The Laker Family Network is a resource of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.
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Dear Laker Families,

It may feel like it was only yesterday that we welcomed your student to campus, yet our Laker community has already settled into the rhythms of learning, discovery, and personal growth that define the college experience. As the academic year unfolds, we want to remind you of the many supports available to help your student not only thrive in their studies but also design a purposeful life and career.

At Grand Valley, we encourage students to seek out advising early and often. Academic advisors are here to help students plan their coursework strategically, keeping them on track for graduation while also opening doors to new interests. College-based experiential learning, undergraduate research, study abroad, service learning, internships, and co-ops are readily available and make their education come alive. 

And through the Career Center, students can explore career paths, practice their professional skills, and gain insight into industries and employers. You can also read more below about the Center's Career Communities. The benefits of engaging these resources are clear:

Confidence and Clarity – Early advising helps students see the connections between their academic choices, co-curricular experiences, part-time work and long-term goals.

Hands-On Experience – Internships, co-ops, and research allow students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, often leading to career-defining insights.

Professional Development – Career advising equips students with the skills to present themselves with confidence to future employers.

Stronger Networks – Every opportunity builds connections with faculty, peers, alumni, and employers who are invested in their success.

This fall, we invite your student to take advantage of one of our most powerful opportunities: the Fall 2025 Career & Internship Fair on Tuesday, October 14. More than 200 employers will be in attendance, eager to meet Lakers, discuss immediate openings, and build relationships for future opportunities. 

Even in times of economic uncertainty, our employer partners know the value of a Laker education. They continue to engage with GVSU students, benefit from their talents, and hire them into meaningful roles. The results are evident: 85% of our graduates receive job offers before graduation, and 97% accept an offer within three months of graduating.

Thank you for encouraging your student to make the most of these rich supports. With your support, and with the strength of our academic and employer networks, we are preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Philomena V. Mantella
President, Grand Valley State University

It's been an exciting start to the academic year, and I want to share how incredibly grateful I am for the trust you place in us and for your continued partnership in caring for our students. As part of that responsibility, the Grand Valley Police Department has partnered closely with Student Affairs, Housing and Residence Life, and other university departments over the past few months to strengthen security efforts while maintaining the vibrancy of campus life. 

These measures include updates to guest, living center, and parking policies. We will continuously work with our campus partners to refine our protocols so they best support the needs of our housing staff and enhance our community's safety.

I am encouraged to see a steady increase in downloads of the Laker Guardian app, a free tool available to all GVSU students, faculty, and staff. We encourage members of our community to download and use this important safety tool. The app offers features such as:

· Safety timers that allow a trusted guardian to monitor a student’s safe arrival at a destination.

· Location sharing in emergencies so responders can reach someone quickly.

· Direct access to call or text GVPD.

· Campus safety alerts and resources to keep people informed.

The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is, and will remain, our highest priority. GVPD is committed to building community while enhancing and enforcing safety protocols across all campuses. This summer, we expanded our community policing program by transitioning a road patrol officer into a community officer role — bringing our total to three community police officers dedicated to outreach and problem-solving.

As we move forward with these safety enhancements, I encourage you or your student to connect with us directly with your concerns, questions, or ideas. Together, we are building a safer, stronger GVSU.

Sincerely,

Chief Daniel Lindstrom
Grand Valley State University Police Department

Family Weekend is coming up October 3-5! You won't want to miss the Friday evening party featuring welcome remarks from President Mantella. This event is FREE to families and supporters and will feature food, refreshments, fun activities, special appearances, and lots of Laker spirit! Space is limited, so RSVP today! 

The University Counseling Center encourages you to talk with your student about the importance of taking care of their mental health this year, and every year. Below are three things that Lakers can do to support their mental health:

• Follow the University Counseling Center on social media to learn new skills and stay connected.

• Take an online screening to get a “checkup from the neck up” and connect with available resources.

• Visit the University Counseling Center website to learn about services, access self-help resources, and view their events calendar, including Mental Health Ambassador and suicide prevention gatekeeper trainings.

If you notice concerning changes in your student’s mood or behavior this year, encourage them to reach out. Students in need of mental health support are seen for a screening appointment within two business days, and emergency appointments are available. Students can schedule an appointment by calling the University Counseling Center at 616-331-3266 or visiting the center in the Student Services Building (Room 206).

The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open on October 1, 2025. The application will be using 2024 tax information, which will be automatically imported from the IRS. It is recommended that you complete the FAFSA as soon as it’s available. 

GVSU understands there may be unusual circumstances that may affect financial aid eligibility — such as significant changes in employment, income, or family circumstances not shown in the FAFSA application. For more information on how to file the Special Circumstances Form, click the button below. 

Also, tell your Laker to be on the lookout for GVSU scholarships with emphasis in a wide variety of interests. GVSU Scholarship applications open November 1, 2025 through ScholarshipUniverse. Reach out to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships with any questions!

The GVSU Career Center has launched new parts to their Career Community Program! Communities allow your Laker the opportunity to explore different career fields, connect with professionals in the field, and get information about events and resources directly related to their interests.

There are a variety of communities, including Business & Management, Communications & the Arts, Healthcare, Education, and more. Encourage your student to join a Career Community today via Handshake! 

Learn more about GVSU’s meal plans and find which option works best for your student. The Laker Food Co. provides all the information you could need about meals and Dining Dollars. Discover the variety of food your student can enjoy!

The University has recently updated its anti-hazing policy. This zero-tolerance approach has extended its scope to include students, student organizations, visitors, volunteers, faculty, and staff, as well as off-campus locations and online spaces. Stay in-the-know on this updated policy. 

Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 4 p.m. | Van Andel Arena
Grand Rapids, MI

We recommend that students submit an application for graduation during the semester prior to when their degree will be complete. We invite eligible Lakers to apply on the registrar’s website. 

Students who have applied to graduate will receive an email confirmation in early October including a link to register to attend the Commencement ceremony. 

Tickets are not required for the ceremony. Seating is first-come, first-seated! Learn more about the ceremony and how you and your student can prepare for the big day on the Commencement website.

The fall semester is in full swing! Take a look at these fun photo galleries, including our annual "First Day of Class" photos, to see what Lakers have been up to!