What's new at GVSU: 6 things for Lakers to know this year

While students were away this summer, some exciting changes were taking shape at Grand Valley. Whether you’re a brand new or returning Laker, be sure to check out what’s new this year to make it the best one yet.

The Laker Dock

Meet the Laker Dock — your one-stop shop for everything you need to succeed at Grand Valley. Whether you’re looking for the Laker Line bus schedule or tuition payment information, quick access to your Google drive or to Blackboard, the Laker Dock has all the links and information you need in one user-friendly location. Set up your profile to message other Lakers, connect with like-minded students through groups and more. Access the Laker Dock through dock.gvsu.edu and download the Laker Dock app for on-the-go access.

Changes to Lubbers Stadium

This fall, fans can expect to see additional concession facilities and restrooms in Lubbers Stadium. Renovations also include adding elevator and sidewalk access to the press box, president’s box and upper seating sections. In addition to accommodating increased demand, these renovations also serve to help GVSU meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. More information on renovations can be found on the Facilities Planning website . 

New digital campus map

GVSU community members old and new will all benefit from GVSU’s new digital map. More quickly and easily than ever before, navigate GVSU’s Allendale, Pew and Health campuses, using filters to highlight academic or administrative buildings, athletics and recreation, points of interest, ADA accessibility, food and dining and more. Utilize the ‘wayfinding’ feature to easily map the quickest way to your location. Don’t miss the ‘tours’ section to see virtual tours, including an admissions and housing tour. Access the map at map.gvsu.edu . 

Introducing Scout!

Look out Lakers, there’s a new sher-ruff in town! Say hello to the Grand Valley Police Department’s newest K9, Scout. Scout’s thorough training in explosives detection will make him an important contributor to the security of major events on campus, including game days. Rumor has it, he is also the goodest boy on campus. Read more about Scout’s arrival .

Find your community

Whether you’re a first-year at GVSU, or a returning student looking to make new friends, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new Lakers. A few can’t-miss events to kick off the school year:

• Campus life night: Find your new community with the 300+ student organizations, campus departments, and local businesses/non-profits that will be in attendance. Campus life night takes place on August 25 from 6-8 p.m in lot H1.
• Speed friending: Mark your calendars for August 26 from 5-7 p.m. in Kirkhof Center’s Grand River Room for speed friending, hosted by Grand Valley’s Campus Activities Board. Attend by yourself or with a group for the chance to meet other Lakers who are looking to meet new friends!
• Laker kickoff: Join Lakers for the kickoff party of the season, featuring live music, DJs, dancing, food trucks, caricature artists, inflatables and more on August 23 at 6 p.m! The Laker Kickoff will be held on the Kirkhof Lawn. 
• Super secret s’more club: Interested in student organizations? Meet Student Life staff, ask questions about student organizations, find the community that's right for you, make new friends, and even learn how to start your own student org at the super secret s’more club meeting on August 22 from 4-6 p.m.

MORE: Speed friending, s'mores and Campus Life Night: How to make new friends during GVSU Welcome Week