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DSA Overview Video


Class of 2026 class photo - students assembled on the football field to form the shape of the GVSU letters

Mission

We inspire and support learning for all Lakers. 

Students sitting on the GVSU lawn

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. 

Woman smiling during graduation with diploma in hand

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. 


Division of Student Affairs Departments

Division of Student Affairs Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement

The Division of Student Affairs is committed to continued excellence by learning, growing, and acting within our GVSU Laker community. We center students in everything we do and strive to create a safe and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We acknowledge that the United States has a complex history of embedded and structural inequities that create barriers for many people to full participation in public life, including in higher education.  By offering dynamic opportunities for culturally informed and responsive programming, and by fostering environments for brave and rich dialogue, we strive to promote a university community that values difference. Through this work, Grand Valley Lakers are empowered to challenge oppressive systems and cultures and to create socially diverse and just environments within Grand Valley State University and our society.

Division of Student Affairs Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Resources to Navigate Executive Orders

Grand Valley has a dedicated webpage to help Lakers navigate executive orders and other federal actions that could affect higher education or members of the GVSU community. To learn more about the university resources available to you, visit the Division of People, Equity and Culture's website.

 

View resources related to recent executive orders


Upcoming Events

Adult First Aid CPR/AED

April 22, 2026 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands-on training covering lifesaving skills. Intended for individuals to use in the workplace and schools Classes that meet OSHA Guidelines for First Aid Programs Basic courses and do not meet...

Toast to the Class of 2026

April 22, 2026 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Winter & Summer 2026 graduates, you're invited to join President Mantella and GVSU Alumni Relations to celebrate your graduation and what it means to be a Laker for a Lifetime....

Therapy Dogs

April 22, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Do finals have you feeling overwhelmed?  Come destress with the University Counseling Center and West Michigan Therapy Dogs! While therapy dogs are trained to interact with...

Toast to the Class of 2026

April 22, 2026 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Winter & Summer 2026 graduates, you're invited to join President Mantella and GVSU Alumni Relations to celebrate your graduation and what it means to be a Laker for a Lifetime....

Snacks & Study Hall

April 23, 2026 All Day

Join the MVRC for a few days of studying and snacks! We will help you lock in and stay focused!

OPERATION: Finals Survival!

April 23, 2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Join the Military & Veterans Resource Center for OPERATION: Finals Survival! Our mobile relief unit will be rolling through the library during finals week, delivering finals survival kits to hardworking...

View More Upcoming Events


GVNext News

The ornithology club stands on the boardwalk as they look out at some birds sitting in the tops of distant trees near Waterfront Park April 11.

(Photo releases on file)

Birds of GVSU: Finding belonging through birding

As migratory birds return to Michigan, the ornithology club, one of GVSU’s more than 400 student organizations, took full advantage of a sunny Saturday morning to see and hear 35 different species.

Apr 16, 2026

Annika Mattson stands with arms crossed in a hallway with the Laker Racing car on the left

High-achieving students recognized at annual awards convocation

The awards recognize excellence in and out of the classroom.

Apr 13, 2026

Debra Yake (left), an instructor with Champions of the Heart, guides Bonnie Vankampen (right) through proper chest compression technique during a CPR training session at the Kelly Family Sports Center on Grand Valley State University�s Allendale campus on April 12, 2026. Participants practiced hands-only CPR in rhythm to music to maintain effective compression timing.

Former MSU assistant basketball coach brings life-saving CPR training to GVSU community

After two bystanders saved his life through CPR, Coach Garland is sharing his story and equipping the community to do the same.

Apr 12, 2026

Bailey LoFiego holds a children's book up to a group of young children seated on the floor

April is Month of the Young Child: Children’s Enrichment Center inspires a love of learning

Student assistant teacher has a full-circle moment at the center she used to attend.

Apr 9, 2026

eight students standing in front of Capitol building steps

Student Senate travels to Washington, displaying the power of structured advocacy

Leaders from Student Senate connected with Michigan's Congressional delegation to showcase GVSU's impact.

Apr 8, 2026

View More GVNext News



Page last modified April 14, 2026