A. GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY - Description
Grand Valley is a co-educational, semester system, state supported institution of higher education.
Grand Valley was established in 1960 by the State of Michigan with the first classes being offered in 1963.
Grand Valley offers undergraduate and graduate and doctoral programs leading to baccaulaureate degrees, master's degrees and/or doctoral degree.
B.A. Bachelor of Arts
B.S. Bachelor of Science
B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts
B.M. Bachelor of Music
B.M.E. Bachelor of Music Education
B.S.E. Bachelor of Science in Engineering
B.S.N. Bachelor of Science in Nursing
B.S.W. Bachelor of Social Work
B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration
M.A.E. Master of Arts in English
M.B.A. Master of Business Administration
M.Ed. Master of Education
M.H.A. Master of Health Administration
M.H.S. Master of Health Science
M.P.A. Master of Public Administration
M.P.A.S. Master of Physician Assistant Studies
M.S. Master of Science
M.S.A. Master of Science in Accounting
M.S.E. Master of Science in Engineering
M.S.N. Master of Science in Nursing
M.S.N./M.B.A. Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration
M.S.T. Master of Science in Taxation
M.S.W. Master of Social Work
Ed.S. Educational Specialist Degree in Leadership
D.N.P. Doctor of Nursing Practice
D.P.T. Doctor of Physical Therapy
Grand Valley also offers a variety of certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels which represent awards for completion of alternate levels of existing degree programs.
B. ORGANIZATION
1. Board of Trustees
The legal authority for Grand Valley State University is vested in the Board of Trustees. Such decisions as those regarding fiscal matters, academic programs, and the employment of university regular faculty and executive, administrative, and professional staff are ultimately made by the Board, acting upon the advice of the President.
2. Administrative Organization
The President oversees all areas of activity within the institution, aided by five vice presidents: the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Vice President for University Relations, the Vice President for Development, and the Vice President for Inclusion and Equity.
3. Academic Organization Academic Colleges
The table of organization indicates eight colleges under Academic Affairs: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Seidman College of Business, College of Community and Public Service, College of Education, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Health Professions, Kirkhof College of Nursing, and College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Each college is headed by a dean. He/she is the appointing officer for that college.
Library
The library's primary goals are: 1) building a broad, authoritative and up-to-date collection of information resources that support and enhance teaching, research and learning at Grand Valley; 2) providing timely and effective access to those resources, including the provision of online resources wherever possible; 3) providing high-quality, student-focused education in finding, evaluating and using information ; and 4) providing services that meet the needs of our users, both on-site and online.
Academic Support Units
Academic Computing/Educational Technology
Academic Computing/Educational Technology provides 1) assistance to the academic units in computer-aided instruction, 2) research capabilities to the faculty, and 3) students with exposure to computer technology. In the administrative area, the Center provides services in support of the operation and management of Grand Valley.
Advising Resources and Special Programs
The Advising Resources and Special Programs Division (ARSP) provides a wide range of services to students, the University and the community. Services include academic advising, student support programs, oversight of academic standards and assistance with University events and outreach initiatives. Advising services include pre-major, change of minor, transfer or general advising. Student support services include assistance with study skills, test anxiety and time management; administration of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) testing, testing of international students, placement testing, and extended time testing. Specialized support services to targeted student populations are available. Academic Standards oversight includes General Education Foundation requirements and Academic Review Committee. University and community outreach includes orientation for transfer students, assistance with freshman orientation, TRIO Programs, and collaborations with community colleges and our Regional campuses.
Admissions
The Admissions Office is responsible for all matters pertaining to dissemination of information to potential students (undergraduate and graduate level), recruitment of students, entrance requirements, promotional visits to secondary schools and community colleges, communications with prospective students and parents, campus visits, administering transcript evaluations, and makes recommendations concerning admissions policies and procedures. The president has ultimate responsibility for the establishment of admissions requirements for the institution.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education at Grand Valley State University provides educational programs and services that link the needs of lifelong learners with the resources of the university. Continuing Education coordinates this commitment by providing academic programs and services at regional sites and locations throughout Michigan, as well as through professional development and community engagement opportunities.
Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
The Johnson Center, as an academic center, improves communities by the application of knowledge, which unleashes the power of nonprofits, foundations, and individuals. The Johnson Center seeks to accomplish this in three ways: academically, by encouraging civic engagement among students and faculty; locally, by improving the quality of nonprofit leadership and management and community decision-making in West Michigan; and nationally, by enhancing the impact of foundations and nonprofit organizations.
Faculty Research and Development Center
The Faculty Research and Development Center (R & D) serves the faculty and students at Grand Valley by promoting and supporting quality scholarly and creative activities by faculty and students. R & D offers faculty scholarly travel support, competitive grants-in-aid for scholarly and creative endeavors and summer research stipends. It also provides students with scholarly travel support and occasional funding for graduate student scholarly work. Discretionary funds may be available to support scholarly events such as speakers or conferences. Through the Research and Development Committee, R & D annually selects the recipient of the Distringuished Contribution to a Discipline Award. Furthermore, the R & D Center provides the oversight and management of the research integrity compliance activities such as the protections of human subjects and humane care of animals in research.
