A Message of Support for Grand Valley's Undocumented Community
Grand Valley State University has a long-standing history of valuing diversity and inclusiveness. It is our practice to admit qualified students without regard to citizenship and to support all students in their pursuit of a GVSU degree. Grand Valley encourages the application and enrollment of undocumented students who are prepared to meet the challenges of a rigorous university curriculum. Future students are invited to begin their Laker journey by visiting the admissions and financial aid websites listed below.
Undocumented/DACA Student Advocate
Contact Thalia Guerra-Flores, the Undocumented/DACA Student Advocate, at [email protected] for assistance navigating Grand Valley services/resources.
Picture of Thalía Guerra-Flores, Student Advocate
Thalía Guerra-Flores | Student Advocate for DACA and Undocumented Students
Thalía (she/her/hers) graduated as a first generation college student from Western Michigan University. She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Spanish and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Student Affairs.
Thalía grew up in a migrant/seasonal farm worker family. Her family traveled to and from San Juan, Texas and Fennville, Michigan as a child. Eventually, her family settled in Fennville, MI. Thalía comes from a mixed status family. In her role as coordinator for Laker Familia and the DACA and Undocumented Advocate for GVSU, she supports students, and works with partners on and off campus to coordinate and develop strategies to further meet the needs of undocumented students on campus and their families. Thalía seeks to ensure that our students feel a sense of community and are empowered to take full advantage of the resources/opportunities available to them as GVSU students.
Thalía’s passion includes: seeing students succeed, being creative, organization, and building community.
Get Connected
Office of Multicultural Affairs - The Office of Multicultural Affairs supports efforts in recruiting and retaining diverse students; to educate, engage and empower all students to live in a multicultural world; and to advocate for a socially just campus environment.
Laker Connections - The Laker Connection programs are designed to create an environment where students can achieve their potential at GVSU while being their full, authentic selves. These programs are open to all students.
Peer Support Group - The Peer Support Group is intentionally designed to create a safe space and community for students who are impacted by immigration. Please contact the Undocumented/DACA student advocate, Thalia Guerra-Flores ([email protected]), to register!
Dreamers are Lakers
"We have a culture at Grand Valley that is committed to supporting our students; all our students. We encourage those who are qualified, and prepared to tackle a rigorous education, to apply to become a Grand Valley State University Laker. You will be welcome."
President Philomena V. Mantella
"It is our long-standing practice to admit qualified students without regard to citizenship status and to support all students pursuing a Grand Valley degree."
President Emeritus Thomas J. Haas