SSD at 30: Reimagining the Purpose of Our Scholarship

The Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS) and the Student Scholars Day Faculty Planning Committee are thrilled to welcome you to the 30^th annual Student Scholars Day conference. This year's theme, SSD at 30: Reimagining the Purpose of Our Scholarship, invites students to explore how academic knowledge can inspire, educate and catalyze when it is shared beyond traditional boundaries and platforms. This theme challenges presenters to rethink the goals and impacts of their research—not just as contributions to their field, but as accessible, engaging, and empowering information for audiences beyond academia. Whether through posters, oral presentations, or zines, participants are encouraged to creatively communicate their work to those outside their discipline, making scholarship a bridge rather than a barrier. 

A day like this would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of many individuals. We express our deepest gratitude to the SSD Faculty Committee for their commitment, creativity and support in organizing this event. A special thank you goes to our faculty mentors, whose guidance and collaboration make transformative research experiences possible for our students. We also appreciate the students, faculty and staff volunteers who contribute their time and energy to ensuring the success of SSD. And, of course, we celebrate our student presenters, whose curiosity, dedication and intellectual risk-taking embody the spirit of scholarship at Grand Valley. 

SSD Poster Art Competition

SSD Keynote Lecture

Promote SSD

What is Student Scholars Day?

Student Scholars Day (SSD) celebrates scholarship, research, and creative work performed by GVSU students. Beginning as a single-day research symposium almost 30 years ago, SSD evolved into a multi-day event that celebrates the scholarly process and showcases faculty-mentored student work. Student presentations will be on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. A full schedule of events for SSD 2026 is available. This event is coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship.