Parent Involvement
Get Involved in the Grace Community
Welcome to our Parent Page! Whether you’re a parent or support person for an incoming student or of one of our awesome returning students, this is a HUB that can guide you to find the answers to your questions. At Grace, we often say that we are a family, and we call ourselves the GRACE FAMILY. We hope that you feel part of our family as we continue to live out our mission to Graduate Courageous Ambassadors for Christ Who Make an Eternal Impact Wherever They Go. It’s never been a more important cause than right now at this very time!
Whether you are looking for important academic calendar dates, learning more about our housing, dining and commuting options or looking for that classic Grace Christian sweatshirt, this page will be able to help you to find your answer or be put in touch with whom to ask! Welcome to Grace!
Important Dates
We know how important it is to coordinate calendars! You can always click on our calendar link to see the most updated academic calendar, which informs the entire semester and year!
FALL 2025
| Date | Event |
| August 1–3 | Student Leadership Summit |
| August 4 | Early Fall Kickoff / Student check-in day |
| August 5 | Early Fall Orientation |
| August 6 | Early Fall classes begin at 8 a.m. |
| August 20 | Early Fall classes end |
| August 21 | Fall Kick-off Day / Student check-in day |
| August 22 | Fall Orientation for All On-Campus Students |
| Last day for new students to register for Fall 2024 classes | |
| August 25 | Fall 2025 classes begin |
| August 26 | Convocation at 9:45 a.m. |
| August 29 | Last day to add Fall 2025 classes |
| September 1 | ALL CAMPUS OFFICES CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY – No Classes Scheduled |
| September 8 | Last day to drop a Fall 2025 class without record |
| September 26–27 | Homecoming Weekend |
| October 1 | Campus Service Project – No Classes or Chapel scheduled |
| October 15 | Midterm Grades due by 12pm |
| October 16 | Fall Break – No classes scheduled |
| October 21 | Academic Advising Day – No Classes or Chapel scheduled |
| October 31 | Priority Registration for Spring 2026 ends |
| November 3 | Last day to withdraw from a Fall 2025 course |
| November 24–28 | Thanksgiving Break (No classes scheduled) |
| November 27–28 | ALL CAMPUS OFFICES CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK |
| December 8–12 | Final Exam Week |
| Dec. 15 – Jan. 10 | Christmas/Winter Break begins (No classes scheduled) |
| December 16 | Fall 2025 Grades due |
| Dec. 24 – Jan. 1 | ALL CAMPUS OFFICES CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS BREAK |
Spring 2026
| Date | Event |
| January 9 | Spring Orientation |
| Last day for new students to register for Spring 2026 classes | |
| January 12 | Spring 2026 classes begin |
| January 16 | Last day for students to add Spring 2026 classes |
| January 19 | ALL CAMPUS OFFICES CLOSED FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY |
| January 26 | Last day to drop a Spring 2026 course without record |
| March 6 | Midterm Grades due by 12pm |
| March 9–12 | Spring Break |
| March 24 | Academic Advising Day – Classes and Chapel not scheduled |
| Registration for Fall 2026 classes begins | |
| March 27 | Last day to withdraw from Spring 2026 classes |
| April 1–2 | Reading Break – No classes scheduled |
| April 3 | ALL CAMPUS OFFICES CLOSED FOR GOOD FRIDAY – Classes not Scheduled |
| April 9 | Priority Registration for Fall 2026 classes ends |
| April 27 – May 1 | Final Exam Week |
| May 2 | 2026 Annual Commencement, 10:30 a.m. |
| May 5 | Spring 2026 Grades due |
| May 15 | 2026 Annual Virtual Commencement |
Summer 2026
| Date | Event |
| May 4 – August 9 | Summer Semester (as needed) |
| May 25 | ALL CAMPUS OFFICES CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY |
| June 19 | ALL CAMPUS OFFICES CLOSED FOR JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY |
| July 3 | ALL CAMPUS OFFICES CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY |
Featured Event
The Big Freeze
Your student can earn thousands this February to immediately reduce their tuition bill in three seconds by taking a dip for a scholarship!
February’s in Grace are synonymous with an epic event called The Big Freeze. Student participants, referred to as the ‘The Blue Crew’, raise money with the help of friends, family, etc. for scholarships that can be applied directly to their student account to help reduce the cost of education. The catch, on event day they must spend three icy seconds in a tub of freezing cold water before they can receive these funds.
