Grand Valley State University
EN-3: Student Life

Alternative Breaks - Alternative Breaks (AB) offers students the opportunity to spend a Saturday, winter break, or spring break volunteering, learning about social and environmental issues, and meeting new people. AB strives to make each trip diverse by placing people from different backgrounds and organizations on each trip. This allows everyone to learn from other members of their group. AB is not religiously affiliated and welcomes people of all faiths and beliefs. All AB trips are drug and alcohol free. Alternative Breaks is also a great way to gain leadership experience. Past participants can become site leaders for the following year.

Association of Student Geographers and Planners - The Grand Valley Association of Student Geographers and Planners is an organization that will increase student involvement in the Department of Geography and Planning and provide advice for those interested in furthering their geographic studies or initially engaging the field of geography. ASGeog will increase recognition and camaraderie amongst geography and planning undergraduates and enhance as well as highlight the unique geographical and planning experiences at GVSU.

Bass Anglers - Bass Anglers is a competitive fishing club. We are geared towards competitively fishing tournaments both in and out of Michigan, connecting with other fellow anglers, and improving one's fishing skills.

Biology Club - meant to provide students with excellent opportunities to build relationships with faculty and fellow students who have a similar interest in biology. Members can interact with the community through various events and gain awareness of career and research opportunities in biology related fields.

Biology Graduate Club - The Graduate Biology Club is dedicated to the professional development of Biology students who are completing masters degrees at Grand Valley State University. Our mission is to provide members with enriched opportunities to network with peers, GVSU faculty, and other science professionals.

Cage Free - Cage Free's goal is to educate students at Grand Valley State University about the multitudes of benefits of eating a plant-based diet. These students advocate from environmental, ethical, and health related perspectives.

Campus Lions Club - Campus Lions Club is part of Lions Club International. The goals of this club are to serve others in our community and abroad. Such projects sponsored by Lions Club are combating vision loss, environmental stewardship, providing skills to at risk youth, responding to catastrophes, and more.

Circle K International - We focus on three main tenets: service, fellowship, leadership. Our main focus is service. We help out around the Allendale and Grand Rapids area, doing various activities at Blandford Nature Center, Allendale Nursing Home, Ronald McDonald House, Feeding America, Love INC., Therapeutic Horsemanship of West Michigan, and more.

Economics Club - The Economics Club, is dedicated to creating an atmosphere which fosters learning and interaction between students with an interest in economics, GVSU economics faculty, and the community.

Farm Club - The Farm Club is a student group dedicated to promoting the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture. We provide an open space for veggies, knowledge, and relationships to grow!

Geology Club - Go on fun hikes and field trips, connect with other members through activities both during meeting times and scheduled events, and further your knowledge of our Earth.

Habitat for Humanity - Our organization falls under the umbrella of Service and Advocacy and should work closely with GVSU and "Habitat for Humanity" to promote, advocate, and serve in and outside of the university community.

Humane Society - Humane Society of Grand Valley is a student run organization at Grand Valley State University that is dedicated to bettering the lives of animals and the environment we all live in. We do this by volunteering with local shelters, fundraising for causes that combat animal cruelty and help homeless animals, lobbying at the state and national levels, and educating the public about animal-related issues and how to be more humane.

Hunger & Homelessness - Hunger and Homelessness is a student-led service and advocacy volunteer organization at GVSU. We work with local agencies that make a positive impact on our communities.

Kids in Motion - Kids in Motion is a service and advocacy organization that promotes physical activity and mentorship among youth by volunteering in the community.

Native American Student Association - We are dedicated to promoting American Indian cultural awareness across the Grand Valley campus and surrounding community as well as bringing attention to important Native American social issues.

Neighbors for Justice - Our mission is to foster a space of bravery where students are empowered to share their authentic selves, be vulnerable, and challenge their preconceived notions. This space will promote continued education where we can learn the values of listening, leadership, sustainability, and justice.

Nonprofit Professionals Graduate Student Association - The purpose of the Nonprofit Professionals Graduate Student Organization shall be to provide networking opportunities for graduate students while collaborating with industry experts to learn about the emerging trends in the nonprofit sector.

Plogging Club - At GVSU's Plogging Club, we aim to provide a fun and laid-back environment where students can exercise and help the local community. Plogging is defined as an organized activity where participants jog or hike along a set route while picking up trash along the way. We plan to have these excursions every other Saturday morning. During the winter months, join us for group fitness classes or helping out with different environmental sustainability events! Stop by our general assembly meetings to discuss and learn how you can live a healthy and sustainable life as a student at Grand Valley State University.

Seidman Sustainability Association - The Seidman Sustainability Association was created in 2020 to educate and connect the community to the sustainability movement, through the business perspective. In this club, we aim to take action through meetings, events, and starting conversations to make a difference in the environment. With a strong connection to the West Michigan community, SSA builds relationships with local companies to promote their business and highlight their sustainable actions with collaboration, and joint participation. This club also helps prepare students for building careers in CSR, where classroom education lacks. Being a part of Grand Rapids, the top metro city for sustainable development, there are endless opportunities for growth and education surrounding sustainability and Grand Valley’s participation.

