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An event venue at GVSU.

Event Sustainability Operations

Undergraduate Certificate

Allendale • Hybrid (?) • 15 Credits

The average meeting and event have a great impact on emissions from such travel necessities as single-use plastics, air and ground transportation, food and beverage, and hotel and venue energy expenditures. Due to the size of the meeting and event industry, it is vital that professionals have a strong understanding of and the ability to implement environmental and sustainability practices.

Overview

Grand Valley's Event Sustainability Operations Undergraduate Certificate program prepares students to implement environmental and sustainability practices in the meeting and event industry. The certificate can be completed in one year or less and is available in a hybrid format, combining online and in-seat classes on the Valley campus.

The coursework requires 15 credits, including core courses on environmental studies, event management, event sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability in food service. Students can also gain practical experience through field preparation and field experience courses.

Studying Event Sustainability Operations equips students with skills to integrate scientific, economic, political, and sociocultural perspectives on sustainability. The program offers career training and experience through internships and fieldwork, enhancing degrees and resumes while providing valuable sustainability competencies.

Admission Information

For new students, visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements. Upon acceptance and for current students:

  • Declare your certificate via myBanner (Login to Banner Self-Service, click on Student, Student Records, Add a Certificate or Badge to your Program, Select the appropriate certificate from the drop-down list, and click Submit)
  • Departmental approval is required. If denied, an email will be sent to your GVSU student email.  
  • Speak with the appropriate certificate coordinator to ensure criteria are being met (you will be able to track your progress toward the certificate in myPath as well!)
  • Once you are done with the requirements, apply to receive the certificate via myBanner.
  • Once the completion of your certificate has been verified, the certificate will be posted to your student record and will be viewable on your transcript. 

Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Kristen Jack, Ph.D., CHA, CTA, Program Director
401 W. Fulton St.
286C Richard M. DeVos Center
[email protected]
(616) 331-3167

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

Career Opportunities

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 49,942.27 10%
$ 60,906.49 25%
$ 76,657.20 50%
$ 96,563.00 75%
$108,798.69 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 72,969.08 10%
$ 86,121.85 25%
$106,572.51 50%
$142,328.21 75%
$179,378.03 90%

Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Coordination
  • Service Orientation
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 33,750.48 10%
$ 40,197.93 25%
$ 52,078.02 50%
$ 67,276.33 75%
$ 93,470.03 90%

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Persuasion
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 36,807.07 10%
$ 48,019.11 25%
$ 64,087.97 50%
$ 79,607.67 75%
$103,482.81 90%

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 49,976.96 10%
$ 61,976.78 25%
$ 80,085.03 50%
$104,039.97 75%
$135,767.09 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

Top skills
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 73,415.29 10%
$ 92,597.60 25%
$123,219.62 50%
$166,377.68 75%
$216,706.50 90%

Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Coordination
  • Service Orientation
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 34,158.68 10%
$ 44,567.52 25%
$ 59,452.49 50%
$ 79,956.65 75%
$115,605.09 90%

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Persuasion
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 43,126.89 10%
$ 52,588.09 25%
$ 66,596.52 50%
$ 85,494.92 75%
$107,442.36 90%
1000+
Employers Participate in GVSU Career Events
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
25%
Of Students Participate in Research or Experiential Learning with Faculty

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Page last modified May 20, 2025