In this Issue

	Supporting Your Laker and GVSU
	Preparing for the Winter Break Homecoming
	Family Association Parent Reception

In Other News

Save the Date

December 23:

Final Grades Available to Students in Banner

January 10:

Winter Semester Begins

January 28-29:

Sibs & Kids Weekend

Links We Love

Is your senior preparing for graduate school? Have them research their options and plan the next steps towards their career.

Learn about Alternative Spring Break and how it can strengthen your student and their future resume. 

Sharing the ride this winter? Ask your student to visit GreenRide and find a fellow student to share the carpooling costs.

Did you see GVSU's Lip Dub video? It features one continous shot through our beautiful Allendale campus.

Encourage your Laker to collaborate with their faculty, build their resume, and showcase their learning by participating in Student Scholars Day!

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Supporting Your Laker and GVSU

You have been supportive of your son or daughter for years, doing things like being active in their school, fundraising for choir or band, or attending their sporting events.

Now that your student is a part of Grand Valley, you can still be a supportive parent by supporting the university. 

If you live close to Grand Valley, you can attend events on campus. From art shows, athletic events, lectures, music or theater performances, there is something to meet any and all of your interests. Check out the events calendar often to stay updated about what's happening on campus.

Immerse yourself in university tradition by volunteering during Family Weekend, Homecoming, or Freshman Move-In. You can also welcome incoming parents during a Parent Orientation Session.

Consider hosting an event in your home area, such as a coffee break, reception, sporting event or picnic. This can foster relationships between Laker parents in your hometown.  If you are interested in helping Laker families on a larger scale, join the Family Association Advisory Committee. This group assists in development and implementation of services and events for GVSU families. Its members serve individually or as a couple and participate in meetings twice a year.

Regardless of your volunteer involvement, you can also support GVSU programs and services that benefit all students by making a gift to the Grand Valley Fund. Your gift will help bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a Grand Valley education while simultaneously enhancing programs for all students - including your own.

Check out the Family Association Web site for more information about ways to get involved as a parent. You can also call us at (616) 331-5709 or email us at familyassociation@gvsu.edu.

Preparing for the Winter Break Homecoming

Winter break is an exciting time for both students and parents. But if you have a first year college student, they might have different expectations than you have about their time at home. This can be an adjustment for both of you.

“Parents in general, even if they’ve talked to or visited their student, are still stuck in an old mindset from before their son or daughter left for college,” said Lisa Kulesza, parent of both a recent Grand Valley alum and of a sophomore student.

“When my daughter came home for winter break her freshman year, we clashed on certain expectations I had about her curfew and the amount of time she would spend at home with the family,” said Kulesza.

Parents should expect that their student will want to see friends from high school or their significant other. They will also see themselves as an independent adult who has been staying out later and living by their own rules. 

“I explained to my daughter that I wasn’t trying to ruin her fun or treat her like a child, but I was concerned with her safety when she was out with friends compared to being on campus. Explaining my expectations about giving her a curfew helped me sleep better at night."

As a parent, it is good to be prepared for a difference of opinions over issues like curfews or spending time with friends rather than family. Talking to your student openly about both of your expectations can help make the winter break transition easier.

Family Association Parent Reception

Come unwind with fellow Laker parents at the Family Association Parent Reception on January 28 from 6-8pm at the Alumni House.

There will be complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages, a cash bar (beer and wine) and a chance to win a free night’s stay at the Alumni House!

Mention that you’re a GVSU parent in town for Sibs & Kids Weekend and you can receive a special rate at the Courtyard Marriott, JW Marriott or Amway Grand Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. We hope to see you there! For more information or to RSVP contact us at (616) 331-5709 or familyassociation@gvsu.edu.

So come whether you are dropping your kids off with their siblings during Sibs & Kids Weekend or happen to be in the area, this parent reception is a great way to get your questions about GVSU answered from Family Association representatives and fellow parents just like you.
 

Enjoy the winter break with your college student at home! Our next issue will come to you in January, after the Winter 2011 semester begins.