Division of People, Equity, and Culture

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As we shared in March, new regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) require GVSU's digital content to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 guidelines, ensuring our digital content is accessible to everyone. We are writing to share an important update from the federal government regarding web accessibility compliance under the nondiscrimination provisions of the ADAAA.

On April 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice issued an official notice in the Federal Register––under Document No. 2026-07663––announcing a one-year extension of the compliance deadline, moving it from April 24, 2026 to April 26, 2027.

The Department noted that this extension was granted after determining it had underestimated how quickly covered entities could realistically achieve compliance. Importantly, the notice makes it clear that this extension affects only the timeline. It does not change the underlying substantive accessibility requirements adopted in the 2024 rule.

While this extension provides additional time, we will continue moving ahead with our accessibility efforts to ensure our web content and services are inclusive and compliant.

We encourage you to explore available resources, tips, and support on the WCAG website, gvsu.edu/wcag, as well as related eLearning training opportunities. On May 5, you can drop-in for Fix-Your-Content Day, hosted in support of the WCAG 2.1 accessibility initiative. Stop by between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to work alongside experts from Student Accessibility Resources, eLearning Technologies, Blackboard, University Libraries, and University Marketing. Learn more and register via Workday Learning.

For any questions, you can direct those to [email protected].

Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication in creating an accessible environment for all at GVSU. Your efforts remain essential and are deeply appreciated.

Sincerely,

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture 
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

Kathleen VanderVeen, PhD
Associate Vice President, Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, 
Title IX Coordinator, ADA Coordinator

[Sent March 6, 2026]

Dear faculty and staff,

New regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) will require GVSU digital content to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are technical standards that ensure digital content is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Meeting these standards is both a legal requirement and the right thing to do. Our digital presence should serve our entire community equitably.

To support this commitment, the university has adopted the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 as its official technical standard for digital accessibility. These standards apply broadly to university websites and digital content, including materials delivered through Blackboard such as documents, PDFs, and videos. As we work toward the April 24, 2026, compliance milestone, the university recognizes that full accessibility is achieved over time.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to focus on intentional progress and thoughtful prioritization addressing the most impactful accessibility barriers first (syllabi, schedules, readings necessary to complete coursework. etc.), rather than attempting to remediate all existing materials at once.

To support this work, the Digital Accessibility Committee has developed a new website (gvsu.edu/wcag) that serves as a centralized hub for guidance, resources, and next steps. Faculty and staff are encouraged to explore the site and related eLearning training opportunities, and to direct questions to [email protected].

Thank you for your attention to these important guidelines and for helping to create an accessible environment for all at GVSU.

Sincerely,

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

Kathleen VanderVeen, PhD
Associate Vice President, Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, 
Title IX Coordinator, ADA Coordinator

[Sent March 6, 2026]

Dear faculty and staff,

I recognize that global conflicts may be weighing heavily on members of our campus community. These unfolding events can have deeply personal impacts, particularly for those with familial ties and lived experiences connected to affected areas, as well as for veterans and active-duty military members. It's also understood that global violence and instability can affect individuals in different and sometimes unseen ways.

Moments like these can shape our work and interactions on campus. Some members of our community may be navigating concerns for loved ones. Others may find that world events arise in classroom discussions or workplace conversations in unexpected ways. 

In whatever ways this moment may be affecting you, I want to acknowledge it and express where you can find support at GVSU. As we navigate ongoing challenges, below is a reminder of some of the resources available to support you and the students we serve:

Campus Climate and Safety
We remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment. If you have concerns related to campus climate, harassment or discrimination, please submit a Campus Climate Concern report at www.gvsu.edu/ccc or contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX directly.

If there are concerns about immediate harm or safety, please contact emergency services by calling 911. GVSU’s Department of Public Safety is available 24/7 and remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for our community.

Support for Faculty and Staff
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), AllOne Health, is a confidential resource providing 24/7 crisis support, consultation, and coaching to employees and members of their household. Call AllOne Health at 1-800-788-8630 to get started, or access resources online by creating an account (use code "GVSUNI").

Support for Students
Students are encouraged to seek support through the University Counseling Center (UCC) as a confidential space to talk during this time. Additional resources for all students, including support for students with marginalized identities and online self-help tools, may also be available during times when world events affect the campus community.