Based on their fundraising efforts, students can earn even more additional scholarships from Grace which will also immediately reduce their tuition bill as they pursue their goals in higher education.
Last year sixteen student participants raised over $13,000! Grace matched the first 10 participants to raise $250 with an additional $250. Grace also awarded ten additional scholarships based on the amount of funds raised (higher rank = higher scholarship). The 1st place fundraiser received $1,000, 2nd place $900 and so on. All funds are applied directly to student account balances for their Spring semester.
The Big Freeze is happening again this year. It’s a great way for your student to contribute to the cost of their education, so encourage them to join The Blue Crew!
Meet the Campus Pastor
Welcome! My name is Danny Garcia, and I am honored to serve as the Campus Pastor here at Grace Christian University.
A proud Grace alum, I graduated in 2022 and am thrilled to give back to the community that shaped my own faith journey. You’ll often find me with a coffee in hand, engaged in a game of chess, or diving into deep conversations about theology—so feel free to say hi anytime! I love connecting with students, parents, and faculty and strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels encouraged to grow in their faith.
As Campus Pastor, I have the privilege of leading our three weekly chapel services, a cornerstone of spiritual life at Grace. I work closely with the dedicated teams of student leaders and staff who bring these services to life.
Beyond chapels, my role involves shepherding our students in their spiritual development and providing pastoral care to our vibrant campus community. I also serve as an advisor for our Spiritual Emphasis Committee and the Ministry & Leadership Interns, partnering with students to empower them as servant leaders and equipping them to make an eternal impact.
Meet our Ministry & Leadership Interns
Campus Pastor Intern – Marc Paskiewicz
Worship & Tech Intern – Keith Meyers
What opportunities will my student be offered?
At Grace Christian University, we are passionate about equipping students to grow in their faith through intentional pastoring and shepherding rooted in the Bible. We offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual development, designed to encourage students to serve and mature in their walk with Christ.
Chapels
A key component of spiritual life at Grace is our three weekly chapel services. These gatherings provide students with opportunities to worship, hear impactful messages from the Word, and build community. Students can also take an active role in chapels by serving on our worship, tech, or speaking teams—or by joining our NEW Hospitality Team, which fosters a welcoming atmosphere for all who attend.
Join our livestream on Facebook or YouTube Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:45am EST for our Teaching and Celebration Chapels.
Tuesday Formation Chapels will not be livestreamed and will mostly take place in the North Dining Hall at 9:45am EST.
Learn more about Chapel Services here >
Christian Ministry
Not only do we highly encourage our students to attend a local church, we highly encourage them to be active and involved in some form of ministry. Grace Christian University, like all other colleges accredited by The Association for Biblical Higher Education, requires practical field credit as integral to all degree programs. We believe this practical exposure to serving humankind is as essential as classroom academics. Christian Ministry becomes an extension of your classroom experience translated into active participation in our churches and local community. You can read more about requirements under the student handbook.
Student Government: Spiritual Emphasis
Our Student Government includes the Spiritual Emphasis Committee, a group dedicated to planning spiritually-focused events and supporting their peers in their spiritual needs. This committee provides students with a platform to lead and create meaningful experiences that help their classmates grow in their relationship with Christ.
Discipleship Opportunities
Discipleship at Grace takes many forms, from staff and faculty mentoring individual students to student-led small groups and peer-to-peer encouragement. These opportunities create a rich environment for students to grow together, learning how to live out their faith in practical ways while building lasting relationships. Our goal is to shepherd your student with care, providing them with the resources and relationships they need to thrive spiritually. If you have any questions or want to learn more about these opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to partner with you in supporting your student’s spiritual journey!
How can I pray for my student & the student body?
Spiritual Growth
For a deeper relationship with God, and a more intimate understanding of HIs word. Pray that they develop a love for God and a vibrant prayer life.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18)
Prayer: Lord, draw my child closer to you. Help them hunger for your presence and desire to serve you as they grow in their faith.
Wisdom & Discernment
Ask for God’s guidance as they make choices about friends, activities, and their future.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God.” (James 1:5)
Prayer: Father, help my student to trust You and seek Your wisdom in every decision.
