GVSU’s reorganization to create an expanded Vice President for People, Culture, and Equity reflects a strategic commitment to a holistic approach to equity and inclusion, what we call shared equity leadership. By merging the Division of Inclusion and Equity, Human Resources Office, and the Employee Ombuds Office, the university ensures that policies and practices are aligned across all areas, addressing the needs of both employees and students comprehensively. This consolidation enhances leadership coordination, streamlining decision-making and resource allocation, while reinforcing shared equity leadership as a collective responsibility embedded in university operations. The new structure provides improved support and resources for employees, centralizes accountability, and aligns with GVSU's strategic goals under the Reach Higher. It also positions the university to innovate and lead in best practices for equity and inclusion, increasing the visibility and impact of these efforts and ensuring a supportive environment essential for institutional success.

By integrating key divisions, GVSU fosters a comprehensive approach to creating an inclusive and equitable environment. This alignment ensures that policies, practices, and support systems across the university address the needs of all employees and students holistically.

The reorganization enhances the Human Resources Office's ability to deliver comprehensive support by integrating it with the Division of Inclusion and Equity and the Employee Ombuds Office. This consolidation allows HR to better align policies and practices with the university's equity and inclusion goals, streamline processes, and ensure that all employee-related matters are addressed holistically.

The Employee Ombuds Office will continue to operate independently and confidentially, maintaining its essential role in providing impartial conflict resolution and support services. With support from the President's Office, the Ombuds Office will be more closely integrated with the Division of Inclusion and Equity and the Human Resources Office. This integration ensures that the office can effectively address employee concerns while aligning its efforts with the university's broader goals for equity and inclusion, without compromising its independence.

Shared equity leadership is the idea that equity and inclusion are collective responsibilities embedded in every aspect of university operations. This merger reinforces GVSU’s commitment by engaging leaders and members from various departments to contribute to and uphold these values.

The merger provides improved support and resources for employees by combining the divisions, allowing for better support and resource distribution. The unified structure ensures employees have access to comprehensive resources related to human resources, equity, and conflict resolution.

The new Vice President will ensure that another senior leader with a deep understanding of employee experiences is always present at the executive table, keeping employee well-being and perspectives at the forefront of decision-making.

The merger aligns with GVSU’s strategic goals under the Reach Higher 2025 campaign, which seeks to build a culture of educational equity and eliminate disparities in student success. This alignment ensures that efforts in human resources and equity directly contribute to the university's long-term vision and mission. The integrated division is better positioned to innovate and implement best practices in both human resources and inclusion, allowing GVSU to be a national model for equity and inclusion in higher education.