jan. 1, 2025. The Feb. 21 increase is set to add another $1.92 per hour.

These changes fall in line with the Michigan Supreme Court’s efforts toward ‘tip credit’ erasure. The minimum wage for tipped individuals is also set to increase to $5.99 an hour on Feb. 21. The corresponding changes to tipped employees’ base pay is set to incrementally increase until workers eventually receive base pay at the rate of minimum wage after 2030.

Both initiatives have stirred controversy from politicians and lawmakers, which prompted Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to call for a prompt bipartisan solution or continue to push the plan’s rollout into the summer.

The Michigan Senate also just moved forward with a bill that aims to implement a minimum wage of $15.00 per hour by 2027, which awaits House approval.

An additional policy change referred to as the Earned Sick Time Act was decided upon over summer 2024, and will also roll out on Feb. 21. The legislation details new benefits that could accommodate low income workers by mandating a certain amount of paid sick leave based on the number of people employed by a business.

According to an article published by Michigan Advance, Michigan businesses would be required to give employees 40 hours of paid sick leave and 32 hours of unpaid sick leave in one year if an employer has fewer than 10 workers.

If an employer has 10 or more employees, the business would have to give employees 72 hours of paid sick leave.

The Michigan House and Senate have both individually proposed alternative legislation to trim back these changes. The act faces pressure, as it’s expected to take effect in a matter of days.

At GVSU, most hourly positions on campus will be affected by the wage increase. The average wage rate for student employees ranged from $10.56 to $12.01 during the Fall 2024 semester. The University’s pay scale is set to implement the mandated raise in minimum wage once it’s been enacted.

GVSU Mary Idema Pew Library employees Miranda Willer and Julianne Solack have both been student employees for multiple years. Despite feeling positive about the minimum wage boost, both Willer and Solack identified additional pressing issues in campus employment they feel should be addressed.

“It’s important that (the government) protects having a minimum (wage), but (on campus, we need) more jobs (and) more hours,” Solack said.

Willer took a broader perspective on the benefits of increased wages. They said the raise will benefit not only Michigan students, but also the international student population, as they “can only work on campus.”

Willer said they feel certain on-campus jobs have fair wages, but that other GVSU workplaces do not.

“Here (at the library), I’ve been pretty happy with (pay),” Willer said. “(However), with campus dining, not at all.”

Solack felt similarly in regard to campus dining employees because “they do more work and get paid less.”

“I think (minimum wage) should continue to rise,” Solack said.  “Especially if you’re there (at a certain workplace) for more time, I think you should get raises not just based on performance, (but the hours spent) working there.”

Tatum Nichols is a student employee in the University’s Student Employment Office. Nichols finds the minimum wage increase to be a generous step in the right direction.

“Do I think that (the increase is) enough for students to live off of and pay rent and everything for school? Not necessarily,” Nichols stated. “But, I do think we’re getting to a point where people are starting to recognize that students do need to be paid more to survive.”

To Nichols’ point, research shows lower income households within the Midwest particularly suffer as a result of America’s economic crisis. The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) named the Midwest a “particularly unaffordable region.” This highlights the notion that living in Michigan can be expensive for many students.

“On average, Michigan public bachelor’s-granting institutions were less affordable than those nationally, with an average affordability gap of $2,445, compared to $1,690,” noted a NCAN article in December.

Many Michigan government officials acknowledged this gap in some capacity when the Michigan Achievement Scholarship was signed into law.

As a way to further combat financial hardships facing young adults, the scholarship opportunity is a renewable grant for eligible Michigan residents enrolled at public or private institutions. These grants averaged around $4,000 awarded to just under 30,000 students in the state over the 2023-2024 academic year.

The bills relating to tipped workers and sick leave await approval from the House floor before they can go into effect. Many Michigan workers do not feel confident regarding statewide policy development, especially since lawmakers have already passed bills to slow the wage increase. With the Michigan Supreme Court’s legislation almost in motion, the Feb. 21 rollout looms large.

The award show resulted in strides for diverse artists, most notably rapper Kendrick Lamar and music icon Beyoncé. However, despite the recognition of many artists, some Grand Valley State University students felt underwhelmed by the Grammy spectacle they’ve come to expect.

