The Laker Family Network is a resource of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.
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I want to welcome you and your student to campus for the 2024-2025 academic year! I speak for all of our faculty, staff, and alumni when I share our excitement for the year to come. A safe and welcoming environment awaits, a community where skills are shaped, new experiences abound and passions are pursued. We carry in our hearts the significance of this time for families, especially those with students who are starting their college journey. 

We are honored that you’ve chosen GVSU, and I want to share some updates and tips to help you and your learner be able to maximize this moment in their journey.

Our university is growing and we are continually adding resources to improve the student experience. This fall we’ve increased our number of full-time faculty members by nearly 50, to help maintain our small class sizes. We’re also bringing in 15 additional advisors, who will help students explore careers they are interested in as early as their first year on campus.

Football Saturdays are a highlight of being a Laker and are a great opportunity for students, families, and alumni to connect and support one of the best Division II programs in the country! This summer, we’ve upgraded and renovated Lubbers Stadium to create an even better fan experience.

We are continually innovating and using technology to streamline and navigate connections with GVSU. This fall we’re pleased to introduce the Laker Dock for your students. This app provides students one stop to virtually access everything from classroom work to campus resources to housing information and much more.   

Also, keeping your Laker safe and secure is our top priority, and our Grand Valley Police Department patrols our campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As part of their commitment to customer service, they created the Laker Guardian App. This app allows family, friends, or others to communicate and connect with students in varied ways, including a safety timer. If a student is heading somewhere new or meeting someone they don’t know, they can set a timer and their family and friends are notified if the timer expires. The app also allows students to contact the GVPD and share information and location with the click of one button. We highly recommend that you and your student download these apps and take advantage of all that they offer. 

Lastly, based on parent and supporter feedback, we have established a variety of ways for us to stay connected on matters important to you. 

• This newsletter will be sent out at relevant times throughout the year, with details on key events and tips to improve your overall experience as a GVSU supporter.

• You can also follow me on social media on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Linked In, for regular updates on what I’m doing for our learners.

• Also, I’d like to invite you to join us for Laker Family Weekend on September 20-22 for a weekend of fun-filled events and an opportunity to meet with me and university leaders to learn more about GVSU. View the full Family Weekend schedule and RSVP to attend the Kickoff Party.

We appreciate the significant commitment you and your learner are making, and I give you my word that from the faculty that will teach and mentor your loved one, to our campus staff who support them, to our leadership team who build our university, we will all work to shape an experience worthy of your commitment and trust.    

Thank you, and I look forward to connecting with you throughout the year.

Sincerely,

Philly

Philomena V. Mantella, President
Grand Valley State University

Academics and Careers

The Career Center offers Career Communities, somewhere that your student can connect with fellow students, career advisors, faculty, and employers in their desired industry. Students in Career Communities have access to tailored information on events, workshops, and internship and job opportunities. Encourage your student to get one step ahead of the job search and join a Career Community!

Wellness

As your student prepares for the new school year, the University Counseling Center encourages you to talk with them about the importance of taking care of their mental health – in and outside of college. Below are a few things your Laker can do to get ready to arrive for the first time or return to campus:

Students in need of mental health support can schedule a screening appointment by calling 616-331-3266 or visiting 206 Student Services. Additional information about the University Counseling Center and how parents and loved ones can support students can be found on our Parents and Loved Ones website.

Laker Food Co. has a variety of resources for your student. Not only can they rely on the many dining locations for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a midday snack, but there are also dozens of jobs that they can apply to NOW! 

Lakers’ meal plans start on Tuesday, August 20. Be sure your student gets familiar with their personal meal plan and how it works with this FAQ. 

Encourage your student to explore the dining options on campus. There’s an Erbert and Gerbert’s sandwich shop in the lower level of Kirkhof, an Einstein Bros. Bagels in Holton Hooker Hall, a GV Brew in the library, and many more tasty spots to try. 

To stay up to date, be sure you and your student follow Laker Food Co. on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. 

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is looking forward to seeing your Laker on campus this fall! In case you missed it, please be sure to review all of the important information in our student, parent, and supporter resource hub! All of the information on this page will help your student in these final weeks before classes start. After reviewing your billing statement, please reach out to Financial Aid if you have any questions.

Important Dates

Classes start: August 26

Fall Break: October 20 - 22

Thanksgiving Break: November 27-December 1

Commencement: December 7 | 4 p.m.

Academic Calendar

Events Calendar