2025-2026 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Seidman College of Business (SCB)
About the College
SCB Administration
Dean: Diana Lawson
Associate Dean: Paul Isely
Assistant Dean: Karen Ruedinger
Director of Graduate Programs: Erika Morrison
Website
The Legacy of Seidman
Grand Valley State University was founded in 1960 and opened its doors in 1963. The first economics courses were taught in 1965, with a School of Business and Economics being established in 1970.
Through a generous gift provided by the Seidman Family Foundation, the F.E. Seidman Graduate College was formed in 1973. The undergraduate and graduate programs were merged into one School, the Seidman College, in 1979. After a university-wide restructuring in 1983, the Seidman College was re-named the Seidman School of Business, offering the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics, Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Science in Taxation (MST) degrees. The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) was added in 2002. In July 2004, the Seidman School was once again renamed the Seidman College of Business. In 1988, the opening of the Grand Rapids L.V. Eberhard Center provided opportunities to offer courses in Grand Rapids in addition to those offered on the Allendale Campus. The College has continued to grow and prosper, adding new faculty and staff, and expanding its program outreach to the Lakeshore communities of Muskegon and Holland. As demand for space continued, the Seidman College of Business moved two more times. In the summer of 2000, the college moved into the Richard M. DeVos Center, a new $50 million facility on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus that housed a variety of university programs and services. Then, in May of 2013, the College called the newly constructed L. William Seidman Center its home.
This facility, housing all of the college's programs as well as its business outreach centers, bolsters the many linkages that the college has formed with both the local and international business communities from a prime downtown location on the Grand River.
The Seidman College of Business was named in honor of the late Frank Edward Seidman, who for more than 50 years was a distinguished member of the Grand Rapids business community and a partner in the national accounting firm of BDO Seidman. He was nationally recognized as a business and civic leader, an economist, and a philanthropist. For many years, he wrote a newspaper column on business and economics and contributed to numerous professional journals. He was also the co-author of three technical books, including Legislative History of the Federal Income Tax Law, Financing the War, and Accounting Handbook.
F.E. Seidman worked for both his bachelor's and master's degrees in commercial science by attending night classes at New York University. He placed a high value on education and was devoted to improving educational opportunities for people from all backgrounds. F.E. Seidman was especially dedicated to improving the level of competence in the business and public sectors, not only in his own firm, but also in all of the organizations it audited.
F.E. Seidman was, in every sense, a creative businessman. He was chairman of the Citizens' Advisory Committee on the Michigan Tax Study and of the Michigan State Board of Accountancy. He was a director of the Grand Rapids Community Chest and the Community Services of Kent County for 25 years and was a long-time director of the Grand Rapids Foundation, the largest philanthropic organization of its kind in the area. As a trustee of the Thomas Erler Seidman Foundation, named for a deceased son, he was instrumental in providing youth-building and educational opportunities for thousands of young people in the Grand Rapids area, as well as providing funds for the Seidman House at Grand Valley.
In establishing the Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley intended to embody the philosophy, ideas, and spirit of Seidman and to provide a place to gain an education in business and administration in West Michigan.
Just as quality was the hallmark of F.E. Seidman's efforts, so, too, is quality in education the touchstone of the Seidman College of Business. Grand Valley's purpose has been to honor the man not merely by affixing his name to the college, but by perpetuating the high ideals to which he personally dedicated himself.
Mission
Seidman develops business talent that advances sustainable growth in West Michigan and the Great Lakes Region. Through the exchange and application of knowledge from global and diverse perspectives, we prepare learners to make ethically-informed decisions that positively impact the economy, environment, and society. Our distinctiveness is grounded in strong community collaborations, applied scholarly contributions, innovative approaches to learning, and a supportive culture.
Accreditation
The Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. This accreditation signifies a high level of quality and continuous improvement in the college's programs, faculty, and resources. Seidman College has been accredited by AACSB since 1997.
