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

The start of a new academic year brings renewed energy and possibility to our campus. Whether your student is beginning their journey at Grand Valley or returning to continue it, we are honored to welcome them into a community that is committed to their growth and success. 

At GVSU, we believe that students thrive when they feel connected, supported, and encouraged to explore their purpose in an ever-changing world.  

Our faculty and staff work every day to create an environment where learners can build meaningful relationships, engage in hands‑on experiences, and discover new opportunities that shape their future.  

These early weeks of the semester are especially important, and we are focused on helping students feel at home as they settle into their routines and begin forming the connections that will carry them through the year. 

Thank you for the encouragement you provide your student and for the trust you place in Grand Valley. Your partnership strengthens our community, and we are grateful to walk alongside your family during this important chapter. 

As your student prepares for the fall semester, here are a few important dates and events we encourage them to attend during their first weeks on campus. 

• Laker Kickoff on Friday, August 28 
• Academic College Welcome Sessions and Campus Life Night on August 30 
• First day of classes on August 31 

I also invite you to join us for Family Weekend, September 18 to 20. This annual tradition is a wonderful opportunity to experience campus life alongside your student. I look forward to welcoming you personally at the Family Weekend Kickoff Party on Friday, September 18, which begins the weekend’s celebrations. View the full schedule of Family Weekend events, and keep reading below for additional details!

I look forward to staying connected throughout the year: Follow me on social media on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and be on the lookout for regular issues of this GVSU parent and supporter newsletter, where I will share messages and information to help you guide and support your students. 

Thank you for your partnership and your belief in the transformative power of education and for the opportunity for GVSU to positively impact your family for generations to come. 

Warmly, 

Philomena V. Mantella
President, Grand Valley State University

Calling all Laker family, friends, and supporters! This year's Family Weekend will take place September 18-20. Visit your student for a weekend of events including the Family Weekend Kickoff Party with President Mantella, GVSU Women's Soccer vs. Ferris State University, the RecWell Fun(d) Run, the Health Campus facilities tour, a football game at Lubbers Stadium, Allendale's M45 Celebration, and more! Explore the full weekend schedule and join your Laker to experience life on campus!

GVSU is ready for Lakers to descend upon its campus in a few weeks and has created a line-up of welcome events designed to help them find community here. Students are invited to attend Laker Kickoff to meet new friends and celebrate the start of the semester, and attend Academic College Welcome Sessions to meet faculty and staff. They won't want to miss Campus Life Night where they can meet and learn more about the 400+ student organizations on campus. And that's not all! Let them know to check their inbox for the Laker Weekly student newsletter which will give them the full run-down of all that GV has in store for them this fall and throughout the year!

The GVSU On-Campus Job Fair is an excellent place for students search for on-campus jobs and to start networking with GV departments! If your student is looking for a job, encourage them to attend the event on September 2 from 3-5 p.m. in the Henry Hall atrium where they will meet face-to-face with potential campus employers and gain valuable interviewing skills. Let them know to bring copies of their resume if they have one, and to be ready for professional networking and on-the-spot interviews.

GVSU's local Allendale Family Fare store is helping Lakers kick off the new semester during move-in week, August 23-29, by featuring great deals on back-to-school essentials, grab-and-go meals, snacks, breakfast favorites, drinks, ice cream, and more! You and your Laker are invited to a fun community celebration on Thursday, August 27 with free brats, hot dogs, and Country Fresh ice cream, live music, giveaways, and delicious in-store samples. Stop by after move-in!

The start of a new school year is the perfect time for students to connect with the GVSU Career Center. Whether they're new to campus or returning for another semester, students who engage with career development early — and continue connecting throughout college — are better prepared to explore career options, gain experience, and achieve their goals after graduation. Encourage your student to schedule an appointment, attend events, and make the Career Center part of their GVSU experience from the very beginning.

If your student is still finalizing their fall schedule, we invite them to explore the Global Career Accelerator (SOC-380)!

Grand Valley State University and Podium Education are proud to offer the Global Career Accelerator program to GVSU students, providing valuable real-world experiences that strengthen resumes and build career-ready skills. Designed with flexibility in mind, this virtual 3-credit course fits alongside part-time jobs and other coursework while giving students hands-on exposure to projects and experiences connected with leading companies such as Spotify, Intel, L’Oréal, and Netflix.

To register, they can click the Get Started link on the Career Accelerator website.

Please email Dr. Dana Hebreard or call (616) 331-8615 with any questions.

First Day of Class: August 31

Labor Day Recess: September 4-7

Fall Break: October 25-27

Thanksgiving Recess: November 25 - 29

Commencement: December 12

Exams: December 14-19

Academic Calendar

Events Calendar

A gift of any size to the Laker Family Fund goes directly to supporting students and ensures students have access to programs and academic resources that help them succeed at Grand Valley.