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 Tuesday (starting January 10) from 5-7PM in room 0008 Kirkhof Center
January 27 - Laker Connections Etiquette Luncheon from 11:30 AM-2 PM in Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center
April 17-21 - Exam Cram, 1240 Kirkhof Center, Office of Multicultural Affairs
April - Laker Connections End of the Year; time and room TBD
Asian Student Achievement Program
Register for Asian Student Achievement Program
Winter 2023 Programming
January 17 - Paper Lantern Making for Lunar New Year from 5:00-6:00 PM in 2259 Kirkhof Center
February 8 - AAPI & AOD from 5:30-6:30 PM in 2270 Kirkhof Center
March 23 - Tax Time from 5:30-6:30 PM in 2259 Kirkhof Center
April - RecWell TBD
May - Community Volunteering with West Michigan Asian American Association
June 9-11 - GR Asian Pacific Festival; all day at Calder Plaza, Grand Rapids
Black Excellence
Winter 2023 Programming
Tuesday, January 16-21 - Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Week - Grand Valley will commemorate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with presentations from three keynote speakers, a silent march on campus and a day of service.
Friday, January 20 - Welcome Back Mixer with Black Faculty Staff Association - 11:30am-1:30pm in Pere Marquette, Kirkhof Center; Black Excellence 365 is partnering with the GVSU Black Faculty Staff Association to host a Winter 2023 Welcome Back Mixer! Come enjoy lunch, meet faculty and staff from the GVSU Black Faculty Staff Association, and learn about the Black Excellence 365 programming for the Winter 2023 semester.
Friday, February 3 - First Friday
Black Male Scholars
Register for Black Male Scholars
Winter 2023 Programming
Thursday, January 19 - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2263 Kirkhof Center
Thursday, February 2 - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center
Thursday, February 16 - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center
Thursday, March 2 - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2263 Kirkhof Center
Thursday, March 23 - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center
Thursday, April 6 - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2263 Kirkhof Center
Thursday, April 20 - 5:30pm-7:00pm in 2263 Kirkhof Center
Laker Familia
Winter 2023 Programming
January 12 - Laker Familia Kick-Off from 5:30-7:00 PM in 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center
January 18 - Study Abroad Fair from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM in Henry Atrium *Must be submitted to Blackboard*
January 21 - MLK Jr. Day of Service & Solidarity Volunteer Event from 8:00 AM-2:00 PM in Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center *Must be submitted to Blackboard*
January 25 - DACA Event from 6:00-7:30 PM in 2270 Kirkhof Center
January 27 - Laker Connections Etiquette Luncheon from 11:30 AM-2 PM in Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center
February 13 - Valentines Day Event from 6:30-7:30 PM in room 2266 Kirkhof Center
March 31 - Cesar Chavez Day Event, 2204 Kirkhof Center, time TBD
April 17-21 - Exam Cram, 1240 Kirkhof Center, Office of Multicultural Affairs
April 20 - Laker Familia End of the Semester Event; time and room TBD
April - Laker Connections End of the Year; time and room TBD
Mno'chigewin: Native Student Success Program
Register for the Mno’chigewin: Native Student Success Program
Winter 2023 Programming
Every Friday 12PM – 3PM in KC 2259 is our Craft Series
January 13th, 20th, 27th, and Feb. 3rd will be sewing ribbons shirt/skirts for those interested in making one, we will have a special guest who will assist in designing and sewing of our ribbon fashion!
February 17th, and 24 we will have fashion designer Jillian Waterman join us for some crafting
Jan. 11th – Field Trip: MnoBmadsen
Mno-Bmadsen is the non-gaming investment arm of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi (the “Tribe”). Please register for this event so we can plan accordingly! This will be a great professional opportunity where we will learn more about their internships and job offerings. We will leave campus at 9:30 and will return around 3:30, lunch and transportation will be provided.
Jan. 14th – Central Michigan University’s Social Round Dance – 5PM – 9PM
We will be caravanning to Mt. Pleasant for their student sponsored round dance and meet their Indigenous student group! Please register for this event so we know how many are interested!
Jan. 18th Mno’Chigewin – Winter 2023 Kick Off Event (Neimeyer Living Center’s Multipurpose Room) 6PM – 7:30PM
This will be our first Mno’Chigewin meeting of the semester, don’t miss out on our Engagement Grant opportunity, come and join us for a social gathering, get to know more about the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Mno’Chigewin programming. Find out what we have planned this semester!
Feb. 9th – @ Aquinas: Native Author and Ojibwe Professor, Dr. Anton Treuer
Dr. Treuer (pronounced troy-er) is Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books. He has presented all over the U.S. and Canada and in several foreign countries on Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask, Cultural Competence & Equity, Strategies for Addressing the “Achievement” Gap, and Tribal Sovereignty, History, Language, and Culture. Please register for this event so we know how many are interested!
Feb. 16th Mno’Chigewin Meeting
This month we will be taking a closer look at some of the academic resources we have on campus. Our Student Academic Success Center will be joining us for some activities. Maybe you need some tips on time management, or study skills, or just another space to find some assistance, Liz Chase will give us all the details on how this office can help!
Feb. 21st – NASA and Mno’Chigewin hosts an evening with Adam Kahlil (Space/Time TBD)
We will be watching his movie, TITLE, and having a short discussion with all in attendance that evening. Then we have carved out some special 1:1 time with the artist so that we can share in a meal and get to know him and his work a bit better.
Mar. 16th – Mno’Chigewin Meeting (KC room 2263 @ 6PM – 7:30PM)
We will be joined by Michigan Department of Civil Rights’ Melissa Kieswetter who will be sharing the history and status of the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver (MITW). We must understand why we have it so we can prepare to protect it for future generations.
April 13th – Mno’Chigewin End of Semester Celebration (Niemeyer Multipurpose Room, 6:00PM - 7:30PM)
This is the last meeting and we will be celebrating the end of another academic year and those that have achieved the Louie and Anchor UP Engagement Grant with food and community!
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…
- 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
Academic Support
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
Passion, Purpose, and Career Preparation
Students will…
- Explore what brings them joy and meaning
- Find pathways to explore career interests
- Develop skills necessary for life after graduation
Program Leads
Office of Multicultural Affairs
Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Dr., 1240 KC
Allendale, MI 49401
(616) 331-2177
[email protected]