The 67th Grammy Award ceremony was held on Feb. 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The ceremony celebrates musicians and recording artists selected by the Recording Academy from Sept. 16, 2023 to Aug. 30, 2024. The nominees were announced through a YouTube livestream on Nov. 8, 2024, while the ceremony itself was streamed on CBS and Paramount+.

GVSU student Janelle Weiberg said she was disappointed by the slights made toward some artists in attendance, referencing jokes made by the show’s host, comedian Trevor Noah, about Shakira’s background.

”I enjoyed watching new artists win awards that (they) haven’t before, (but) I was disappointed by some of the host’s (Trevor Noah) comments toward artists, and especially attacking Colombian culture,” Weiberg said. “As always, it is a fun show to watch, but the results tend to disappoint me, as the Grammys are known for snubbing so many talented artists.”

Kendrick Lamar received the most awards, winning all five of his nominations– Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, Best Music Video, Best Song and Best Record. His single “Not Like Us” is the first diss-track to receive any Grammy recognition, and is the most successful song in the award show’s history. Lamar is the second rap artist to receive both the Record of The Year and Song of the Year awards in one night, following Childish Gambino in 2019.

Beyoncé was nominated for the most categories of any artist this year– Best Record, Best Country Song, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Country Album, Best Album, Best Country Solo Performance, Best Song, Best Country Duo/Group Performance, Best Melodic Rap Performance and Best Americana Performance. Of the 11 nominations she received, she won Best Album, Best Country Album and Best Country/Duo Group Performance. Beyoncé is the first Black artist to win Best Country Album, as well as the first Black woman of the 21st century to win Album of the Year.

Live performances throughout the night included Chappell Roan with her hit single “Pink Pony Club,” Sabrina Carpenter with her “Short n’ Sweet” medley and rap artist Doechii with a mashup from her album “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” Doechii received Best Rap Album of the Year, making her the third woman to ever win Best Rap Album at the Grammys.

After receiving the Grammy for Best New Artist, Chappell Roan’s acceptance speech called attention to social and economic issues that can often be overlooked in performance spaces. Many GVSU students found this call to action to be a refreshing moment of clarity, and a space to call for change among the lofty ceremony’s glamour and prestige.

For GVSU student Chloe Schram, Roan’s message was a highlight of the program.

“I feel really happy that Chappell Roan won Best New Artist (because) she definitely deserved it,” Schram said. “She has really important messages to share, not only about queer people and making them feel heard, but also about healthcare for artists and people.”

Despite the amount of records broken at the ceremony, the show seemed to lack interest from many music fans.

It turned out that the year’s “biggest night in music” decreased in audience size compared to previous ceremonies. There were roughly 15 million viewers during this year’s program– about two million less than last year. The most viewers the show has ever received was 39 million in 2012. Despite multiple record-breaking moments, the 2025 Grammys had the fourth least-viewed airing since the ceremony in 2000. The event’s lowest engagement was in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and garnered just less than 10 million viewers.

Other award shows have experienced this significant drop-off as well; the 2021 Oscar’s viewership resulted in less than half of what it had been in 2020. Since, the numbers have risen slowly but remain unsteady. Easy access to social media recaps of the Grammys beg the question: is there a point to watching the entire, multi-hour ceremony anymore?

Students Joey Hidenbach and Garek Pawlek both said they had little interest in watching the Grammys. Hidenbach said he was able to retain the most “worthy” award winners, nominees, snubs and performances on social media after the fact.

“Taylor Swift wore red (and) she won zero (awards),” Hidenbach said. “People are mad (that) Billie Eilish (was snubbed). I mean, I think that, too.”

Pawlek said he wasn’t knowledgeable about certain albums and songs that went on to win Grammys. He said this was the first year he hadn’t watched the show.

“I didn’t even know (Beyonce) released a country album,” Pawlek said.

Regardless of the viewership amount, listening to music is a popular pastime among students. There seems to be hope among students that award ceremonies in the future will reflect the outstanding performances and talents of everyone in the industry without refracting the accomplishments and glossing over others.

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.”

