New Student Success
Laker Ready
Following new student orientation (summer advising/registration), the Division of Student Affairs, along with campus partners, intentionally supports new students in acclimating to life as Lakers.
Campus is fully functioning for the first day of move-in and students are encouraged to use the Laker Welcome Events schedule in the days leading up to Transitions: New Student Orientation, the official and required fall orientation. The Laker Welcome Events schedule continues through the first six weeks of the semester and one highlight is Campus Life Night.
Grand Valley cares about the preparedness and well-being of all new students, so information is shared often, and in a variety of formats, to put each on a path to success.
Oliver Wilson Scholars Program
The Oliver Wilson Scholars Program is a comprehensive academic support program for students who have demonstrated a strong potential to be successful at Grand Valley State University. Participants are selected by the Admissions Office. The Oliver Wilson Scholars Program works to increase retention and promote academic performance among its participants. This is accomplished by providing multi-dimensional support to students that can be broken down into two components: academic support and personal development.
Student Affairs staff members also provide support for Black Excellence Orientation and Laker Familia Orientation hosted by the Division of Inclusion and Equity.
Strategies for Academic Success (EDH 182)
EDH 182 examines factors that influence the academic performance of college students. Identifies social, affective, and cognitive barriers negatively impacting learning. Introduces strategic approaches for improving academic performance, which are tailored to individual students, implemented and evaluated. Highlights University resources for supporting academic performance. Offered every semester. 2.000 credit hours.
Student Education Module
The Student Education Module is designed to deliver basic information to all new students (first year students and transfer students) to enhance their success while at college. Students are invited to watch a short introductory video and answer questions related to the following domains: Financial Literacy, Gender Based Violence, Wellness, Alcohol/Drugs, and Academic Integrity. 70% of new students complete the Student Education Module.
mySuccessCheck
mySuccessCheck is an online survey that is made available to all new students at the end of September. Student Affairs coordinates efforts to support students in connecting with the Student Academic Success Center and Career Center. The division also connects students to campus belonging resources through communication from the Dean of Students Office (off-campus students) and Housing & Residence Life (on-campus students).
Winter Academic Intervention & Support
Laker Strategies for Success (LSS 180) is a non-credit bearing program for first year students that are on academic probation that will help students get back on track academically and have a successful winter semester. Participants in the program meet one hour a week for 9 weeks. The program begins the second week of classes in the winter semester.