GV launches myBlueLaker app

Grand Valley has experiment with virtual assistants for a while, but this August their condensed efforts were released as “myBlueLaker,” an app available on web browsers as well as for download on the Apple Store and Google Play. The app allows for more convenient access to information typically retrieved through the Banner system (such as academic standing, registration status and class class schedules), as well as the answers to frequently asked questions on subjects like building hours, campus dining, or student housing.

Most relevantly for students new to Grand Valley is the campus navigation feature — myBlueLaker can use your location to provide direction to different buildings and destinations on both the Pew and Allendale campuses. The app improves with user interaction and feedback, so if you think its features might be useful, give it a try at myBlueLaker.gvsu.edu.

Self-Assess for COVID symptoms

As a part of pandemic health precautions for the Fall 2020 semester, Grand Valley is asking students, faculty and staff to complete a daily self-assessment of their COVID-19 testing status and potential symptoms of the virus. The form itself, sign-up for daily email reminders, and a tool to create an assessment shortcut for your phone are all available at gvsu.edu/lakerstogether/self-assessment-23.htm.

Those interested in the latest data from these self-assessments, as well as from the random testing being administrated by Grand Valley’s Virus Action Team, can check the GVSU COVID-19 Data Dashboard at gvsu.edu/lakerstogether/data-dashboard-37.htm.

Campus Life Night goes virtual with Laker Involvement Fairs

The need for social distancing created by the pandemic makes events like Grand Valley’s longstanding Campus Life Night difficult to organize. The Office of Student Life has come up with a solution — scheduling virtual fairs where students can discover options for campus engagement and interact with representatives from student organizations and campus departments.

There are four fairs scheduled in the near future. Academic and Professional Fraternities & Honors Societies will be held on Sept. 10; Interfaith, Cultural, Advocacy and Student Government on Sept. 11; Media, Performing Arts, Special Interests and Greek Life on Sept. 12; and the RECFest for Club Sports and the Office of Recreation and Wellness on Sept. 13. To RSVP and find lists of all the organizations involved, visit gvsu.edu/studentlife.