A: Grand Valley State's New Student Orientation (NSO) is designed to facilitate a smooth transition to college for both students and their families or supporters. The program introduces students to university expectations, fosters connections with peers, and provides access to advisors and campus resources. A key component of the orientation is assisting students in registering for their first-year classes with guidance from an academic advisor aligned with their chosen area of interest.

A detailed agenda will be available in early March on our website at 7k4.mypersonalfriends.net/orientation.

Students will spend the day in small groups of 12-15, organized by their preferred academic interest (major). They will engage in activities designed to help them connect with fellow new students, learn about university resources and expectations, and meet their academic advisors. Students will also have dedicated time to register for their first-year classes with the guidance of their advisor.

Parents will participate in a series of conference-style sessions in the morning to learn more about the university, the resources available, and the staff who will be supporting their student. Additionally, parents will have the opportunity to join several campus activities, including themed tours to explore the University.

A: Yes, attending New Student Orientation is required to ensure students become fully prepared for their college journey and successfully register for classes. All incoming freshman students will be required to attend an Orientation sessions prior to attending any semester.

A: Orientation is a comprehensive 8-hour in-person experience. The exact duration may vary slightly, depending on the time required for each student to complete their class registration; this activity typically takes one hour. Students are expected to arrive during the check-in period, between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., no later than 9:00 a.m. ET. Students will begin the process of registering for classes with an advisor at approximately 2:15pm after having completed several key pre-advising activities.

A: Yes, the cost for Freshman Orientation is $150. This fee helps cover the expenses of hosting the event, including meals (lunch and snacks), employee wages, and materials. This ensures a well-organized and supportive experience for all participants. This fee is fully refundable until May 1^st for entering freshman students. Please note that there is no additional cost for students to bring guests, however due to space limitations and adherence to building codes, students are only allowed to bring up to 2 guests. We understand that families may want to bring additional guests, however we cannot make exceptions and instead encourage families to explore other visit opportunities at 7k4.mypersonalfriends.net/visit that may accommodate larger groups.

Financial Hardships: All students are required to pay the $150 orientation fee, which covers the cost of hosting the event, including meals, staffing, and supplies. The only exception is for veteran students, for whom the fee is waived. In cases of significant financial hardship, we may be able to defer the fee to the student’s fall tuition bill. If you have concerns about the cost, please reach out to our office for assistance, (616) 331-2025.

A: Orientation sign up will open in early January (Jan 6th, Fall 2025) for incoming fall freshman students. Students can schedule their orientation session either through the "Next Steps" tab on their portal or by visiting 7k4.mypersonalfriends.net/orientation.

To sign up, students must be admitted to the University for their intended semester. If you were recently admitted, there may be a brief 1-2 day delay before your Grand Valley ID number (G-number) is assigned, which is required for registration. We recommend having a credit card available at the time of registration, as there is a fee associated with the event.

A: Yes, students can change their orientation date by logging back into their portal, clicking the link to their current registration date on the “Orientation” tab, and from their they can reschedule. If students encounter issues or need assistance, they should call our office at (616) 331-2025.

A:  Yes, there is a $150 fee for all students to sign up for New Student Orientation. This fee covers the cost of hosting the event, including meals (lunch and snacks), employee wages, and materials. This helps ensure a smooth and organized orientation experience for all participants.

A: New Student Orientation for freshmen is offered between May and August, with 26 available sessions. The majority of these sessions are scheduled during May and June to accommodate most students’ needs. Students are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred date. Orientation begins promptly at 9:00 a.m., with check-in available from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Check-in will take place at the Kirkhof Center, the university's primary student center. After signing up for the event, you will receive a confirmation email. Lastly, we will be emailing 48 hours in advance with a map and further details about the Orientation event. We encourage you to arrive on time to ensure a smooth start to your orientation experience.

A: During the event sign up process, students will be asked to indicate any special accommodations they or their guests may need--like language interpretation services or mobility support, for example. To ensure accessibility for guests who require and request it, we provide golf carts for transportation around campus. Additionally, if requested, we can arrange for interpretation services with at least 3 weeks' notice.

If you have any specific accommodation requests or questions, please contact us for further assistance; email Xavier Wright at [email protected]. We want to ensure that all participants have a comfortable and accessible experience.

A: Students are asked to bring a laptop to their Orientation date, it will be used during the class registration process. A limited number of laptops are available for borrowing if a student is unable to bring their own. Additionally, students should wear comfortable clothing, as they will be taking their student ID photos and walking around campus.

A: Yes, students will receive several emails prompting them to log into their portal and complete 2 required placement tests: Math and World Languages, a third self-evaluation for Writing is highly encouraged. These tests must be completed at least 7 days before the student's Orientation date. Additionally, 3 weeks prior to Orientation, a short survey will appear in the students Laker Portal. The responses to this survey help staff and advisors prepare for students' class registration processes. Completing both the placement tests and the survey will help ensure a smooth and successful orientation experience.

A: Parents and supporters will experience a separate schedule of activities designed to help them connect with other families, meet university staff, and learn more about GVSU to support their student’s transition. Participation in these activities is optional, and parents/supporters are not required to attend Orientation with their student. During the registration process, students will meet with an academic advisor from their major area without the assistance of their parents.

A: During the registration portion of the day, students will work in small groups of 12–15 alongside two advisors from their area of academic interest. These advisors are highly trained to guide students in selecting the appropriate classes for their degree.

To ensure an optimal learning environment and adequate support for all students, parents will not be permitted in the classrooms during this time. While we understand your desire to support your student, this part of the day is designed to encourage independence and focus. Thank you for your understanding as no exceptions will be made.

A: Yes, the Financial Aid Office will be open throughout the day, offering walk-in appointments with a financial aid counselor. In the morning, parents can visit the office for discussions, and after the student completes registration (approximately 3-4:30 p.m.), the office will remain open for any student who needs assistance. Students who are required to submit documentation, such as verification forms, are encouraged to bring these documents to their Orientation day if they have not already been submitted.