The CARE Team is available to support students who may be going through a difficult time and can help connect them with helpful resources. A CARE referral can be submitted by students themselves, as well as by faculty, staff, friends or family members who are concerned about a student.

Campus Social Justice Centers may provide supportive spaces for students who would like to connect with others, and trained Residence Life staff remain available to assist and support students living on campus.

The Padnos International Center and the International Student Support (ISS) team supports international students through advocacy and serves as the primary resource for legal, cultural and social matters international students navigate.

While we are sharing these resources in consideration of current events, please know this support is available to you at all times.

If you are looking for further resources or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for the care and compassion you continue to show our students and one another as we support our campus community.

Sincerely,

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

[Sent March 5, 2026]

Happy Women's History Month, GVSU Community!

This month, I encourage you to intentionally celebrate the women in your life and in our GVSU community who have paved the way and continue to shape our world.

Women's History Month is rooted in the tireless advocacy of those who recognized women's stories and contributions continuously being pushed aside, intentionally left out of the narrative. Like other movements for equity, it began with a simple truth: elevating women's voices and ensuring women have the authority to shape decisions and influence outcomes strengthens our entire community.

At GVSU, women lead across every corner of our university. They teach in our classrooms, conduct research in our labs, serve in our offices, protect our community as part of our police force, and care for our grounds and facilities. From maintaining the physical spaces where learning happens to shaping the direction of the university, women sustain and enrich our community every day.

While we celebrate progress, we acknowledge that barriers and disparities remain. This work requires sustained effort in our commitment to educational equity, courageous conversations, and collective action to achieve inclusive excellence.

Throughout March, I invite you to engage in educational programs and moments of connection across campus, and take note of key dates throughout the month.

Featured Events

MARCH 3
Notorious RBG: Film + Conversation
5:30 p.m., DeVos Center 105E

Explore RBG's groundbreaking contributions to gender equality, law, and culture through film and conversation with local experts. 

Hosted by the Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council (GGRWHC) and GVSU Partners; learn more about the partnership and RGB film event.

MARCH 8
International Women's Day

MARCH 17
EqualiTEA
11:30 a.m.–1p.m., Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center

Tea has a rich history as a catalyst for women's organizing, social justice, and collective care. By bringing people together around tea in celebration of Women's History Month, EqualiTEA reclaims tea as a tool of resistance and a practice of healing, connection, and empowerment in the ongoing pursuit of gender equity. Learn more about EqualiTEA and RSVP.

Hosted by the Center for Women & Gender Equity.

MARCH 17
Craftivism! Banner Making for Women's History Month
3-5 p.m., 1201 & 1240 Kirkhof Center

Learn about the key moments in women's history and work together to design a collective banner representing resistance, resilience, and possibility. The final masterpiece will be on display in the Kirkhof Center. All are welcome! Learn more about Craftivism.

Hosted by the Center for Women & Gender Equity.

MARCH 19
We Fem the Past to Fem the Future: From Harriet Tubman to America's Founding Feminists
1 p.m., Pere Marquette, Kirkhof Center

In celebration of Women's History Month, join us for a talk led by Dr. Janell Hobson, professor and author, to discuss why women's histories matter now more than ever. Learn more about We Fem the Past to Fem the Future.

Presented by Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and the Division of People, Equity, and Culture.

MARCH 26
Women’s Commission Reflections Leadership Panel
4-6 p.m., Loosemore Forum, Seidman Center

This annual event spotlights the journeys and accomplishments of women leaders at Grand Valley by offering a platform for them to share their perspectives on leadership, management, work-life integration, professional strategy, self-care, and many other topics. View this year's panelists and RSVP.

MARCH 26
Equal Pay Day

The Women’s Commission will host tabling across campus to promote Equal Pay Day.  

For more events, check out the Women's History Month calendar, provided by the Center for Women and Gender Equity.

Women's History Month Calendar 

I also encourage you to engage with and explore the work of the GVSU’s Center for Women and Gender Equity and the Women’s Commission, whose advocacy, leadership, and support continue to advance equity for women across our university. 

