What is the Water in the West Program?

A high-impact learning experience that was offered for the first time in the spring of 2023.This program is a deep dive into learning about water issues first-hand through experts and experience. The program satisfies requirements for honors students, natural and environmental science majors, and geology majors. The program is offered during the first spring term and includes one week of online coursework before and after a 3-week trip to the southwestern United States (Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico).

More information about Water in the West 2027 coming soon! The trip is currently planned for May 8-30, 2027! Reach out to Dr. Jordyn Stoll at [email protected] to learn more!

In 2023 GV Magazine featured an article about the program with more details.  You can find it here

What credit can I get for participating in the water in the west program?

List of possible course credits that could be granted. Maximum of 6 credits per student.  All students regardless of major or status as a member of the honors college will sign up for two honors courses HNR280-1 and HNR280-2.  These credits will then be applied whatever requirements are most beneficial to the student.

Geology students can also petition the geology department that the credits count for other geology courses such as GEO 220 - Earth Surface Materials and Systems or GEO 320 - Geomorphology

ENS majors can get credit for up two of the following categories: Triple Bottom Line Overview – Physical and Life Sciences.  The Focus Area of Water Resources within the Social and Cultural; Physical and Life Science; or Political and Economic Perspectives.   ENS minors can also get credit for Physical and Life Science Perspectives.

¹Frederik Meijer Honors College (FMHC)
²College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS)

Who designed and teaches Water in the West?

Drs. Peter Wampler and Peter Riemersma designed the Water in the West trip and initiated the program in 2023. Since both are retiring from GVSU at the end of 2026, Dr. Jordyn Stoll is taking on the course for 2027. Dr. Stoll is an Aquatic Ecologist who studies nutrients, algae, and their ecosystem level interactions. Her work has taken her across our Great Lakes as well as to Lake Victoria, Kenya. Dr. Stoll's ongoing research also involves stream restoration, including habitat improvement project and beaver management (not beaver removal!). Visit Dr. Stoll's website to learn more about her work!