Colleges host welcome events for new students

September 2, 2025 (Volume 49, Number 1)
Article by Michele Coffill

faculty member Samir Iqbal in center chats with 2 students, Samir and student on right are holding papers at the college of computing welcome

students and nursing dean Linda Lewandowski stand and pose in front of a backdrop with Kirkhof College of Nursing, students wearing or holding photo props

students seated around table with art supplies, painting tote bags

Mark Schaub in corn hat stands in front of room, students seated at tables

people stand around tables at welcome event

Samir Iqbal, associate dean and professor of computing, chats with students at the College of Computing welcome event.

Following the festive atmosphere of Laker Kickoff, each college planned an informal welcome for new students on August 24.

Cathy Buyarski, vice provost for Advising and Student Success, said the idea grew from a small group of people who wanted to help students with their academic transition to Grand Valley.

"I was hearing from faculty members that they wanted to connect with students prior to the first day of class," Buyarski said. "We are striving to help students know that our faculty care about their success and are here to help. Faculty are a key resource in a student’s support."

Karen Ruedinger, assistant dean of the Seidman College of Business, said the college's welcome for students included panel discussions with faculty members and representatives from nine student organizations.

"The student reps felt it was a great event and said they enjoyed talking about their passion for their organization with first-year students," Ruedinger said.

Mark Schaub, dean of Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, said faculty and advisors were eager to meet students and "help them get started on a path to success." Brooks College embraced a corn theme for the event, complete with cornhole games and corn-related snacks, before leading students on a tour of the Ravines.

The College of Computing launched its new peer mentorship program, 3C (Connect @ College of Computing), in which all incoming students were matched with upperclass mentors in computing.

Buyarski said the welcome events align well with Grand Valley's Student Success Network. The network pairs all new students with a faculty member who sends bi-weekly emails with success tips. More than 80 faculty are involved in the network.