The Laker Family Network is a resource of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.
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As we move through the middle of our fall semester, hopefully you and your student have seen firsthand the welcoming community that we provide to support all of our students both inside and outside the classroom. I was excited to personally meet so many of you during our recent Family Weekend. The love and support that you provide was on full display at every event all across campus.

October has brought students settling into the rhythm and routine of the academic year, but soon many will return home, for either Fall Break or the upcoming holidays. It will be great to reconnect with your child, but you may notice some differences as they have likely become more independent because of life on campus. Please know that this is a normal part of college life, but they still need you! It may help to have conversations with them before they come home about important topics like their plans to see both family and friends, your expectations around curfews and house rules, and completing their schoolwork. They will probably sleep quite a bit; it’s demanding to be a college student and you may be surprised how much rest and relaxation that they may need. 

But above all, take the time to notice their growth and enjoy this time together! You have prepared them to be here with us, and I want to thank you for trusting us to prepare your student for the future.

Sincerely,

Philomena V. Mantella, President
Grand Valley State University

Belonging

An unused room on campus has been transformed into a dedicated space for Native American students to find community, host events, store sacred items and more. The need for the space was born out of research efforts and conversations with Grand Valley’s Native American Advisory Council about ways to attract and retain Native students.

GVSU photographer Kendra Stanley-Mills spent more than a month following the Laker Marching Band as it prepared to take the field this fall. Her photo essay, “The Pride of the Midwest,” captures the hard work, long days, talent, fun, spirit and dedication that the band brings to Lubbers Stadium. 

Wellness

Lakers Keep Lakers Safe is a new campus-wide initiative that encourages Grand Valley students to take a pledge committing to building a stronger and healthier campus community.

FREE COVID-19 test kits are available again. Households can receive up to four free rapid tests here. Your Laker can also get tested at the Campus Health Center on the Allendale campus.  

Academics and Careers

Midterms are next week! The Student Academic Success Center (SASC) has many resources to help students prepare for academic success. Students can check out SASC’s Drop-In Coaching or online resources. Encourage students to connect with SASC to be prepared, confident, motivated, rested and READY for Midterms. 

Encourage your Laker to head to the DeVos Convention Center on Oct. 12 from 1-5 p.m. for the Fall 2023 Career and Internship Fair. There, students can meet with over 200 employers to discuss full-time positions, internships or co-ops, or network.

To prepare, tell your Laker to tune into the Work Like A Laker Podcast, visit the Career Center, and attend career prep events on Oct. 9 in Allendale or Oct. 10 downtown. 

Financial Aid

This year, The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will have some improvements. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the FAFSA will have a shorter form, simplified questions, and data that is automatically populated by the IRS. The FAFSA will open in December 2023, so mark your calendars and reach out to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships with questions.

2024-2025 Scholarship Applications open Nov. 1

At GVSU, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities based on interest, academic performance, special talents, or major. Encourage your student to search and apply for these opportunities through MyScholarships. Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year open on November 1. Students with questions can reach out to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Other Resources and Reminders

Important Dates:

Fall Break: October 22-24

Fall Commencement: December 9

Classes end: December 9

Examinations: December 9 -16

Academic Calendar

Events Calendar