After seeing the drastic move made by U-M and hearing increased opposition to DEI both locally and nationally, some students are voicing their support for programming at the University, despite no moves having been made to follow U-M footsteps. The Lanthorn reached out to Robert Shorty, the vice president for People, Equity and Culture, and the Inclusion and Equity Institute but neither were able to provide comment at time of publication.

At GVSU, DEI comprises departments, offices, events and educational initiatives. The Office of Multicultural Affairs, Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, the Division of People, Equity and Culture and the Inclusion and Equity Institute are similar examples to higher-ed efforts being targeted nationwide.

On Friday, March 28, Ottawa County Commissioner Joe Moss wrote a letter to President Philomena Mantella decrying campus DEI initiatives and requesting the closure of both the Division of People, Equity and Culture and the Inclusion and Equity Institute. Moss also requested the University to comply with federal law and guidelines surrounding transgender women in sports, as well as an update to the Weapons Policy. The letter came after Moss was found to be in violation of the policy by carrying a concealed firearm on campus.

The Lanthorn reached out to Mantella but has not received comment.

Both large and small-scale attacks on DEI have been criticized by students and community members, leading to a protest Thursday, April 3 in front of James H. Zumberge Hall. The protest was organized by the Progressive Student Union (PSU), Nourish Black Women and Voices for Justice. The student organizations aimed to persuade administration against any demands to eliminate DEI initiatives. 

“We felt it was important to rally students to show (the) GVSU administration we won’t tolerate any policy changes on DEI similar to what happened at the University of Michigan,” said Owen Frassetto, a PSU member.

Further, Frassetto stated he believes administration has not adequately opposed President Trump’s policies or the push for more conservative guidelines, mentioning the University’s rollback of certain Title IX protections in its harassment policy.

“Students uniting and making our voices heard can make administration think twice before making changes (to) DEI,” Frassetto said. 

Critics of DEI feel it is discriminatory against those that are not part of marginalized communities. Nevertheless, in a workplace setting, many studies have indicated that DEI initiatives lead to more productivity and general satisfaction. A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center showed that a majority of workers agreed DEI efforts are good and create a more hospitable work environment. According to the University of Washington’s College of Medicine, DEI initiatives give institutions new perspectives, foster equitable environments and help provide opportunities to those who have been traditionally disadvantaged.

Senior Emily Christianson feels DEI on campuses is important in making students feel secure while they pursue an education.

“Without this (DEI), many (students) won’t feel comfortable staying at GVSU or even coming to GVSU.”

While it remains to be seen if any further changes will be mandated, many community members remain wrought with concern.

“That review was prompted by media reports about visas being revoked for students at other universities around the country,” said the announcement. “GVSU has not been contacted by DHS about the reasons for the visa revocations.”

In the Trump administration’s recent crackdown on immigration, the federal government has prompted nearly 150 student visas to be revoked, often without any warning or notice to either the students or their universities. Just this week, Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan discovered the visas of several current and former students had suddenly been revoked by DHS. This forces students to either reapply for a visa or flee the country, which one University of Michigan student already has. GVSU now joins the growing list of affected institutions. 

Padnos International Center has contacted the two students in an effort to “offer care and appropriate support,” but the University has not shared any further details. Students and families with questions were pointed toward International Student Services. 

GVSU enrolls over 600 international students per semester from over 60 different countries, making up 2.8% of the student body. While the announcement iterated international students’ place in the campus community, additional student visas may now be under threat in the face of the current administration. 

“International students have been part of GVSU’s campus community since 1963,” the same statement read. “They are welcome here and contribute much to the vitality of our campus.”

This is a developing story, and will continue to be monitored by the Lanthorn.

The investigation into GVSU originated from a federal civil rights complaint filed in January by the Equal Protection Project (EPP), a conservative advocacy organization, over 11 scholarships at the University. Although the EPP asserts its commitment to equity and civil rights, it has solely filed complaints against initiatives and programs designed to assist marginalized individuals.

The EPP has also expressed strong opposition to DEI initiatives, critical race theory and the Black Lives Matter movement. Other universities, including the University of Michigan, are under investigation for partnering with the non-profit organization the PhD Project, which helps those from marginalized communities get doctoral degrees in business. GVSU and the University of Michigan are the state’s only two institutions under investigation.

“We are reviewing this communication (from the OCR) and will respond as appropriate,” said Assistant Vice President of University Communications Chris Knape. “Grand Valley State University is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment while complying with all applicable laws.”

