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Student Services Building

Mission, Vision, and Value Statements

Mission of the University

At Grand Valley State University, we empower learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose. The university enriches society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, advancement of equity, and public service.

Mission of the Division

GVSU's Division of Academic Affairs fosters a vibrant intellectual community to create, deliver, and assess academic and co-curricular programs and services that encourage and support students and faculty toward achievement of their educational and professional goals.

University Value Statements

At Grand Valley State University, we value:

  • Innovation
  • Integrity
  • Inclusive and Equitable Community
  • Inquiry
  • International Perspective

Division Value Statements

  • We believe in achieving excellence in teaching and learning throughout the University's undergraduate and graduate programs.
  • We believe the principles and practices of a traditional liberal education provide a sound foundation for all of the institution's academic programs.
  • We believe innovative scholarship and creative expression enrich the world and the lives of its citizens.
  • We value internal and external service and collaborative partnerships that benefit the university's constituents and the broader community.
  • We value internal campus collaborations that enrich the intellectual culture of the University.
  • We value the use of “high impact educational practices” (AAC&U 2008) that prepare students for the next stages in their lives after graduation.
  • We believe shared governance promotes collaborative leadership that fosters and enhances academic excellence.
  • We believe that diverse faculty and student bodies, inclusive programming and curricula, and an open and welcoming environment are fundamental components of a high-quality educational experience.
  • We value and invest in economic, social, environmental, and cultural sustainability initiatives that have the potential to benefit our institution, our region and state, our nation, and the world.
  • We believe in pursuing ever-increasing levels of excellence and efficiency through regular cycles of divisional planning, assessment and evaluation, conscientious application of assessment outcomes, and accountability.
Page last modified July 20, 2026