The Laker Family Network is a resource of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.
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I hope the first few weeks of the Fall 2024 semester have gotten off to a great start for both you and your student. The energy and enthusiasm that comes from the beginning of the academic year create a truly magical atmosphere on campus. 

For many students, fall is a busy time filled with new experiences and possibilities. Below you will find info and links to events that are coming up soon that have proven to be very popular and have enabled students to connect their passions and plans with their future professions.

Study Abroad Fair-September 18

At the Study Abroad Fair, your student can explore the possibility of building diverse skills and knowledge abroad through GVSU.

Undergraduate Research Fair-October 1

The Undergraduate Research Fair is open to all majors and offers students a chance to get information about participating in research and creative projects directly from faculty and staff. 

Career and Internship Fair -October 9

The annual Career and Internship Fair features over 230 employers with immediate openings for students in their fields.

Grad School Fair-October 24

Learn about professions requiring graduate credentials early.  It helps shape a well-planned path!

Employer showcases -Various dates

Employer showcases are a great opportunity for students to meet with top companies in a low-stress environment. 

I hope that these events are of interest. You can also check out some tips from the Career Center later in this newsletter. GVSU truly has so much to offer and I am overjoyed that your student is choosing to call our university home. I look forward to connecting with you throughout this year and hope to see you at Family Weekend later this month where we have a wide range of activities for you and your student to enjoy!

Sincerely,

Philly

Philomena V. Mantella, President
Grand Valley State University

Move-in 2024: Campus Comes Alive! 

After a quiet summer, Grand Valley's campuses were bursting with life once again as new and returning Lakers moved into living centers, preparing for the 2024-25 academic year. Click the buttons below for move-in and Welcome Week recaps.

Sept. 20-22

Attention Laker family and friends: Family Weekend is coming this month! Get together with your student for a weekend of events like the Kickoff Party, the RecWell Fun(d) Run, and a football game at Lubbers Stadium! There will be many more events to attend and fun to be had, so explore the full weekend schedule and join your Laker to experience life on campus!

Academics and Careers

Henry Hall 112 (in the Loutit Atrium)

The Tutoring and Reading Center offers free tutoring and academic support for most 100 and 200 level courses in one convenient location. Students can make an appointment ahead of time or stop in for a “Just in Time Appointment”. Our peer tutors can review course concepts, study strategies, reading comprehension strategies, and more in a one-on-one or small group 50-minute session. Your Laker can make an appointment in Navigate or simply drop-in to see us!

As a supporter, you can play a crucial role in your student's career journey. Here are 5 useful ways to help your student find success:

• Ask open-ended questions. Examples: "What are you passionate about?", "What industries or fields pique your interest?"

• Encourage them to connect early and often with the Career Center. It’s never too early.

• Encourage them to attend career events. Events are a great way for students to learn about majors, fields, industries, etc.

• Keep an open mind when your student talks about their future career, even if you don’t agree with them.

• Share your own network. Everyone you know, both personally and professionally, could serve as a networking resource for your student.

These are a few ways to start the conversation and spark ideas with your student. You can find many more resources and programs on the Career Center website.

Community

Sept. 23-30

From travel expenses to equipment upgrades, student organizations often need extra funding to support their activities for the year. During Student Philanthropy Week, Grand Valley is highlighting select student organizations that will be fundraising for their group or a GVSU initiative they are passionate about. Show some love to your favorite student organization and make a gift today!

It’s not too early to start exploring housing options for Fall 2025-Winter 2026. The GVSU housing application opens September 10, with roommate matching and unit self-selection occurring later this semester. Living in an on campus apartment is safe and convenient, where your student is on their own but not alone. Students get an independent living experience, but have staff support when needed. 

Living on campus has the added benefit of contract flexibility for academic releases like study abroad, non-local internships, and graduation. Make a virtual visit to our South Campus Neighborhood for option information!  Call 616-331-2120 or email us at housing@gvsu.edu.

Wellness

Students were full of excitement to head off (or back) to college, and then: homesickness struck. If your student is homesick, they’re not alone. Here are a few things that can help remedy this common feeling:

If your student’s homesickness is accompanied by concerning changes in mood or behavior, the University Counseling Center is available for resources and support. Encourage them to make an appointment or explore their online resources.

As your student figures out their meal plan, they may have questions. Tell them to review the meal plan details and FAQs. Also, encourage them to explore the dining options around campus. Their favorite Laker Food Co. meal might be out there waiting! If your student is searching for a campus job, there are dozens of job opportunities with Laker Food Co. 

Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 academic year is scheduled to open December 1, 2024. The FAFSA is now a shorter form with simplified questions. 

Visit the special circumstances page to learn how to document changes that have occurred in your family or student circumstances since the FAFSA was filed or unusual family circumstances not accounted for on the FAFSA. These special circumstances may warrant reconsideration of financial aid eligibility.

GVSU Financial Aid also offers a variety of scholarship opportunities based on interest, academic performance, special talents, or major. Students may search and apply for these opportunities as well as external scholarships each year on the myScholarships page.

Important Dates and Resources

PBS has hundreds of hours of streaming entertainment waiting for your Laker. GVSU students can download the app for free on their smart TV or Roku. Not only will they find PBS programs, but they can also watch locally produced WGVU programs! Support the content produced by GVSU alumni and tell your student to download the PBS app.

Fall Break: October 20-22

Thanksgiving Break: November 27-December 1

Commencement: December 7 | 4 p.m.

Academic Calendar

Events Calendar