A grant of $347,070 was awarded to GVSU to assist students facing financial hardship. Costs like textbooks, academic supplies, groceries, rent or mortgage payments, internet fees, technology, medical debt and childcare are all expenses the grant might support in some capacity. To University students worried about affording their expenses, additional financial support could be an invaluable gift.

Any student who already has used all other financial aid options, including loans, is eligible to apply. The University’s funds are awarded on a case by case, first come, first served basis. There is also a Special Circumstance Request Form on GVSU’s Financial Aid website that further explains support types that are not clear in the initial application.

Michelle Rhodes, the associate vice president for Financial Aid at GVSU, said students are invited to apply even if they aren’t sure they’d qualify. If students are unable to receive funds from this specific grant, they will be guided toward other resources. To those working in the University’s Office of Financial Aid, student success is the main objective.

“We encourage anyone who is struggling financially to reach out to (the Financial Aid Office) or to fill out a hardship request so we can get helpful information to them about how to cover their costs,” Rhodes said.

According to Rhodes, an application to the Office of Financial Aid is made into a “centralized request in order to make the process easier and more streamlined for students, so they can ‘apply’ for all of the funds we have at one time.” However, applicants should not expect an immediate response, as decisions and processing can take up to four weeks.

It seems the total of state grants awarded to GVSU have maintained upwards of $800,000 every year since 2017, according to annual Financial Aid Reports. This is about double the money on average the University received from the State 10 years ago. The 2015-2016 school year report totaled $433,790 in state grants, and $468,900 was garnered during the 2014-2015 school year.

Financial need and hardship is an unfortunate reality of student life. A national survey revealed 59% of students in 2025 consider dropping out of college because of financial stress.

Kailey Washburn is one of many full-time GVSU students to work multiple jobs. Washburn estimates she spent an average of 30 hours a week last semester working. Despite the struggle to balance full-time work with full-time student responsibilities, Washburn said she is considering picking up a third job. 

“I bought the smallest meal plan physically possible, but I live paycheck to paycheck, so even then, it’s kinda rough,” Washburn said. “It’s just so expensive for groceries, I would probably use (hardship grant funds) for that (buying food).”

Washburn said with classes scheduled every day of the week, she barely has enough time to complete assignments before her scheduled shifts. 

“With how much I have to work, yes (my student experience is impacted),” Washburn said. “Last semester, I was stressed all the time because I have to work. If I did get the grant, I would (decrease my work hours).” 

Like Washburn, many students are exerting effort to support themselves through the demands and challenges of higher education. Offering opportunities for support can change both a student’s educational and life experience.

Earth to GV: students collaborate with NASA on prototype device

A group of Grand Valley State University students traveled to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas over the summer to test their design of a flag-deploying device that successfully withstands the pressures of space. The project originated from a competition created by NASA called the Micro-g NExT Challenge.

“Astro Anchors,” a team of twelve students from the GVSU’s chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) organization, were chosen to collaborate with NASA through the special project last winter. The Astro Anchors were selected to move forward with their design and worked alongside a NASA mentor and engineer over the summer to develop and test prototypes of their design. Students involved in the challenge worked together to design a lunar flag, flagpole and anchoring system that can be easily deployed by a fully-suited astronaut while on the surface of the moon.

The goal of the contest is to inspire college undergraduates to design a device that could assist astronauts in space. Astro Anchors were the only team to complete each of NASA’s initiatives for the challenge. Their prototype and comprehensive report is now under review by NASA, with the possibility of being used in future Moon landing missions after more strenuous testing.

To read more about GVSU students’ collaboration with NASA, click here. 

GV to sell Laker-themed alcoholic beverage at athletic events

Grand Valley State University’s Athletics Department has teamed up with Long Road Distillers to release the ready-to-drink cocktail, Lake + Valley Lemonade, which will be sold at Lubbers Stadium and the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena during athletic events. The beverage, created by the alumni-owned company, is the first GVSU-affiliated alcoholic beverage to be sold on campus.

Owners of Long Road Distillers, Jon O’Conner and Kyle Van Strien, have a personal history with GVSU. As alumni, the pair bonded “over a shared commitment for the neighborhood they both call home,” according to the Long Road Distillers website.

