Grand View University: A Comprehensive Overview of Academic Programs and Campus Life
Grand View University, a private liberal arts institution located in Des Moines, Iowa, boasts a rich history and a commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education. Founded in 1896 by members of the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as Grand View College and Seminary, the university has evolved over the years, adding a high school academy department in 1912, junior college-level instruction in 1924, and baccalaureate programs along with nursing programs in 1975. Today, Grand View University offers a diverse range of academic programs and a vibrant campus environment.
Historical Overview
The institution's journey began with a vision to provide educational opportunities rooted in Lutheran values. The dissolution of the academy in 1938 paved the way for accreditation by the Iowa State Department of Public Instruction. In 1959, Grand View gained accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, solidifying its academic standing. The addition of nursing and baccalaureate programs in 1975 marked a significant milestone, leading to the institution's name change from Grand View Junior College to Grand View College.
Campus and Facilities
Grand View's 50-acre campus, situated in the Union Park Neighborhood of Des Moines, offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Several key buildings contribute to the university's academic and recreational offerings:
Humphrey Center: Formerly Old Main, this historic building, constructed in three phases (1895, 1898, 1904), houses the offices of Admissions, Business, Financial Aid, Registrar, President, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Vice President for Advancement. Renovated in 1998 and named after alumna Alice (Olson) Humphrey, it stands as a testament to the university's heritage and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Charles S. Johnson Wellness Center: This 92,000-square-foot facility at 1500 Morton Avenue is home to the nursing and kinesiology departments. It also features recreational and athletic facilities, a community clinic, classrooms, and faculty offices. The field house includes weight lifting equipment, a 1/10 mile track, and a double basketball court. Sisam Arena, renovated in 2002, boasts new bleachers, backboards, wall padding, and a media platform. The arena lobby showcases the Grand View Athletic Hall of Fame. Sisam Arena was named after David Sisam, longtime coach and athletic director.
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Krumm Business Center: Named after benefactor and former Maytag CEO Daniel J. Krumm, this building at 1330 Morton Avenue provides general-purpose classrooms, a large lecture hall, a computer lab, and faculty/staff offices.
Grand View University Library: Completed in 1968 with an addition in 1992, the two-story library offers a wealth of resources. The first floor features a teaching classroom/computer lab, the reference collection, current periodicals and journals, the children's and young adult collection, private study rooms, study tables, DVD and video viewing rooms, the information desk, and research computers. The second floor houses the library's collection of books and journals, study tables, and the Danish Immigrant Archives.
Kent L. Rasmussen Center: Opened in fall 2008, this center houses the departments of art, education, history, criminal justice, political studies, psychology, and sociology. It also includes general-purpose classrooms, art studios, computer labs, the ALT Center, faculty offices, and student amenities.
Academic Programs
Grand View University offers a comprehensive range of academic programs designed to meet the diverse interests and career aspirations of its students. The university provides over 40 undergraduate majors and four master's degree programs. The core curriculum allows students to explore a wide variety of courses and professions. Grand View is committed to helping students of all ages and levels of education to get involved. Degree-seeking students over 65 follow the same policies and processes as any other degree-seeking student including payment of all regular tuition and fees. Students over 65 who are non degree-seeking are eligible to register for undergraduate classes at a discounted rate, equal to the fee assessed for audited courses if you plan to earn credit for the course.
Athletics
The Grand View Vikings compete in 25 intercollegiate varsity sports as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) since 2015-16. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and wrestling. Women's sports include basketball, bowling, competitive dance, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and wrestling. Co-ed sports include cheerleading, eSports (established in 2017), and shooting sports. The wrestling program has achieved significant success, winning multiple national titles.
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Student Life and Traditions
Grand View University fosters a vibrant campus community with a variety of student organizations and traditions:
Viking Council: The governing body of Grand View students, responsible for the expenditure of student activity fees. It is composed of officers elected by the student body and a representative group of student senators.
Student Activities Council (SAC): Funded by and reporting to the Viking Council, SAC develops and schedules campus-wide programs and activities throughout the school year.
Bud the Bird: A long-standing tradition dating back to 1933, involving a statue that has been hidden and relocated on campus by different student groups. The original "Bud the Bird" was donated during World War II as scrap metal. It was replaced by "Bud Jr.," a 33-inch replica.
The Rock: Located in front of the Humphrey Center, "The Rock" is a prominent tradition where students express themselves by painting the rock, often in the darkness of the night, to commemorate celebrations, express sorrow, or voice protests.
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Affordability and Admissions
Grand View University strives to make education accessible through various financial aid options. The average net price is $19,423. Tuition is $33,450 both in-state and out-of-state. Room and board costs $12,880, and books and supplies add another $1248. The university considers an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission. Key admissions stats include considering transcripts, SAT Subject Tests, AP Course Credit, and Dual Enrollment. The application deadline for Fall Regular Decision is August 15. The average ACT Composite is 18, and the Average SAT Composite is 1033.
Student Demographics
Approximately 84% of Grand View students are from Iowa, with 14% from other parts of the United States and 2% international students. The university has a diverse student body, including a significant percentage of first-generation students (36%).
Post-Graduation Success
Grand View University has a strong track record of post-graduation success. For more than two decades, Grand View has had a 98-99% placement rate, meaning that graduates are working in their field of study or pursuing graduate school within six months of graduation.
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