Having voluntarily pursued, earned, and maintained AACSB International accreditation, Seidman has demonstrated a distinguished level of performance. Here are a few ways that accreditation affects the quality of a business school's education:
- We carefully plan and rigorously monitor our curriculum to make sure that business students receive an education true to our mission - current, relevant, and always improving.
- We recruit our professors from among the top academic talent. They continuously develop their teaching prowess; enrich the field of management knowledge and instruction; and impact on our students, school, and community in positive ways.
- Our facilities and the learning resources they house are designed to fulfill the objectives of our courses and programs. We regularly evaluate them to ensure that they are accessible, up-to-date, and effectively utilized.
We make consistent efforts to achieve demographic diversity in our student body.
Academic Units
School of Accounting
Economics Department
Finance Department
Management Department
Marketing Department
Seidman Business Services
Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Family Owned Business Institute
Koeze Business Ethics Initiative
Michigan-Small Business Development Center - West Michigan Region
Michigan-Small Business Development Center - Michigan Lead Center
Seidman Financial Planning Certificate Program
U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center
Van Andel Global Trade Center
Program Information
Programs
The Seidman College of Business offers programs in business and economics leading to a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), a Professional MBA/Executive MBA (M.B.A.), and a Master of Science in accounting (M.S.A.). The Seidman College of Business, in partnership with Michigan State University College of Law, also offers the opportunity to participate in a "3+3" legal education admission program leading to a B.B.A. and J.D. in approximately six years. For a description of the B.S. and B.A. economics program, see the Economics section. Please contact the Seidman College of Business Student Academic Services Office for additional information.
Through these programs, the college helps students learn to gather the information upon which effective management is based, make rational decisions on the basis of that information, plan for the effective implementation of those decisions, and monitor their consequences. Students develop an understanding of the functional areas of business, the dynamics of competitive and cooperative group processes, formal and informal organizational behavior, and the culture of business.
Students also gain knowledge of the external environment of business, developing a perspective on contemporary global business through historical and international comparisons. Students understand the ways in which business and management are responding to current social, economic, political, international, and technological challenges.
Undergraduate students may major in accounting, business economics, economics, finance, general business, general management, human resources management, marketing, operations management, and supply chain management. An emphasis in management information systems is available in the management program. Emphases in general marketing, distribution and logistics, and sales are available in the marketing program. There are also opportunities for students who do not wish to enter a degree program to take courses that apply to their professional interests.
The college makes every effort to accommodate the varying needs of its students. People employed full-time, for example, can enroll in many evening classes. Those who are not employed can gain valuable experience through internships with area businesses and government agencies.
Graduate students may pursue master's degrees in accounting, business administration, and business leadership.
Program Descriptions
- Accounting
- Business (General)
- Business Administration
- Business Economics
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Supply Chain Management
Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions
Eligibility Criteria
- High school (HS) seniors who have been admitted to GVSU
- 3.500 or higher overall HS GPA
- 26 or higher ACT score or 1240 SAT
Those who have applied to Grand Valley State University and meet the above criteria will automatically be sent information regarding the steps necessary to accept the dean's early access invitation. If you have updated test scores or ACT/SAT scores that meet the criteria, please notify the Admissions and Recruitment Office at (616) 331-2025.
Advantages of Dean's Early Access Invitation
Early access to upper-level business courses: Typically, students begin their 200-level business courses in their sophomore year and their 300-level business courses in their junior year. When students accept their early access invitation from the dean, they are eligible for 200-level business courses in their first year as a student and 300-level business courses prior to junior standing. The 200-level Seidman courses include ACC 212, BUS 201, ECO 210, ECO 211, MGT 268, plus STA 225.
Early access to a faculty advisor: When students accept the invitation, they will be assigned a faculty advisor in their business major. Faculty advisors assist with questions regarding career, elective course selection, and graduate school guidance.
