We aim to prepare students to become active, global citizens who are committed to a life of community engagement and non-partisan participation.
The Office of Student Life Civic Engagement team provides co-curricular civic engagement opportunities for GVSU students to become active in our community. We serve as a resource for students and student organizations, as well as providing support to faculty and staff for related initiatives.
GVSU's Commitment to Community Engagement
From GVSU's Reach Higher Together
"Grand Valley State University will prepare globally minded citizens for the future they face and the communities they shape."
GVSU Core Values:
Inquiry, Inclusive & Equitable Community and International Perspectives are three of GVSU’s core values which directly inform the work of the Civic Engagement team.
Inquiry: Grand Valley State University encourages active questioning and problem solving to improve lives and strengthen communities. This highlights teamwork and critical inquiry aimed at communal betterment.
Inclusive & Equitable Community: Grand Valley State University values its connections to, participation with, and responsibility to local communities, West Michigan, the state, the nation, and the world. We believe that diversity of competencies are an intellectual asset and that a range of thoughtful perspectives and a commitment to open inquiry strengthens our liberal education tradition. We recognize that the long-term viability of the institution depends upon anticipating and meeting the needs of emerging constituent groups, especially our changing student body. Therefore, the institution seeks to include, engage, and support diverse groups of students, faculty and staff members, as well as community members. Grand Valley is committed to strengthening our living, learning, and working environment by recognizing and removing the barriers to full participation and providing a safe, inclusive, vibrant community for all. Students are encouraged to take part in various service learning and volunteer opportunities in their communities and abroad. To foster and expand these community connections, the institution and its members promote, value, and honor diverse perspectives.
International Perspectives: "Support people, planet, and prosperity. We think and act on a global basis. GVSU's efforts at supporting the well-being of individuals, groups, and ecosystems are important locally, nationally, and globally." This emphasizes global citizenship and collaborative responsibility—core elements of civic engagement in an interconnected world.