Programs
PEEPS
Designed to make connections between domestic and international students, the PEEPS program runs during each Fall and Winter International Student Orientation. Current students sign up as PEEPS to volunteer as friendly faces during new international students' first few days on campus. While participating in the scheduled social activities organized by the ISS Team (including scavenger hunts downtown, free meals and other fun events), the PEEPS and new international students come together and promote cross-cultural growth and a happier, more welcoming GVSU!
This career-focused program is tailored to our International Students, helping them to create essential tools for their job hunts or academic applications through online modules and providing students with the opportunity to learn from GVSU staff, students and industry professionals at networking sessions.
Lakers Without Borders
We greatly appreciate students' dedication to creating and contributing to a welcoming, diverse, engaging, and inclusive environment at GVSU. As a gesture of our gratitude, we award Lakers for service and involvement in ISS programs, Uniting Nations (formerly Bringing Together the World) programming and campus engagement.
Lakers Without Borders Recipients
Students who volunteer 10 hours or more in an academic year can be certified as Lakers Without Borders. Lakers are to log their hours by submitting the online form linked below. Students can submit this form multiple times and the total hours will be considered for certification each semester within an academic year. Certificates are given at the end of each Fall and Winter semester.
Fit the Mitt
Whether you're in Michigan temporarily or it's your childhood hang-out, we want you to feel at home while at GVSU.
Fit the Mitt is a mentoring program designed to make sure this happens through promoting intercultural awareness and creating a welcoming community among GVSU Faculty & Staff and International Students. Pairings are done each fall semester with mentors (Faculty & Staff) and mentees (new International Students) opting into the program by filling out the respective applications found on this site.
Current mentors and mentees should check out the High Five Rewards designed to recognize your commitment to hospitality!
Pineapple Awards
The Pineapple Awards recognize Grand Valley faculty, staff, community members, and students who advocate for international students and enrich their experience while they are in West Michigan. See previous Pineapple Winners via the button below. Nominations for the 2022-2023 academic year have closed. A link for nominations for the upcoming academic year will be made available in Winter 2024.