FOR A
STRONGER
YOU
We’re partnering with Grand Valley State University to provide faculty, staff, and enrolled students with a free Y membership. To join, visit a branch of The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids with your valid GVSU student, faculty or staff ID.
More about our GVSU partnership
General Membership
August 1, 2024.
The YMCA will provide membership free of charge to all faculty, staff, and students both full-time and part-time. To enroll as a YMCA member, you must visit a YMCA branch with your valid Grand Valley State University student, staff or faculty ID.
Once you have gone in person to sign up at the front desk your membership will be active and ready to use. All GVSU memberships are subject to verification checks between the YMCA and the GVSU to ensure active status.
For all YMCA membership-related questions you can call 616.855.9622 or email membership@grymca.org.
GVSU students without parking passes are unable to use the GVSU Seward Lot for classes or while using the David D. Hunting YMCA. Parking for the David D. Hunting YMCA is not included in a GVSU membership*. DASH Lot parking and street parking is available. Please visit GVSU Transportation Services to view bus schedules.
* Free parking is available at all other YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids locations.
The partnership between GVSU and YMCA allows for ONE free membership per faculty, staff, and student. Access to all YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids locations and benefits are included in a GVSU membership.
Additional upgrades to your member account are available at a cost. Please contact 616.855.9622 or email membership@grymca.org if you have additional questions.
Membership renews monthly. If a member wants to cancel their membership they must visit a branch, call 616.855.9622, or email membership@grymca.org.
If you are a current YMCA member you must go to a YMCA branch in person with your valid GVSU ID to be enrolled in the free membership.
Yes. Faculty, staff, and students are eligible to do “add-ons”, but cost varies by membership type. Visit a branch, call 616.855.9622, or email membership@grymca.org to get further assistance with adding additional members to your account.
You do not need to download the YMCA app; however, it is to your benefit to stay informed on YMCA updates and access your virtual membership card.
Yes, you can bring a guest. Please check out our guest pass page on policy and cost. Guest Passes – YMCA Guest Passes (grymca.org)
Additional Information
Yes, it is considered a taxable benefit and will be taxed as income.
For enrolled employees, you will see this benefit included in your W-2 totals. This applies to all eligible employees, including student employees.
For enrolled students (not including student employees), you may receive a 1099 form for this benefit if your taxable payments from the university for the tax year total more than $600. Please note that you may still receive a 1098-T related to your Financial Aid—a 1099 is a separate tax form.
For enrolled international students, more information is to come.
Note: Grand Valley State University and the YMCA are not able to answer your specific tax questions. We recommend you work with your tax advisor for any questions you may have.
No, you will be taxed at the faculty/staff rate. We will be monitoring for faculty/staff reporting themselves as a student.
Yes, if you are actively enrolled for a YMCA membership through GVSU, you will be taxed. It is your responsibility to cancel your membership through the YMCA if you are no longer using your membership.
If your faculty, student or staff status changes the YMCA and GVSU will be auditing to verify your GVSU status and update membership accordingly.
No, your Fall and Winter registration status will be the primary semesters of record.
Membership Amenities
High End Fitness Centers
Fitness Centers with options including cardiovascular machines, free weights, squat racks, turf area, resistance & body weight training equipment, and more.
Special Member Rates
Special member rates provide savings on Y programs, overnight camp at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin, clinics, and other services.
Complimentary Coaching Connection
A Coaching Connection is available to you and all of your family members. A YMCA wellness coach will show you around, answer your questions, and set you up for success.
Access to All Locations
Access to all six convenient locations throughout West Michigan, with more coming soon.
App Features
Download our YMCA app to view group fitness schedules, special branch announcements, notifications about closures and new programs.
Wellness Options
We offer personal training, registered dietitian and massage therapy sessions for an additional fee where you can speak one-on-one with one of our wellness professionals.
FREE Group Fitness Classes
FREE group fitness classes to enhance your progress, including LES MILLS™, WERQ and water fitness classes.
Nationwide Membership
Access to Y locations across the country through our Nationwide Membership partnership.
Drop-In Care
FREE KidZone drop-in care (up to two hours) for members while you workout.
