Encourage your student to attend Transitions: New Student Orientation and Campus Life Night — these are their first opportunities to find community on campus and get involved in student life.
Don't have them come home every weekend — going home during the first few weeks of school will only slow your student's adjustment to life at college. Encourage them to spend the weekend with their new friends and participate in some on-campus activities!
Is your student stressed? Have them participate in some healthy on-campus coping mechanisms: making healthy dining choices, participating in a student org, and using our free exercise facilities are all great ways to ease stress without a trip home.
Tell them to get involved — students involved with the Office of Student Life have higher GPAs and are happier with their college experience than those who aren't involved. If they need help getting involved send them to the Office of Student Life inside Kirkhof Center!
Programming
The Office of Student Life works hard to make sure there is always something for students to do on campus. Student organizations put on hundreds of events throughout the year, and we host a select number of major events like Campus Life Night. Campus Activities Board, a student-run organization, hosts many events that range from Homecoming and Presidents' Ball to craft nights and coffee-house style live music.
CSLC
If your student is looking for an opportunity to give back to the community and make a difference in the world, look no further than the Community Service Learning Center (CSLC). They can explore Community Engagement by volunteering with local nonprofits, participating in blood drives, and more. They can also participate in Democratic Engagement initiatives (GVSU Votes!), through Voter Registration Drives and Democracy 101 events.
Student Organizations
Our office supports approximately 400 Registered Student Organizations (RSO) on campus, including Greek Life and Club Sports. Being a member of a student org is a great way for your student to get involved, meet people with similar interests, and discover new passions. Some students are very invested and take on leadership roles, while others use their membership as a way to take an hour of their week to participate in an activity or meeting.
...and more!
For more information and opportunities, please take a look around the Office of Student Life website.
There's always a good excuse, I mean opportunity, to visit your favorite Laker at their new home away from home.
Sporting Events
Grand Valley's award-winning sports programs are going on year-round so there's always a game to go to with your favorite Laker.
Family Weekend
Family Weekend is the ultimate way to spend family time with your student right here in Allendale. Boasting three days of fun events for all ages!
Sibs & Kids Weekend
Sibs & Kids Weekend is a weekend-long staycation for siblings, cousins, family friends, and neighbors to come enjoy a weekend with their Laker.
Other Campus Events
There are many events on campus that are open to the public including concerts, comedy shows, and more!
With all this information, it's hard to know where to start. Encourage your student to do these 3 things before classes begin to jump start their involvement on campus!
Get Connected
Follow Student Life on social media for updates on events and involvement opportunities. If your student is in the mood for binge-watching, we have lots of YouTube videos available! They can also sign up for our weekly newsletter, sent August through April.
Find Student Orgs
Students can log into LakerLink with their network ID to view profiles of GVSU's ~400 Registered Student Organizations. They're sure to find a few they're interested in, and they can reach out to their members to learn more. Closer to the start of the academic year, many student orgs will have their meeting times and events posted in LakerLink.
Visit us
Although our office hours have been impacted by COVID-19, our office in 1110 Kirkhof Center is normally open year-round for anyone to stop by. Students can meet with one of our student staff, and we can provide personalized recommendations for which student orgs to join, as well as the next steps to take to get involved.
Contact the Office of Student Life!
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (616) 331-2345
If your student is looking to get involved, but not sure where to start – sign up for a personalized Involvement Consultation with one of our Involvement Assistants!