The Laker Family Network is a resource of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.
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Happy holidays, Laker supporters!

As the fall semester wraps up and our campus enters a much-deserved winter break, we find ourselves reflecting on the many accomplishments of our students. It has been a dynamic and rewarding time for the university, and we couldn’t be prouder of the exceptional learners who continue to inspire us with their passion and dedication.

Our commitment to hands-on learning and real-world experience was on full display earlier this month, as more than 1,000 graduates proudly crossed the commencement stage at Van Andel Arena, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys. Across our university, there are numerous other reasons to celebrate including papers from the School of Communications and the School of Engineering being accepted at prestigious conferences nationwide and our Kirkhof College of Nursing (50 years), College of Computing (40 years) and Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies (25 years) all celebrating milestone anniversaries. 

Our athletics teams also had a strong season of competition. A few of the items on their long list of triumphs includes:

• Lauren Kiley from our women’s cross country team won an individual national title, while our women’s and men’s cross country teams each finished in the top five nationally. 

• Women’s soccer, volleyball, and football all qualified for the NCAA playoffs.

• And we welcomed our new varsity women’s wrestling team, which is now well into their inaugural season. 

These achievements wouldn’t be possible without the vital support of people like you. Your generosity and encouragement directly impact our students, helping them unlock their full potential and reach new heights. Thank you for being an essential part of their success. I hope you and your family have a joyous and restful holiday, and I look forward to seeing your students again in January!

Philly

Philomena V. Mantella, President
Grand Valley State University

Wellness

As your Laker transitions home for the holidays, they may miss the support they receive from their peers on campus. Your student can now connect with peers, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The University Counseling Center has partnered with Togetherall, an online forum where students can anonymously share their feelings and receive help from community members and licensed mental health professionals. If your student is feeling isolated while on break or otherwise struggling with their mental health, Togetherall offers peer support and additional resources, from online journals to workshops for managing symptoms or improving sleep. Encourage your student to talk about their mental health and visit other campus resources, including Togetherall.

As we say goodbye to the Fall semester, it’s time to say hello to renewed Meal Plans! Remember, if your student lives on South Campus, Meal Plans DO NOT automatically renew; unless you selected both semesters at your initial purchase. Students can sign up for Winter Meal Plans any time! Also, if your student has a Dining Dollar balance it will roll over to the Winter semester and be added to their new semester balance.

Academics and Careers

It’s never too early for your student to start expanding their professional network and gaining valuable workplace experience. After all, career development takes time. You can support your student through their career-planning process NOW by encouraging them to use available resources like the Career Lab, apply for resume-building Student Employment opportunities, and to attend winter semester’s most-anticipated career events!

Financial Aid

The FAFSA for the 2025-2026 school year is now available at https://studentaid.gov/fafsa. We recommend you and your student file the FAFSA as soon as possible, but no later than March 1, 2025. Filing the FAFSA now will give your student more opportunities for scholarships and financial aid. 

The Office of Financial Aid’s online scholarship database, myScholarships, is ready for your student to apply for over 500 scholarship opportunities for the 2025-2026 year. Set aside time with your student to file the FAFSA and explore myScholarships to maximize financial aid for the next academic year. If your student would like to schedule an appointment for assistance with their scholarship search and to receive feedback on their applications, please have them email scholarships@gvsu.edu.

Please be sure to have your student follow the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships on Facebook and @gvsufinaid on Instagram for helpful tips and information!

Other Important Dates, Events, and Resources

Sibs and Kids Weekend is coming this February! And the theme is… Camp Louie! Registration is now open for students, faculty, and staff for $10 per kid or sibling with additional options to grab the limited-time Camp Louie t-shirt, which are available for purchase until Jan. 20. Tell your student to get the sibs and kids in their life registered for an unforgettable weekend of fun campus events for the whole family. 

Winter Break: December 14- January 5

Winter Semester Classes begin:  Jan. 6

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Recess: Jan. 20 

Academic Calendar

Events Calendar