and they help you graduate with the least amount of debt.” Michelle adds, “We care about our students


and want to reward them for working hard towards their goals.” Students don’t need to worry about tracking


down the information to apply — the grant is automatically awarded once they reach their senior year and have completed 90 credits. Students are encouraged to work with their advisors to create a plan that ensures they can complete their degree in four years and receive the grant. A number of additional support tools have also been put into place as part of the Grand Finish program to enable students to achieve the grant and graduate in four years. Mapworks is a program designed specifically


for freshmen and sophomores that helps improve the transition to college and connects students to valuable university resources. Upon program completion, students receive a report detailing their academic strengths and weaknesses, with recommendations on how to improve for success. The myPath planning tool assists students


with tracking their progress toward graduation. The tool provides students with clearly defined information for selecting coursework, understanding degree requirements, and developing an educational plan. Students can use it to see their graduation


collaborative relationship with their advisors, students can receive support as they define their goals and learn about other educational opportunities through the university. Alonte is a political science major and plans


to continue on to law school after graduation. The Grand Finish grant helped him avoid having to take on more debt, a considerable concern for students looking to achieve a postgraduate degree. The support from Grand Valley donors can encourage students, like Alonte, to pursue advanced degrees. “It [donor involvement] really says something about the culture here,” Alonte says. “When you support Grand Valley, you’re helping create our future — the next faces of our government, our doctors, lawyers and teachers. I hope that donors continue giving for students like myself who need that assistance. It’s made such an impact for me, and I’m very appreciative!”


“This award is unique among other state schools... We care about our students and want to reward them for working hard towards their goals.” - Michelle Rhodes


For more information on the Grand Finish grant, visit www.gvsu.edu/grandfinish. To learn more about how you can make an impact in the life of a Grand Valley student, visit www.gvsu.edu/giving.


plan and as a visual guide to confirm all academic requirements have been met. Advising services have been enhanced to


focus on timely graduation, including advice for students to ensure they get the most out of their academic development. By forming a


Alonte and his classmates during a mock trial competition in 2015.


›› WWW.GVSU.EDU/GRANDFINISH SPRING 2016 | 7


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16