GVSU in photos, April 2026: Reveling in spring, marking milestones and honoring a legacy of stewardship
See the images that caught our eye in the last month.
May 1, 2026
Concerned about the wellbeing of a student?
The Dean of Students Emergency Fund helps students facing small one-time financial hardships.
Mission
We inspire and support learning for all Lakers.
Vision
To be a national leader in innovative and inclusive student affairs practice — where students and staff thrive, teams lead with heart, and impact lasts a lifetime.
Guiding Principles
Well-being
We promote holistic wellness and supportive systems that uplift
our community.
Equity, Belonging, and Accessibility
We cultivate inclusive environments where all people are seen,
heard, and empowered.
Community of Care
We nurture a culture of empathy, respect, and connection where
everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.
Accountability
We act with integrity, transparency, and responsibility, guided by
our principles and informed by data.
Relationships
We foster open communication and authentic partnerships to break
down barriers and reach shared goals.
Engagement
We enrich student life through dynamic, hands-on experiences that
spark reflection, growth, and lifelong learning.
Division of Student Affairs Departments
Division of Student Affairs Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement
The Division of Student Affairs is committed to continued excellence by learning, growing, and acting within our GVSU Laker community. We center students in everything we do and strive to create a safe and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We acknowledge that the United States has a complex history of embedded and structural inequities that create barriers for many people to full participation in public life, including in higher education. By offering dynamic opportunities for culturally informed and responsive programming, and by fostering environments for brave and rich dialogue, we strive to promote a university community that values difference. Through this work, Grand Valley Lakers are empowered to challenge oppressive systems and cultures and to create socially diverse and just environments within Grand Valley State University and our society.
Resources to Navigate Executive Orders
Grand Valley has a dedicated webpage to help Lakers navigate executive orders and other federal actions that could affect higher education or members of the GVSU community. To learn more about the university resources available to you, visit the Division of People, Equity and Culture's website.
Upcoming Events
Wilderness First Responder Certification Course
May 9, 2026 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Dates: May 9-13, 2026; 8am-6pm Wilderness First Responder (WFR), offered by Wilderness Medical Associates, is the definitive course in medical training for outdoor educators,...
GVNext News
Laker Navy continues tradition of hosting Lubbers Cup
The Lubbers Cup, now in its third decade, is an early spring benchmark for Midwest rowing teams.
Apr 30, 2026
Acknowledging nature, reflecting on the rebirth of spring: Earth Month 2026 at GVSU
Lakers celebrated the start of spring on Grand Valley’s campus throughout the month of April.
Apr 30, 2026
Commencement stories: Graduates reflect on their time as Lakers
Lakers share how GVSU helped launch their futures.
Apr 27, 2026
Laker Dance Team adds national titles to its collection
The team won Division II hip hop and jazz titles, adding to its collection of trophies.
Apr 23, 2026
Birds of GVSU: Finding belonging through birding
As migratory birds return to Michigan, the ornithology club, one of GVSU’s more than 400 student organizations, took full advantage of a sunny Saturday morning to see and hear 35 different species.
Apr 16, 2026