Courage & Strength
Pray they live out their beliefs confidently and lovingly.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Joshua 1:9)
Prayer: Lord, help my student to stand boldly for what is right and reflect Your love in all they do.
Academic Success
Pray for clarity and discipline in their studies.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)
Prayer: God, help my student to work diligently and use their talents for Your glory.
Relationships & Community
Pray for kind, encouraging, and Christ-centered relationships.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
Prayer: Lord, bring godly friends into my child’s life who will encourage them in their walk with You.
Protection & Safety
Pray against harm and ask for God’s protection.
“The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
Prayer: Lord, place a hedge of protection around the students. Guard their hearts and minds in Christ.
Housing Choices at Grace
There are a number of housing options available to our students. Freshmen generally find a strong sense of community at Grace by beginning their college journey in the freshmen dorms located in the quad. Upper class students have their choice of campus apartments or the new Grace Townhomes.
All single students enrolled in six or more credit hours are required to room and board at the university, at home with a parent or guardian. Students who have completed four semesters of college (post-high school) are eligible for off-campus housing.
Students are not permitted to live in off-campus housing that is co-ed by unit, though housing is permitted with a sibling of the opposite gender.
On-Campus housing at Grace Christian University provides a variety of living options. Each of the residence halls has its own unique personality and style.
- Standard Housing includes the freshmen dorms; Preston Hall for Men and Aletheia Hall for Women. Each of the dorms has a community lounge and a free laundry facility.
- Apartments on campus—Klein Hall (female) and Enslow Hall (male)—are a Standard Housing option for upperclassmen students. Both include a kitchen area with stove and refrigerator along with a free laundry facility.
- Built in 2022, The Grace Townhomes feature 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen with dishwasher, living room area and laundry facilities in each unit. Each unit houses up to 4 students. Townhomes are another housing option for upperclassmen students.
Meal Plans at Grace
Meals are served on campus for all students living in residence halls, as well as commuter students who have purchased a dining plan. On-campus students can choose from up to six dining options, depending on what residence hall they are living in.
Commuter students can also purchase a meal plan from three different options. Coffee, snacks, and a la carte options are available at Kahawa Café.
Flexible meal plans offer students creative options to accommodate financial needs while providing meals from our wonderful dining hall. Rather than purchasing meals weekly, meal plan cost is per semester (typically a 15-16 week duration). Students purchase a block of meals to use throughout the semester, giving them the convenience to decide when to use those meals.
Traditional undergraduate students commuting to campus may also choose from a variety of meal plans. These plans are also purchased per semester, allowing the option to increase or decrease based on remaining quantity.
Parent Blog
We hope that you find these blogs written by our staff and faculty helpful as you think about how to walk with your students as they make important educational decisions or as you walk with your students through their first years of higher education through to graduation!
What to Expect on a College Visit?
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you and your student are standing at the edge of an exciting season. Maybe you’re just starting the college search. Maybe Grace Christian University has been on your list for a while. Either way, a college visit is a...
The Emotions of a First Year College Student
Having a student working through their first year of college can bring a host of emotions for both the support system of the student and the student themselves! From the parent perspective, one might have many questions, including: Is my student safe at their...
Campus Safety At Grace
When prospective students and families come to campus on an official visit to Grace Christian University, one of the first questions I receive when the parents and students are taking the tour might be, “How safe is your campus?” Over the course of many years, Grace...
Staying Connected with Your College Student
The transition to college can be an emotional shift for parents and students alike. While students are on a journey toward independence, parents often feel left behind, unsure of how to maintain the same level of closeness as before. Staying connected with your...
Mailing
Mailboxes are provided for each On-Campus student in the foyer to the Student Commons. Mail box numbers and combinations can be found at the Business Office.
Outgoing mail can be deposited in the outgoing mail bin in the business office.
All mail being sent to students should be addressed as follows:
(Student Name)
Grace Christian University
1011 Aldon St. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49509
Health & Medical
You’re students’ health is important to us! We have a great wealth of health options to chose from within the Wyoming and surrounding areas.
- Oak Street Health Primary Care Clinic (1000 28th Street, Wyoming, MI 49509)
- UM Health-West Hospital (5900 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509)
- Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospital – Butterworth (100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
What's your next step?
Get Involved
If you want more information on how to get involved, click the button below to email the Dean of Students, Jim Gamble.