The cocktail was officially released Monday, June 24, and is now available for purchase throughout the state of Michigan. Long Road Distillers sell Lake + Valley Lemonade in stores, bars and restaurants across the state. To see where Lake + Valley Lemonade is distributed, visit the Long Road website under the Spirit Finder.

To read Mallory Burt’s full story about alcohol sales at the University, click here.

GV hikes tuition, room and board costs for tenth consecutive year

With the 2024-2025 academic year approaching, universities across Michigan, including Grand Valley State University have set higher tuition costs for the tenth consecutive year. On April 26, GVSU’s Board of Trustees (BOT) approved an increase in tuition, including room and board.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the cost of in-state and out-of-state tuition at GVSU rose 3.5%, while the cost of housing and dining rose 5.2%. GVSU students will have to pay an estimated additional $524 per year in tuition fees, according to MLive. The $524 doesn’t include the estimated $185 increase in campus living costs or the $100 increase in meal plan costs.

During GVSU’s 1995-1996 academic year, the cost of tuition per semester was only $1,390, and has steadily risen ever since. In 2020, the average cost at GVSU for a 12-15 credit semester was $6,622 for an in-state resident. The current semester’s price rate has risen to $7,570, marking the tenth consecutive year the university has increased the cost of attendance.

To learn more about the BOT’s decision to increase campus living costs, read the rest of the story. 

GV leads Michigan universities for in-state alumni retention

The W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research published a study revealing Grand Valley State University as the most effective Michigan higher education institution for retaining alumni in the state’s job market after graduation.

The study, published by Washington Monthly, compared the amount of state-funded money spent on schools to the amount of alumni that remained in Michigan after graduation. The Upjohn Institute’s study concluded that students from GVSU continue to stay in Michigan for their careers after graduation at a much higher rate than that of other state universities. For every $100,000 spent, GVSU produces about 5 graduates that stay in Michigan. Not only does GVSU lead the ranking in Michigan and retain double the average amount in the state, but GVSU’s success rate is over three times the average of colleges across the United States.

“When I was a student here, I loved Grand Valley because it gave me the opportunity to get practical experience, so I I tried to get involved in everything I could,” said G. Bradley Back, a GVSU alumni and professor in the School of Communications. “It benefited me, and it was easier to get an internship, and it definitely helped me get a job, (having) that practical experience.”

For more information about GVSU’s alumni retention, click here.  

Advisory groups convene to address GV faculty concerns about Omni learning program

High FOIA cost contributes to dropping of GV student’s Title IX case

A student at Grand Valley State University was recently quoted over $84,000 to retrieve information requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The student had previously filed two Title IX complaints against a University administrator, and by submitting FOIA requests, they aimed to gather supportive evidence for their case.

The complaints were filed through the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX against a member of administration in Student Accessibility Resources. The University’s investigation into the student’s claims began in November 2023, and unfortunately, the student couldn’t obtain the information they were looking for before the Title IX office dropped the cases.

The second claim alleged “unprofessional conduct, harassment, bullying and coercion” took place between the student and faculty member. Due to the sensitivity of the issue, the student has asked to remain anonymous.

To see the rest of Emma Armijo and Olivia Mulka’s coverage of this case, click here.

GV community grieves student death, questions arise surrounding lack of University statement

The recent death of a freshman student at Grand Valley State University has left the campus community mourning and sparked conversation surrounding the University’s role in communicating health and safety issues. The student’s cause of death has not yet been determined, but is currently being investigated by the GVSU Department of Public Safety. Out of respect for the student’s family, and as advised by GVPD, the student will not be identified in this article.

On Sept. 30, GVPD received a medical emergency call from the Robinson Living Center on the Allendale campus. An 18-year-old female student was found on the ground, unresponsive and not breathing by a resident of Robinson Living Center. The resident called GVPD, then proceeded to perform CPR on the student.  GVPD arrived at the scene with an AED a few minutes later, but no shock was administered. Following these unsuccessful attempts, the student’s death was declared by a medical examiner (ME) about one hour after the student had been found.

To read the rest of Max Bufkin’s coverage of the student death, click here. 

