GVSU plans for face-to-face learning this fall, says President Mantella in town hall meeting

Nearly 1,200 new Lakers and their parents attended a virtual Laker town hall meeting May 1 to learn how Grand Valley is preparing for the fall 2020 semester.

President Philomena V. Mantella said Grand Valley is preparing for face-to-face learning and living on campus in the fall.

"We are planning for a Fall semester with multiple learning and living scenarios to be as flexible as possible and to accommodate all students safely," Mantella said. 

The university will make a decision about the Fall term by the end of the Spring term on June 22. Mantella said the university will follow guidance from the governor's office and the scientific community.

She said three learning options are being developed for courses: fully online, a hybrid model, and face-to-face instruction.

Mantella, who is finishing her first year as president of Grand Valley, told students she chose GVSU for the same reasons they did — its high-quality education offered in a safe, well-connected community.

"Grand Valley leads with care and is a place that puts students and learning first," she said. "From one newcomer to another, know that we are ready to support you with a breadth of programs designed to build the skills you need for your careers."

Mantella said Grand Valley is in a unique position to accommodate social distancing. The average class size is 26 students and less than 1 percent of Grand Valley's 4,400 class sections have more than 100 students; most of those are broken into smaller labs and sections of 30 students or fewer.

Loren Rullman, dean of students, said about 80 percent of housing beds in living centers and apartments offer private room and bathroom options. He said Grand Valley will accommodate students on campus, while maintaining the highest health, safety and cleanliness standards.

Rullman encouraged students to sign up for housing. The housing application deadline was moved to June 1; GVSU will continue to accommodate students after June 1, if possible. To find more about Grand Valley's housing and the benefits of living on campus, visit www.gvsu.edu/housing.

Matt Boelkins, director of first-year advising and registration, said each incoming student will receive a 60- to 90-minute, one-on-one appointment with a professional advisor. Appointments can be made at www.gvsu.edu/admissions/orientation.

Students were encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and/or the Admissions office with any questions regarding financial or registration support. 

www.gvsu.edu/admissions or www.gvsu.edu/financialaid

Mantella told parents their children will be cared for and their learning will be fought for by the university. She told students, "Stay safe and keep in touch so we know how to support you, and don't let anything get in the way of your learning."