The Laker Family Network is a resource of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.
You are receiving it because you have either opted in to receive this newsletter or because your student has provided your contact information. To ensure continued delivery of this newsletter to your inbox, please ask your student to keep their Banner Self Service account up to date with your preferred email address.

The GVSU community celebrated over one thousand graduates on Saturday, December 6 during the fall 2025 Commencement ceremony. Read more about the ceremony, and relive this special day through photos!

Let your Laker know that scholarships are officially available! More than 500+ opportunities for student scholarships can be accessed on your student's  MyScholarships portal. 

Sibs & Kids Weekend is coming up January 30-31! This event is a university-wide tradition for GVSU students and their families. We invite Laker siblings and kids to campus to experience some Laker fun! Visit the Sibs & Kids website for registration details which will be available very soon!

Grand Valley State University has released its 2025 Economic Impact Report showing its impact on our great state's economy. GVSU contributes $3 billion annually to Michigan's economy, and over 17,000 jobs are being supported by GVSU and its students. Also, more than 98,000 alumni live and work in the state. Isn't that amazing? Read more about the great impact GV has on Michigan!

As your student wraps up the semester and heads into break, they may be experiencing symptoms of stress such as worry, irritability, difficulty focusing, changes in sleep patterns, or other difficult feelings. Here are some tips for supporting your student as they cope with stress:

- Allow your student a supportive space to express difficult emotions without judgement.

- Offer encouragement by reminding your student that they are capable and loved unconditionally. A quick text or thoughtful card during finals can brighten a student’s spirits. You are your student’s biggest fan!

- Remind them to take care of their physical health by moving their bodies, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious food.

- Share important University resources, including academic support resources, student wellness resources, and the University Counseling Center (UCC).

Whether students head home for winter break, or plan on staying on campus, let them know to be aware of meal plan changes for the duration of the break. Starting Friday, December 12, at 4 p.m. through Sunday, January 11, at 11 a.m., GVSU student meal plans will be deactivated. When students arrive back to campus for the Winter 2026 semester, consider reviewing a meal plan change to best suit your student's needs. 

Thank you to all of the parents and supporters who made a gift to GVSU on Giving Tuesday! Together, more than $185,000 was raised for the Replenish Students Food Resource fund, and many other programs and scholarships at Grand Valley. Over 1,180 donors showed their support, and we are so grateful for all the ways the Laker community showed up to help students in need.