Each child must be accompanied by an adult at all times. One adult can bring two children provided that all three attend all the same classes and stay together as a group. In some sessions, this means sharing equipment and working together as one unit.
While this program is designed for grandparents and grandchildren, we recognize that situations may arise where a grandparent is unable to attend and a child’s parent or relative may accompany them to the program. The child’s parent or legal guardian is required to sign permission forms prior to the event.
We recommend that children be between eight and twelve years old.
No. Grandparents University is open to any family on a first-come, first-served basis.
After you have registered, you will be required to provide the following:
- Adults: Adult Participant Consent and Expectation Form
- Children: Child Participant Consent and Expectation Form and the Medical Treatment Authorization Form
Be sure to submit the forms either electronically or via postal mail before the due date to guarantee your participation.
There are several buses specifically for the program that drive a set route around campus and stop at predetermined locations. While these buses may not offer door-to-door service, they reduce the amount of walking. A campus map with bus routes is provided in your GPU Program Guide each year.
Yes, and be sure to bring your bike locks and helmets. The MSU Bikes Service Center has adult and some youth bikes available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. For information about bike rentals, contact the Bikes Service Center via email or by calling (517) 432-3400.
Complimentary parking is available in Lot 91 (one block south of Holmes Hall on Hagadorn Road) and Lot 89 (corner of Farm Lane and Mt. Hope). Please note, parking on campus can be challenging and you should plan on parking your car for the entire length of the program.
The physical and emotional safety and well-being of participants at Grandparents University are high priorities for the Grandparents University Committee, and Michigan State University. Please view the Grandparents University Program Handbook for a complete listing of event rules, code of conduct, emergency procedures, and more.
Yes. The Grandparents University conduct and safety policies and procedures meet or exceed the MSU requirements regarding all programs involving minors.
If you have a valid state-issued handicap parking permit, you will still need to obtain a parking pass in order to park on campus. A limited number of spaces are available near your residence hall. Please indicate your special needs on the registration form when signing up.
Holmes Hall has a limited number of rooms for guests with special accessibility needs and is barrier free for wheelchair users. Please be sure to indicate any special requests on your registration. Several minivans will be used to assist with getting participants with accessibility issues to and from their classes. Please be sure to note your mobility issues when asked about any special needs during registration. Any special accommodation requests must be made in writing by April 17, 2020.
Registering early is key; please be aware of registration dates and times. Some of the classes are limited in size due to availability of equipment or venue size. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. No guarantees can be made for any class.
You will sign up for specific classes during registration. Once all the class assignments are made, every participant will receive their personal schedule with details on the specific classes and times.
If you find a class is full before you have the chance to register, you can use this opportunity to build excitement about learning something new and unexpected with your grandchild, or even revisiting an old favorite. Unfortunately, some classes are limited in size and our faculty and instructor volunteers are often limited in the number of classes they can teach. The Grandparents University program is all about the inter-generational experience of going to college, living in a residence hall, going to class, eating in the dining hall, exploring campus, and building quality family memories. Many participants find that while the classes are a major part of the program, the entire experience is what they find enjoyable.
The Grandparents University program makes every effort to contact and encourage participation with faculty from each college at the University. While we greatly value our partnerships with many campus units, participation is voluntary, and is often balanced between other commitments such as research, teaching, and other summer plans.
Grandparents University is only offered one time during the summer. The 2020 program will be held June 30-July 2.
Specific details will be sent to all participants several weeks before the event. You will receive instructions and times for move-in, a list of what to bring, and other important information. Until then, see the schedule for estimated times and activities.
No. The registration rate is all-inclusive. The program is designed to have participants engaged in the full campus experience which includes staying in a residence hall, eating meals in the dining room, and attending various classes. You are welcome to stay in a local hotel, however, you will still need to pay the full registration fee.
The halls were selected based on several important requirements, including availability, accessibility and semi-private bathrooms (two rooms sharing one bathroom).
No. MSU does not allow air conditioners due to electrical and safety concerns. However, guests are welcome to bring a fan and extension cord. Previous participants have helped compile a list of suggested packing items to best help you prepare for your campus visit.
No. However, the residence halls do have vending machines. If you have medicine or other health-related items that need to be refrigerated, please indicate this in the special needs section during registration, or notify us prior to arriving on campus. Special arrangements can easily be made if we receive advance notice.
MSU Culinary Services operates the dining halls and is experienced with accommodating food allergies. If you have food allergies or intolerances, or are required to follow a special diet, the dining staff can provide resources and information to help you make safe choices while still having a great dining experience. Our Culinary Services team identifies the eight major allergens on our menu items: milk, eggs, soy, nuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and wheat. They also indicate items including alcohol, beef, and pork.
If individuals need to cancel, a request for a full refund must be made in writing no later than 5:00 pm on April 17, 2020, and will result in a $50 fee. We are unable to issue any refunds after this date since we have already incurred the majority of the expenses for Grandparents University. As a self-funded program, we cannot use public university dollars, and therefore late refunds are not possible. Please consider this carefully when registering.
Many of the costs associated with the program are incurred prior to the event.
Substitutions are allowed only if the substitute completes all the necessary forms and returns them to us signed at least 30 days prior to the program. Substitutes must be in the same age group (adult or child) of the person they are replacing.
Yes. A limited number of scholarships are available; please see the scholarship application for details.
The program is self-funded so that it does not take away any necessary support from the colleges and units involved in the program. Rates are set based on the actual costs incurred, including food, lodging, busing, promotion, and many other ancillary expenses.
Your registration fee includes two nights lodging, seven meals in a campus dining hall, four Grandparents University classes, admission to evening activities, an event t-shirt, special buses around campus, and other program items. You may wish to bring money for vending machines, Sparty’s Convenience Store (the dining hall has limited hours), and souvenirs.