Higher Education (College Student Affairs Leadership Emphasis)

Overview

Key facts

The Higher Education (College Student Affairs Leadership Emphasis) curriculum at Dashboard Grand Valley State University is offered within the Leadership and Learning unit and is designed to develop professionals who have strong backgrounds in educational theory and research, traditional and adult learners, and the role of student affairs in institutions of higher education. The College Student Affairs Leadership curriculum prepares students for professional positions in institutions of higher education in a variety of areas such as admissions, student orientation, housing, student life, academic advising, recreation, financial aid, minority affairs, careers services, international affairs and judicial affairs.

As a medium size public institution with a "small college" feel, Grand Valley State University offers numerous opportunities to prepare student affairs practitioners for the varied professional challenges of smaller and medium size campuses as well as for larger, more specialized university environments.

Orientation

Graduate assistants participate in a week long training seminar the first week of August. Students not only become familiar with the Grand Valley campuses in Allendale and Grand Rapids but also get to meet other graduate assistants in the program. Sessions cover topics ranging from working with your supervisor to diversity, basic listening skills, and group advising. Time is also provided during the week for academic advising and working in the department where the assistantship is located.