Omni from Grand Valley State University provides adults with pathways for degrees and skills

(Courtesy, GVSU)

By WKTV Staff

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) has announced a new delivery model for adults to advance their economic mobility and career opportunities. This new model merges the best of online and in-person support for adult learners.

Omni: A commitment to adult educational advancement

Omni from GVSU combines an expertly taught curriculum with the agility of flexible education delivered across GVSU’s expanding regional campus network and online. This allows adult learners anywhere to advance their education on a schedule that works with their life and work commitments.

GVSU offers online and in-person education opportunities (Courtesy photo)

GVSU’s Omni is designed to help Michigan residents advance in their careers through an educational experience that is flexible, fast and trustworthy.

“Omni represents a new commitment to adult learners in Michigan, many of whom have previous college credits or work experiences that can be recognized to create a custom path toward a GVSU certificate or degree,” said Philomena V. Mantella, President of GVSU.

Flexible learning opportunities

By blending regional campuses across Michigan with flexible online learning, Omni makes a GVSU education accessible to more adult learners than ever before.

“The needs of Michigan’s workforce demand bold solutions,” said La June Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “Opportunities like these are crucial to move our communities toward becoming more equitable places of opportunity, and also help parents better support their children so they can thrive.”

The Foundation is providing support for GVSU’s expansion in Battle Creek.

Guiding steps for advancement

Flexible education options help adults gain further education (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

GVSU Omni is led by Chief Executive Kara Van Dam, previously GVSU’s vice provost for graduate and lifetime learning. Van Dam brings more than two decades of experience in adult post-secondary education.

Van Dam joined GVSU’s leadership team in 2021 to lead a university effort to develop new ways to help the 2.5 million Michigan adults without a post-secondary credential improve their career path and earning potential by completing, or continuing, their education.

“Michigan faces a daunting challenge,” said Van Dam. “Nearly 50 percent of its adult population lack a postsecondary credential despite unambiguous evidence that continued educational achievement is the surest path out of poverty toward sustained economic security.

“Our regional network of campuses across the state and online educational offerings mean that, no matter where people are in their careers and education, GVSU Omni meets students where they are and guides their next step for advancement.”