Laker Familia
Grand Valley State University’s Laker Familia is a network of students who self-identify as Latino/Hispanic. With the assistance of faculty and staff, students are exposed to a variety of academic, professional, social, and cultural activities. The program begins with a three-day interactive Laker Familia orientation. Once the academic year begins, students are transitioned into the Laker Familia program which operates under four primary pillars:
- Mentorship
- Academic Support
- Leadership Development
- Community Service/Civic Engagement
The program is specifically designed to introduce students to resources that will support their academic, cultural, and emotional well-being. Laker Familia promotes and facilitates meaningful interactions with the goal of improving academic success, retention, and graduation.
*Laker Familia is open to all GVSU students.
Laker Familia Orientation
Laker Familia Orientation is a three-day program specifically designed to introduce new Latino/a/x and/or Hispanic students to the Grand Valley State University campus and to connect you to resources and services that will support your academic, cultural, and emotional well-being. The three-day orientation program will offer various workshops that will assist you in your first year at GVSU. You will also have opportunities to participate in year-round programming through various educational and professional development events and outings in both the fall and winter semesters. This program is intentionally designed to create culturally-responsive and educational spaces for our diverse communities. Programming is open to students regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected identity.
Make an Appointment with the Laker Familia Program Coordinator
Thalía Guerra-Flores
Advising Hours:
By appointment for Summer 2023, email [email protected]
Register for Laker Familia
Are you a currently enrolled GVSU student who identifies as Latino/a/x/é? You can join Laker Familia at any point during your time at GVSU. Transfer students, upper classmen and graduate students are invited to join as well. Once you are registered you are a part of our program until graduation. Students who have registered for Laker Familia Orientation do not have to register, as they are automatically added.
Want to get involved as a Hispanic/Latino/a/x/é Alumni?
We invite you to lend your support in creative, personally meaningful ways that will inspire and shape the future of GVSU Hispanic/Latino/a/x/e students. There are a myriad of ways you can give back to your alma mater, both through volunteering and financial support.
