2024-25 Annual Report
Prepared by Student Affairs Marketing
Letter from Vice President for Student Affairs,
Jenny Hall-Jones, Ph.D.
GVSU Student Affairs: A Year of Impact and Momentum
This past academic year was filled with energy, purpose, and meaningful progress. We began the fall by fostering a strong sense of community and belonging through intentional programming, peer-to-peer mentoring, and personal connection. Our team played a leading role in campus-wide discussions on freedom of expression, and we helped many students participate in their first national election by amplifying their voices and civic engagement.
In the winter, we leaned into strategic planning. We contributed to the university’s Reach Higher Together initiative and shaped a new divisional mission, vision, and guiding principles centered on inspiring and supporting learning for all Lakers.
We deepened our understanding of campus vibrancy through student focus groups, survey data, and usage insights. These efforts to strengthen students’ sense of belonging and engagement have elevated their voices and will help us collaboratively create more inclusive and responsive environments.
Professional growth remained a priority. We invested in our staff through conferences, certifications, and leadership opportunities at all levels. We also celebrated our team with new recognition programs, including monthly peer nominated awards and our inaugural year-end field day.
Through it all, we remained committed to student success, staff well-being, and institutional excellence — adapting to an evolving national landscape with resilience and vision. It’s a privilege to do this work, and an even greater privilege to do it alongside amazing students and a dedicated team.
Jenny
Vice President for Student Affairs, Jenny Hall-Jones
Vice President for Student Affairs, Jenny Hall-Jones
Student Affairs 2024-2025 by the Numbers
Click on each department image below to view their 2024-2025 "snapshot".
Alcohol & Other Drugs Services
Center for Health and Well-being
Center for Women and
Gender Equity
Children's Enrichment Center
Dean of Students Office
Housing and Residence Life
LGBT Resource Center
Military and Veterans Resource Center
Office of Multicultural Affairs
Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution
Office of Student Life
Recreation and Wellness
Student Accessibility Resources
Student Ombuds
University Counseling Center
MISSION
We inspire and support learning for all Lakers.
VISION
To be a national leader in innovative and inclusive student affairs practice — where students and staff thrive, teams lead with heart, and impact lasts a lifetime.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Well-being
We promote holistic wellness and supportive systems that uplift our community.
Equity, Belonging, and Accessibility
We cultivate inclusive environments where all people are seen, heard, and empowered.
Community of Care
We nurture a culture of empathy, respect, and connection where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.
Accountability
We act with integrity, transparency, and responsibility, guided by our principles and informed by data.
Relationships
We foster open communication and authentic partnerships to break down barriers and reach shared goals.
Engagement
We enrich student life through dynamic, hands-on experiences that spark reflection, growth, and lifelong learning.
Our Team
The Division of Student Affairs team is comprised of individuals who have an impressive collective 1225+ years of experience and diverse expertise across core areas of education, non-profit work, healthcare, social justice, and other key fields.
Staff Engagement and Training
In order to enhance team learning and continue to positively impact students, our staff participated in various professional development opportunities, events, and roles in 2024-2025 including:
Professional Conferences & Annual Meetings
Trainings, Certifications & Continuing Education
National/Regional Leadership Roles & Service
Our Impact
Elevating Involvement and Engagement GVSU
Through various efforts to foster student engagement and belonging, the Division of Student Affairs reached record levels of student engagement during the 2024-25 academic year.
Over 7,500 students attended the Office of Student Life’s (OSL) largest Campus Life Night in GVSU history, launching a year of dynamic involvement through registered student organizations, leadership development, and signature events like Leadership Summit, Meet the Greeks, and I Am Grand Valley.
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) brought together 5,400+ students through campus traditions, with 80% reporting an increased sense of belonging, while the launch of OSL’s new LakerLink platform connected more than 2,000 students in its early stages. Civic engagement thrived, as approximately 700 students contributed 28,000+ hours of service valued at nearly $1 million to surrounding communities.
