The Laker Family Network is a resource of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.
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As the semester continues to move forward, we remain focused on ensuring your learner is gaining the knowledge and skills needed to succeed well beyond their time at Grand Valley State University. Preparing students for what’s next means not only supporting them in today’s coursework but also anticipating how industries and careers are evolving.

One area where this is especially important is artificial intelligence. As AI continues to shape how people learn, work and make decisions, Grand Valley is making intentional investments across academic programs to ensure students are equipped to understand these technologies and use them responsibly.

That commitment was reflected in February with the launch of a new free online course, “AI Literacy for Life & Work,” developed through the Grand Valley State University College of Computing in partnership with Information Technology. The course introduces foundational AI concepts, explores how these tools are used in today’s workplaces, and examines the ethical considerations that come with them.

While the course is available to the broader community, including you, it also offers a helpful glimpse into the kinds of conversations and skills your learner may be encountering in their classes. From understanding how AI systems generate information to evaluating accuracy and bias, these are increasingly important competencies across fields and industries your learner will enter.

Opportunities like this reflect a broader, long-term approach at Grand Valley. By continuing to invest in forward-looking academic programs and accessible learning opportunities, the university is working to ensure students graduate prepared not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of learning, growth and leadership.

If you’re interested in exploring this topic alongside your student, we invite you to learn more about the course and what it offers.

Philomena V. Mantella, PhD
Grand Valley State University
President

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has a few updates and reminders for students and their supporters!

Now is the time for your student to complete the Summer Application to be considered for summer financial aid. Once they complete this application, the office will use the information from the 2025-2026 FAFSA to determine their financial aid eligibility for summer classes. The tuition payment deadline for summer is Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m. 

If supporters wish to use a Parent PLUS loan to help cover your student's costs for summer classes, you will need to complete a new Parent PLUS loan application for the May 2026 - August 2026 aid period. Summer is a new aid period that requires a new application and credit check. Apply using the Parent PLUS loan application for summer.

Some scholarships are still available! Encourage your student to apply for additional funding opportunities through the myScholarship portal.

If you and your Laker haven't filed the 2026-2027 FAFSA yet, be sure to complete it as soon as possible to maximize the amount of financial aid your student receives.

Warmer weather should be here soon, and March is a great time for students to head outdoors to take care of their mental health. The University Counseling Center encourages you to talk with your student about the importance of getting outside and ending the semester strong – academically and emotionally!  

Students can also visit the Recreation and Wellness website for outdoor gear rental, local hiking trails, and other ways to get outdoors for their mental health this spring.

Are your Lakers thinking about summer jobs and internships? To help with the search, encourage your Laker to check out Handshake, where the GVSU Career Center has compiled resources and opportunities for students in every field. GVSU Student Employment also holds several Summer Job Fairs on our Valley campus. More information on location, dates, and registration can be found at the Summer Job Fair website.

For the second year in a row, the Grand Valley State women's basketball team are the top of the Midwest Region. The defending National Champions won their third regional title in the last five seasons, defeating Northwood 69-59 in the championship game. The victory punches their ticket to the Elite Eight in Pittsburgh next week.

The team is ranked #1 in the country and is set to play Carson-Newman in the first round. You can watch the Elite Eight on ESPN+, listen on Thunder Country 107.3, and follow along with live stats on NCAA.com. The first round of the Elite Eight is on Tuesday, March 24, then continuing to the semi-final Thursday, and National Championship Saturday.

The GVSU community will be celebrating our graduating Lakers on May 1 and 2 at the Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids. Graduates recently received an email highlighting the Top 5 Things to Know About Commencement in preparation for the big day! The event will be live streamed on the Commencement website.

Show love for GIs, veterans, and soldiers in active duty by supporting The Military and Veterans Resource Center’s (MVRC) campaign, Virtual Hug a GI. Campus visitors are invited to scan the QR code on the yard signs around campus March 23-27 or click this link to send a note of gratitude and kindness. These notes will be displayed around campus and shared online to spread campus-wide support for veterans and military personnel. 

GVSU will be the host to a Champions of the Heart free CPR training event on April 12 at the Kelly Family Sports Center. The event is led and inspired by former MSU Assistant Head Basketball Coach, Michael Garland, whose life was restored because two bystanders knew CPR and acted fast. 

Their story is a reminder of what's possible when a community is equipped, empowered, and engaged. All students, supporters, staff, and the community are invited to participate in this important and inspiring event. Register online to reserve your spot.

Your support has played a vital role in your Laker's journey, and on March 26, you can extend that impact to students across Grand Valley. Day of Giving is an opportunity to strengthen the programs, scholarships, and resources that help every student thrive. Plus, several matches and challenges are available to make your gift to your Laker's student org or athletic team go even further! As a thank-you, donors who give $30 or more will receive a pair of exclusive Grand Valley socks. Consider making your gift early at gvsu.edu/giving/lakersgiveback.

Visit the Valley and City campus Laker Stores and shop all of President Mantella's favorite items. Browse shoe clips, plushies, playing cards, and more! The proceeds from these items go to student scholarships.