GVSU president sends email regarding sexual assault/harassment

Grand Valley State University President Thomas Haas sent out a campus-wide email Tuesday, Jan. 30, regarding sexual assault/harassment reporting and support services. Haas began the email by stating that GVSU takes the responsibility of caring for campus community members seriously, as well as addressing sexual assault and harassment, to ensure a safe university environment.

In explaining the timing of his email, Haas said, “In light of the national dialogue surrounding these issues, and the impact they have on those affected, of primary importance is making sure our community knows where to report and how to access support.”

Some of the resources highlighted in the email were the Title IX coordinator and equity officer/director, Theresa Rowland; the GVSU Police Department; the campus victim advocate, Krystal Diel; the University Counseling Center; the dean of students; the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center; and Encompass, the employee assistance program. Contact information for all these resources can be found in the email.

To file an anonymous report or for additional reporting options, visit www.gvsu.edu/reporting. For more information on resources and campus efforts, visit the Victim’s Rights and Options website at www.gvsu.edu/vro. 

Panelists at GVSU to discuss opioid epidemic 

In an event sponsored by Grand Valley State University’s Office of the Vice Provost for Health, experts in opioid addiction will come together to discuss the epidemic on Friday, Feb. 2, during a Health Forum of West Michigan event.

The event will be held in the DeVos Center Loosemore Auditorium and will run from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Panelists include Talal Khan, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services; Kim Gaedeke, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Services; Cara Poland, Spectrum Health; and David Rahinsky, Grand Rapids police chief. Michael Bouthillier, from Ferris State University’s College of Pharmacy, will serve as the forum moderator.

The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP online, visit www.gvsu.edu/vphealth.

Faculty to be recognized at annual awards convocation

During the annual Faculty Awards Convocation being held Thursday, Feb. 1, Grand Valley State University faculty members will be honored for their years of service, teaching and work in the community. 

The event will be held in the DeVos Center Loosemore Auditorium and will begin at 4 p.m. John Constantelos, professor of political science, will give an address titled “Internationalized!” as he is the recipient of the Internationalization Award.

For a full list of the awards that will be presented, visit www.gvsu.edu/gvnow/2018/faculty-to-be-honored-at-annual-awards-convocation-10333.htm.

VP of enrollment development establishes new scholarship

Lynn (Chick) Blue, vice president for enrollment development at Grand Valley State University, has recently established a new scholarship designed to support students who otherwise could not afford to attend GVSU.

Titled the “Blue Working Family Endowed Scholarship,” this scholarship will assist students who have graduated from Michigan high schools but are unable to attend college because of financial reasons. Through this, individual scholarships will be provided that fill unmet funding needs.

Criteria for applicants will be posted online at www.gvsu.edu/myscholarships once the scholarship is ready to be awarded.