In response to the investigation’s launch, GVSU President Philomena Mantella released a statement addressing both student and faculty concerns. According to Mantella, the University’s legal team is reviewing the notice, communicating with the OCR and gathering related information. Mantella also acknowledged the stress that the investigation may create for the campus community, but claimed the University will uphold its values while complying with the law. 

The Office of Multicultural Affairs declined to comment on the federal investigation. 

GVSU student Foster Hazen feels the University’s scholarships that are being targeted are essential in providing everyone with an opportunity to succeed academically.

“The scholarships (at GVSU) are an attempt to bridge the wealth and education gap caused by institutional racism, (and) give disadvantaged students an equitable, approximate opportunity at higher education,” said student Foster Hazen. “There are hundreds, if not thousands, of scholarships available to white students. Why feel entitled to the (less than a dozen scholarships) that aim to make education more accessible to your peers?” 

Hazen also noted that providing marginalized students with access to financial resources should be a top priority for educational institutions across the country.

“Having a diverse and well-supported student body is the key to having a representational workforce, which can enable change at a systemic level,” Hazen said.

The National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers, the largest teacher unions in America, have filed a federal lawsuit against the investigations. The lawsuit claims the investigations are based on unconstitutionally vague and unfounded claims, especially regarding universities’ supposed violations of the Fifth Amendment. It also accuses the Trump administration of violating the First Amendment by restricting the freedom of speech in classrooms and not allowing educators to teach ethnic studies.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion programs create a sense of belonging where we all feel comfortable sharing our ideas and lived experiences,” said NEA President Becky Pringle on the NEA website. “It (DEI programs) gives people who look and sound like me, and who come from communities like mine, who speak a different language, or first-generation college students, a foot in the door and the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

The event, which was titled “Exposing the Trans-Agenda: A Talk With a Detransitioner,” was held at the Russel H. Kirkhof Center. The speaking event’s title and guest garnered outrage from many University students, especially those who identify as transgender. Several counter-demonstrations were held on campus, and attended by students and community members in order to show support for the transgender community.

The University’s TPUSA chapter claimed on Instagram that the event was not an attack on the transgender community, and that their actions were protected under the First Amendment. GVPD officers were present at the talk, as TPUSA requested security. Photographers, including Lanthorn staff, were barred from entering the event.

The talk outlined the views of both Cole and TPUSA, which are that transgender people pose a threat to femininity, the government and children. During the talk’s Q&A section, Cole expressed opposition to gender-affirming care for all transgender individuals, including adults, and described being transgender as a “choice.” Several students who were in attendance felt Cole’s evidence was primarily based on personal anecdotes, and not factual information. 

Cole has advocated for the passing of several laws that restrict youth gender-affirming care. Generally, for a child to receive gender-affirming services, they must have parental consent and undergo several psychological assessments to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Although regulations differ from state to state, most children have to be at least 15 years old to start hormone therapy, and at least 18 years old to undergo gender-affirming surgery. At the age of 13, Cole began her female-to-male transition but later regretted her decision after an LSD trip, during which she claims a female voice told her she was not a boy. Following that experience, Cole converted to Christianity and has since used her faith to oppose the transgender community, and to advocate against access to medical care.

“I think Cole’s story should be heard, but I don’t think that stories like that should be twisted and contorted to paint a bleak picture of what gender-affirming care is,” said GVSU student Ren Carlson. “In my humble opinion, the local chapter of Turning Point USA on campus is not treating me and the trans community with the dignity and respect that everyone deserves.”

Several students reported the TPUSA event to the Dean of Students Office through the University’s Campus Climate Concerns system, believing the event was offensive and harmful to the transgender community. In an Instagram statement, the Progressive Student Union at GVSU urged community members to submit reports in order to protest the speaking event. However, according to a University statement published by WZZM 13, free speech is protected at GVSU so long as it’s “lawful and non-disruptive.”

“As a public university, GVSU upholds the First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly without viewpoint-based restrictions,” said the statement. “GVSU will not restrict anyone’s ability to use their voice in a lawful and non-disruptive manner that is in compliance with the Grounds and Facility Use Policy and all other applicable university policies.”