Students must also meet with a professional advisor in the Seidman Undergraduate Programs Office each semester. The professional advising staff assists students with degree progression toward graduation.
Seidman Success Standards
The Seidman College of Business permits access to 300- and 400-level business courses after meeting the following Seidman College of Business success standards.
- 55 earned semester hours (junior status)
- 2.5 or higher overall GPA
- Completion of the following courses with a 2.5 or higher combined GPA: ACC 212, BUS 201, ECO 210, ECO 211, MGT 268, STA 225.
Once a student has met the Seidman College of Business success standards, they must maintain a 2.5 minimum overall GPA to remain eligible for 300- and 400-level business courses.
For graduation, Seidman College of Business majors must have an overall GVSU GPA and business major GPA of 2.5 or higher.
General Education
All business students must complete the general education requirements (see section on General Education). This program will develop a base of general education upon which business administration education will rest. Included is a broad spectrum of liberal arts, mathematics, and science courses. During their junior and senior years, students will take a variety of business administration courses in different areas that provide a strong general business and administration background. Additionally, they will complete courses applicable to one of the specific majors offered.
Graduate Admissions
The graduate business programs are open to qualified individuals with a bachelor's degree from accredited colleges and universities.
No particular undergraduate major is necessary for students selecting the M.B.A., M.S. in business leadership, or M.S.A. programs, although candidates may be required to show proof of foundational competencies in business subjects before attempting advanced work.
Candidates are admitted to the master's degree programs in business administration, business leadership, or accounting based on criteria that have been shown to predict success in graduate business programs, including previous academic performance, career history, performance on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) if required, and evidence of other competencies related to academic program and workplace success. A TOEFL score of at least 80 (IBT) is also required of applicants whose first language is not English.
M.B.A.
Admission to the M.B.A. program is competitive, as the M.B.A. Admissions Committee carefully considers each applicant. The M.B.A. Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach to candidate evaluation with consideration of relevant professional experience, potential for career growth, academic ability, leadership qualities, communication and interpersonal skills, and motivation for success. Applicants with managerial, operational, or decision-making experience receive preference for admission. Seidman purposefully maintains a relatively small class size and values candidates with diverse backgrounds, skill sets, cultures, and talents.
To apply, students should
- complete the M.B.A. application (including essay/personal statement);
- submit official transcripts;
- submit a recent resume;
- provide two graduate references; and
- provide official GMAT scores (if applicable).
International students may be required to submit additional documents as part of their admission materials. Individuals who submit all required documents may be selected for an interview as part of the admission process.
Waiver of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Requirement
Most prospective graduate business students take the GMAT. The GMAT is strongly recommended and may be used to strengthen the applicant's profile. A GMAT waiver is an option for highly qualified individuals.
To be considered for a GMAT waiver, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
- Document at least three years of relevant professional experience that shows increased responsibilities over that period.
- Document having earned an acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); other graduate exams may be considered by request.
- A transcripted undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher from an AACSB-accredited business program.
- A transcripted undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or higher from a regionally accredited university in any major.
- Documented having earned a master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited program.
Meeting the criteria to waive the GMAT does not guarantee admission to the M.B.A. program. Even those who are eligible to waive should consider taking the GMAT because a strong score increases the likelihood of admission.
Executive M.B.A.
EMBA (executive Master of Business Administration) serves experienced professionals. Applicants are evaluated on professional experience, leadership potential, prior academic performance, and employer recommendation.
M.S. in Business Leadership
The Master of Science in business leadership is designed for graduates from non-business undergraduate programs or those graduates with little to no work experience. This degree allows students to gain knowledge, skills, and experiences that will enable them to contribute to a variety of entry-level business roles in a variety of industries. Students in this program bring diversity of academic backgrounds, making the classroom a dynamic environment for the exchange of perspectives and ideas.
