Friday, October 31, 2008

Grand Valley State University - An Education That Lasts a Lifetime

By J. Vincent Burr

Grand Valley State University is a smaller, public university located in Allendale, Michigan (about 10 miles outside of Grand Rapids). It was founded in 1960, so it has a relatively short history. The main campus sits on over 1,200 beautiful acres, and there are also several smaller, satellite campuses located in and around Muskegon, Michigan.

Grand Valley State University actually consists of eight colleges: The College of Education, The College of Business, The College of Engineering and Computing, The College of Nursing, The College of Community and Public Services, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, The College of Health Professions, and The College of University Wide Interdisciplinary Initiatives. GVSU is accredited through AACSB, ABET, APTA, CSWE, NASAD, NASM, NCATE, and NLN.

For a smaller school, Grand Valley is well-respected in athletics, winning several national championships and sending football players into the NFL. They compete in NCAA Division II, where they have 19 varsity teams in numerous sports including baseball, football, basketball and hockey and several women's teams as well. Since 2000, Grand Valley has won six national championships including four in football. They have won so many championships in Division II, that they have received The Director's Cup every year for the last 5 years.

The football program has been particularly good, sending numerous players into the NFL. In athletics, Grand Valley State University teams compete as "The Lakers". The football team owns the record for the most consecutive wins in a row by a division II school, with 40, and tied the record for the most wins over a 4 year period with 51.

The GVSU library system is very deep, with over 70,000 journals and more than 250 databases online. It houses over 800,000 volumes, including more than 150,000 electronic books. The GVSU Library also has special designation as a United States Government Depository, having been a selective depository in the Federal Depository Library Program since 1963. It also has special designation, and receives material from the Michigan State Government as well.

Grand Valley has had a reputation as a school for dissidents throughout the years since its founding. From threatening to shut down the school for the year in protest over the Kent State shootings, to the formal declaration of war on Western Michigan University, to the affirmative action bake sale in which different prices were charged depending on a customers race, sex etc. - the school has a unique, albeit short history.

Overall, Grand Valley is a solid choice for a college. Public transportation is offered free to all Grand Valley students while classes are in session, so students can save money, and enjoy the beautiful city of Grand Rapids as well. If you're looking for more info on Grand Valley State University, including reviews by actual students, check out the links below.


About the author: J. Vincent Burr is the creator and chief educational writer for the college review site at http://www.MyNextCollege.com which contains even more information about Grand Valley State University, including reviews by actual students.

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