Fall welcome events, financial aid, housing information and more...
Fall welcome events, financial aid, housing information and more...
Grand Valley State University
Laker Family Network
The Laker Family Network is a resource of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University

Welcome to the new academic year, parents and supporters!

We are so excited to welcome your students back to campus, and for many, to campus for the first time! Parents of first year students, we truly enjoyed seeing all of you during summer orientation and look forward to getting to know you this year. Be sure to refer back to the important resources below to support your student this semester:
 
Laker Family Network Website


Parent & Supporter Resources & Reminders

Students in a classroom talking. Students at a table at Campus LIfe Night
Important Dates 
August 24 - Convocation
August 29-  Classes begin
September 5- Labor Day, no classes
October 23-25 - Fall Break
November 23-27 - Thanksgiving Day recess, no classes
December 10 - Commencement
December 12 - 17 - Examinations


Belonging

Students sitting in a circle listening to a leader during Transitions GVSU students forming the letters G, V, S, and U on the football field Students standing outside on campus during Transitions.

What is Transitions New Student Orientation?

New students have received a virtual, self-paced workshop with valuable information to prepare them for their first year at GVSU. Following move-in, the in-person Transitions New Student Orientation program, August 24-26, will provide students with opportunities to connect and acclimate to life as a Laker. All new students are expected to attend Transitions. Please remind your student to check their email this week for a link to their required virtual self-paced workshopThis 90 minute workshop covers essential GV policies, resources, activities, and other pertinent information that every Laker needs to know before arriving on campus.
Students performing a dance at Campus Life Night

Welcome Events that Lakers Won’t Want to Miss Out on This Fall!

Saying farewell to summertime is always bittersweet, but with a new academic year for your Laker on the horizon, there are so many things for students to look forward to this semester! Students will be presented with a variety of opportunities to get connected on campus, find community, and make the most of the year ahead. We invite you and your student to check out Grand Valley’s social accounts as well as visit the GVSU events calendar to be in the know about all of the programming and events that will take place throughout campus.
Please encourage your Laker to find ways to get involved — one way to do this is by attending Campus Life Night where nearly 250 of our Registered Student Organizations will be present. Additionally, please encourage your student to attend any one of the many events found on the Laker Welcome calendar. The options are endless this fall, and we can’t wait to welcome students to campus!
Laker Family Weekend 2022 - September 16-18

Save the Date: 2022 Laker Family Weekend

Experience what it truly means to be a Laker, and join us for the 2022 Laker Family Weekend, Friday, September 16 - Sunday, September 18! We have a weekend filled with fun events and activities for all ages including a dueling pianos show, kick-off party, food trucks, a 5k run/walk, a pancake breakfast with President Mantella, guided tours, and more. Saturday will also feature a home football game where our very own GVSU Lakers take on Lincoln University at 7 p.m. Attend the Laker Family Game Day Tailgate by adding this option to your game day ticket purchase, and receive admission to a fun pre-game event including a tailgate meal, activities, and more! Start planning your weekend now!
View Family Weekend Schedule


Dining on Campus

Laker Food Co

Laker Food Co. Updates

  • Meal Plans activate Sunday, August 21
  • Review Meal Plan Details and FAQs
  • Please encourage your student to follow @gvsufood on Instagram or Twitter.
  • Parents — we invite you to follow GVSUFood on Facebook — a great place to ask questions!

New for Fall '22
Visit gvsufood.com for more info.
Laker Food Co — work with us. Images of student employees working at the various dining outlest on campus.

Students Can Apply Now!

Laker Food Co. student employees earn hourly wages AND free meals. We have lots of options and opportunities for promotion in areas such as food prep, cooking, vending, catering, serving, casheiring, marketing, and concessions.
Students can apply NOW!  Learn more about jobs. 
Benefits 

Work around classes & activities 
Choose a.m., p.m., 7 days a week 
Walk to work 
Make more Laker friends 
Hourly wage 
Free meal for every 4 hours worked


Academic Support

Student Academic Success Center Academic Success Workshops

Academic Success Workshops

The Student Academic Success Center (SASC) is offering virtual and in-person academic success group workshops throughout the fall semester.
September topics:
  • The Key to Productivity: Time Management Strategies
  • Success Strategies: Utilizing Campus Resources, Seeking Help, & Making Connections
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.
Work Like a Laker podcast
Career Center’s Tips for Jumpstarting the Year