Additionally, the M.S. in business leadership allows Seidman College to provide a more robust portfolio of graduate program offerings. The program appeals to the individual contributor population (one who has no direct reports), the professional M.B.A. (PMBA) appeals to the emerging leader population, while the executive M.B.A. (EMBA) appeals to the experienced leader population.
M.S.A.
The M.S. in accounting (M.S.A.) degree offers an intensive, concentrated learning experience that explores the essential aspects of accounting and permits an in-depth exploration and practical experience in areas within the discipline. This specialized degree is designed for students pursuing CPA certification and careers in public, industry and nonprofit accounting.
The program is available to students with any undergraduate major including those with limited undergraduate accounting courses, although the curriculum will vary depending on previous business and accounting coursework. The M.S.A. may be pursued part- or full-time, and students may begin their studies any semester. Graduates meet the academic requirements for Michigan CPA licensure.
Endowed Chairs
L. William Seidman Accounting Chair
The L. William Seidman Chair in Accounting was established to provide financial support to one distinguished accounting faculty member who would advance the accounting profession through teaching, research, and professional outreach activities.
This endowed chair was established to recognize and honor L. William Seidman, who was the former chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC). Seidman received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth, his law degree from Harvard Law School, and his M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. He was also a C.P.A. and a noted author. He served as dean of the College of Business at Arizona State University, as vice chairman of Phelps Dodge Corporation, and as an assistant to the president of the United States for economic affairs.
Esther Seidman Chair
The Esther Seidman Chair was established to provide financial support to one distinguished faculty member who would advance the initiatives and goals of the Seidman College of Business. This endowed chair was established to recognize and honor the late Esther Seidman who, along with her husband Frank Edward Seidman, was a distinguished member of the Grand Rapids business and civic community.
Student Resources
Advising
Academic advising takes place in "situations in which an institutional representative gives insight or direction to a college student about an academic, social, or personal matter. The nature of this direction might be to inform, suggest, counsel, discipline, coach, mentor, or even teach" (Kuhn, 2008, p. 3).
Seidman Tutoring
During the fall and winter semesters, students can access tutoring in person at the L. William Seidman Center in the Tutoring Lab on the second floor (SW corner). This drop-in tutoring allows students to receive assistance on an as-needed basis. This is a great option for getting help with homework and addressing specific questions.
In addition, students can access tutoring support through scheduled one-on-one tutoring sessions in Allendale at the Tutoring and Reading Center in Henry Hall (Rm. 112). These 50-minute sessions with peer tutors are helpful for reviewing course content, as well as developing effective reading and study strategies.
During the summer semester, we offer virtual tutoring on a limited schedule.
Tutors are available to assist with select Seidman pre-core and core courses such as ACC 212 & 213, ECO 210 & 211, and FIN 320 as well as other courses based on tutor availability.
Graduate Fellowships/Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistants work with Seidman College of Business faculty and staff members. Qualified full-time candidates are selected on the basis of aptitude, interest, and background.
Graduate Independent Study
Individualized study may be available for candidates interested in pursuing relevant special interests in areas in which regular courses are not offered. These may consist of research projects, theses, problem-solving projects, or other appropriate endeavors related to the candidate's current job and intellectual or career interests.
No independent study or individualized courses will be allowed in areas in which courses exist and are taught at least once per year.
Only graduate degree-seeking candidates who have completed the core requirements or have special permission from the program director may take individualized graduate courses or conduct graduate-level independent projects.
All independent study topics and the amount of credit to be earned must be approved by the faculty member who agrees to supervise the project. A maximum of three hours of credit can be granted for independent study. The conditions, meeting times, workload, and subject matter concerned with the project are mutually agreed to by the initiating candidate and the assenting faculty member, consistent with standards of quality education. Request forms can be obtained from the Seidman Student Academic Services office.
Graduate Study Abroad
Graduate assistants work with Seidman College of Business faculty and staff members. Qualified full-time candidates are selected on the basis of aptitude, interest, and background.
