Frequently Asked Questions
This is my first year at Grand Valley, can I attend Presidents’ Ball?
Where can I purchase the tickets?
I don’t have a car; how do I get to Presidents’ Ball?
Can special dietary requests be accommodated?
Is alcohol available at Presidents’ Ball?
Which entrance do we use at DeVos Place?
What happens during the program?
Is handicap assistance available?
What can I do if I lose my ticket?
If I am of legal age and I chose to drink, how can I keep myself and my friends safe?
Do I need to bring my id?
All attendees MUST bring a photo id to enter the event. You will not be permitted to enter without a photo id. Examples of photo ids are: school id, Michigan id, or drivers license.
This is my first year at Grand Valley, can I attend Presidents’ Ball?
Yes you can! Presidents’ Ball is open to all students, staff, faculty, community members… you name it, they are welcome to come. That includes ANYBODY, as long as they bring a photo id or other form of identification.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets for the dinner, program, and dance are $30 and the dance only tickets are $10 until January 27. On January 28 the price will be $15 for the dance.
Tickets are limited so get them early!
Where can I purchase the tickets?
Tickets can be purchased at the 2020 Desk in Kirkhof Center.
I don’t have a car; how do I get to Presidents’ Ball?
There will be charter busses running from Kirkhof Center/Mackinac Hall to DeVos Place. There is also a charter shuttle that will go from Pew Campus (under US 131 - Bridge bus stop) to DeVos Place. Click here for the bus schedule.
Where is DeVos Place?
303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
What is the menu for dinner?
The meal is served by Amway's fine dining staff and three meal choices are provided. Cros[ Baby Iceberg Lettuce with Cucumber, Carrot, Cheddar Chese and Tomato Herb Vinaigrette, and Freshly Baked Pan del Sol Rolls with Creamery Butter are served as the pre-set.
Entrees are: Oven Roasted French Cut Chicken Breast, Chicken Gravy, Plaza Potato Tart and Broccolini.
OR Slow Braised Pot Roast, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Haricot Vert & Roasted Carrots.
OR Chef's Vegen Meal - Lemon Burger Wheat Salad, Eggplant & Roasted Vegetable Wrap with Tofu, Baby Spinach, Carrot Puree
Dessert will be provided in Louie's Jazz Club (River Overlook - upstairs DeVos Place) and will feature a variety of desserts.
Can special dietary requests be accommodated?
Yes, special requests can be accommodated. Please contact the Student Senate office at 331-2333 to make arrangements.
Is alcohol available at Presidents’ Ball?
Yes, Presidents’ Ball does have alcohol available at the CASH ONLY bars in the main gallery. All guests will be asked for identification if over 21 in order to receive the appropriate identification. Some additional things to remember:
1) We will be following Michigan State law in regards to providing/buying alcohol for minors. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to be in possession of alcohol. MIP's will be enforced by security and staff.
2) Anyone under 21 caught with alcohol or intoxicated will have campus policies and state laws enforced as if they were at any other campus event.
3) Anyone caught providing alcohol to a minor will have campus policies and state laws enforced as if they were at any other campus event.
4) Those breaking these campus policies and state laws will be asked to leave and not allowed a refund.
5) Each transaction at the bar is limited to a two (2) drink purchase limit.
Which entrance do we use at DeVos Place?
All guests must enter the Presidents’ Ball through the Lyon Street entrance.
What happens during the program?
This year’s program consists of many performances including singing, eating, and dancing. The Student Senate also presents the Student Award for Faculty Excellence (SAFE), as well as the Laker of the Year Award. Both President Haas and President Iott will present the Presidential Appreciation Award.
Is handicap assistance available?
Yes, handicap assistance is available. Again, please contact the Student Senate office at 331-2333 to make arrangements.
What can I do if I lose my ticket?
Unfortunately, there is no way to replace lost tickets. If you lose a ticket, you will need to buy another one. Remember, tickets are limited.
If I am of legal age and I chose to drink, how can I keep myself and my friends safe?
1. Watch the amount of alcohol being consumed - One standard drink is 12-ounce beer (5% alcohol), 5-ounce glass of wine (12 % alcohol), or 1.5-ounce shot of liquor (80 proof).
2. Watch how many - Safe, responsible drinking is no more than 2-3 alcoholic drinks in one sitting for women and no more than 4-5 drinks for men. Stick to 1 drink per hour – the rate at which your body is physically able to metabolize alcohol.
3. Watch your drink - Leaving your drink around unknown party attendees increases the risk of tampering.
4. Ride only with a sober driver - Designate a driver before you go to the party and make sure this person stays responsible and does not consume any alcohol.
5. Eat shortly before or while you consume alcohol - Food helps to slow the absorption of alcohol into the circulatory system.
6. Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks - Use water or fruit juices as "spacers".
7. Be aware of mixing alcohol with carbonated beverages - Carbonation increases the speed that alcohol is absorbed.
8. Do not drink alcohol while taking medication - Both over-the-counter and prescription drugs can have harmful effects when mixed with alcohol.
9. Friends don't let friends date drunk! - Stick with friends. Avoid leaving anyone there alone, especially if he or she is intoxicated. Alcohol is involved in 90% of campus rapes.
10. Know the signs of alcohol poisoning:
- Person cannot be awakened to full consciousness
- Skin is cold, clammy, and bluish
- Breathing is slow or irregular
- Vomiting while passed out
11. Know what to do if a friend shows any of these signs of alcohol poisoning:
- Call for help
- Turn the friend on his/her side (to prevent them from choking on vomit)
- Stay nearby
- IF IN DOUBT CALL FOR HELP!
Passing out does not mean "sleeping it off". Blood alcohol content (BAC) can increase even after you stop drinking and/or fall asleep, and alcohol poisoning is still possible.
For more information about safe drinking, review the ACES website.
Page last modified January 23, 2013