During the 2024 Presidential election cycle, GVSU Votes! received national recognition as a Voter Friendly Campus. In partnership with GVSU Votes!, state and local elections officials issued 432 absentee ballots, and 759 voters were registered on campus.
Additionally, departments including the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center’s (LGBT RC), Recreation & Wellness (RecWell) University Counseling Center (UCC), Center for Women and Gender Equity (CWGE), and the Military and Veterans Resource Center (MVRC), provided inclusive programming and partnerships which expanded opportunities for connection and growth.
OMA engaged 4,600+ participants through programming like Heritage Month celebrations and Laker Connection programs, among others — a 43% increase from the previous year. RecWell created meaningful experiences by launching new student leadership positions, providing dues assistance for Club Sports, and reported that 95% of club sports athletes, 93% of Intramural Sports participants, and 82% of Esports participants gained a greater sense of belonging. Additional impact came from the LGBT RC’s seven student-led clubs, the UCC’s 24/7 peer support platform, and the MVRC mentoring program which supported 100+ new students.
Resident Assistants use the Housing and Residence Life (HRL) curriculum featuring five main pillars (Academic Success, Civic Engagement, Community Building, Social Justice, and Wellness) and hosted 564 programs with a total of approximately 7000 participants.
Collectively, these efforts reflect the Division’s commitment to empowering students, building inclusive communities, and elevating student success.
92.2% retention of
on-campus residential students in the 2024-25 academic year
Residence Life successfully hosted 564 programs with a total attendance of about 7000 participating Lakers.
Fall 2024 featured the largest Campus Life Night event in its history with ~7500 attendees
Championing Student Well-Being
The Division of Student Affairs continued prioritizing student well-being in 2024–25 through prevention, education, and support services that equipped Lakers with tools to thrive.
The Center for Health and Well-Being (CHWB) reached nearly 5,000 students through 82 presentations and 45 Wellness Information Team (WIT) peer educator shifts, distributed over 7,000 safer sex supplies, conducted more than 200 STI/HIV tests, and launched the first-ever 1in5k fundraiser for survivors. Their Violence Prevention Task Force and annual Sex Ed Week strengthened education and advocacy.
The UCC advanced mental health support with its new Mental Health Ambassadors Program and signature QPR suicide prevention training. More than 550 GV community members completed the QPR training, reporting significantly improved confidence in recognizing and responding to suicidal ideation, with 98% recommending the training.
Collaboration across campus extended these efforts to ensure holistic well-being. The UCC partnered with the LGBT RC to host an LGBTQ Wellness Group, while the LGBT RC engaged nearly 300 students at its gender-affirming Wear the Rainbow event alongside mentoring and discussion groups.
The OMA welcomed 550+ unique visitors to its space for support and community, while RecWell reported that over 90% of participants in fitness, Esports, and club sports programs experienced improved well-being. The MVRC, OMA, and the Dean of Students Office provided exam support and emergency resources including housing, funding, and CARE outreach. The Student Ombuds Office provided confidential and unbiased support to 55 students, directing them to appropriate campus resources.
Basic needs were further addressed through the CWGE Replenish Basic Needs program. A record 4,178 visits were made to Replenish for food and essential needs. Alcohol and Other Drugs Services (AOD) advanced substance abuse prevention and education through signature programs including the Exam Jam Carnival and St. Patrick’s Day safety sack distribution. This year also marked new partnerships for AOD, including collaborations with Laker Food Co. to host events and with the Bachelor of Social Work Student Organization to deliver a presentation series. Together, these efforts reflect a campus-wide commitment to student health, safety, and success.
In 2024-2025, the University Counseling Center provided 7,658 total appointments, 755 mental health screenings, and 473 mental health programs.
Student Support and Belonging
Student belonging was advanced throughout the year via collaborative programs, cultural celebrations, and inclusive learning opportunities. OSL partnered with OMA’s Laker Familia and Asian Student Achievement Program to host peer mentor groups and brought nationally acclaimed performances like Step Afrika! 101 to campus, alongside signature events such as the Rocky Horror Picture Show and Drag Show.