Washington Campus Program
Seventeen universities have recognized the importance of training private sector managers and leaders in the art of working with the federal government and have established the Washington Campus Program. These colleges and universities are Grand Valley State University, Arizona State University, University of California at Berkley, Colorado State University, Emory University, Georgetown University, Howard University, Indiana University, University of Michigan, University of New Mexico, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Northeastern University, The Ohio State University, Purdue University, Rice University, University of Texas at Austin, and Texas A&M University.
The Washington Campus Program offers a unique opportunity for current and future leaders in business and government to gain a basic understanding of how to deal with the problems inherent in business/government relationships by working with policymakers, politicians, regulatory agency personnel, and others who make up the teaching staff and resource persons for the programs.
Participating graduate students spend a week in Washington, D.C., where they hear from Washington insiders, visit government and public policy institutions, and engage in real-world case studies on the interaction of business, politics, and public policy. Participants earn three credit hours and a certificate of completion from the Washington Campus Program. For additional information, graduate students can contact the Seidman Student Academic Services office.
Scholarships
Accounting Alumni Scholarship
American Photo Marketing Entrepreneurship Scholarship
American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Scholarship
BDO USA International Accounting Scholarship
Becker CPA Course Scholarship
Fred A. Bell Business Scholarship
Barry Castro Business Ethics Scholarship
Johnny C. Burton Memorial Scholarship
Campbell Williams Business Scholarship
Colliers International Scholarship
Crowe Horwath, LLP Outstanding Accounting Student Scholarship
Marvin G. DeVries Endowed Scholarship
Gregg K. Dimkoff Finance Scholarship
Economics Department Faculty Scholarship
Ernst and Young Senior Accounting Excellence Scholarship
Excel Business Scholarship
Finance Department Advisory Board Scholarship
Finance Department Faculty Scholarship
Doug and Christen Fox Scholarship
The Four Ps of Marketing Scholarship
Matt and Kendra Gibson Accounting and Finance Scholarship
Richard H. Giles Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Earl Harper Management Scholarship
Hilda C. Holder Scholarship for Women in Business
J.C. Huizenga Business Scholarship
Hungerford Nichols CPAs+ Advisors Accounting Scholarship
Jad Abou-Maarouf '05, '08 and Selene Lacayo '06 Scholarship
Michael and Sue Jandernoa Scholarship
Dr. Donald J. Kline Sr. Graduate Scholarship in Accounting
Kaufman Family Scholarship Honoring L. William Seidman
The A. Scott and Ruth P. Koeze Graduate Business Scholarship
Jack J. Korff Seidman College of Business Finance Scholarship
L.V. Eberhard Business Scholarship
Lacks Enterprises Scholarship
May Group Realtors w/ReMax of Grand Rapids Scholarship
Mithilesch and Jitendra Mishra Foreign Student and Faculty Scholarship
NAI Wisinski of West Michigan Commercial Real Estate Scholarship
Don and Diane Paton Family Entrepreneurship Scholarship
Dr. William F. Pickard Business Scholarship
Randy and Debbie Price Scholarship
Redfield Financial Group Business and Baseball Scholarship
Plante Moran Accounting Scholarship
John W. and Virginia M. Reifel Economics Scholarship
School of Accounting Faculty Endowed Scholarship
Seidman College of Business Study Abroad Scholarship
Seidman Dean's Advisory Board Scholarship
Marilyn and Budge Sherwood Seidman College of Business Scholarship for Nontraditional Students
Paul '87 and Sue Spindler Accounting Study Abroad Scholarship
Steelcase Inc. Seidman College of Business Diversity Scholarship
Supply Chain Management Related Scholarships
Tax Executives Institute Accounting/Tax Scholarship
The Right Place/MMTC-West Manufacturers Council Scholarship
VanderZwaag Business Scholarship
Richard E. Veazey Graduate Academic Scholarship in Accounting
Philip P. and Joyce Versluis Supply Chain Management Scholarship
Vetter Family Marketing Scholarship
The Kathleen B. Vogelsang Seidman College of Business Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students
Don Williams Sr. Dean Emeritus Multicultural Business Education (MBEC) Scholarship
H. James Williams Endowed Scholarship
Windstream Enterprise Resource Planning Scholarship
Robert H. and Barbara Wood Entrepreneurship Scholarship
Refer to the Seidman College of Business website at gvsu.edu/seidman for scholarship details.
