The Laker Family Network is a resource of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.
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I enjoyed seeing many of you at our Laker Family weekend and hope you were able to make some great memories with your students. We have another upcoming opportunity to enjoy GVSU with your learners during this year’s Homecoming Week from October 28 - November 3. You don’t have to be an alum of Grand Valley to join us to explore GVSU’s campus and history and engage with other Laker families.

After Homecoming, we head towards the Thanksgiving season, which is an opportunity to celebrate the many blessings in our lives and to spend time with our loved ones. This time of year reminds us of the importance of unity and kindness which foster a productive and supportive environment for all of us, including our students.  

I am thankful for the passion and energy that our learners bring to our university and I’m equally thankful for the families and supporters that have brought them to this point and continue to help them on their journey. May you and your families have a safe and restful Thanksgiving!

Philly

Philomena V. Mantella, President
Grand Valley State University

Laker Family Weekend 2024 was a success! Lifelong memories between loved ones were made and we’ve got the photos to prove it. Explore the photo gallery from the weekend and you might just see some familiar faces. 

Academics and Careers

Thursday, Oct. 24 | 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Henry Hall Atrium

Is your student considering graduate school as a post-grad option? If so, don’t let them miss out on the Graduate School Fair! It’s the number one opportunity to connect with representatives from the best graduate programs across Michigan and beyond. Encourage them to RSVP on Handshake!

Wellness

The University Counseling Center holds free and confidential mental health screenings at four locations on campus throughout the year. If your Laker needs to check-in with their mental wellness, encourage them to stop by for a quick and simple screening. Students can also take self-assessments at any time on the Counseling Center’s website.

Fall Break is around the corner on Oct. 21-22. Meals are not active during these days but Dining Dollars are! Have your student check location hours so they know what is open before they go. Make sure your Laker checks their Dining Dollar balance. If they are running low, they can add more on our website. 

After Fall Break wraps up, Homecoming weekend will almost be in full swing! At the Homecoming game on Nov. 2, concessions will offer many game day favorites and accept Dining Dollars as payment.

As your student gets busier with classes, they may not have wellness as a top priority. The 8 Dimensions of Wellness can be a helpful guide to support your Laker in forming habits in all aspects of their lives to keep them healthy and energized throughout the semester. This may include doing physical activity, staying organized, journaling their thoughts, getting enough sleep, and more. Let your Laker know about the 8 dimensions!

Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 academic year will open Dec. 1, 2024. The FAFSA is now a shorter form with simplified questions.

GVSU also offers a variety of scholarship opportunities based on interest, academic performance, special talents or major. Students can search and apply for these opportunities in addition to external scholarships each year starting Nov. 1. If your student has questions, have them contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships by emailing scholarships@gvsu.edu.

Other Important Dates, Events, and Resources

Grand Valley's iconic Allendale landmark celebrates 30 years this coming November, and nearly 300 students and community members gathered at the Cook Carillon Tower on October 11 for a celebratory concert event. Featuring Taylor Swift's greatest hits performed on the carillon bells, the concert appealed to attendees of all ages and hosted friendship bracelet-making, a fun T. Swift song bingo game, and more. The next event in the Anniversary Concert Series takes place on Homecoming day (November 2) at 11:30 a.m.

Fall Break: October 21-22

Thanksgiving Break: November 27-December 1

Commencement: December 7 | 4 p.m.

Academic Calendar

Events Calendar