The Laker Family Network is a resource of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.
To ensure continued delivery of this newsletter to your inbox, please ask your student to keep their Banner Self Service account up to date with your preferred email address.
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Our calendars now tell us that it's December, a month that brings final exams, Commencement, holiday break, and the end of the Fall 2022 semester. We hope that you and your Laker enjoy this season, and we look forward to reconnecting in the new year!
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Parent & Supporter Resources & Reminders
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| Important Dates
December 10 - Commencement
December 12-16 - Examinations
December 19 - January 8 - Winter Break
January 9 - First day of Winter Semester
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| Fall 2022 Commencement is Almost Here!
The tradition of Commencement is around the corner on December 10 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. GVSU's President Mantella, along with faculty and staff, will be celebrating 2022 graduates with nearly 1100 students participating and walking across the stage for their big day. Is your Laker one of them? Click the button below to read more about what to expect on Commencement Day!
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Laker Food Co. Updates- Winter Break is around the corner! Please remind your student to check gvsufood.com for details regarding modified hours of operation.
Meals deactivate Friday, December 16 at 4 p.m. and reactivate Sunday, January 8 at 11 a.m.
Dining Dollars remain active throughout Winter Break.
Reminder - any remaining Dining Dollars roll over to Winter semester.
- Meal Plan changes for Winter ’23 are accepted online now through Friday, January 13, 2023 at 5 p.m. Students can visit gvsufood.com and select “Meal Plans” and then “Change Meal Plan” from the drop-down menu.
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Sharing Your Career Journey With Your StudentAt the Career Center, we encourage family supporters to share their career journeys with students. Discussing what steps you took in your professional life can benefit students as they navigate their career paths. Some helpful tips to guide your conversation include:
- Aid them in the decision-making process by helping them identify their strengths & passions.
- Support their decisions & interests.
- Inspire students to reflect on whether they prefer working independently or in a team environment, what size organization they would ideally choose, and what they want their work-life balance to look like.
- Encourage them to research career paths and explore career resources
The Harvard Business Review suggests, “You can’t give them a map – but you can give them encouragement that there is indeed one, and can help them learn to read it for themselves.”
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Accountability GroupsIs your student finding it hard to stay motivated throughout the semester? Do you believe they would benefit from someone holding them accountable? They are not alone and sharing their goals with others can help them commit to completing them!
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Academic Success Workshops
December topic:
Test Anxiety & Final Exam Prep
All interested students should visit the SASC website to RSVP and for a list of all workshops. If students prefer to discuss these topics one-on-one with a success coach, they can make an appointment on the Success Coaching website.
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Togetherall Online CommunityYour student can now speak to someone who understands what they’re going through, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The University Counseling Center is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Togetherall – an online community where students can anonymously share feelings and receive help from peers and licensed mental health professionals.
If your student is overwhelmed by their workload, struggling to make friends, or just not feeling like themselves, Togetherall offers peer support and a wealth of additional resources, from managing anxiety to improving sleep. We encourage you to talk with your student about their mental health and available supports, including Togetherall. Students can visit the Togetherall website for more information or to register with their GVSU email address.
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Sick Lakers Stay HomeLakers can help keep Lakers healthy this winter by following a few general guidelines. Please share with your student some tips on how to self-monitor for illness:
- Look for symptoms including fever, cough, and fatigue.
If they develop symptoms, encourage them to talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for both the flu and COVID-19.
If they are not feeling well, they should stay home.
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Housing and Residence Life
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The 2023/24 Resident Assistant Application is Live!
Resident Assistant (RA) applications for 2023-2024 are now open and are due by 11:59 p.m. on December 20, 2022.
What is an RA?
RAs are supportive community leaders who organize fun activities and support student safety and success. Being an RA is a responsibility that comes with amazing benefits, like 100% FREE housing AND dining, planning fun events, leadership opportunities, and much more!
Learn more about RA benefits, the application process timeline, and Interest Session dates for interested students when you click the button below!
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The winter semester payment deadline is Friday, December 16 by 5 p.m. Students can log in to their myBanner account to view their ebill and/or make payment arrangements. Visit gvsu.edu/studentaccounts/ for information about payment options.
The FAFSA for the 2023-2024 academic year is now open. We encourage using the IRS data retrieval tool to pull 2021 tax information, to make the process even easier.
Our online scholarship database, myScholarships, opened November 1 and is ready for your student to apply for over 500 scholarship opportunities for the 2023-2024 year. If your student would like to schedule an appointment for assistance with their scholarship search and to receive feedback on their applications, please have them email scholarships@gvsu.edu.
Please be sure to have your student follow GVSU Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships on Facebook and @gvsufinaid on Instagram for helpful tips, information, and giveaways!
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