Laker Connections

STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS

The Laker Connections programs include: Asian Student Achievement Program (designed for students who identify as Asian), Black Excellence 365 (designed for students who identify as Black/African American), Black Male Scholars (designed for students who identify as Black men), Laker Familia (designed for students who identify as Latino/a/x), and Mno’chigewin: Native Student Success Program (designed for students who identify as Native American). Together, these programs are designed to create an environment where students can achieve their potential at GVSU while being their full, authentic selves. These programs are open to all students and embody GVSU’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the Office of Multicultural Affairs’ commitment to student success.



2023-2024 Registration & Meetings

We are excited to welcome new AND returning students for the 2023/24 academic year.

Laker Connections

Shared Programming

Study Tables - Located in Allendale Knowledge Market in the Mary Idema Pew Library from 6-8PM

September 6

October 4

November 1

December 6

Career Fair Prep Session: September 25, 2023 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm in Pere Marquette

Etiquette Luncheon hosted by Career Center: January 26, 2024 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm in Grand River Room

 

Black Male Scholars

Register for Black Male Scholars

Fall 2023 Programming

All meetings occur on Thursdays at 5:30 PM in 2263 Kirkhof Center

September 21

October 5

October 19

November 2

November 16

November 30

Mno'chigewin: Native Student Success Program

Register for the Mno’chigewin:  Native Student Success Program

Winter 2024 Programming

Jan 11th: Winter Semester Kick OFF!
Jan 18th: Basic Auto Maintaince/Repair
Jan 25th: Living sustainably: DPWs
Feb 8th: Career Development w Wasayabek
Mar 15th: Maawenjiding Wiikinomaadying Day
Apr 11th: End of YEAR celebration

Click here for program flyer


PURPOSE & PILLARS

The purpose of the Laker Connections Student Success Programs  is to help students achieve success at GVSU. As a participant you will:

  • Engage in intentional communities that foster a sense of belonging; importantly, you will engage with caring faculty and staff and develop meaningful relationships with other students.
  • Receive academic support through intentional outreach and partnership with university services and resources.
  • Explore passion, purpose, and career preparation opportunities.
  • Develop leadership skills and/or identify leadership opportunities.

Students will…

  • Develop a sense of belonging and deeper connections to students, faculty, and staff 
  • Connect with campus and community networks of support
  • Build relationships with faculty and staff mentors

Students will…

  • Feel a sense of confidence and agency in their ability to lead
  • Understand their strengths and growth areas
  • Identify opportunities on campus and/or in the community to serve as leaders

 Students will…

  • Understand the academic rhythm of the year and key milestones
  • Connect to academic resources
  • Develop confidence in their ability to succeed as a student

 Students will…

  • Explore what brings them joy and meaning
  • Find pathways to explore career interests
  • Develop skills necessary for life after graduation

Program Leads

Kin Ma

Kin Ma, Asian Student Achievement Program

He/Him/His

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Bobby Springer

Bobby Springer, Black Male Scholars

He/Him/His

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Phillip Todd

Phillip Todd, Black Excellence 365 & Black Male Scholars

He/Him/His

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Thalia Guerra-Flores

Thalia Guerra-Flores, Laker Familia

She/Her/Hers

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Lin Bardwell

Lin Bardwell, Mno’chigewin: Native Student Success Program

She/Her/Hers

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Office of Multicultural Affairs
Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Dr., 1240 KC
Allendale, MI 49401
(616) 331-2177
[email protected]



Page last modified September 20, 2023