 GV faculty, students process conservative sway in election results

Former President Donald Trump is slated to return to the Oval Office in what many are recognizing as one of the greatest political comebacks in history. Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race has roused public opinion at Grand Valley State University and across the nation.

Although the winner of the presidential race wasn’t announced until the early morning hours of Wednesday, Nov. 6, it was clear hours before that a “red wave” was breaking on the shores of the U.S. political landscape. Trump’s victory came through 312 electoral votes as compared to Harris’ 226. 270 is the number of votes from the electoral college needed to win the presidency.

Trump also won the popular vote, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished by a Republican since former President George W. Bush in 2004. Trump was able to win the national tally by garnering a lead of almost 4 million votes.

For the rest of the presidential election results coverage by Joseph Poulos, find the full story here.

Post-election poetry reading encourages community expression at GV

On Nov. 7, following Donald Trump being declared winner of the presidential election, Grand Valley State University senior Bran Hurst hosted an impromptu community poetry reading at the Language Resource Center (LRC). With the help of GVSU student Sophie Bytwerk and LRC staff, the poetry reading provided a space for students to express themselves together instead of feeling alone.

During the event, 15 students, faculty and staff shared their thoughts through art, poetry and songs. The turnout filled every chair in the LRC, and according to Hurst, served to uplift fellow students.

“All of my friends were being very pessimistic, and I wanted to redirect that energy into something with a little bit more agency,” Hurst said. “I wanted to help people feel like they can do things, and I wanted to remind myself that I can do things to help people.”

To see the rest of Sara Bagley’s coverage on how the election impacted students, read the full story here. 

 

GV students receive racist text messages, part of nationwide investigation

On Thursday, Nov. 7, Grand Valley State University sent out an email statement to the student body, which indicated that multiple students had been targeted by racist text messages. The messages, which have been reported nationwide, told recipients that they had been “selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation,” and that a “van” would pick them up.

According to CBS News, the messages have been reported in at least 20 states. The texts have been received by many college students, including those at three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Along with other universities, GVSU forwarded the harassment reports to the FBI, as well as the State’s attorney general.

To understand how this nationwide racism campaign is affecting GVSU students, read Lee Marentette’s full story.

 

Recovery of uncounted MI ballots leads many voters to question election integrity

On Nov. 9, multiple Michigan counties discovered additional election ballots that had not been counted days. Together, the missing votes totaled over 26,000 across Kent, Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Leelanau counties.

While voting officials and political science educators maintain that complications are not unusual, this large tally of votes have changed the results of certain local races. Discrepancies in vote counts, coupled with a distrust in absentee voting systems, have led many voters in Michigan to feel State election results might not be accurate.

13,795 of the total 26,662 missing votes were discovered in Kent County. The cause for the error in Kent, Kalamazoo and Leelanau counties was reportedly due to human error, while Calhoun County identified a software issue as the cause.

To read the full story about missing ballots and post-election procedures, click here. 

 

GV receives grant to support Indigenous students, raise cultural awareness

This semester, Grand Valley State University received a $63,467 grant from the Native American Heritage Fund (NAHF). The grant will be used to support Indigenous students at GVSU and raise awareness about Anishinaabe culture. While the plans for the donation are being finalized, Native American organizations and programs at GVSU continue to provide resources and opportunities to the University’s community.

NAHF provided funding to GVSU so that the money could be used to educate students on Anishinaabe culture. The Anishinaabe are Indigenous people who live in the Great Lakes region and parts of Canada. “Anishinaabe” is a collective name for three distinct groups: the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi, also known as the Council of Three Fires.

Lin Bardwell, assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), said the funds will be used to raise visibility and awareness about the Anishinaabe. The fund will also allow traditional knowledge keepers, Anishinaabe spiritual leaders that were taught by an Elder, to co-teach with faculty in certain course sections. By spreading cultural awareness and including knowledge keepers in facilitation, GVSU hopes the donation money will help Indigenous students who may feel isolated or be struggling academically.

To understand the impact of the donation from the Native American Heritage Fund, read the rest of the article. 