Seidman Investment Portfolio Organization - The Seidman Investment Portfolio Organization (IPO) is the premier collegiate business organization with a financial focus at Grand Valley State University fostering over 100 members. The organization is student-run with $150,000 assets under management diversified into 8 sectors. Founded in 1976, we are focused on developing our members into top-tier business professionals through extensive training and mentorship opportunities. In addition to managing our fund, we provide members with a comprehensive introduction to financial services through guest lectures, investment education sessions, exclusive networking opportunities, and our competitive Research Analyst Training Program. In continuation, to develop our members into well-rounded business professionals we also teach members public speaking, networking tactics, and resume and LinkedIn expertise. Ultimately our goals are to both outperform the market and provide students with a solid foundation for their future endeavors in the business world.

Soil & Water Conservation Society - SWCS participates in local conservation projects, including environmental clean-ups, habitat restorations, and similar community service activities.

Solar Racing Team - GVSU Solar Racing is a student organization at Grand Valley State University with the goal of successfully competing in the American Solar Challenge. Each team must construct a vehicle that is solar powered and meets requirements set by the American Solar Challenge. In this challenge, teams from around the globe come together to take on the 1500-2000 mile cross country course. Our goal is to establish a club that appreciates and embraces the alternative energy improvements in the automotive industry. We are driven to not only be future engineers, but future leaders in the world of technological advances. Focusing on exceptional performance and mainstream implementation, GVSU Solar Racing is committed to changing the world, one advancement at a time.

Student Environmental Coalition - The Student Environmental Coalition (SEC) is a service and advocacy organization intended to promote student interest in local, regional, and global environmental concerns. We organize educational events, campus cleanups, and community outreach programs within the Grand Valley student body and greater Grand Rapids area. Our mission is: “Helping to engage students at Grand Valley's campus' to be conscious citizens by promotion of environmental awareness.” We are dedicated to sustainability related issues in hopes that our fellow students may learn to conserve natural resources and care more about their local environment.

Urban Planning Association - We are a group of enthusiastic and driven young planners, who aspire to make communities around the United States and the world more livable, walkable and sustainable places to live.

The Sustainable Agriculture Project is a site where students can research plants, the environment, human-environmental interaction, systems thinking, and community. It is also a laboratory in that it is a space where students can (literally) get their hands dirty while learning quantitative and critical thinking skills relating to soil, water, plant life, climate change, and the environment. It is a working studio space and gallery for artists, a field site with a ready-made community of people on a small working farm perfect for sociological study.

The Sustainable Agriculture Project is student-run. Produce is sold weekly at a farmer's market on campus, through CSA shares, and to campus dining. Students are also involved in our Outdoor Adventure Center which rents recreation gear, including bikes, to other students.

The Seidman Investment Portfolio Organization (IPO) is the premier collegiate business organization with a financial focus at Grand Valley State University fostering over 100 members. The organization is student-run with $150,000 assets under management diversified into 8 sectors. Founded in 1976, we are focused on developing our members into top-tier business professionals through extensive training and mentorship opportunities. In addition to managing our fund, we provide members with a comprehensive introduction to financial services through guest lectures, investment education sessions, exclusive networking opportunities, and our competitive Research Analyst Training Program. In continuation, to develop our members into well-rounded business professionals we also teach members public speaking, networking tactics, and resume and LinkedIn expertise. Ultimately our goals are to both outperform the market and provide students with a solid foundation for their future endeavors in the business world.

A variety of sustainability events occur on GVSU's campuses including the Climate Change Education Solutions Summit (https://www.gvsu.edu/cces/ccess-2022-highlights-59.htm), the Growing Community food symposium, and a variety of lectures and films throughout the year.

Sustainability is often integrated in cultural arts events, installations and performances. Most recently, installations have included Canal by Canal: Photographs by Jason Reblando, Making Waves, Water: Human Right or Commodity?, and Seed Museums: Viewing and Using Nature by Shilin Hora (https://www.gvsu.edu/artgallery/exhibitions-74.htm).

The Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) is dedicated to providing GVSU students, faculty, and staff with educational and recreational opportunities related to outdoor adventure activities. From day hikes on local trails and kayak excursions on nearby lakes and rivers, to week long rock climbing trips in the back country, we have trips suitable for everyone from the most inexperienced and curious to veteran adventure junkies. The OAC follows and educations on Leave No Trace principles (https://www.gvsu.edu/rec/outdoors/leave-no-trace-68.htm).

GVSU requires students to take a variety of general education issues and themes courses, many of which center around sustainability (for example, https://www.gvsu.edu/gened/issues-sustainability-265.htm).

A model sustainability room is located in South Living Center Apartment complex, which prospective and current students can tour. Many living centers are also LEED certified and include energy-efficient appliances and features for students to explore on a daily basis. In addition, a Sustainability As A Lifestyle 1-credit courses is offered (https://www.gvsu.edu/catalog/course/ids-183.htm).

Students can seek a wide range of sustainability-focused employment opportunities. Those positions include Graduate Assistantships with the Office of Sustainability Practices, the Sustainable Agriculture Project, and the Annis Water Research Institute. Additionally, Campus Dining employs the Campus Dining Green Team Intern who leads the Green Team volunteers. The GVSU Surplus Store also employs students, and its goal is to keep as much waste from the landfill as possible by upcycling old or no longer used items from the university (www.gvsu.edu/sustainability, www.gvsu.edu/sap, www.gvsu.edu/awri, www.gvsu.edu/purchasing/gvsu-surplus-store-118.htm).

We do not have a graduation pledge specifically, but we have a general sustainability pledge (https://www.gvsu.edu/cms4/asset/208B3312-9458-C8E8-8577A2110A22E294/gvsu_sustainability_pledge_2021_final_pdf.pdf).