Students Collaborate with Neighborhood Toward Sustainable Solutions

A hallmark of the curriculum of Brooks College is providing students with opportunities to work with community-based organizations. In most programs, it’s a requirement that students complete an internship, a service-learning project, study abroad, or other experiential learning opportunity. In recent years, a number of new courses have been developed in which students apply theory and best practices to sustainability issues in the community, whether environmental, social, or economic — and usually all three.

This year, students in two courses worked with Seeds of Promise, a nonprofit organization serving southeast Grand Rapids that is dedicated to empowering residents to make decisions that improve their quality of life. Grand Valley is among dozens of Seeds of Promise community partners.

In the liberal studies course Wicked Problems of Sustainability, students worked closely with Seeds of Promise to develop a plan for a working urban agricultural farm in a southeast Grand Rapids neighborhood that would provide healthy food access for residents and help train them to keep the garden sustainable and acquire other job skills.

Kelly Parker, professor of philosophy and director of the environmental studies program, said his students remarked on their experience positively. “They’re working with a very interdisciplinary group to solve an issue,” he said. Once a site is found within the neighborhood, the project will begin in earnest. “The students laid the groundwork, now it needs site access and permission,” he said.

He added that the course applies what is learned in the classroom to real situations. “One day students are in class, learning about design thinking, and the next time, they’re working with community partners on what to do with this green space,” Parker said.

Students in the winter semester’s section of Design Thinking to Meet Real-world Needs also worked with Seeds of Promise — this time on the issue of homelessness through a tiny homes project. In the course, students conducted ethnographic interviews, observations, and secondary research, ultimately publishing innovation portfolios and design videos that can be found online in ScholarWorks, the library’s open-access database: scholarworks.gvsu.edu/lib_undergrad/.

In evaluating the course and its educational impact, one student noted, “It’s an empowering feeling to have a tool as useful as design thinking more readily at my disposal now. I feel confident in overcoming problems in both my personal and professional life. I’m happy to end my time in the university with such a meaningful and reflective course and can’t wait to apply my learnings on the other side.”

Civil Discourse Symposium Imagines Future of Michigan

How can Michiganders work together to build stronger communities? That question was addressed at the second annual civil discourse symposium, “East and West Together: Intersections of Re-Imagining the Future of Michigan,” November 19, 2015, at the L.V. Eberhard Center. Students enrolled in the civil discourse class, Detroit’s Public Dialogues, helped to plan and facilitate the event under the direction of Padnos/Sarosik Endowed Professor of Civil Discourse Lisa Perhamus.

The symposium featured group discussions and dialogue led by four panelists whose work has centered on community building and inclusion. Central to the symposium was the concept of civil discourse. “Civil discourse is listening and speaking in a way that is respectful of all humans to find common ground between those with opposing views,” said Perhamus.

Panelists represented the east and west side of Michigan. Tawana “Honeycomb” Petty, activist, poet, and social justice organizer, and Marisol Teachworth, programming director of the James and Grace Lee Boggs School, are from Detroit. Briana Urena-Ravelo, co-founder of the Grand Rapids chapter of Black Lives Matter, and Reverend Doug Van Doren, of Plymouth United Church of Christ, are from Grand Rapids.

Petty discussed revitalization efforts in Detroit and some of the problems the city faces. She said that change must come from grassroots efforts, not from politicians and business leaders. Teachworth also called on Detroit residents to “rebuild, redefine, and respirit the city.”

Urena-Rovelo explained the Grand Rapids chapter of Black Lives Matter and stressed the importance of getting “everyday folks” involved in social justice movements. Van Doren talked about his church’s history as a socially active congregation and his advocacy to other churches to be more inclusive to the LGBTQ community.

At the symposium, the next Padnos/Sarosik Endowed Professor of Civil Discourse was introduced. Jack Mangala, associate professor of African and African American studies and political science, is teaching a new course beginning Fall 2016, Civil Discourse-Immigration: Think Global, Act Local, which focuses on the study of immigration and forces behind immigrant movements.

Civil Discourse: In Their Words

“This is a class that provides the foundational skills needed to discuss the blunt truths and realities of our time, with people who are of different identities. Through deliberative dialogue, we learn how to listen to one another, and how to speak in a way that nurtures the people involved. By engaging in civil discourse, we can bring the humanity back into ourselves, so that we may go forward to plant seeds of change that do impactful work and have wonderful meaning. I am so thankful for everyone associated with this course, especially Dr. Perhamus, and the experiences that it brought. Without them, I wouldn’t be the Hannah standing before you today. They have changed me THAT much.”
—Hannah Swanson

“One word to describe our class: revolutionary. It is very mind opening. I don’t know if I have ever met another person like Dr. Perhamus; she cares. Her passion to help society is inspiring, and her drive to show young people the harsh realities of our world is admirable. She has shown us authentic ways to be active in our communities and create progressive solutions. It gives me hope that I am not the only one in the world trying to make a difference.”
—Ali Barakat

“Civil discourse has been unlike any other class I’ve taken in my five years at GVSU. It forced me to think introspectively and challenge my standards of cultures, political systems, and my personal involvement in those systems. Reevaluating my previous foundations of society has been frustrating and challenging, but Dr. Perhamus and the class have provided a comfortable setting in order to do so.”
—Jonathan Hondorp

“Civil discourse is a safe space for feeling, connecting, listening, innovative thinking, and growing. My time in Detroit has been transformative and awe-inspiring. I have learned a truth that transcends time: ‘... this is how change takes place in living systems — it doesn’t come from above but from within.’ – Grace Lee Boggs”
—Maddison Reilly

Intercultural Effectiveness Via Certificate Program

In an increasingly globalized world, becoming familiar with other cultures has never been more important. The intercultural training certificate (ITC) helps prepare students for the workplace through its 15-hour program that stresses sensitive and effective interactions with people who come from different backgrounds.

