The GVSU Women’s Commission is committed to transparent, fair, and mission-aligned leadership transitions. As leadership roles become available, we use the process outlined below to ensure continuity of our work while welcoming new leaders where opportunities exist. 

Guiding principles 

When filling leadership roles, we prioritize: 

• mission-alignment, 
• continuity and effectiveness,  
• Inclusion and access, and  
• clear expectations and accountability.  

Chair selection 

The Chair role benefits from existing knowledge of the commission and campus context. To enable effective leadership, we prioritize interest from the vice chair & treasurer, if in good standing, followed by other members of the existing leadership team in good standing.  

If there is no interest within the current leadership team, we will open the opportunity to the broader campus community, with strong preference given to individuals who have: 

• contributed meaningfully to the work of the Women’s Commission through volunteer service, and/or 
• demonstrated sustained involvement in gender equity work on campus. 

Additional leadership team member selection 

At the close of a leadership team member’s term, current members in good standing who are completing their first term will have the opportunity to extend their position for one additional two-year term. In the event that the leadership team member is completing their fourth year or does not wish to continue in their role beyond the current term, the Women’s Commission will open the opportunity up to the campus community.  

The Women’s Commission will advertise open roles on our website, through our newsletter, and through email communication with supporters. To express interest, faculty and staff members will submit a letter of interest outlining their past experience with the Women’s Commission, gender equity work on campus and beyond, as well as a current resume or CV. Final candidates for the role will be invited for a short interview with current members of the leadership team. Preference will be given to individuals who have volunteered with the Women’s Commission and/or demonstrated meaningful contributions to gender equity work at GVSU and in our community. 

We welcome questions about leadership transitions and encourage anyone interested in serving to connect with us at [email protected].