Several other campus political organizations began posting on social media in opposition. The GVSU College Democrats released a statement, acknowledging that an individual’s choice to detransition is valid, but that personal choices should not prevent others from accessing medical care. According to the National Institute for Health, roughly 1-8% of individuals choose to detransition, either temporarily or permanently. The main reasons for detransitioning include parental or societal pressure, as well as discrimination or oppression.

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at GVSU gave an impromptu presentation titled “Exposing the Anti-Trans Agenda” during the same time as TPUSA’s event. SDS’s event centered on transition access and resources, and featured conversations with transgender students who discussed their experiences. 

“To go to their (TPUSA’s) events and debate with speakers like Chloe Cole, who is paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by far-right groups to advocate against trans healthcare, is to agree that their arguments are based on logic, which we know they aren’t,” said SDS Queer Activism Committee Chair and Financial Officer River Koehler.

A vigil in support of trans students was also held at the Cook Carillon Clock Tower that evening. The University’s Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center helped organize the event, and reserved the space for students to gather. GVPD officers were also lined up outside near the vigil.

According to the Williams Institute, transgender individuals are over four times more likely to be victims of violent crime compared to cisgender individuals. The vigil was held to honor those who have lost their lives to transphobic-related violence, such as Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man who was tortured and killed in February.

“People are obligated, especially cisgender people, to stand up for trans people,” said GVSU student Jayce Carr. “I do it not only for my trans girlfriend and trans brother, but for the countless other trans people that have been subject to discrimination and prejudice.”

In compliance with the Trump administration’s latest orders, 37 Michigan USFS employees who protected the Huron-Manistee and Ottawa National Forests were affected by layoffs. Additionally, 12 to 15 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees, who protect native fish from invasive sea lamprey, were laid off. The Trump administration slashed USFS’s annual budget nationally, which means USFS will not only be understaffed, but also underfunded. 

Michigan is home to five national forests and the largest reserve of freshwater in the world, which makes the state pivotal to many ecosystems. USFS employees manage forests, protect wildlife and oversee national resources. The agency also conducts research to determine best practices to best maintain and sustain parks and wildlife, through advising on infrastructure and protecting accessibility to park systems. 

“Forest Service workers are so important because they manage national forests, which belong to all Americans,” said Jennifer Moore, an associate professor of biology at Grand Valley State University.  “(Forest Service workers) are essential stewards of our public lands, (and) play a crucial role in preventing environmental degradation.” 

According to Central Michigan University, an estimated 3,400 USFS employees were laid off in the first few weeks of February. In other words, 10% of the USFS workforce has been cut in less than a month. Several USFS employees were notified of their termination over the phone on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. leading some to dub the date as a “Valentine’s Day Massacre.” Although the workers were told they had been laid off due to performance issues, many had positive reviews and solid work records. 

“The U.S. Forest Service, in particular, employs some of the hardest working people in the Nation,” Moore said. “These people are doing incredibly important work managing wildlife and our public forests, while conserving wildlife and other natural and cultural resources. Most of this work is done as a labor of love, and not for the financial gain.”

While wildlife firefighters have generally been spared by layoffs, many of the workers that were let go were also certified in fighting fires and often participated in control burns. The mass layoffs have incited concerns regarding USFS’s ability to effectively fight off invasive species and fires nationwide. Environmental disasters such as oil spills, air quality issues and water contamination pose additional concerns.

“Natural ecosystems provide (resources) that people don’t typically think about, like clean air, clean water, medicine, hardwood floors, furniture, paper towels, Amazon packaging and many others,” said Alexander Locher, a professor of natural resource management and wildlife biology at GVSU. “Ultimately, we all are accountable for conserving natural ecosystems and all the beings within them because they literally are our backbone for survival.” 

The layoffs have prompted several unions to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration for wrongful termination, and have inspired many to protest across the country. The union that represents USFS workers, the National Federation of Federal Employees’ Forest Service Council (FSC), has filed a lawsuit, alongside multiple other unions. The lawsuit claims the Trump administration’s orders are unconstitutional for the following reasons:

• Using deferred resignation to pressure employees into voluntary resignation 
• Firing probationary employees
• Use of large-scale reductions in force (RIFs)
• Undermining Congress’s authority 

The Trump administration and DOGE have claimed the layoffs were necessary to cut back on government spending; however, only an estimated 5-6% of total government spending contributes to the salaries of federal workers. It is unclear how the layoffs have affected government spending, as DOGE continuously posts discrepant and inaccurate data on the issue. 