Social justice education remained a priority, with trainings like LGBTQIA+ Foundations earning a 98% positive feedback rating, and student-led Open Door Discussions fostering empathy and understanding. The CWGE’s theme, “Feminism is for everybody,” shaped impactful programs like the Girls of Color Summit and Niara, where 100% of participants reported building meaningful connections with other women of color.
Student support extended across diverse communities through innovative initiatives:
- MVRC’s Peer Advisors for Veteran Education reduced isolation for new student veterans, while its “Virtual Hug a GI” campaign — recognized with an Innovator Award by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency — engaged the campus with 60+ submissions of appreciation.
- The UCC expanded mental health support with affinity groups such as Black Girl Safe Space and LGBTQ+ Mental Wellness
- Housing & Residence Life launched an affinity space for Black resident assistants.
- The Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR) facilitated nearly 600 restorative justice agreements
- OMA piloted intersectional programming, including a collaborative Lotería Night that drew 60+ participants.
- AOD also advanced culturally affirming prevention work through partnerships with the LGBT RC, Student Accessibility Resources (SAR), and OMA.
Access and representation were at the forefront of the past year’s divisional work, and inclusive recreation and early learning opportunities further reinforced equity across campus.
2024-2025 served as the pilot year for the Student Accessibility Resources’ (SAR) Links U program, providing a meaningful step forward in fostering an inclusive educational environment while serving nearly 80 students. RecWell achieved a rise in BIPOC student participation from 15.4% in 2022 to 20.9% in 2024 through intentional outreach, inclusive fitness programs, and adaptive sports. Partnering with Student Accessibility Resources to host inclusive fitness programming for Links U students, along with free “Learn to Play” intramural events and adaptive sport opportunities helped expand representation and access.
The Children’s Enrichment Center extended inclusion to the youngest Lakers by partnering with GSRP to offer free PreK, saving each family about $10,000 annually and expanding access for children from low-income backgrounds, foster care, or with special needs. Collectively, these efforts reflect the Division’s strong commitment to equity, belonging, and student success across all stages of learning and growth.
375 middle/high schoolers and advisors/guardians attended the full day BAMM Pride Summit.
18 cultural organizations registered with GVSU as a registered student organization.
23 cultural events were funded by Student Senate Allocations for a total of $78,273.42 invested in our students.
Office of Multicultural Affairs engaged with ~2531 students in their office space.
What Lakers are Saying
"Living on-campus gave me the opportunity to explore all that Grand Valley has to offer and connect with those around me. Both living anworking on-campus have allowed me to be more confident and find my place at Grand Valley."
-GVSU Resident Assistant
"IM sports has always helped me meet new people and make new experiences. Which in turn has helped me feel more included and a part of GVSU."
- GVSU student
“During my time at Grand Valley, I have gotten to be involved in
organizations that spoke to parts of who I am. These organizations allowed me to be a part of community here at GVSU and grow as a person...
I have been able to develop my leadership and personal skills.”
- GVSU Student
Awards and Honors
• The Military and Veterans Resource Center received recognition from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) as a Veteran Friendly School Gold
Level 24-25.
• The Office of Student Life was the recipient of the Pathways “Best Branding” and “Most Creative Marketing Strategy” awards for the launch of the LakerLiink platform with Suitable.
• Recreation & Wellness’ Club Sports accomplished 3 National Champions, 5 National Runners up, 25 National Championship appearances, and 121 home events with 14,000+ attendees. RecWell received 2 NIRSA Innovative Programming awards: Esports Game Changers and Adaptive Sports.
• As a result of the work of the University Counseling Center and the Center for Health and Well-being, GVSU was the recipient of the insight into Academia 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-being Award.
Throughout the 2024–25 academic year, a strong commitment to hands-on learning and student engagement shaped a truly meaningful experience for students. These collective efforts came to life in the inspiring stories and accomplishments of both students and staff.
We invite you to keep informed about the most recent stories from GVSU Student Affairs.
Contact Us
Division of Student Affairs
4035 James H. Zumberge Hall
Allendale, Michigan 49401