History
As Saginaw Valley College, the institution admitted its first class of 119 students in 1964, became state-assisted in 1965 during a period of national expansion of institutions of higher learning, and held its first commencement in 1966. The name was changed from Saginaw Valley College to Saginaw Valley State College in 1975 and to Saginaw Valley State University in 1987.
Education
At SVSU, the world is our classroom. When it comes to college, there are a lot of institutions who boast about academic opportunity. Our students land competitive positions or spots in prestigious grad schools. At SVSU, we defy expectations and soar far above them. Where you go from here is up to you!
Research
Students' involvement in undergraduate research introduces them to the culture of a particular discipline; modes of inquiry and discourse in the discipline; and the methodology and ethical issues confronted in the discipline. Students build research skills they utilize in all aspects of their academic careers, find housework more relevant, and gain a sense of engagement in the university. Students also can bring fresh and new insights to the faculty's work.
Career
The Office of Career Services' mission is to support both the economic vitality of the region and the professional development of our students and alumni by assisting in matching top-quality interns, co-op students and graduates with local organizations to meet the needs of the community. Career Services at SVSU is dedicated to providing the professional development resources to every student throughout their college career and beyond free of charge.
Distance Learning Courses
Education & Training (4)
Medicine & Health (4)
- MSN Nursing
- RN to BSN Nursing (RN to BSN)
- MPH Public Health
Business & Management (3)
- M.B.A. Business Administration
- M.P.A. Public Administration
Computer Science & IT (1)
Engineering & Technology (1)
Student services
The Division of Academic and Student Affairs engages with students from the time they first think about attending college, through the admissions process, during their time at SVSU and ultimately throughout their post-graduate success. Along the way, we guide students through the complexities of university life, provide high quality academic programs, help them navigate tricky social demands, provide cultural and recreational outlets, as well as see to their physical and mental health.
Housing services
The Office of Accessibility Resources and Accommodations (ARA) recognizes accommodations as adjustments, alterations or supplementary aids and services intended to reduce barriers providing equal access to students with varying abilities. Accommodations are determined through an interactive process between one of the professionals in our office and a student. In that process, accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on appropriate documentation, the student’s history, and specific functional limitations.
Library services
The Zahnow Library provides information resources and services to support the teaching and research needs of the students, faculty and staff of Saginaw Valley State University (see Mission and Goals). Spread over four floors with entrances on the first and second floors, its collections cover a vast array of topics and a multitude of formats.
ICT services
SVSU offers free and discounted software for students and employees at home. Employees are eligible for Adobe Creative Cloud featuring over 20 applications for graphic design, video editing, web development, publishing PDFs, and more. Students and employees have access to Adobe Spark Premium for creating videos, images, and online presentations. Office 365 suite .
Medical services
University Health Center, located inside Saginaw Valley HealthCare, provides walk-in primary medical care, disease prevention, health education and various specialty services to SVSU students, faculty and staff, and the surrounding community.
Campus life
SVSU's 107 academic & auxiliary buildings, totaling over 2.5 million square feet, are exceptionally maintained through our professional custodial & housekeeping, HVAC, and maintainable staff. Our proficient grounds crew specially cares for the 314 acres of SVSU's total 748 acre campus.
Sports facilities
SVSU Campus Recreation is committed to building a stronger student body by providing diverse and intentional recreational activities for the campus community. Our vision is to promote health awareness, sense of community and a lifelong appreciation for fitness and wellness.
Student clubs
True Cardinals have Red Pride. And we wear it not just on Fridays. Red Pride is calling some of the best residence halls in the country home. Being a part of any number of the 170 student led organizations. Being surrounded by people and centers to help you succeed. There is a place for you here.
- SVSU's business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- SVSU's chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS)
- SVSU's electrical engineering program and mechanical engineering program are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
- SVSU's education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Michigan Department of Education.
- SVSU's English Language Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA)
- SVSU's nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)