SVSU TODAY

Week of October 5, 2025

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The SVSU Department of Theatre has gone meta, harnessing artificial intelligence to reimagine a century-old play that introduced the word "robot" to the world.

 With “R.U.R.: An AI Musical Melodrama,” directory Tommy Wedge, associate professor of theatre, and his cohorts flip the script on the common rule to reject AI.

“Instead of asking whether AI belongs in the arts, we’re exploring how to use it ethically, creatively and collaboratively,” Wedge said. 

Performances will be held in the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 15-18, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 19, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 plus fees and are available online or at the SVSU ticket booth. SVSU students can obtain free tickets when using their student ID online or at the box office. This performance is recommended for ages 13+. 

What can Google searches, social media posts, and online data reveal about human behavior? A lot, says Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a New York Times best-selling author, data scientist and former Google data analyst, who will share his insights during the Wickson-Nickless Distinguished Lectureship in Business presented by the Scott L. Carmona College of Business at Saginaw Valley State University.

His presentation, “Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us,” promises an eye-opening and humorous look at how data can uncover hidden truths about what people really think, want and do.

The lecture will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. It is free and open to the public.

Get up close and personal with a variety of insects at Insect-A-Palooza on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Groening Commons. This event is free and open to the public.

This popular community engagement event, presented by assistant professor of biology Jorge Paredes-Montero and his students, will feature eight exhibits highlighting unique aspects of entomology:

Wednesday, Oct. 15, is the deadline to apply for SVSU Foundation Resource Grants and Community Engagement Grants.

The Resource Grants support projects led by faculty or staff that directly involve and benefit SVSU students and support one or more of the university's strategic goals.

The Community Engagement Grants support projects led by faculty or staff that involve SVSU students and advance the university's engagement with — and service to — the regional community.

For questions about preparing your grant proposal, contact Julie Marsh in Sponsored Programs at ext. 4295 or jmarsh@svsu.edu.

For questions regarding grant policies and eligible projects, contact Emmie Busch in the Foundation office at ext. 7025 or busch@svsu.edu.

SVSU’s first annual Pack the Pantry initiative, led by the Support Staff Association and University Police, brought the campus together in an incredible show of generosity.

Thanks to the support of faculty, staff and administrative professionals, a total of 3,527 items and dollars were collected for the Cardinal Food Pantry, helping us reach an impressive 88% of our 4,000-item goal.

Every contribution helped stock shelves and ensure students have access to nutritious food and essentials at the start of the semester. With pantry usage increasing significantly over the past year, efforts like Pack the Pantry make a real impact.

Thank you to every donor, volunteer and organizer who helped make this initiative such a success. Your care and commitment continue to make a lasting difference for Cardinals in need.

SVSU employees are invited to participate in a Workday change readiness focus group. The Workday team wants input on how to best communicate, support and train SVSU faculty and staff during the entire Workday transition process.

Focus group sessions will be held:
Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 9:00 a.m.: In-person - Gilbertson 214
Friday, Oct. 17, at 10:30 a.m.: Virtual via Microsoft Teams (link provided upon registration)

Your voice matters. Join us to help shape the future of Workday at SVSU.

Looking for a flyer or brochure to market your department or event? The Office of University Communications can help. 

To submit a ticket for graphic design support, visit the Creative Hub. Then select “Submit a Ticket” and click on the “Design Request” tile. Look for the blue “+Add” button in the red bar and fill out the form.

Put your best foot forward and help support the SVSU brand!

For more information contact the office of University Communications at 989-964-4039.

Have you submitted your entry to win your choice of an SVSU umbrella or duffle bag? The entry form can be found in the “Foundation for Student Success” employee philanthropy brochure that was sent to faculty and staff on campus. Additional brochures and forms are available from Ann Schumann-Ousley in the SVSU Foundation (amousley@svsu.edu). All faculty, staff and adjuncts can enter! Deadline is Wednesday,  Oct. 15!

Payroll deduction is a great way for SVSU faculty and staff to support SVSU students. Small payroll deductions can add up to bigger gifts for SVSU scholarships, programs and experiences that help our Cardinals succeed. 

To make a payroll deduction gift, you will need to log in to Workday and open your Benefits and Pay app. For more information, including instructions on how to set up payroll deduction, click on the blue Payroll Deduction - Faculty/Staff button on the Employee Philanthropy page (link below).

The SVSU football program will try to chalk up their second consecutive GLIAC win when they meet Roosevelt University this Saturday in Harvey Randall Wickes Memorial Stadium. The game begins at 2 p.m.

If you have suggestions, comments or something to share with us, please e-mail svsutoday@svsu.edu

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