Financial Aid
The student financial aid program brings together many sources of financial assistance to meet the needs of students in financing their educational costs. An institutional goal is equal access to educational opportunity for every qualified student seeking admission and scholarships, loans, grants, work-study, and other employment opportunities from federal and private funding sources shall be allocated based upon a sound institutional packaging philosophy.
Graduate Studies and Grants Administration
The Graduate Studies and Grants Administration (GSGA) office provides leadership for, and oversight of, graduate education through the work of the Graduate Council and the Graduate Dean, along with strategic planning for graduate education, and the administration of university-wide standards, policies and procedures related to graduate education. This GSGA office serves as a resource center for faculty and staff involved in the development of proposals for external sponsored funding. This office also provides oversight on the management of sponsored funding (grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements) awarded to Grand Valley and ensures university compliance with sponsor guidelines. The Dean of Graduate Studies and Grants Administration is the university's authorizing official for sponsored programs and is also the university officer charged with oversight of allegations of misconduct in research.
Information Technology
The primary goal of Information Technology is to provide technology services and support for the university's instruction, research, administrative processes and public service mission. The unit is responsible for providing leadership and developing a vision to align informational technology services with that of the university mission to identify and inform faculty, students and staff about both current and emerging technologies that may be related to its activities. The unit also provides instruction on the uses of the technology and assists all university operations in the procurement of appropriate new information technologies.
Institutional Analysis
The Office of Institutional Analysis conducts research about the university's resources, processes and outcomes. Office staff provides decision support for the Office of the Provost and the broader university community. The office serves as a repository of data about the university and its students, faculty, and staff.
Padnos International Center
The purpose of the Padnos International Center is to organize and coordinate the university's international programs and activities; oversee international partnerships, faculty-led programs, study abroad programs, work and internship programs in other nations, international volunteer and service-learning activities; and assist in the recruitment, admission, and advising of international students.
Records and Registration
The university shall be provided with a balanced service program related to records and registration. The primary responsibilities of the records and registration function are the registration of all students, the maintenance of student academic records, residency reclassification, enrollment certifications, teacher certification, the production of management reports and enrollment statistics, graduation audits, and the protection of student rights relative to the release of personally identified information. This office is responsible for the implementation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as amended, which shall be contained in the Student Code. This office will administer the policy regarding residency requirements for in-state tuition and such policy shall be approved by the President.
Robert and Mary Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center
The purpose of the Robert and Mary Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center is to enhance student learning by supporting faculty members in their efforts to teach effectively. This Center provides programming regarding teaching-related issues, assists in the mentoring of new faculty and assists in grant administration.
Student Employment
Through the university work-study and regular employment programs, opportunities are provided to qualified students admitted to the university to work while enrolled in courses and through the summer months. It is the policy of the university to assure all qualified students the opportunity for part-time employment. The Student Employee Policy and Rate Schedule is approved by the President and published by the Financial Aid Office.
4. Academic Governance
The University Academic Senate (UAS) is the highest faculty governance body. It has the authority to deal with any academic issue or faculty concern. It makes recommendations to the Provost and/or the President. Senate membership consists of faculty members elected from and by the faculty of each college and the library, and students selected by the Student Senate, including the President of the Student Senate. The Provost and designees and the Deans (of any rank) are members ex officio, non-voting.
UAS Faculty Membership: Faculty membership for each college and the library will be determined by the following formula:
1-19 faculty = 1 member
20-39 faculty = 2 members
40-59 faculty = 3 members
60-79 faculty = 4 members
80-99 faculty = 5 members, and so forth
UAS Student Membership: The Student Senate selects five members, including the Student Senate President and four representatives in accordance with written Student Senate constitution and bylaws.
UAS Administrative Membership: The Provost and designees, and the Deans (of any rank) are members exofficio, non-voting.
The Executive Committee of the Senate (ECS) serves as the clearninghouse for matters to be presented to the UAS. Such matters are discussed by ECS before its recommendations are made to the Senate. ECS membership consists of faculty senators from academic colleges and the library, the Student Senate President or designee, and the Provost and designees, ex officio, non-voting.
ECS Faculty Membership: Faculty membership of the ECS consists of seven members from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, two from the Seidman College of Business, one from each of the remaining colleges, and one from the library.
ECS Student Membership: The President of the Student Senate or designee serves on ECS during his/her term of office.
ECS Administration Membership: The Provost and designees are members ex officio, non-voting.
