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 Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has a few updates and reminders for students and their supporters!

If you and your student haven’t completed their FAFSA for the 2026-2027 academic year, please submit it before the March 1 priority deadline. If there are any outstanding requirements, your student should reach out directly to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for assistance.

Summer 2026 Financial Aid Application Is Now Open!
If your student is planning to attend classes during the summer 2026 semester, please let them know to fill out a summer financial aid application. 

Apply For Scholarships!
Most scholarships have a deadline of March 1. If your student has questions about their scholarship search, please let them know to reach out to scholarships@gvsu.edu and also check out the Scholarships website.

GVSU MoneySmart Lakers
The GVSU MoneySmart Lakers program is in full swing this semester with appointments to help your student understand their finances or build a monthly budget. If your student is graduating soon, please encourage them to meet with us to discuss loan repayment and to complete the required Loan Exit Counseling. They can sign up for an in-person or zoom appointment on the MoneySmart Lakers website.

February is Black History Month, and the University Counseling Center (UCC) would like to highlight some of the resources that it offers the Black and African-American student community. 

Brittany Jones, LPC serves as the Coordinator of Black Student Mental Health Initiatives and works closely with students, faculty, and staff in service of Black student mental health. Additionally, the University Counseling Center provides:

*  Black Girl Safe Space therapy group

*  Racial Trauma, Management, and Self-Care Workshop

*  Resources for Students of Color

Resources and support are also available through the Division of Inclusion and Equity, Office of Multicultural Affairs, and Mental Health in Minorities student organization. For more information about University Counseling Center services, please visit the University Counseling Center website. 

The GVSU Career Center’s Work Like a Laker podcast is about to release its 100th episode on February 24! This special episode will take place in beautiful Traverse City and will ask the question: Is this go-to vacation spot a realistic place to live and work? Encourage your Laker to check out this episode, as well as the other 99 episodes that cover everything from networking advice to LinkedIn tips!

If your student will be on campus during Spring Break, the Lobby Shop and Java City in the Kirkhof Center will offer an extended menu during this time, featuring hot sandwiches, soups, and chips. The Lobby Shop will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, during the break. Tell your Lakers about this exclusive delicious menu! 

September 18-19

Mark your calendars for Laker Family Weekend 2026! This annual tradition invites Laker families and supporters to campus for a weekend filled with fun activities and Laker spirit. Be sure to visit the website throughout the summer for updates and event schedule details!