As we celebrate women, past and present, let us commit to shaping a future defined by equity, one where women’s voices are heard, and brilliance acknowledged. In that spirit, I’ll leave you with this quote by Malala Yousafzai, activist for women’s education: “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” 

In solidarity, 

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

[Sent March 2, 2026]

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Over the past year, in conversations, feedback, and moments of connection across campus, a consistent theme emerged: a shared desire for more opportunities to grow as professionals, leaders, and lifelong learners. Our University community has continued to advocate for long-term, personal learning and development opportunities, and has expressed a need for development that is relevant and accessible to meet folks where they are. 

Providing opportunities like this is an important part of how we support one another and strengthen our community, and is something our team is striving to embed into the infrastructure at GVSU. In that spirit, we’re excited to share a new enhancement to your professional development experience at Grand Valley: Udemy learning content is now available through Workday Learning.

Udemy offers thousands of on-demand courses led by industry experts and academics across a wide range of topics, from leadership and communication to data science, project management, and beyond. This new partnership expands the learning opportunities available to you, helping to fill gaps beyond our internal offerings and making it easier to explore new skills, deepen existing ones, and continue growing in ways that support both your work today and your aspirations for the future.

What This Means for You

• Flexible Learning: Learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.
• Diverse Topics: Explore courses in technology, business, leadership and management, wellness, education, and more.
• Expert Instructors: Gain insights from top-rated professionals, academics and thought leaders.
• Career Development: Build skills that support your current role and future aspirations.

How to Get Started

1. Login to Workday and navigate to "Learning," located under the "Personal" section of the Menu.
2. Once in Learning, click "Discover," then "Browse Learning."
3. To explore the new Udemy content, apply filters under the "Current Search Options" section. Expand the "Content Provider" section and check "Udemy for Business" only to explore the offerings. You may also click on the main search and type in keywords to help you find content in desired topic areas.
4. Enroll in any course that interests you—no additional registration required!

For additional navigation assistance, check out the resources below:

For all users:

• Workday Learning Functionality Overview
• Browse Upcoming Live Trainings (In-Person & Virtual) in Workday Learning
• How to Browse Learning Content & Save Search Criteria
• Create a Learning Path
• Tutorial Videos

For managers:

• Enroll Your Team in Learning Content
• View Team Member’s Learning Transcripts
• Assign Learning
• Tutorial Videos 

What's Next?These resources are designed to help you excel in your responsibilities and prepare for future growth within the organization. Moving forward, we will be leveraging Udemy as part of other learning opportunities that are currently offered.

For example, Udemy learning content will help enhance learning concepts through the Leading Lakers leadership development programs, or it can be used by individuals, teams, and leaders to facilitate learning opportunities and larger discussions without needing to engage outside speakers. Engaging in Udemy content can also help to fulfill a professional development goal you may have identified within Workday performance. 

As you continue to engage with our team and communications, we will be sharing key Udemy materials and ways to incorporate them into your work and development at GVSU. We encourage you to explore the full range of learning resources available to you. For more information, review our Udemy FAQ page.

We hope you take advantage of this opportunity to invest in your learning and development journey. 

Happy learning!
Robert & Natalie

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and CultureChief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

Natalie Trent
Director of Talent ManagementHuman Resources

[Sent February 4, 2026]

Happy Black History Month GVSU Community, 

As we honor Black History Month, I invite you to join the Laker community in not just observing, but vibrantly celebrating the history, brilliance, and enduring contributions of Black people who have shaped our world and continue to enrich every corner of Grand Valley. 

Our celebration is rooted in the vision of historian Carter G. Woodson, who understood that Black history is not a subculture, it is American history. Today, this month serves as both a joyful celebration and a call to action. It is a responsibility that asks us to look back with reverence so that we may move forward with intentionality. 

This year’s theme, “Continuing to Elevate,” is a reminder that progress is a marathon, not a sprint. It challenges us to honor the resilience of Black communities while actively lifting the voices, stories, and leadership that define our present. At GVSU, this means more than just being "present”––it means engaging deeply, learning with humility, and taking collective ownership of an inclusive culture where every Laker can thrive. 

Throughout February, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in events and activities taking place across our campuses. These moments are designed to spark meaningful dialogue, showcase Black excellence, and bring our diverse perspectives into a stronger communal reality. 