“We explore many aspects of difference and provide a low-stakes environment to do that in,” said Regina McClinton, director of the ITC program and associate professor of liberal studies. The certificate requires participants to complete five classes, three from the ITC program and two electives.

"When a student has completed the whole certificate, they’ve thought about their own intercultural competence journey and how they can use that in their careers moving forward,” McClinton said. “I want it to have some real meaning.”

The classes have students working on critical-thinking projects, interacting with non-English speaking students and finding ways to apply intercultural competency to real situations. McClinton said many students work on projects that create real change. Student plans have been used to help 911 operators be more culturally sensitive and to help make student housing more diverse.

Employers also like to see certificates such as this one on resumes and transcripts. “A lot of employers are not just looking for it, but insist they gain it,” McClinton said. “They’re really seeing the benefits.”

Glenn Miller, a liberal studies major, completed the certificate in Winter 2015. “I think ITC is, sincerely, one of the most important programs at Grand Valley,” Miller said. “I see it actually improving people’s lives and helping foster a better future.”

Miller worked on a project for his practicum that focused on improving diversity in the Frederik Meijer Honors College. He said he has met with several key leaders and some of his proposals will be implemented next year.

McClinton said while the certificate looks good on a resume and can be intriguing to employers, the personal growth offered by the program is the most important aspect. “It’s about this sense of community and not being afraid to be a part of it because it looks different from you,” she said. “There is not a student who wouldn’t benefit from it.”

Area Studies Programs Offer Students New Opportunities to Engage with West Michigan Community

Students in newly launched area studies courses are gaining exposure to the issues that impact underrepresented populations through service-learning projects and participation at cultural events. These experiences realize the Brooks College and Grand Valley’s strategic goals of providing high-impact experiences to increase student learning and to establish reciprocal meaningful relationships with community partners.

Steeve Buckridge, director of area studies, said new courses that are electives in regional area studies minors, like Latinos/as in West Michigan and Arab Americans, also tie in nicely with Brooks College’s newest degree program, global studies and social impact, which launched in Fall 2016.

“Students are not only learning about people in these particular populations, they are learning about the issues and the connections between the people and social movements,” Buckridge said.

Andrew Schlewitz, assistant professor of Latin American studies and political science, revised the course Latinos/as in West Michigan as a general education class that requires either a service-learning project or research project from students.

In the first semester the course was offered, students connected with nonprofits like the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan or Cook Library Center for community-based learning and research projects. Schlewitz said other students interviewed Latino business owners or tutored English as Second Language speakers through Bethany Christian Services.

Gamal Gasim, associate professor of Middle East studies and political science, taught the Arab Americans course. He said there is growing interest in the course among Grand Valley students from Arab or Muslim backgrounds.

Like those in Schlewitz’s course, Gasim’s students discussed the social and political issues facing Arab Americans and focused on economic development, media coverage, and civil rights. The class visited the Arab American National Museum in Detroit, West Michigan churches and mosques, and other cultural sites in order to gain firsthand experiences with Arab American culture.

A Colorful Celebration Hindu Style

The religious studies program and the Kaufman Interfaith Institute hosted India’s Spring Festival of Colors (Holi) in front of the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons at Grand Valley. Holi is a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the coming of spring by throwing colorful powders and colored water at one another.

Abhishek Ghosh, an assistant professor of religious studies, explained the Festival of Colors: “When spring comes, it’s time to actually go out and celebrate like nature is doing — throw colors on each other and make it very colorful.” Additionally, Ghosh explained, “the core idea behind Holi is a Sanskrit phrase that means ‘The whole world is one family.’”

Holi being celebrated on Grand Valley’s campus furthers the university’s commitment and appreciation for students and staff and faculty members of diverse religious traditions and backgrounds.

Brooks College Launches New Programs and Courses for Fall 2016

The 2015-2016 academic year was particularly busy as faculty members in Brooks College designed new programs and courses to launch in Fall 2016.

The bachelor’s degree program in global studies and social impact was approved by the Board of Trustees in April 2016. Students majoring in the program will study global issues like immigration, economics, climate change, food security, and cultural and religious identity — issues and problems that are global in scope and have differing localized effects on communities around the world.

