The Regional Math and Science Center (RMSC), located at C-1-120
Mackinac Hall on Grand Valley State Universitys Allendale
Campus, serves students, teachers, parents, school districts, business
and industry, and other organizations interested and involved in STEM
education. In our technology-rich world, success in school, career,
and life depends on our ability to apply the principles of
mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to real-world
situations. The Regional Math and Science Center at Grand Valley
State University addresses these matters by providing a mosaic of
mathematics and science services to our community.
Grand Valley has been serving the needs of area K-12 schools for
several decades and, in 1994, established the RMSC. As part of the
statewide Michigan Mathematics and Science Center Network, RMSC
collaborates with the K-12 and higher education communities, informal
science, governmental organizations, and business and industry to
coordinate science and mathematics outreach activities in the West
Michigan area. Some of our signature programs include Michigan Science
Olympiad, Super Science Saturday, teacher professional learning
opportunities, summer camps such as sHaPe, and the InterChange newsletter.
Our strategic plan for 2016-2021 is focused on providing a strong
connection between GVSU and the K-12 community that is served by the
Center. Within the University setting, the RMSC serves as a conduit
for faculty and undergraduate student service connected to K-12
students and teachers and is the academic home of the Integrated
Science Program. These services are often provided in conjunction
with other units in the College of Liberal Arts and Science as well as
in collaboration with other GVSU Colleges and offices (such as the
Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, Allied Health
Professions, and Office of Sustainability.)
Mission
To provide, promote, and coordinate leadership, programs, and services
to inspire and nurture excellence for all in the teaching, learning, and
application of science and mathematics including technology and engineering.
Vision
MATH AND SCIENCE: EXCITEMENT IN LEARNING FOR SUCCESS IN LIVING "
Excitement: the key to engaging and inspiring all generations toward -
" Learning: the means to acquiring the content and process
knowledge of science, mathematics, technology and engineering are
required for - " Success in Living: as an informed and productive citizenry.
Value Statement
We believe: 1. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
literacy and power are for everyone. 2. The ability to understand and
apply STEM disciplines is essential for informed decision making in
personal, professional, community, national and international settings.
3. STEM disciplines are connected with each other and interconnected
with other fields of study. 4. STEM disciplines are inherently
interesting and, with appropriate pedagogy, students will respond with
enthusiasm. 5. Cooperation and communication among institutions and
agencies are essential for continuous improvement of learning. 6. K-12
education, higher education, business/industry, and community
organizations are essential partners in improving STEM education. 7.
Parents, guardians, and other caregivers are also integral partners in
the education of children. 8. Collaborative work can make a measurable
difference in the quality of STEM education. 9. All students should be
encouraged to develop their talents in STEM to their fullest potential.
10. Excellence in STEM achievement should be recognized and rewarded for
both students and teachers. 11. High quality teachers, effective
leaders, and a safe, supportive environment are essential for the
successful teaching and learning of STEM disciplines. 12. Learning is a
life-long process.
Strategic Priorities, outcomes, and key objectives
Strategic Priority Area 1: Actively engage learners at all levels.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
Outcome D: Grand Valley supports innovative teaching, learning, integrative scholarly and creative activity, and the use of new technologies.
Strategic Priority Area 2: Further develop exceptional personnel.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Strategic Priority Area 3: Ensure the alignment of institutional structures and functions.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Strategic Priority Area 4: Enhance the institution's image and reputation.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