Featured Events

FEBRUARY 5
The Blackout: Black Student Organization Showcase, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Testing
6-8 p.m., Mary Idema Pew Library - Atrium

The Blackout: Black Student Organization Showcase is an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to engage with Black and Afro-led registered student organizations to learn how they can get involved and support. In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, free testing will be offered for students at the event. Presented by the Black Excellence program, the Black Student Union, and the Center for Health and Well-being. 

FEBRUARY 12
Night at the Museum: As We Rise
5-8 p.m., Grand Rapids Arts Museum

This immersive evening invites students into a space of reflection, connection, and celebration centered on As We Rise, an exhibition that uplifts Black voices, histories, and creative expression. Through powerful works of art, As We Rise explores themes of community, identity, and power. Throughout the night, the museum will come alive with sound, conversation, and culture. 

FEBRUARY 20
Reaching New Heights with Jeanette Epps
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., University Club, DeVos Center

Dr. Jeanette J. Epps is a former trailblazing NASA astronaut, aerospace engineer, and CIA intelligence officer whose remarkable career embodies leadership and a steadfast commitment to inspiring the next generation. As one of only a few African American women to fly aboard the ISS, she understands firsthand the power of representation and uses her platform to mentor young people.

RSVP to join us for the chance to meet Dr. Epps to hear more about her inspiring journey of reaching new heights in her career and beyond, and engage with local, black-owned businesses. Presented in partnership by the Division of People, Equity, and Culture and the 'Roger That!' Conference.

FEBRUARY 21
Ignite The Culture: Black History Month Showcase
8-11 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.), Kirkhof Center - Grand River Room

The Black Student Union (BSU), in collaboration with Ignite Dance Company, is hosting Ignite the Culture, an event celebrating Black creativity and culture. The program will feature dancers, singers, poets, musicians, designers, and other creatives.

FEBRUARY 26
Sitting at Their Feet: The History of Black GVSU Panel
5:30 p.m., Kirkhof Center - Grand River Room

To preserve history, we must listen to those who lived the moment and tell the story. While technology has given us the ability to access more information across the globe than ever, we often miss out on some of the best lessons from those closest around. Sometimes it's best to just sit at their feet and listen.

For a full list of opportunities to engage, visit the Black History Month Celebration page and explore the vital resources offered by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, as well as the GVSU events page: gvsu.edu/events.

As we work to elevate one another, I leave you with the words of the Maya Angelou: "We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color." May this month inspire us to reflect with honesty, celebrate with joy, and act with courage as we build a more equitable GVSU together. 

In solidarity, 

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

[Sent February 2, 2026]

Welcome back, faculty and staff!

I hope you were able to enjoy a restful break and that the new year is off to a strong start. As we settle back into the rhythm of the semester, I am energized by the many opportunities we have to reconnect with one another through campus events, conversations, and shared work.

As we approach Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19, I invite you to pause with us in reflection and action around this year’s commemorative theme: Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way. Dr. King’s vision reminds us that building community is not passive work––it requires intention, courage, and shared responsibility. It asks each of us to consider how our voices, behaviors, and leadership contribute to a more just world.

At Grand Valley, this message aligns deeply with our commitment to shared leadership. The work of building community does not belong to one or few people. Instead, it lives in the everyday actions of us all: in how we listen, how we show up for one another, and how we create spaces where people feel valued and heard. When we engage, lead and learn together, we move closer to the kind of world Dr. King envisioned.

Next week, there are numerous MLK Day events and conversations taking place across our campuses. These moments are opportunities not only to honor Dr. King’s legacy, but to recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of unity, nonviolence, and community-building, work that is very much "mission possible" when we do it together.

––

JANUARY 19
The 40th Annual MLK Celebration: A Call to Courageous Community Action
6 p.m. | Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids

This free West Michigan community gathering is a powerful launchpad for the next chapter of King’s enduring vision. Artistic performances and speakers will highlight the event. This is a movement for every neighbor, leader, student and family.

JANUARY 20
Keynote Speaker: Derrick Johnson
10 a.m. | Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room (Zoom available) 

Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, will kick off GVSU's week of events commemorating the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A native of Detroit, Johnson has served as NAACP president since 2017. A longstanding leader of the NAACP, Johnson has helped guide the organization through a period of re-envisioning and reinvigoration. 