“The courts must intervene and hold this administration accountable for violating federal laws before it is too late,” said Randy Erwin, the president of the National Federation of Federal Employees. “Federal workers are your friends and neighbors who have dedicated their careers to serving our country. We cannot let the President disrupt their lives and dismantle critical services relied upon by the American people.”

Officers arrested two individuals in front of the Kirkhof Center who were suspected of stealing from the Allendale Campus’ Laker Store. During the arrest, there was an altercation between one of the suspects and officers that resulted in the suspect being on the ground. The conflict spurred many students to take to social media, seeking clarification about what had occurred.

According to Assistant Director of Public Safety Captain Kourosh Khatir, officers were dispatched at 11:00 a.m. after receiving a call about property being taken from the Laker Store. Two potential suspects were followed around the Laker Store by store personnel, who felt the suspects might have been engaging in suspicious activity. The two subjects, one male and one female, were then stopped by officers in front of the Kirkhof Center. A scuffle occurred as the male suspect was being detained, in which some eyewitnesses claim he was tasered.

The larceny suspects were taken into custody, identified and then released. The male suspect was found to be a juvenile who was not a GVSU student. Details about what may have happened during the scuffle and what item(s) were stolen have not yet been released to the public, as the investigation is still ongoing. It has not been confirmed whether the suspects are guilty or innocent. The suspects’ names will remain anonymous until a verdict is reached.

Students began posting about what had happened on social media soon after the incident, primarily using the anonymous chat app YikYak. There has yet to be any formal communication by the University addressing the matter.

Larceny is one of the most pertinent issues on college campuses. Data from GVSU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report revealed that larcenies on campus have tripled at the University since 2021. Between Thursday, Feb. 13 and Wednesday, Feb. 19, there were three separate instances of larceny. On Friday, Feb. 21, a series of vehicle break-ins also occurred across the Allendale Campus. Assistant Director of Public Safety Leah Heaton advised that students keep their personal belongings on their person or within view at all times. Heaton also recommended recording serial numbers of personal electronic devices, which could be helpful in recovering stolen technology.

Some additional tips to prevent personal belongings from being stolen include:

• Have a unique way to identify your belongings, such as a keychain 
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash and freeze a credit card immediately if your wallet is stolen 
• Write your name on valuables for easier identification

“If you are a victim of a larceny, reporting to the police as soon as it (the larceny) occurs can assist police in developing any leads in the case,” Heaton said. 

The West Michigan Health Economic Forecast was held at the DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health on GVSU’s Pew Campus. The event was hosted by the University’s Kirkhof College of Nursing and the Seidman College of Business, and was sponsored by major healthcare companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network and Priority Health.

Kirby and Montanera identified a unique correlation between the rising number of healthcare workers and the number of patient admissions in Grand Rapids compared to state and national averages. Their work also revealed that students seeking healthcare-related degrees have increased despite a nationwide drop in higher education enrollment. Although the causes of these anomalies are not yet known, the researchers were able to collect valuable data on certain trends occurring in West Michigan and consider optimistic outcomes.

Specifically, Montanera and Kirby’s research found stark discrepancies between the rate of patient admissions in contrast to the rate of hospital and healthcare personnel. In 2022, Grand Rapids had a record low of 80.65 patient admissions per 1,000 resident doctors. In similar-sized cities, the admission rate was 105.82 patients per 1,000 residents. Another discrepancy noted by the researchers was that outpatient hospital visits in Grand Rapids and Muskegon decreased by 13%, while national rates remained static.

The researchers also looked into college enrollment rates. Despite a national decrease in college enrollment, Montanera and Kirby’s research showed a 2% increase in college students seeking healthcare-related degrees in West Michigan. In 2023, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center found that Michigan colleges and universities had enrollment drops that were four times steeper than the national average.

“When we turn to the future, we find that more students are enrolling in health-related degrees, even though university enrollment is declining,” Kirby said. “That’s (rise in health-related degree enrollment) promising for the future of healthcare.”

Further findings from Montanera and Kirby’s report showed certain ailments are rising in West Michigan, such as high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, stroke, lifetime asthma, cancer and depression. Additionally, Michiganders 85 and older are the fastest-growing age group in the state, which has contributed to a higher demand for healthcare services.

Despite an increased strain on hospitals, Kirby said their research showed healthcare employment, job openings and inflation-adjusted earnings are on the rise in the region. This indicates there is more motivation to seek occupations in healthcare, as evidenced by the increasing number of students pursuing healthcare degrees.