Awards
Accounting Awards
The Beene Garter Institute of Management Accountants, Ernst and Young Accounting Senior Excellence Award, and Clipper Belt Lacer accounting awards are presented at the annual spring accounting awards dinner. These awards honor outstanding academic and leadership excellence.
Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key
Each year, the international fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi awards the Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key to the graduating student with the highest academic average for the four years of study in business administration. All business students are eligible for this award.
Student Honors Organizations
BETA ALPHA PSI KAPPA BETA CHAPTER
Beta Alpha Psi is a national scholastic and professional honors society. The primary objective of the society is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the field of accounting, finance, and information systems. Grand Valley State Universitys chapter of Beta Alpha Psi is dedicated to enhancing career opportunities and providing a social environment for persons of similar life goals. The chapter has regular meetings, sponsors speakers, participates in outreach programs such as the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, and holds numerous social events. Members have the opportunity to attend regional meetings and national meetings held in different cities each year. Membership allows students to learn firsthand about elements of a successful accounting career and ensures multiple network opportunities with practicing professional accountants. Membership is open to any part- or full-time student majoring in accounting or finance at Grand Valley State University with an upper-level cumulative GPA in declared area of concentration of at least a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) and a cumulative overall GPA of at least 3.0 (or an overall GPA of 3.25 for the last 35 credits).
BETA GAMMA SIGMA
The Grand Valley State University chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, a national honor society in business administration, promotes high scholarship in business education by recognizing and rewarding scholastic attainment in business subjects. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is awarded once each year to undergraduate and graduate students who are in the top seven percent of the junior class, the top 10 percent of the senior class, and the top 20 percent of graduating masters students. Induction occurs annually near the end of the Winter Semester.
OMICRON DELTA EPSILON
The objectives of Omicron Delta Epsilon include recognition of scholastic attainment, the honoring of outstanding achievement in economics, and the establishment of closer ties between students and faculty in economics within colleges and universities, and among colleges and universities.
Student Organizations
AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION (AMA)
The American Marketing Association of Grand Valley is an award-winning, student-run organization aimed at helping GVSU students network professionally with their peers, make lifetime connections, and learn to market themselves and their skills to potential employers. We provide fun opportunities for students interested in marketing and business by hosting expert speakers, touring agencies, providing professional development workshops, participating in philanthropic events, and arranging club networking socials.
COLLEGIATE ENTREPRENEURS' ORGANIZATION (CEO)
The Grand Valley student chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization is an affiliate of the national CEO organization, which is the premier global entrepreneurship network serving more than 500 colleges and universities. The mission of the CEO is to inform, support, and inspire college students to be entrepreneurial and seek opportunity through enterprise creation. Students meet regularly to network, train, and inspire students from all fields (business and non-business) to foster and encourage the transfer of innovative ideas to commercialization. Interaction with successful entrepreneurs locally, attendance at the national CEO conference, business plan competitions, and an intercollegiate online chat are a few of the groups activities. All majors are welcome, bringing a rich multi-discipline flavor to the organization and its activities.
DELTA SIGMA PI - LAMBDA XI CHAPTER OF GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Delta Sigma Pi is a professional fraternity organized to foster the study of business in universities; to encourage scholarship, social activity and the association of students for their mutual advancement by research and practice; to promote closer affiliation between the commercial world and students of commerce, and to further a higher standard of commercial ethics and culture and the civic and commercial welfare of the community. The Lambda Xi Chapter at Grand Valley State University was established on April 19, 1986, focusing on brotherhood, networking, professional development, and philanthropy. Chapter activities include bringing business leaders to campus, conducting fundraisers, organizing field trips, and offering social events. Membership is open to pre-business and business students from all Seidman business disciplines who meet Seidman College academic standards.
ECONOMICS CLUB
The Grand Valley Economics Club is a place for students with an interest in economics and business to come together and dive deeper into the subject with other students, faculty members, and professionals in the field.
ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS STUDENT UNION (ESSU)
Open to any major at Grand Valley State University, the purpose of ESSU is to provide a better understanding of Enterprise Systems and their use in business. In addition, the organization provides a link between the university and companies who utilize Enterprise Systems, with a goal of obtaining internships and employment opportunities for its members. The organization hosts the ERP speaker series, provides networking opportunities with companies, conducts resume workshops and practice interviews, and provides tutoring to management information systems students. ESSU is open to all majors.
PHI CHI THETA - ZETA EPSILON CHAPTER OF GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Phi Chi Theta is one of the nations premier business and economics fraternities. Phi Chi Theta strives to provide academically inclined programming, professional and personal development, and future career opportunities for its members.
PROFESSIONAL SALES ASSOCIATION (PSA)
The purpose of this organization shall be to provide students with the resources to effectively learn and engage in advanced selling techniques. These techniques will encompass the development of professional presentation skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, ethical sales practices, networking skills, and leadership in the field of professional selling.
REAL ESTATE CLUB
We aim to facilitate frequent meetings and events to both explore the interests of and enhance group members understanding of architecture, appraising, brokerage, civil engineering, counseling, land development and building, management, mortgage financing, education, and other related fields of real estate through education by way of lectures by guest speakers, research and exchange of information, and attendance of regional real estate conferences and events.
SEIDMAN SUSTAINABILITY ASSOCIATION (SSA)
The Seidman Sustainability Association was created in 2020 to educate and connect the community to the sustainability movement through the business perspective. In this club, we aim to take action through meetings, events, and starting conversations to make a difference in the environment. With a strong connection to the West Michigan community, SSA builds relationships with local companies to promote their business and highlight their sustainable actions through collaboration and joint participation. This club also helps prepare students for building relationships where classroom education is lacking. Being a part of Grand Rapids, the top metro city for sustainable development, there are endless opportunities for growth and education surrounding CSR and Grand Valleys participation.
SEIDMAN INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO ORGANIZATION (IPO)
The IPO's organizational goal is to foster interaction among students interested in investing and to enhance their career opportunities. The club organizes regular meetings, trips, speakers, volunteering, and social events. Students will get the opportunity to speak with successful business professionals throughout the year and take part in managing a real portfolio of GVSU funds. IPO's extensive alumni network offers unique internship opportunities for members. Through peer learning and various experiences, IPO offers members a look into many different career paths, which equips members with the skills to find what they are interested in and to succeed in their careers.
SEIDMAN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (SSCMA)
The Seidman Supply Chain Management Association is a student organization focused on providing opportunities to students interested in Supply Chain Management and Operations. The organization hosts a variety of events for students, including plant tours, guest speakers, professional development meetings, networking events, and recruiting events. We also participate in volunteer work and supply chain management case competitions throughout the school year. The opportunities we provide give members the edge they need to launch themselves into a successful career within Supply Chain Management or Operations.
SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (SHRM)
Welcoming all students, the Society for Human Resource Management is a professional student-run organization through Grand Valley State University's Seidman College of Business. Our mission is to educate our members about the Human Resource Management profession while creating internships, networking, and volunteer opportunities.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS (WIB)
Women in Business (WIB) is an undergraduate student organization (for all majors and genders) founded to empower and enable women to reach their fullest potential through the expansion of professional and personal opportunities, with a focus on business, leadership, and female celebration and innovation. Successful women start here. Women in Business encourages professional development, networking, leadership, and breaking the glass ceiling one woman at a time.
