Congratulations on your acceptance and enrollment into a graduate program at Grand Valley State University! You are about to embark on an exciting academic journey that will give you the experiences and connections for success in your chosen field. 

Here are a few things you'll want to do before the first day of class:

Check Your Student Email

GVSU provides each student with an email address (@mail.gvsu.ed) which you should check regularly. GVSU correspondence will primarily done through your student email. Don’t miss important information such tuition payment dates, registration reminders, and upcoming events – get in the habit of checking your account early!

Need Help?

A wide variety of technology services and computing resources will support your work at Grand Valley State University. If you need help technological support, check out the IT Service Desk.

Registering for Classes

As soon as possible after being admitted, make a plan to meet with your academic advisor. If you cannot remember which advisor was assigned to you, you can locate their name by logging into your My Banner account. Work with your advisor to create a program plan -- they can help tell you which classes you need to take first, which classes go well (or not) together, and how to pace your courses and program requirements to finish in a time that works for you.

Quick Links

Here are some helpful links regarding registration:

• My Banner
• Registration FAQs
• Academic Calendar

Getting Your Textbooks

There are two ways to find out which textbooks you will need to get started:

1. Wait for your professor to upload the syllabus in your BlackBoard account. 
2. Use the Campus Bookstore website to search for your classes, identify  and compare costs.

Learn More

Each library’s collection is tailored to its location and the programs it serves. Get to know your Subject Librarian who can help you find materials other than your textbooks!

Purchasing a Parking Permit

GVSU students wishing to use GVSU parking lots must register their vehicle and purchase a parking permit. Learn more about parking rules, lot locations, and purchasing a parking permit.

Did You Know:

GVSU students also ride free on any Rapid bus route with the use of a valid student ID. Learn more about alternate transportation options.

Getting to Your GVSU Campus

For many graduate students, this is their first time on the GVSU campuses. Familiarizing yourself with campus may take some time, but here are some helpful links to get started:

• Campus maps and directions
• Pew Campus parking map
• Holland, Muskegon and Traverse City regional campus information
• Campus dining options

Getting your Student ID

Obtaining a FREE student ID card  is a very worthwhile pursuit as it can be used to access specific buildings (Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences), to board  RAPID transit buses without charge, for purchasing academically-packaged and discounted software, free admittance into athletic events, and discounted student rates for other university and non-university activities, including almost seventy area businesses and attractions!

Visit the Student Assistance Center (or other designated area) to request your ID and to be photographed. Student Assistance Center offices are located on the first floor of Student Services Building (Allendale Campus) and the DeVos Center Plaza (Pew Grand Rapids Campus). Or email [email protected] with a headshot and your mailing address if you are out of area and a student ID will be sent to you via mail.