Kirby said the reason he chose to research health in West Michigan is because his findings have the capability to directly impact the people around him and the place where he lives. Kirby said that further research is needed to determine the root causes of these anomalies.

“There is always a need for more research,” Kirby said. “To stay ahead of the curve, we must continue monitoring community health and anticipate what’s coming next.”

UAS is a faculty governance body that handles academic matters and faculty concerns. The senate’s main task is to send recommendations to University President Philomena Mantella and SLT regarding curriculum, budget, faculty policies and other issues relevant to academic affairs. UAS meets on a regular basis to discuss how to create a better campus community for both students and faculty.

Friday’s meeting also included members of the University’s Executive Committee of the Senate (ECS), SLT and Student Senate. A portion of the meeting focused on GVSU graduates, specifically admission standards regarding language requirements. Those in attendance also discussed the workload of both faculty and students, reviewing policies and curricula to create a better learning environment. There was also a presentation on data categorization and retention delivered by the University’s Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, Luke DeMott. 

However, a discussion on the COACHE survey results was a main part of the meeting. COACHE stands for Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education, and was developed within Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. GVSU recently utilized the survey to gain insight into faculty experiences at the University. The survey results showed a general lack of trust and communication between GVSU faculty and SLT. Many faculty respondents indicated a desire for closer collaboration with SLT, an area that UAS is striving for.

According to UAS member and English Associate Professor Brian Deyo, SLT implemented large-scale initiatives with minimal faculty input, despite survey results indicating that faculty desire involvement. Similarly, survey results from the LGBT Faculty Association at GVSU showed similar trends among LGBTQIA+ faculty, who expressed a desire to work more closely with SLT. 

“We can all work as a body together in the best interest of the University as a whole,” said Deyo.

UAS member and Philosophy Associate Professor Andrew Spear noted that faculty should have more involvement in decisions being made at the University.

“This idea of shared governance and the idea that faculty expertise should have an important role in how things go at the University just hasn’t been taken very seriously,” Spear said.

UAS is made up of faculty from various GVSU departments, including but not limited to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Seidman College of Business and the College of Education and Community Innovation. One of the senate’s most recent accomplishments has been restructuring UAS governance to be more inclusive, especially toward academic affiliates. 

“Not every workplace gives its employees a governance structure,” Spear said. “For (an) institution to run and achieve its mission best, there should be that kind of faculty representation and input and feedback to the administration.” 

Inconsistencies in vending machine prices mean students pay different amounts for the same beverage. In addition to the same drink costing a different amount depending on where it’s bought, prices between specific drink flavors are also inconsistent. However, vending machine snack prices are generally the same across campus.

At the Mary Idema Pew Library, a Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino from a vending machine costs $2.00. However, at Lake Michigan Hall, a Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino is $4.00– double the price of one from the library. At Lake Superior Hall, the price of a Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino increases to $4.25. Another example of a price discrepancy in vending machine drinks are fruit punch-flavored Gatorades. At Lake Superior Hall, a fruit punch Gatorade is $2.50. At Lake Ontario Hall, it is $2.75, and at Lake Michigan Hall, it is $4.00.

Even something typically inexpensive, like water, has price discrepancies dependent on location. At Lake Ontario Hall, a bottle of Aquafina water costs $2.25, but at Lake Michigan Hall, it costs $3.00. Despite these price differences, drinks like Pepsi, Pepsi Cherry and Diet Pepsi generally have the same price across all vending machines.

According to the food service director of Laker Food Co., Glen Behan, the snacks and drinks selected for on-campus vending machines are typically based on student preference, sales data, supplier agreements and dietary considerations. Wholesale costs, supplier agreements, operational expenses and market demand influence the prices of vending machine products. Product prices can also be influenced by market competition and student affordability. 

Behan said the price discrepancies among vending machine products are mainly caused by inflation. As inflation increases, the cost of vending machine products simultaneously increases; however, Behan said keeping these changes consistent among the machines can be difficult. 

“When inflation affects the cost of vendors, it also increases the cost of the products,” Behan said. “As a result, there is a transitional period required to update the pricing across all vending machines. The changes are made manually, one machine at a time. We strive to complete this process as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

GVSU student Aydan Rutherford said the inconsistencies go beyond price. He pointed out that some machines only accept credit or debit cards, while others only accept cash, making it challenging to plan a purchase. Additionally, he expressed frustration with the number of vending machines that are either out of order or fail to deliver a selection after taking students’ money. Rutherford also commented on the inconsistent pricing of drinks. 