New year, too much new information?  We get it. That’s why we want to offer quick ideas on how your student can jumpstart their career preparation without taking a lot of their time.
  1. Follow the Career Center on Social Media
    Your student won't regret following the Career Center on social — especially the Instagram account (@gvsucareers). This is the Career Center's go-to place for sharing lots of helpful career content.
  2. Subscribe to the Podcast
    The Work Like a Laker podcast offers episodes on a plethora of career topics. Encourage your student to subscribe today on their preferred podcast platform to ensure they never miss an episode.
  3. Join a Career Community
    Career communities provide information, opportunities for exploration, and connections related to your student’s areas of interest. The world of work is not always a direct line from a major to a specific career, and career communities are a great way to connect with resources, events, and communication related to the industries they are interested in. 
We look forward to connecting with your student during their entire Laker journey — from their first year to their last year here at GVSU. Have questions? Please visit the Career Center website for more information.


Wellness

A new academic year brings with it many transitions – new classes, new people, and, for many, a new place to live. Even exciting transitions can be stressful to navigate, both for students and for those who are cheering them on. Below are three things that students can do to support their mental and emotional health this year:
Students in need of mental health support can schedule a screening appointment by calling 616-331-3266 or visiting Suite 206 in the Student Services Building. Additional information about the University Counseling Center and how parents and loved ones can support students can be found on our Parents and Loved Ones website.
Protect our campus community. Stay up to date on Covid-19 vaccines. A photo of two students smiling.

National Immunization Awareness Month

Get back on track with routine vaccinations.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life to ensure protection again serious diseases. We know the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of life, including your ability to attend important appointments and receive routine vaccinations. During NIAM, we encourage you to talk to your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider about vaccine preventable illness and making sure you are up-to-date. 

GVSU COVID Vaccine Clinic

Pfizer and Moderna 1st, 2nd, additional and booster doses are available. Please bring your GVSU ID and vaccination card (if you have one). Ottawa County Health Department will be administering the vaccines.  Register for an appointment today! 
WHEN: Friday, September 9, 2022 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE: Allendale Campus - Kirkhof Center, Pere Marquette Room
Make an Appointment
Laker Spirit Family Weekend 5K hosted by GVSU Recreation and Wellness

Laker Spirit Family Weekend 5K

Join GVSU Recreation & Wellness for the annual Family Weekend 5K! This year's Family Weekend event will feature a color run/walk for friends, family, and supporters to celebrate Laker Spirit with a tour through the beautiful Allendale campus. This event welcomes individuals of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. For more information and to register, please visit the Recreation & Wellness website.
Register for the 5K


Housing and Residence Life

Students checking in for move-in day. Large group of students standing in front of their living center. Two students carrying household items into their living center during move-in.
It's Time To Move In!
The feeling is electric on campus, and we are so excited to welcome students — including our newest Lakers - the class of 2026! If you have a question, we probably have an answer and are ready to help you! There is a treasure trove of information on the Housing and Residence Life website, and we invite you to check it out for all things move-in including days, times, packing checklists, what to bring (and what not to bring), and anything else you could need. We send a lot of information to students' GVSU email addresses this time of year, so be sure that your student is regularly checking their inbox!

Top Move-In Tips: 
  • Know your student's move-in date, and have a plan for your arrival.
  • Please remind your student to bring their GVSU Student ID and have it easily accessible for check-in.
  • Review the "what to bring (and what not to bring)" information.
  • Remind your student to label all of their belongings/boxes with their building name and room number.
  • All of the furniture is loftable and must stay in student’s rooms.
  • If they haven’t already, encourage your student to reach out to their roommate(s) and start getting to know them!


Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships looks forward to seeing students on campus this fall! In case you or your Laker missed it, please be sure to review all of the important information in the New Student Financial Aid Information and Resource HubAll of the information on the hub will help you in these final weeks before classes start on August 29. Please keep in mind that payment is due on August 19 by 5 p.m.
If you find that you still have questions after reviewing your billing statement and the information on our website, please contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
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