Skip to main content
Grand Valley State University Logo Grand Valley State University Logo

Oliver Wilson Scholars

GVSU Fall

Program Overview

The Oliver Wilson Scholars (OWS) Program identifies, recruits and develops students with amazing potential that is translated into success.  The OWS Program achieves this through direct access to resources and comprehensive and specialized services that ensure a smooth transition to higher education.  The program is housed in the Office of Student Support and Belonging and is delivered through university-wide coordinated care. The overall goal is to strengthen academic achievement while providing holistic student development that leads to a greater sense of belonging.

First-year students, from left, communications major Jakhia Johnson, fine arts major Ka’Maria Nathan, and art education major J’Nya Brown taught together as they left their Navigating College Success class held at the Mary Idema Pew Library July 2....

Program Requirements

  1. Student Success Coaching
    1. Students are required to meet with an assigned Success Coach a minimum of three times (3) per semester. All Success Coaches are knowledgeable in holistic academic advising and student development.
  2. EDH 181 - Navigating College Success 
    1. Students are required to enroll and successfully complete EDH 181 - Navigating College Success during the Fall semester. Students will be co-enrolled in this course with other OWS students. Registration for this course will occur during New Student Orientation. 
  3. Ten Hours of Engagement Hours
    1. Students must engage with our office for a minimum of 10 hours a semester. Student can choose from:
      1. Weekly Study Tables Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00pm - 6:00pm each week. Tutors in Math, Science, Writing, and Research will be available to assist students.
      2. Attend OWS or OSSB sponsored events. Events can be found here
  1. Student Success Coaching
    1. Students are required to meet with an assigned Success Coach a minimum of two times per semester. All Success Coaches are knowledgeable in holistic academic advising and student development.
  2. Ten Hours of Engagement Hours
    1. Students must engage with our office for a minimum of 10 hours a semester. Student can choose from:
      1. Weekly Study Tables Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00pm - 6:00pm each week. Tutors in Math, Science, Writing, and Research will be available to assist students.
      2. Attend OWS or OSSB sponsored events. Events can be found here
  1. Student Success Coaching
    1. Students are required to meet with an assigned Success Coach a minimum of three times per semester. All Success Coaches are knowledgeable in holistic academic advising and student development.
  2. EDH 181 - Navigating College Success 
    1. Students have the option to enroll in EDH 181 - Navigating College Success during the Fall semester. Discussion about enrollment into this course will happen during New Student Orientation.
  3. Ten Hours of Engagement Hours
    1. Students must engage with our office for a minimum of 10 hours a semester. Student can choose from:
      1. Weekly Study Tables Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00pm - 6:00pm each week. Tutors in Math, Science, Writing, and Research will be available to assist students.
      2. Attend OWS or OSSB sponsored events. Events can be found here
GVSU photography student Roderick Clark, left, talks with student success coach Adrian Hall as part of the Oliver Wilson Scholars program at the Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center on July 22.
Page last modified August 19, 2026