“I’ve seen the prices range from two flat to basically three bucks,” said Rutherford. “I honestly think it’s (drink prices) just too high and inconsistent to be the norm.”

A study by the National Automatic Merchandising Association demonstrated that location-based pricing can increase vending machines’ revenue by up to 20%. High-traffic locations tend to feature higher-priced items, as customers are generally more willing to pay extra for convenience. Vending machines located at hot spots on campus tend to feature higher-priced drinks, even if the same drink or drink flavor is cheaper elsewhere.

According to former businessman and Forbes writer Aslak de Silva, the mantra for the vending machine industry is “eye-level is buy-level,” meaning the highest profit and usually most expensive item is placed in the center of the machine. At GVSU, similar items or items from the same brand may cost different amounts depending on their position within the machine. Items sold in the middle or top row are typically more expensive than those at the bottom. Vending machines are also less susceptible to price fluctuations than traditional grocery stores or restaurants, which means they can be very lucrative for the machines’ owner. According to a 2020 survey, vending machines make roughly $309 per month. 

The 2023-2024 National Alumni Career Mobility (NACM) survey has revealed trends among Grand Valley State University alumni who graduated between 2013 and 2018. Most graduates surveyed felt their education was worth the cost of tuition, but said they worried about their ability to pay off student loan debt. Compared to other institutions, GVSU received higher scores in overall satisfaction and economic mobility from graduates. 

The NACM survey began in 2019 by the Career Leadership Collective and was acquired in 2023 by Lightcast, a labor market analytics company. The survey gathers information from alumni on their career satisfaction, economic mobility and community engagement, both five and 10 years post-graduation. For the most recent survey, 9,067 graduate responses were collected from 34 different institutions across the United States, 1,200 of which were connected to GVSU.

83% of NACM survey respondents from GVSU reported overall satisfaction with their education. However, many graduates identified feeling at odds with the cost of their education; 55% of respondents agreed their college degree was worth the cost of tuition, but 56% debated their capacity to pay off their accrued student loan debt. 

At GVSU, the annual cost of tuition varies from between $15,140 to $22,240. The average student loan debt for a bachelor’s degree in the United States is $30,000, with rates increasing each year.

Ashley Moubray, the vice president of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter at GVSU, said the precedent of student loan debt weighs just as heavily on her as the importance of education.

“GVSU does try to make (education) affordable through merit scholarships and other financial assistance programs, but to be honest, I don’t think it will ever be enough,” Moubray said. “When you think about how affordable college is in other countries, it really makes you stop and consider what it is that U.S. universities really care about.”

GVSU scored above the national average for economic mobility among first-generation students compared to NACM surveys of other university graduates, and also scored higher in overall education and career satisfaction than other institutions. GVSU will continue to collaborate with NACM to gather future data on graduates.

Alumni Relations Director Susan Proctor said the University uses the results to enhance educational practices and improve the overall university experience. 

“We (at GVSU) want to be your educational partner for life, and so hearing from our alums on how we’re doing that and how we can improve was the motivation (for the survey),” Proctor said.

As well as the cost of student loan debt, NACM survey results also indicated that equity gaps for historically marginalized populations were closely tied to respondents’ access to career preparation and institutional career investments. Respondents who identified as nonbinary, a first-generation students or African American showed lower Career Preparation (CP) scores, which measure an individual’s preparedness to launch a career after college. These groups also showed lower percentages of overall career satisfaction after graduation. Despite this, GVSU’s scores generally showed higher satisfaction and success rates among these populations compared to other schools.

“Institutions seeking socially-just outcomes should increase access to strategic influencers associated with Career Preparation and Institutional Career Investment, as well as ensure that student loan debt is manageable and able to be paid off within 10 years of graduation,” said Lightcast Survey Researcher Dr. Kimberly Yousey-Elsener, the author of the 2023-2024 report.

According to the University’s Career Center First Destination 2023 report, 71% of alumni become full-time employees post-graduation. Additionally, 85% of graduates were offered employment before they graduated. Overall, alumni agreed that their career status aligned with their intended goals, and expressed general satisfaction. 

“GVSU offers us every opportunity we need to prepare ourselves for the future, available to us even after graduation,” Moubray said. “But if we as students aren’t proactive for ourselves, then none of it really means anything.”