IRIS Student Resource Page
Looking for INT 100/201 Co-curricular Opportunities?
Or maybe you just want to get more involved on campus? Check out the INT 100/201 events listing. The list of opportunities, both in-person and virtual, is updated throughout the calendar year.
Interesting in doing research?
Learn more about opportunities that are available to undergraduate students to learn research methods and gain valuable experience partnering with faculty mentors in IRIS.
The first step to getting started is often just getting in touch! A list of current research interests and IRIS faculty contact information is linked here. Consider sending an email to a professor with whom you have interests in common and arrange a time to talk more.
Students enrolled in any of the department's programs are strongly encouraged to consult the websites for their specific program (linked at the right or via the "Programs" menu at top of the header on this page). Each of those sites contains valuable information for students that is tailored to those programs. This site is intended to serve as a general resource for all departmental students for assistance in locating department-wide information or university forms or resources.
Students are always encouraged to contact the IRIS Department Office with questions. We are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. throughout the calendar year, with the exception of university holidays. We are here to help you!
Forms
Recommendation Request (FERPA Release)
Before requesting a recommendation from one of your faculty members, you should be sure to complete a FERPA Release of Information Form. This form is required before federally protected information about your academic history and performance can be shared with individuals outside of the university.
Applications for Graduation: Degrees, Certificate, and Badge
As you begin your last semester prior to graduation, it is important to submit an application for graduation as well as an application for any certificates or badges that you may have earned. These forms should be completed and submitted after you are enrolled for any remaining courses necessary to receive your degree. For undergraduate and graduate students, the application for graduation from GVSU can be found via the Registrar's Forms website. These forms can be downloaded, completed, and submitted in hard copy or they can be submitted online via a secure site that requires your GVSU login.
Students enrolled in the ITC Certificate or ITC Badge Program will also need to complete an application to receive those credentials. Certificates and Badges are not automatically awarded upon graduation.
To receive your certificate, you will need to complete and submit the Certificate Application Form. Students typically do this at the point that they are enrolled in ITC 495 (the ITC senior seminar/capstone course) but prior to completing that course.
Students who have completed the requirements for the ITC Badge should email the ITC Program Coordinator, Dr. Haixia Liu, noting that they have completed the ITC Badge requirements and would like to receive the Digital Badge. Dr. Liu, will then confirm you have met the requirements and your Digital Badge will be issued to you through Acclaim. Please remember that you will need to respond to the notification that is sent to you in order to "claim" your Badge and begin using that credential as part of your dossier, LinkedIn site, or the like.
GVSU Registrar's Office
The GVSU Registrar's Office is an important resource for all GVSU students. Their site includes a link to the university's student forms library, an extensive list of resources to meet a whole variety of academic needs. The site also includes links to the academic calendar for current and upcoming semesters, including key dates such as add/drop/withdraw deadlines and tuition payment information.
Support Resources
Academic Support
Are you struggling in one or more of your classes? Wondering whether or not you are on track to successfully graduate? Or just have general questions or concerns? Your faculty and professional advisors want to talk to you.
All students majors in either Integrative Studies or Religious Studies are assigned to a faculty advisor at the point they declare their major. Your faculty advisor is your best resource for questions about grades, academic assistance, or finalizing your study plan. You are encouraged to email or call your faculty advisor directly. Or, if you are not sure who your faculty advisor is or have an urgent question and would like to talk with any available advisor, please contact the Department by phone (616)331-8020 or [email protected].
Everyone should meet with their faculty advisor at least once per year. Many students find it helpful to meet with their faculty advisor in January-February, prior to registering for classes for the next academic year. However, you are encourage to meet with your faculty advisor whenever it makes sense for you or you have questions or even just to stop in and say "Hi."
The following provide direct links to the professional advisors for each of our programs/campuses
- Allendale/GR based students enrolled in any of the Brooks College undergraduate programs
- LEADS Accelerated Online Degree students
- Traverse-City Based students
Writing Support
The GVSU Writing Center has resources to support both undergraduate and graduate students no matter whether you are based on the Allendale or Grand Rapids campuses or you are primarily taking classes in Traverse City. In-person support with assignments, feedback on drafts, or general questions are available during drop-in hours or by appointment on the Allendale and Pew Campuses throughout the calendar year. Students based in Traverse City or whose other responsibilities make it difficult to physically access these resources are encouraged to make use of the Center's Online Resources.
Student Life
Get to know your campus! No matter where you are located, GVSU Student Life offers a host of resources and opportunities to engage with fellow students, make valuable professional and personal connections, and Become More!
Transfer Connections
Transfer Connections provides specialized services to assist students who transfer to Grand Valley State University from other colleges and universities; these services include transfer advising and help with navigating the academic and cultural landscape of the university. Advisors are available to meet with students at a variety of locations across Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, and Traverse City.
Veterans Network
GVSU’s Veterans Network is committed to the continued success of our students and provides support for both current and prospective Lakers. Our Veterans Network provides support for veterans, active service members and dependents in transitioning, successfully progressing to degree completion, and on to rewarding post-military careers.
Equity & Inclusion
The Department values diversity, equity, & inclusion. We also recognize that as a student you may be facing a range of pressures ranging from the financial to the interpersonal, medical, or familial. GVSU offers a range of support for students of all backgrounds to help you be your absolute best both inside and out of the classroom.
We are committed to ensuring that our classroom spaces are safe, open spaces where students of all identities and backgrounds can be their authentic selves, explore new ideas, and learn together. This commitment extends to all members of our GVSU community including trans+ students, faculty, and staff.
Students are encouraged to make use of the resources that are available to them on campus, including:
- Disability Support Resources
- Financial Support Resources:
- Money Smart Lakers (a resource that provides training and assistance to help students manage their personal finances)
- Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Replenish: A Food Resource for Students (provides food and personal care items to meet the short-term challenges that students may face when unable to purchase such items)
- Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity
- Milton E. Ford LGBTQ Resources Center
- Multicultural Student Affairs