It is “get ready time” for Ferris State University students with the 2023-2024 academic year beginning on Monday, Aug. 28. 

Vice President for Student Affairs Jeanine Ward-Roof said her best advice for students is to get engaged on campus, try new things and ask for help when needed.

“One area we want to emphasize as students prepare for the Fall 2023 semester is to discover and understand our You@Ferris portal that is available to them,” Ward-Roof said. “The Personal Counseling Center, Birkam Health Center and University Recreation have collaborated to present this portal to help students consider their health in all possible aspects and assist their focus on learning.” 

Ward-Roof added the Birkam Health Center is a ready resource for primary care services and acute care for all Ferris students and their dependents. She further noted that the Healthy Dog Student Patient Portal is available to gain an appointment convenient to their class schedule. 

Lina Blair, Ferris’ new dean of Student Life, said they will be sure to greet students at the start-of-year organizational events for the Office of Multicultural Student Services, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and the Center for Latin@ Studies, along with other programs. 

“It is important to continue the traditions of our welcome events so students can find a place where they belong, and it can be as simple as meeting someone new, or attending Rec Fest Monday, Aug. 28,” Blair said. “That is a great way to learn about a club or other activity they would enjoy.” 

Blair is thankful for committees supporting the Bulldog Beginnings schedule and other activities offered throughout the year, whether they come from Entertainment Unlimited, the Residence Hall Association or another campus sponsor. 

“Our Career and Professional Success program has First-Year Peer Engagement Coaches, who are ready to connect with new students, giving them a sense of place,” Blair said. “We want students at any point in their academic journey to understand they are welcome, wanted and important to our campus community.” 

Facilities modernized during the summer include The Rock Café, where a new allergen-free serving station is in place as part of its first significant upgrade since opening in 2009. Housing and Residence Life Director Lisa Ortiz said Miller Hall renovations were part of a $3.6 million appropriation by Ferris’ board of trustees, done this summer in concert The Rock Café upgrades. 

“Common spaces that students enjoy in North Hall and other facilities are now available in Miller Hall, such as a group kitchen and dining area, study rooms and open spaces,” Ortiz said. “They will also serve as a place for our students to simply hang out with other residents.” 

Karen Simmon is a project manager with Facilities Management in Ferris’ Administration and Finance organization. Simmon said planning for this summer’s facility improvements began in August 2022. 

“The lounge in Miller’s lower level and the first-floor lounge are those areas being retrofitted for new amenities,” Simmon said. “This work was designed to support our student residents’ health, safety and enjoyment.” 

Ward-Roof said the Merrill/Travis lounge is freshly painted. She added that a movie theatre and mini-golf course have gone into the basement of Ward Hall and hammock parks are now in place across campus. 

A first-week highlight for the entire Ferris community is Founders’ Day, offered to commemorate the lives and efforts of Woodbridge N. Ferris and Helen Gillespie Ferris on Thursday, Aug. 31.  

This year’s Founders’ Day includes the ribbon cutting for the $32 million Center for Virtual Learning, an exciting new hub for the Ferris State’s learning metaverse. Students and guests can enjoy activities such as a zip line on the north edge of the Robinson Quad, musical performers on a nearby stage and an ice cream social that afternoon.