Community Resources
Advisory Boards and Associations
Seidman Dean's Advisory Board
The Seidman Dean's Advisory Board, composed of the dean and three dozen leaders from local, national, and international companies, serves to create and sustain a partnership between the Seidman College and the business community. The board meets to advise the Seidman College of Business on goals, curriculum, and other matters that are of benefit to the continued enhancement of the student body, the college, and the business and public communities.
Seidman Alumni Network
The Seidman College of Business Alumni Network is an active and engaged group of undergraduate and graduate alumni who are committed to providing support and connections to fellow Lakers. The board's purpose is to promote, assist, and perpetuate the aims and objectives of the college.
Economics Department Advisory Board
The Economics Department Advisory Board is comprised of local leaders from a broad range of sectors, including banking, manufacturing, real estate, and nonprofit and government organizations. The board provides feedback and support for department initiatives.
Human Resource Management Advisory Board
The purpose of the Seidman Human Resource Management Advisory Board is to develop, maintain, and promote a working relationship between human resources professionals and the stakeholders of the Management Department of the Seidman College of Business, including current students, faculty members, and alumni.
Marketing Advisory Board
The Marketing Advisory Board was formed to help align the interests of the students, faculty members, alumni, and communities Seidman College serves. The board meets routinely with marketing faculty members. Board members are from diverse, prestigious firms, including Amway, Axios Inc., Bissell Homecare Inc., Cynthia Kay & Co. Media Production, Daymon Worldwide, Gordon Food Service, Holton Research, Meijer, SoundOff Signal, Stryker Medical, and TransCorr.
Supply Chain Management Advisory Board
The purpose of the Seidman Supply Chain Management Advisory Board is to develop, maintain, and promote a working relationship between supply chain/logistics professionals and the stakeholders of the Management Department of the Seidman College of Business, including current students, faculty, and alumni.
Community Outreach
Seidman Business Services
Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) is dedicated to developing best practices in entrepreneurship education and community engagement that enhance and impact the creation of new ventures and opportunities.
Family-Owned Business Institute
The Family Owned Business Institute (FOBI) at Grand Valley was created out of the collective belief that family businesses are the cornerstone of a communitys prosperity and a vital ingredient in its quality of life. Our national and regional history has demonstrated that it is in the best interest of communities to foster the creation, growth, and continuation of family owned businesses. Our mission is to champion and serve family owned businesses through scholarship, education, and advocacy. FOBI is located on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Koeze Business Ethics Initiative
The mission of the Koeze Business Ethics Initiative (KBEI) is to examine the role and influence of business in public life, to promote inquiry into ethical business practices and education, and to be a leading resource for business professionals, students, faculty, and administrators who seek to understand the relationship between business, the common good, and a life well-lived.
Michigan-Small Business Development Center Michigan Lead Center
The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides no-cost consulting, business education, secondary market research, and technology commercialization services to Michigans new business ventures, existing small businesses, growing businesses, and innovators.
Michigan-Small Business Development Center - West Michigan Region
Seidman Financial Planning Certificate Program
The Seidman Financial Planning Certificate Program (SFPC) is both a non-credit and a for-credit program that fulfills a growing demand among financial planning professionals for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER or CFP® certification. Those who successfully complete this CFP Board-Registered Program will be qualified to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination.
U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center
Whether you are new to exporting or expanding to new markets, the U.S. Commercial Service (CS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration, offers companies a full range of expertise in international trade.
Van Andel Global Trade Center
Since 1999, Van Andel Global Trade Center has been helping Michigan businesses succeed globally. Whether you are thinking about entering or expanding within a new global market, figuring out customs compliance and international regulations, or looking for overseas suppliers to complement your global supply chain, VAGTC is ready to provide export/import/culture training, international market research as well as import/export projects to support your organization's global growth.