The Laker Family Network is a resource of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.
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Dear Parents, Families, and Supporters,

Welcome to a new academic year at Grand Valley State University! The first day of classes is always filled with energy and excitement, and I hope your student feels ready to take on this next chapter. We’re honored that you’ve entrusted GVSU with such an important part of their educational journey, and we see ourselves as your partners in helping them pursue their dreams. I’m reaching out to you today to share details of what my colleagues and I will do this year to inspire, guide and help your learners grow into the citizens who will build our state’s future.

You may have seen headlines about the challenges facing higher education, including economic shifts, evolving political landscapes, and changing perceptions about the value of a degree. At GVSU, while these challenges swirl around us, we remain committed to our mission, which is to empower our learners in their pursuit, their passion, and their purpose. Every member of our faculty and university staff is committed to supporting your student through this journey and providing a safe, welcoming environment for them to do so. 

We do this while maintaining our focus on providing value in everything we do and for every learner. Our commitment to centering our investments on things that positively impact the classroom experience leads to us having:

• A cost of attendance among the lowest quarter of Michigan universities

• Student debt that is below the national average among graduates

• 86% of our graduates are employed in the state of Michigan

At GVSU, we pair strong academic preparation with real-world learning experiences, starting in a student’s very first year and continuing through their entire time with us. This approach builds a deep sense of belonging and ensures that all Lakers are ready to make an impact the moment they graduate. We stay connected with our community and industry partners to ensure our programs are relevant and future-focused.

During last week’s move-in, I had the opportunity to meet some of you, and I was inspired by the joy and love that were on display. Having support from family and those close to them greatly increases a student’s chance for success. Thank you for your encouragement and connection with your Laker and with all of us at Grand Valley. There are several ways that you can engage with me and our Laker family:

• Join us for Family Weekend, October 3-5 and experience campus life alongside your student! Learn more about this event below.

• Follow me on social media on X, Instagram, and Linked In.

• Be on the lookout for regular issues of this GVSU parent & supporter newsletter, where I will share messages and information to help you guide and support your students.

Thank you for your partnership and your belief in the transformative power of education and for the opportunity for GVSU to positively impact your family for generations to come.

Warmly,

Philomena V. Mantella
President, Grand Valley State University

Friday, October 3 - Sunday, October 5

Calling all Laker family and friends! Family Weekend is coming up October 3-5. Visit your student for a weekend of events like a Kickoff Party on Friday, the RecWell Fun(d) Run, and a football game at Lubbers Stadium! There will be many more events to attend and fun to be had, so explore the full weekend schedule and join your Laker to experience life on campus!

The inaugural Laker Kickoff created a buzz on the Valley Campus on Aug. 22 as students gathered to celebrate the new school year and what it means to be at Grand Valley.

Mantella during her remarks told students they'd leap from first-year jitters to first-job offers. She urged them to make the GVSU journey their own... READ MORE

Important Dates to Remember

First Day of Class: August 25

Labor Day Recess: August 31 - September 1

Fall Break: October 19 - 21

Thanksgiving Recess: November 26 - 30

Commencement: December 6

Exams: December 8 - 13

Academic Calendar

Events Calendar

A gift of any size to the Laker Family Fund goes directly to supporting students and ensures students have access to programs and academic resources that help them succeed at Grand Valley.