Weiberg is one of five seniors completing their capstone this semester, “Strength in Motion,”

through Grand Valley State University’s dance program. The showcase is a collection of 10 entirely student-composed works ranging in movement style, theme, emotion and performance. Each senior’s group piece, as well as a self-choreographed solo, will take center stage during the performance. The showcase will take place on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. This event will have free admission and will take place in the Haas Center for Performing Arts in Studio 1600.

“I am extremely proud of the work I have put out, and being a part of each stage of the creative process,” Weiberg said. “The most rewarding moment of this process has been watching my group dance evolve and become an experience audience members can be immersed in.”

The five capstone seniors this fall semester are Weiberg, Jenna Altman, Chloe Schram, Alexandria Gilbertson and Gracelyn Guild, who have built the show over the course of the semester. The capstone showcase, “Strength in Motion,” represents a pivotal moment for the seniors, concluding four years of movement exploration, challenges and hard work. This class of seniors performed for the first time

with the dance program wearing protective face coverings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By the time they had finished their first semester of college, reported COVID-19 cases had reached an all-time high.

The group has been responsible for getting the performance off the ground, from holding auditions to casting dancers, choreographing pieces, hiring light and sound professionals and even supervising technical elements from backstage. According to Weiberg, the stress of managing the logistics of the showcase has made her even prouder to present the finished product. 

“My capstone experience has been so enjoyable (and) I have tried to savor every moment with my cast,” Weiberg said. “This show means so much to me, as it sums up my experience as a GVSU dance major, and displays my personal aesthetic.” 

Variations in themes and emotion throughout the show allow the audience to experience excitement and energy from the performance, as well as a contrasting emotional depth from its more complex concepts. A press release for “Strength in Motion” stated that some themes explored during the concert are growth, connectivity, frustration, vulnerability, identity and empowerment.

As a choreographer, Altman identified a vulnerability that she hadn’t been used to. She said the most difficult part of putting together the capstone showcase was trusting herself to create.

“It’s not easy to turn an idea into a product, especially handing someone else your idea so it can blossom,” Altman said. “It was very vulnerable being at the front of the room, watching the process transform into a full product was inspirational.”

Collaborating with three dancers to create a duet, Altman’s piece, “What’s said and done,” invokes feelings of domestic familiarity. The piece highlights the organic nature of conversation and the frustration of a breakdown in interpersonal relationships. 

“The piece (created by Altman) will take the dancers through a whirlwind of emotions as they converse through sharp, aggressive motifs, intentional and abrupt prop work, and various kinds of contact movements,” the press release said. 

Altman commented that the piece began as an extension of herself and developed a “life of its own” as the dancers got more comfortable. Over time, dancers began to include bits of their own personal experiences.

“I’m proud of the dancers who just understood my internal monologue,” Altman said. “They made it come alive, and I couldn’t have done it without them. I’m also proud of myself. I’ve never made a piece out of nothing (and) it was truly moving to see the dancers take ownership of the piece and become part of it.” 

Altman’s solo work follows similar notions of conversation and relationships through a personal lens. The solo “and for My Name, My Heart cries” provides an organic viewing experience that highlights “raw vulnerability within finding oneself,” according to the press release.

Schram addresses coming to terms with the social perception of being queer in a solo titled “Violet Kaleidoscope.” 

“My solo is very vulnerable and has challenged me,” Schram said. “(It pushed me) to explore my abilities, performing my own choreography in front of a large audience.” 

Schram, Weiberg and Altman collectively agreed the most difficult part of the experience was developing a self-performed solo for the showcase. Weiberg said despite the nerves of performing a solo, she looks forward to sharing all that the group has accomplished at the show.

“Creating a solo on myself was one of the most challenging tasks during this process, but (was also) very rewarding,” Weiberg said. “People can expect a fun show with a lot of different styles and emotions throughout.”

The capstone showcase demonstrates countless hours of time, dedication and passion for the craft from every student involved. This is underscored by the advanced technical training, culturally rich education and meaningful connection each senior has cultivated over the past four years. Schram said she will cherish the fond memories of rehearsing for the show over the course of the semester. 

“This experience has been very special to me, getting to work with eight dancers for my group piece, choreographing my own unique style on them and seeing it come together has been very rewarding,” Schram said. “I have loved getting to know these dancers so well, laughing and being vulnerable with them each week at rehearsal.”