Laker Connections

STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS

The Laker Connections programs include: Asian Student Achievement Program (designed for students who identify as Asian), Black Excellence (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.

2022-2023 Registration & Meetings

We are excited to welcome new AND returning students for the 2022/23 academic year.

Laker Connections

Shared Programming

Study Tables - Every Thursday (starting September 8) from 5-7PM in room 0008 Kirkhof Center

Student Academic Success Workshops during Study Tables 5-5:30PM

September 15 - Time Management

October 20 - Study Strategies

November 17 - Procrastination

Asian Student Achievement Program

Register for Asian Student Achievement Program

Black Excellence

Register for Black Excellence

Fall 2022 Programming

First Friday’s

September 2 – tentatively first week of class

October 7

November 4

December 2

Black Male Scholars

Register for Black Male Scholars

Fall 2022 Programming

Thursday, September 15 - Kickoff Meeting - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center

Thursday, September 29 - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center

Thursday, October 6 - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center

Thursday, October 22 - Alumni Panel - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center

Thursday, November 3 - Mental Health & Wellness - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2270 Kirkhof Center

Thursday, November 17 - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center

Thursday, December 1 - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2270 Kirkhof Center

Laker Familia

Register for Laker Familia

Fall 2022 Programming

September 7 - Laker Familia Kick-Off in room TBD

September 13 - Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Kickoff in collaboration with LSU in Room TBA

October 3-6 - Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Day of the Dead in 1240 Kirkhof Center (Office of Multicultural Affairs)

October 5 - Zoom Workshop

October 22 - Homecoming Tailgate

November 15 - Resume Workshop from 5:00-7:00 PM in room 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center

November 29 - Zumba Recreation Center

December 5-9 - Exam Cram

December 7 - Laker Familia End of the Semester Event from 5:00-7:00 PM in 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center

December 8 - Laker Connections End of the Year

Mno'chigewin: Native Student Success Program

Register for the Mno’chigewin: Native Student Success Program

Fall 2022 Programming

All meetings are from 6-7:30pm

September 14 in 2263 Kirkhof Center; Our Sovereignty & MITW

October 12 in 2263 Kirkhof Center; Finding Your Gifts

November 9 in 2270 Kirkhof Center; Career Development

December 7 in Neimeyer Multi Purpose Room; End of Semester Celebration

PURPOSE & PILLARS

Purpose

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.

Community

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

Leadership

Students will…