Students may earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in this new major, and they will focus their coursework on two world regions (African and African American studies, East Asian studies, Latin American and Latino/a studies, or Middle East studies) and across three broad global themes: People, Places, and Movements; Identities and Expressions; and Systems and Actions. Students begin the program with two core courses — (Dis) Order and (In)Justice: An Introduction to Global Studies and History of Global Change and Social Transformation — and conclude their studies in a Capstone course in which they work on a significant research project connected to a global problem or issue of particular interest to them.

Of the new program, Anne L. Hiskes, dean of Brooks College, said, “Students will gain an understanding of a world that is rapidly changing because of increasing interconnections across the globe.”

Other new programs and courses include:

• The human rights minor, which provides opportunities for students to engage in 21st century human rights issues. Like global studies and social impact, the minor draws on courses from across the university, allowing students both to gain broad understanding of how different disciplines approach the problem of human rights and to choose a course of study around the topics about which they’re most passionate. Core and elective courses focus on human rights theory, history, law and politics, and contemporary issues like trafficking, children’s rights, and genocide. Students who choose to minor in human rights will be encouraged to intern with local and global nonprofit organizations. A kickoff event was held on April 19 with a lecture given by Michael Goodhart from the University of Pittsburgh. Goodhart’s lecture was titled “Human Rights as Political Tools.” To learn more about the program, visit www.gvsu.edu/humanrights/.
• The liberal education and professional skills (LEPS) certificate will give liberal arts and interdisciplinary majors the opportunity to develop workplace-related skills and to reflect on possible career paths. In this 12-credit program, students take courses in business communication, financial literacy, and computer science. They connect the skills they gain through this coursework to their declared majors and synthesize this knowledge in a one-credit Leadership Portfolio Development course and a two-credit Capstone experience that centers on learning via case studies. To learn more about the LEPS program, visit https://www.gvsu.edu/leps/.
• The Latino/a studies certificate engages students in intercultural understanding and community involvement. This 15-credit program begins with an Introduction to Latino/a Studies course, after which students can choose from electives in the Latin America and Latino/a studies program and from across the university to increase their knowledge and skills. LAS Program Coordinator David Stark hopes that students will gain a greater appreciation and understanding of what Latinos/as can offer. “Many people live next to or work with Latinos/as, so it is important that we understand who they are as a people and their culture,” Stark said. To learn more, visit www.gvsu.edu/lsc/.
• The civil discourse class is being offered for a third year, this time with a brand new topic. The second Padnos/Sarosik Endowed Professor of Civil Discourse, Jack Mangala, was named in Fall 2015. Mangala is an associate professor of African and African American studies and political science; his course titled Immigration: Think Global, Act Local began in Fall 2016. Focused on an interdisciplinary approach to the study of immigration, the course challenges students to think critically about issues that drive international migration, such as globalization, poverty, and human rights. By researching and discussing the topic of immigration, the course teaches students strategies for engaging in productive, civil discourse. The course culminates in a Civil Discourse Symposium open to the public in November 2016. To learn more about both the course and the symposium,visit www.gvsu.edu/civildiscourse/.

Grand Valley Students Participate in Cultural Immersion Program Without Leaving Michigan

Brooks College has established a partnership with University of Michigan’s (U-M) Semester in Detroit program, which began in Fall 2016. Grand Valley students who are accepted into the program are living in Detroit, taking courses taught by U-M faculty members, and engaging in internships in the Detroit community.

Ellen Schendel, associate dean of Brooks College, said the program is open to all Grand Valley students. She said students who are interested in social justice work, community engagement, or who had taken the civil discourse course are good matches for the program.

“This program offers students a unique, place-based educational experience,” Schendel said. “Students in the program study and experience how the history of Detroit and the engagement of the community shape the city’s future. They learn from the people of Detroit how to make change in the world.”

Housing is in Midtown Detroit, through an agreement with the Cass Corridor Commons, or at a home in the Woodbridge neighborhood. Cost for the semester is the regular tuition cost for 13-18 credits, housing, plus a $491 program fee. There are three need-based scholarships available to cover the program fee cost.

Four courses are required, including a history of Detroit course and a field internship.

Six students were accepted into the program from Grand Valley for Fall 2016. Students heading to Detroit from Grand Valley come from a variety of majors: liberal studies,biomedical science, and geography.

Connecting with Alumni Worldwide

The Barbara and Stuart Padnos International Center and Alumni Relations have teamed up to expand efforts to connect with Grand Valley alumni who live abroad — both those who came to Grand Valley as international students, and those from the U.S. who now live elsewhere in the world.

“The Padnos International Center has been more intentional in recent years at connecting with both study abroad alumni and GVSU alumni who happen to live and work outside the U.S. These alumni are interested in the international activities of the university and, in return, they are in a position to help GVSU tremendously — encouraging students to consider enrolling at GVSU, supporting GVSU students studying abroad, and more,” said Chief International Officer Mark Schaub.

In recent years, outreach events have taken place in the following locations:

• Cracow, Poland
• Sao Paulo, Brazil
• London, U.K.
• Munich, Germany
• Koror, Palau
• Shanghai, China
• Xi’an, China
• Seoul, Korea

Maintaining relationships with our alumni and learning more about their “Laker Effect” around the world ensure Brooks College’s faculty and staff members and students continue to learn from them.