Programs
PEEPS
Designed to make connections between domestic and international students, the PEEPS program runs during each Fall and Winter International Student Orientation. Current students sign up as PEEPS to volunteer as friendly faces during new international students' first few days on campus. While participating in the scheduled social activities organized by the ISS Team (including scavenger hunts downtown, free meals and other fun events), the PEEPS and new international students come together and promote cross-cultural growth and a happier, more welcoming GVSU!
Lakers Without Borders
We greatly appreciate students' dedication to creating and contributing to a welcoming, diverse, engaging, and inclusive environment at GVSU. As a gesture of our gratitude, we award Lakers for service and involvement in ISS programs, Uniting Nations (formerly Bringing Together the World) programming and campus engagement.
Lakers Without Borders Recipients
Students who volunteer 10 hours or more in an academic year can be certified as Lakers Without Borders. Lakers are to log their hours by submitting the online form linked below. Students can submit this form multiple times and the total hours will be considered for certification each semester within an academic year. Certificates are given at the end of each Fall and Winter semester.
Pineapple Awards
The Pineapple Awards recognize Grand Valley faculty, staff, community members, and students who advocate for international students and enrich their experience while they are in West Michigan. See previous Pineapple Winners via the button below. Nominations for the 2022-2023 academic year have closed. A link for nominations for the upcoming academic year will be made available in Winter 2024.