Welcome to the 2022 – 2023 academic year, Lakers!

Saying farewell to summertime is always bittersweet, but with a new academic year as a Laker on the horizon, there are so many things to look forward to this semester! You will be presented with a variety of opportunities to get connected on campus, find community, and make the most of the year ahead. We invite you to check out Grand Valley’s social accounts as well as visit the GVSU events calendar to be in the know about all of the programming and events that will take place throughout campus.

While our traditional welcome activities may be perceived as “for first year students only,” I want to debunk that myth — many are open to all students! If you want to find ways to get involved, I encourage you to attend Campus Life Night where nearly 300 of our Registered Student Organizations will be present and you can consider joining a student organization that interests you. I also encourage you to attend any one of the many events you can find on the Laker Welcome calendar! Spend some time in one of our amazing libraries, take a study break in the beautiful Arboretum, attend a football game, or connect with your academic advising center. The options are endless this fall.

While all of this sounds amazing and fun, this can be a busy and often overwhelming time of year. There are many resources available at GVSU to ensure your success. Please reach out to anyone in the Division of Student Affairs, the Dean of Students Office, or the Student Ombuds if you need assistance. Make it a goal to connect with one person on campus who can support you — your Resident Assistant (RA), an academic advisor, your student employment supervisor, your professor, or me. I am happy to meet you in person or virtually. Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or 616-331-3585.

I also want to encourage you to think about your wellness and safety. We know that in order to be successful, you need to be well. I encourage you to visit the Student Wellness website to learn about the eight dimensions of wellness. You can find great information and support from the University Counseling Center as well as the Basic Needs website. Please take care of yourself and each other. Utilize the Laker Guardian App, and if you are worried about a friend or roommate, please submit a Care Referral so we can help. This is also a good time to remind you about student expectations and responsibility. Make sure you take time to review the Student Code: The Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities. 

On behalf of everyone in the Division of Student Affairs and the Dean of Students Office, we are so excited about the upcoming academic year, and we’re happy that you are a part of it. I wish you a fall semester filled with connections and belonging. 

Anchor up!

Aaron Haight, Ed.D.

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Engagement and Dean of Students