JANUARY 21
Silent March
4 p.m. | Zumberge Hall to Kirkhof Center

Participants will assemble outside Zumberge Hall near the front entrance and walk to Kirkhof Center. Optionally, participants can stay for keynote speaker Dar Mayweather, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

JANUARY 21
Keynote Speaker: Dar Mayweather
4:30 p.m. | Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room (Zoom available) 

Dar Mayweather, ’07 and ’09, is a leadership studies faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In that role, Mayweather empowers college students to identify their unique talents and articulate those strengths to industry leaders, ensuring they secure jobs or graduate school placements before graduation.

JANUARY 22
King In Conversation: The Spiritualities of Non-Violence
6-8:30 p.m. | Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences

Kaufman Interfaith Institute will host a table-talk-style event that will explore some of the spiritual frameworks for nonviolent resistance that influenced or were influenced by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner will be provided. RSVP for this free event.

JANUARY 24
MLK Day of Service and Solidarity
8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Students will listen to keynote speaker Dr. Damon Arnold, then be bused to partner organizations to volunteer. The event is coordinated by the Office of Student Life - Civic Engagement.

––

All events are free and open to the public. You can find more information and webinar links online: gvsu.edu/mlk.

As always, thank you for the work you do to support the Laker community. I look forward to learning and reflecting alongside you during the MLK events next week, and in the year ahead.

Sincerely,

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

[Sent January 13, 2026]

Members of the GVSU community,

As we embrace the beauty of autumn, we also mark the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15 to October 15, we come together to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have profoundly shaped the United States.

This celebration, rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to a full month, recognizing the profound and enduring impact of Hispanic communities on the fabric of the United States. From the revolutionary work of Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space, to the powerful voice of Gabriel García Márquez, and the tireless activism of Dolores Huerta, Hispanic contributions are central to the American story.

We live in a time of great debate and sometimes, great division. It can often feel as though the very ideals of unity and shared humanity are under pressure. As this nation has done before, we will navigate this moment. We will find our way forward by listening to one another, by standing in solidarity, and by remembering the values that bind us together.

Here at GVSU, we are incredibly proud of our Hispanic community. Your voices and presence enrich our campus in countless ways, from your leadership in organizations like the Latino Student Union and Lakers Unidos Faculty & Staff Association, which invite all our community members to learn and be in community with the rich legacy our Hispanic community. Thank you for having impact in every corner of our university.

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite everyone––students, faculty and staff––to join us. Attend an event (see below), listen to a story, or simply share a meal. Let's use this time to celebrate our collective humanity and the vibrant traditions that make us stronger. 

How to Get Involved:

A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage: Sabor y SonidoJoin us for an afternoon event that brings together the rich flavors, music, and voices to celebrate Hispanic Heritage. Enjoy food from a variety of Latin countries while experiencing music and powerful spoken word performances. This celebration of Hispanic Heritage honors the diverse traditions, stories, and creativity that continue to shape our communities. Come ready to savor, listen, and connect. Learn more! Light food and refreshments will be provided.

• When: September 23, 11:30-1 p.m.
• Art Showcase: Noon, by Vane Fortaleza
• Where: Honors College 150 (HON 150), Chamberlain Multipurpose Room (Valley Campus)

Co-sponsored by the Division of People, Equity, and Culture and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage MonthCelebrate Latinx/Hispanic Culture with live music, authentic food, and performances! Led in partnership by the Monarcas, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Latino Student Union, and Laker Familia. For questions, please contact Graciela Ramirez ([email protected]). 

• When: October 10, 5-11 p.m.
• Where: Kirkhof Center 2250 (KC 2250), Grand River Room (Valley Campus)

No RSVP necessary.

As Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor once said, "Unity is the strength of a people. By uniting we can overcome any obstacle, transcend any boundary, and build a brighter future for generations to come."

Let's take her words to heart and unite this month and beyond. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Sincerely,

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

[Sent September 15, 2025]

Dear Laker Community,

As we close out September, and as my team and I in the Division of People, Equity, and Culture celebrate our first year serving you as a new division, I want to take a moment to reflect with you, not just on the past year, but on the work ahead. Our commitment here at Grand Valley State University is to be a community that actively works to ensure that everyone has a sense of belonging. We must be a place where we can disagree without becoming disagreeable, and where we are a role-model in removing barriers to create educational equity for all is a cornerstone of our university. We are called to this mission to bring people closer, to create opportunities for belonging, and to lead with care and courage.

