Division News & Statements
Dean Sullivan: Post-Election
November 09, 2016
Dear Grand Valley Community,
We’ve reached the end of what surely felt like a very, very long election season. We are proud to report that approximately 500 students were shuttled from campus to the precinct in Allendale and know that many others voted by absentee ballot or in person in their communities. Michigan and the nation saw high levels of voter turnout, something of which we should all feel proud.
The outcome of any election yields some voters who are pleased and others who are disappointed. Regardless of how we feel, we have an opportunity to come together as a Laker community and move past the divisiveness and negativity of the election season. It is important for all of us to continue to be active and engaged citizens who contribute positively to civic and public life.
As a university, we are committed to creating ongoing opportunities for students, faculty and staff members to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue. As part of this effort, we are launching a series, “November 9 to Inauguration and Beyond: Where Do We Go From Here?”
·Civil Discourse Symposium
Thursday, November 10, from 5-8:30 p.m., Eberhard Center, 2nd floor
https://www.gvsu.edu/civildiscourse/symposium-2016-11.htm
·Post-Election Town Hall Series
Mondays from 9-11 p.m., November 14 and 28, December 12, January 9 and 23, Thornapple Room, 0058 Kirkhof Center
·Talk Back Tuesday
Tuesday, November 15, from noon-1 p.m., Women’s Center, 1201 Kirkhof Center
A full list of events and more information about the series can be found at www.gvsu.edu/service/vote. We hope you’ll join us.
Faculty and staff members: we understand that you may be approached by some students who want to discuss how they are feeling in the aftermath of the election. We also understand that some students may not want to discuss this at all. Whether it’s in class, through advising sessions, or work with students during co-curricular activities, we ask that you take your lead from them and respond to their needs by providing spaces for dialogue and offering resources.
It is our hope that we move forward exemplifying the university’s highest commitment to values of respect, inclusion, critical reflection, fairness and kindness, and a steadfast resolve that we are one Laker community.
Respectfully,
Eileen G. Sullivan
Vice Provost for Student
Affairs and Dean of Students