In this Issue

	Ten Things Every Grand Valley Family Should Know
	Top Five Places Parents Hang Out at GVSU
	GVSU 50th Anniversary Book

In Other News

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Family Weekend 2011 will be held the weekend of October 1, 2011.

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Ten Things Every Grand Valley Family Should Know

We hear from parents of Grand Valley students nearly every day via phone, email, or on facebook. Since the inception of the GVSU Family Association in 2006, we’ve noticed some common themes in the questions that parents ask us.

Here are the top ten things every Laker family member should know:

10. Where to park and when you can park there. Metered parking is available or you can stop by the Public Safety office when you arrive on campus to get a visitor’s permit (and avoid a ticket).

Parking rules on campus aren’t arbitrary, so be sure you are aware of where you are parking and the time of day. Check out Public Safety's parking regulations for all campuses. 

9. Where to eat. Join your student at one of the on-campus dining options or venture by car or bus to an off-campus resturant.

8. Where to stay. Laker families can stay at the Alumni House or at a variety of local hotels.

7. How to help your student pay the bill. Students receive tuition bills through the myBanner system. They are responsible for obtaining the bill, coordinating payment and utilizing any remaining loan funds. The Financial Aid office can also help answer questions regarding paying your student's bill. 

6. When students receive grades. Grades are posted in the myBanner system according to a set schedule. The myBanner system reduces the use of paper and protects your student’s privacy according to FERPA, a federal law with which GVSU must comply.

5. How tuition dollars are used and why your gifts matter. Grand Valley provides transparency on how dollars are used in the accountability report. Gifts to Grand Valley help fill important needs when tuition dollars and state funding are not enough. A gift to Grand Valley State University is an investment in the future of our students, West Michigan and our state.

4. When are campus breaks and when will your student be home. There are times when campus housing is closed (other than for our International Students). The academic calendar will help you find out when your student is on break. 

3. What happens in the case of an emergency. Encourage your son or daughter to sign up to receive emergency alerts from GVSU's emergency contact system.  This allows the university to inform students of urgent information, such as closure due to inclement weather and issues related to public safety or health. Your student can sign you up for this service as well.

Public Safety's non-emergency medical contact information provides local resources both on and off campus to assist students with medical needs.  

2. How academic advising, career services and other academic resources work. GVSU has free services designed to help your child succeed. Encourage your son or daughter to maximize all that GVSU has to offer by utilizing Academic Advising, Counseling and Career Development Center, and Career Services. 

1. Nothing makes somebody’s day like a card, letter, care package or call from home. Don’t worry, they will miss you, too. Support your student with mail or a care package. Just try not to call or text them during class!

Top Five Places Parents Hang Out at GVSU

We asked parents their favorite places to go when they come to Grand Valley and here are their expected – and not so expected – answers:

5. Java City. Located in the Kirkhof Center, Java City is a great place to grab coffee or a smoothie and feel the energy of campus.

4. The University Bookstore. Stop by the university bookstore on the Allendale or downtown Pew Campus to get the perfect GV Laker Gear!

3. The Meadows. The Meadows golf course is open to the public and there is a special discounted Alumni rate if you're a GVSU graduate.

2. Main Street Pub. Just down the road on Lake Michigan Drive, this local restaurant is a community staple for students, faculty, staff and parents either after classes or athletic events.

1. The Parking Lots. GVSU parking lots aren’t just for waiting for students. Our lots are transformed for Farmer’s Markets, Athletic Event Tailgating, and activities during Family Weekend.
 

GVSU 50th Anniversary Book

Get your hands on one soon!

Limited quantities of Grand Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Shaping Lives are available. Be sure to get your copy soon, or purchase another book and give the story of Grand Valley to a friend or new graduate.

Order it here online. The cost is $19.95.

Copies of the book signed by three Grand Valley presidents are also available. To purchase one of these special, limited books call (616) 331-2450. Other 50th anniversary items, including clothing, golf balls and lapel pins, can be ordered by visiting the anniversary website and clicking “Share the Spirit.”