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of listening to hundreds of voices across our community. Through my listening tour, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of our collective hopes and challenges. What I know to be true is that our people are committed—to Grand Valley, to our students, and to each other. That commitment shines through in countless ways, big and small.

At the same time, we have work to do. Your voices have made it clear that shared leadership must be more than just words. It should be visible in how we create pathways for opportunity, simplify processes, and ensure that no matter where you sit in our university, your contributions are seen and valued. This commitment is not rooted in any political affiliation or ideology, but in our shared humanity, as we use the power of education to pursue our passions. I am so honored to serve this special and unique community that has existed here for over 65 years. It gives me so much Laker pride to know that we can be an example not only for West Michigan, but for the world.

Our division has been on its own journey of growth and transformation. While change is never easy, your voices have helped shape our strategic framework to ensure that we are Anchored In You. We’ve welcomed new colleagues, strengthened our teams, launched a monthly newsletter, and hosted events to bring us together. These steps are all part and just the beginning of building the infrastructure that supports the culture we aspire to: one where people are cared for, seen, and set up to thrive.

With your help, we’re not just talking about change; we’re actively engaged in turning what if into what is. We are turning what if everyone had a true sense of belonging into what is a culture where every person has the resources to thrive. We are turning what if we could remove barriers to educational equity into what is a reality where everyone can access the power of education. We are turning what if we could truly be a role model for the nation on how to be in community, even with our disagreements, into what is a culture that celebrates academic freedom, belonging, and equity for all.

This is our commitment as People, Equity, and Culture. We invite you to engage in our full strategic framework and our journey map for the upcoming year, which will be available on our gvsu.edu/people website by the end of the week, to learn more.

Personally, I remain deeply grateful for the decision to join this community. This past year has reaffirmed my belief that when we anchor our work in one another, we can create the culture of belonging we all want and deserve.

We are Anchored In You. With that comes our shared responsibility to manage ourselves in ways that foster care, connection, and belonging for every person in our community. Let’s continue this important work together.

In service,

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

[Sent September 30, 2025]

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Since 1993, GVSU has administered seven climate surveys to faculty, staff and students, gathering a wealth of insights from our community. With these thoughtful insights, we are excited to announce a revised approach for the myGVSU Climate Survey initiative this Fall 2025. In lieu of conducting a new comprehensive survey this semester, we are launching Climate Survey Insight Teams, a collaborative effort that will revisit and act on the recommendations from past surveys (2015, 2019, and 2021). This approach will bring faculty, staff, and students together to form insight teams focused on key areas of campus climate and inclusion.

To ensure our efforts are efficient and avoid duplication of work, the Insight Teams will first start by understanding the university’s strategic direction, Reach Higher Together (which is currently in development) and relevant divisional plans. This critical step ensures that Insight Team members' time is spent efficiently, as we support existing momentum and strategically align climate action with the university's overarching goals.

The Insight Teams will review existing survey data, assess progress, and identify where and how this work is currently being addressed in current university plans. An initial analysis of 2015-2021 survey data identified eight key focus areas, with options to expand the focus areas with further analysis:

• Leadership Development
• Policy Inclusivity
• Community Building
• Data Collection
• Cultural Change
• Mental Health Support
• Transgender Inclusion
• Retention & Advancement for Employees

These focus areas are just the beginning. We invite all members of the GVSU community to consider joining a Climate Survey Insight Team. While some of these focus areas have initiatives underway, the insight teams will have the opportunity to build on these efforts and provide support to work in progress. Your voice and expertise are vital to shaping a more inclusive and supportive campus community.

Join an Insight TeamClimate Survey Insight Teams will begin assembling in the beginning of November. To become part of an insight team, please share your interest via the form: Climate Survey Insight Team Interest Form

Lastly, we’re going to start gathering feedback from our community more often and in real time, utilizing pulse updates. Instead of relying on large, infrequent surveys, we’ll use new tools to collect quick, focused input on a more regular basis. This will help us see where we’re making progress and respond more quickly when something isn’t working.

Thank you for your continued commitment to shared leadership, equity, and inclusion at GVSU. Together, we can turn insights into supporting action and build a stronger campus community for all.

