Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University was chartered by the Michigan legislature in 1960 in response to the need for a public, four-year college in the state's second largest metropolitan region. The mission of Grand Valley State University is to empower learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose. The university enriches society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, advancement of equity, and public service. A strong liberal education serves as the foundation for Grand Valley State University's wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering critical thinking, creative problem solving, and cultural understanding. Through personalized learning enhanced by active scholarship, the university accomplishes its mission of empowering learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose.

Grand Valley State University is committed to sending its graduates into the world as both well-rounded professionals and well-rounded citizens. The university does that academically by exposing students to a wide range of disciplines and topics, and then complements those studies with an array of resources and opportunities to expand their horizons. Grand Valley State University's faculty members are eager to pass on their expertise, gained through their robust academic work. Ninety-three percent of the university's faculty have the highest degree possible in their fields -- and many have extensive field experience. 

Why Grand Valley State University - Grand Rapids

• Campus: The 65-acre Robert C. Pew Campus in the heart of Grand Rapids is comprised of multiple buildings along the west bank of the Grand River that serves business, education, engineering, and other majors and is home to The Graduate School. The 14.5-acre Health Campus anchors the east end of Grand Rapids' Medical Mile. It is comprised of two buildings with a third building set to open in 2021. With some of the newest living centers in the state in both Allendale and downtown Grand Rapids, there is no better way to experience the Laker Effect than by living on campus.
• Student Life: The GVSU Office of Student Life empowers students to effectively engage with their communities through intentionally designed and inclusive programs, services and environments. Student Life fosters learning, development, wellness, and success for students at Grand Valley State University.
• Athletics: The GVSU intercollegiate athletic experience helps prepare the student-athlete for lifelong accomplishment. GVSU seeks out the best student-athletes and provides them with an environment conducive to academic and athletic success through a dual focus on academic achievement and the pursuit of competitive excellence. The intercollegiate athletic program consistently reflects the high standards of honor, ethical behavior, and dignity, which characterize Grand Valley State University, its conference affiliation and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).