Black Excellence Orientation
The Black Excellence Orientation is an opportunity for students to participate in a three-day interactive orientation based on their affinity group. The orientation introduces students to campus by participating in specifically designed activities and connecting them with resources and support services — all to ensure academic, cultural, and emotional well-being. The orientation is free and it allows students an early opportunity to connect with other students, faculty, and staff. This program is intentionally designed to create culturally-responsive and educational spaces for our diverse communities. Programming is open to students regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected identity.
2024 Schedule Coming Soon!
Monday, August 19th - Tuesday, August 21st
2023 Black Excellence Orientation Schedule
Sunday, August 20, 2023 |
Day 1 Activities |
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9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Move-in Black Excellence/Laker Connections students Black Excellence/Laker Connections are encouraged to move in as early as possible. Please use the time prior to our kick-off to visit the bookstore and/or pick up any last-minute items from stores nearby, etc. **GVSU Bookstore will be open from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM *If you do not plan to live on-campus please join us at our Black Excellence Welcome Reception at 3:00 p.m. |
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
Welcome Reception Learn about Black Excellence, our community and what to expect from our program. Location: Fieldhouse Arena |
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
OMA Kick-Off All Laker Connections students (Laker Familia, Black Excellence, Mno'chigewin and Asian Student Achievement Program) students are invited to attend a joint reception and student organizations of color resource fair. Location: Fieldhouse Arena |
6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. |
Dinner *Students Only Location: Kleiner Commons |
8:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. |
Bonfire/Kickback *Students Only (Holton Hooker Living and Learning Center) |
Monday, August 21, 2023 |
Day 2 Activities |
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8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. |
Breakfast Location: Kleiner Commons |
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Black Excellence 365/GVSU 101 Program Overview, Activities, Identity Presentation, and Introduction of Staff Location: Kirkhof Center (RM 2250 - Grand River Room) |
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Mentor Session & Lunch Location: Kleiner Commons |
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
Joint Laker Connections Presentation / Activity Location: Kirkhof Center (RM 2250 - Grand River Room, RM - 2204 Pere Marquette) |
4:00 p.m. - 5:00pm |
Group Photo |
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. |
Dinner & Break Location: Kleiner Commons |
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. |
Rec Night All Laker Connections students are invited to hang out at the recreation center activities include but not limited to soccer, basketball, dodgeball, volleyball, Zumba, etc. (GVSU Rec Center)
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Tuesday, August 22, 2023 |
Day 3 Activities |
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8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. |
Breakfast Location: Kleiner Commons |
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Activities, Social Justice Centers (Center for Women and Gender Equity, LGBT Resource Center and Office of Multicultural Affairs) and Faculty Panel Location: Kirkhof Center (RM 2250 - Grand River Room) |
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. |
Lunch Location: Kleiner Commons |
1:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
Activity - Campus Tour/Classroom Scavenger Hunt Starting at Kleiner |
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Student Panel, Survey and Closing Location: Kirkhof Center (RM 2250 - Grand River Room) |