Warm regards,

Robert, Kathleen, and myGVSU Climate Survey Insight Teams Reboot Co-Leads

Dr. Robert Shorty
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

Dr. Kathleen VanderVeen
Associate Vice President for Office of Civil Rights & Title IX

[Sent October 30, 2025]

Dear GVSU community,

Each November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the histories, traditions, and stories of Native and Indigenous peoples across this land. Established in 1990, this month invites all of us to reflect on the deep heritage, resilience, and strength of Native communities that have shaped, and continue to shape, our nation.

At Grand Valley, we recognize the People of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Bodéwadmi peoples, on whose land we are gathered. The Three Fires People are Indigenous to this region, which means Grand Valley's campuses are amongst their ancestral territory. As guests here, we are called to practice right relations: to honor the histories and traditions of the people who originated here first, who are still here, and who continue to care for the land. This acknowledgment is an important first step, and we commit to continued learning and action toward justice and reconciliation.

The Native American community is essential to both our history and our ongoing efforts. Through our division's partnership with the Native American Advisory Council (NAAC; Gchi Booskamgaad),we partner to deliver on our commitment to Native American students, faculty, staff and community members. NAAC advises and advocates for Native perspectives and fosters strong relationships between the university and Native communities, both on- and off-campus. Together, we are building upon a shared vision of education that respects tribal sovereignty, uplifts Native students and families, and fosters belonging for all.

Last week, Dr. Anton Treuer’s visit to campus shared powerful insights into individual truths, higher education's role in supporting the success of Indigenous students, and the importance of having conversations to build understanding of one another. Thank you to all who supported this event, by coordinating, attending, or sharing it with your colleagues and students. You can read more about Treuer's talk in GVNext.

Finally, as we close the month, we also acknowledge the National Day of Mourning, observed on the fourth Thursday of November. While many gather on this day in celebration, Native communities use this day to reflect on the painful history of colonization and to honor the strength and survival of Indigenous peoples. Let us join in that reflection with empathy and understanding.

Wilma Mankiller, who spent her life advocating for the rights of American Indians and was the first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, once said: “The secret of our success is that we never, never give up.” Her words call us to persist in our collective pursuit of equity and respect for all cultures.

Thank you for being a community that listens, learns, and honors the voices that make us whole.

With gratitude,

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

[Sent November 3, 2025]

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As we continue our shared leadership journey, we have been inspired by the meaningful discussions happening within our community. Many of these moments have centered around how we grow together as colleagues, leaders and lifelong learners. A consistent theme we’ve heard from you is the desire for development opportunities, those that are supported by supervisors.

The upcoming Teach-In: Power, Privilege, and Critical Conversations offers that opportunity. This annual event, now in its 13th year, embodies our collective commitment to learning, equity, and shared responsibility for creating a culture the inspires action.

The 2025 Teach-In will be held on Wednesday, November 12 (Seidman Center, City Campus) and Thursday, November 13 (Kirkhof Center, Valley Campus), with both in-person and virtual sessions available. There is no cost to attend and no formal RSVP. You can view the full schedule online.

The Teach-In is unlike other events at Grand Valley––it’s an incredible, campus-wide opportunity for all Lakers to engage in personal and professional development. Each session, created and led by GV faculty, staff, and students, invites us to explore diverse perspectives, examine systems of power, and strengthen our ability to lead with curiosity and compassion.

To kick-off this year’s Teach-In, we are excited to welcome Emmanual A. Guillory as our featured keynote speaker. As an advocate, policy expert, and motivational speaker, Emmanual will bring his insight and experience to the City Campus on November 12, beginning at 10:30 a.m. His keynote, "The Future of Higher Education: Peril or Potential?" will explore where we are in higher education and where we want to be.

We encourage each of you to attend at least one session, and if you have team members who report to you, we ask that you actively support their participation by allowing a minimum of one hour during work hours to engage. Doing so affirms our shared commitment to educational equity and fostering an inclusive and equitable community for all.

Together, let’s continue building a Grand Valley where everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow.

Sincerely,

Robert & Jen

Robert Shorty, Ph.D.
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

Jennifer Drake, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

[Sent November 5, 2025]

Read the January PEC Newsletter.

Read the February PEC Newsletter.

Read the March PEC Newsletter.

Read the April PEC Newsletter.