Jeffrey Potteiger
Dean of Graduate Studies
My best piece of advice for students as we start a new year is to get to know your faculty members: participate in class discussions, go to office hours, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The faculty members at Grand Valley are outstanding and are the best resource to help you achieve success inside and outside of the classroom.

George Grant, jr.
Dean of the College of Community and Public Service
In CCPS, our faculty are both practitioners and academics, and they are your most vital resource for assisting you through your academic journey. Also, connect with other students, and vow to support each other throughout your academic journey. Learn to study, come to class prepared, participate in university activities, and have fun.

Cynthia McCurren
Dean of the Kirkhof
College of Nursing
As the Dean of the Kirkhof College of Nursing, I share our best advice for all students to stay healthy: eat a nutritious diet, exercise, get plenty of sleep, pay attention to sexual health, monitor alcohol use, avoid stress, and pay attention to your mental health!

Anne Hiskes
Dean of the Brooks College
of Interdisciplinary Studies
My advice is to take advantage of opportunities to explore other cultures and the diversity of human experience through study abroad, community engagement, and courses in Brooks College programs. They will change your life. Hone your skills in intercultural understanding and communication. You will never regret it, and neither will your future employer.

John Reifel
Interim Dean of the
Seidman College of Business
GVSU’s General Education Program likely requires you to take courses in areas that you might not otherwise have chosen. Approach them with an open mind. Even if you think you know what you want to major in, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover an academic field new to you that intrigues you. If so, take some more work in that new area. Explore a bit! There will never be a better time in your life to investigate alternative career paths. Also, once you have finalized your choice of major, where you have options, take courses that will enhance your knowledge and skill set, even if they are more challenging.