Standing committees that report to the Senate via ECS include the Academic Policies and Standards Committee, Faculty Facilities Planning Advisory Committee, Faculty Personnel Policy Committee, Faculty Salary and Budget Committee, Pew Faculty Teaching Learning Center Advisory Committee, Graduate Council, University Assessment Committee, and University Curriculum Committee. The General Education Subcommittee is a standing committee, which reports to the University Curriculum Committee. The composition of each committee is described in the UAS Bylaws and always includes elected college and library representatives.
Copies of agendas and approved minutes of all meetings are posted on the Faculty Governance website. Agendas are normally sent out electronically to committee members one week prior to meetings, and minutes are usually posted and distributed electronically within two weeks following a meeting. Faculty members may petition for a referendum if there is strong opposition to an action taken by UAS.
Details regarding membership, responsibilities, and rules of procedures are given in the UAS By-laws which are incorporated into the Faculty Handbook. Effective December 11, 2006.
C. OFFICIAL DEGREE PROGRAMS 1. Undergraduate Degree Programs
| Program Name |
Degree Options |
| Accounting |
BBA |
| Advertising/Public Relations |
BA, BS |
| Anthropology |
BA, BS |
| Art and Design |
BA, BS, BFA |
| Art History |
BA |
| Athletic Training |
BS |
| Behavioral Science |
BA, BS |
| Biology |
BA, BS |
| Biomedical Sciences |
BS |
| Biopsychology |
BA, BS |
| Broadcasting |
BA, BS |
| Business Economics |
BBA |
| Cell and Molecular Biology |
BS |
| Chemistry |
BA, BS |
| Chinese Studies |
BA |
| Classics |
BA |
| Clinical Laboratory Science |
BS |
| Communications |
BA, BS |
| Computer Science |
BA, BS |
| Criminal Justice |
BA, BS |
| Dance |
BA |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography |
BS |
| Earth Science |
BS |
| Economics |
BA, BS |
| Engineering |
BSE |
| English |
BA |
| Exercise Science |
BS |
| Film and Video |
BA |
| Finance |
BBA |
| French |
BA |
| General Business |
BBA |
| Geochemistry |
BS |
| Geography |
BA, BS |
| Geology |
BS |
| German |
BA |
| Greek |
BA |
| Health Communications |
BA, BS |
| Health Professions |
BS |
| History |
BA, BS |
| Hospitality and Tourism Management |
BA, BS |
| Information Systems |
BA, BS |
| International Business |
BBA |
| International Relations |
BA |
| Journalism |
BA, BS |
| Latin |
BA |
| Legal Studies |
BA, BS |
| Liberal Studies |
BA, BS |
| Management |
BBA |
| Marketing |
BBA |
| Mathematics |
BA, BS |
| Medical Imaging/Radiation Sciences |
BS |
| Music |
BA, BM, BME |
| Natural Resource Management |
BS |
| Nursing |
BSN |
| Occupational Saftey & Health Management |
BS |
| Philosophy |
BA |
| Photography |
BA |
| Physical Education |
BS |
| Physics |
BS |
| Political Science |
BA, BS |
| Psychology |
BA, BS |
| Public and Nonprofit Administration |
BA, BS |
| Radiation Therapy |
BS |
| Radiologic and Imaging Sciences |
BS |
| Russian Studies |
BA |
| Sciences Group Major |
BS |
| Social Science Group Major |
BA, BS |
| Social Work |
BSW |
| Sociology |
BA, BS |
| Spanish |
BA |
| Special Education Psychology |
BA, BS |
| Statistics |
BA, BS |
| Supply and Chain Management |
BBA |
| Theatre |
BA |
| Therapeutic Recreation |
BS |
| Women and Gender Studies |
BA, BS |
| Writing |
BA |
2. Graduate Degree Programs
3. Specialist Degree Program
4. Doctoral Degree Program
5. Major Programs Leading to Teaching Certification
| Elementary Level |
Secondary Level |
| Biology |
Biology |
| French |
Chemistry |
| History |
Earth/Space Science |
| Language Arts |
English |
| Mathematics |
French |
| Integrated Science |
German |
| Social Sciences Group Major |
History |
| Spanish |
Mathematics |
|
Physics |
| K - 12 |
Social Studies |
| Art & Design |
Spanish |
| Music (BME only) |
Computer Science |
| Physical Education |
Latin |
| Psychology/Special Education |
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D. Academic Policies
1. Academic Standards
Grand Valley is a teaching institution dedicated to providing the highest level of quality instruction possible. Academic standards, required levels of scholastic achievement, and grading systems are established on a university-wide basis after careful review by representative faculty members and the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.
2. Academic Calendar
The university shall operate on a semester system, providing for fall and winter semesters and spring/ summer session. Each semester shall be a minimum of 15 weeks in length, including days required for final examination. The spring/summer session will be 12 weeks in length, including two 6-week sessions. Each session shall be academically equivalent to the 15-week semester. All academic units will operate on the semester system.
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