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.

Summer may be over, but some of the best days of the year are just around the corner!

We have so much in store for your student this fall. Our goal is to deliver engaging programs, valuable resources, and endless opportunities for our Lakers to connect, creating a vibrant campus.

Students are encouraged to visit LakerLink — their way to connect to student organizations and learn about upcoming events. Students should download the Suitable (LakerLink) app so that they don’t miss out on the various events and programs that will take place throughout campus this year. 

Next weekend, the fall semester officially begins with Laker Kickoff on Friday, designed to start the year with energy, connection, and opportunity! Students also won’t want to miss Campus Life Night where they can meet and explore the more than 400 Registered Student Organizations that can help them build community on campus.

On behalf of everyone in the Division of Student Affairs and the Dean of Students Office, we are so excited to have your student on campus this fall, and we are here to support them through their college journey. We invite you to visit the Division of Student Affairs website to learn about all of the departments and resources available to your student. If you are concerned about a student’s well-being, please submit a CARE referral.

We look forward to the upcoming academic year, and a fall semester filled with fun, new positive memories, and belonging.

Anchor up! 

Aaron Haight, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Students
haighta@gvsu.edu
616-331-3585

Check out the full schedule of Laker Welcome events designed to help your student navigate campus, find community, and make GVSU their home away from home this fall! Students can attend Laker Kickoff, campus tours, neighborhood parties, College Welcome Sessions, Campus Life Night, the Movie on the Field event, and many more. 

The campus community will be celebrating our newest Lakers on Friday, August 22! This fun event will include remarks from President Mantella, traditional class photo, appearances by the Laker Marching Band, GV Cheer Team, Laker Dance Team, food trucks, a DJ, carnival games, and more! Campus residents will meet their RA at their floor's designated spot at 5:15 p.m. to walk over to the event.

Is your student commuting or a transfer student? Let them know to join the Commuter and Transfer Student Welcome event from 5 - 5:45 p.m. at the stadium prior to the big kickoff and our staff will accompany them to the big event! They can park in Lot B1 or Lot B2.

Lakers can catch the Laker Line (Kirkhof Center bus stop or Mackinac Hall bus stop) from the Valley campus (Allendale) to our local Meijer store in Standale for deals, fun activities, games, and more! They won’t want to miss this annual event and stock up on all their last minute back-to-college needs.

Sun. August 24 | 1-3:15 p.m. | Various Campus Locations

Students can get to know more about their academic college and major, and meet faculty, staff and fellow students! Please encourage them to stop by!

The wait is over! The first home football game is coming up against the Lincoln University Lions. Show up and show your support, and tell your Lakers to do the same! Remember to wear Laker blue! 

If your student requires accommodations during any events due to mobility or accessibility needs, please tell them to contact Student Accessibility Resources at access@gvsu.edu.