Written Communications
Identification for Ferris State University
Ferris State University is the preferred use of the University's name and should be
completely spelled out on first reference. Preferred subsequent references are "Ferris
State," "Ferris" or "the University."
Ferris State University-Grand Rapids Name
The first reference should read "Ferris State University-Grand Rapids." Subsequent
references may be shortened to "Ferris-Grand Rapids."
Kendall College of Art and Design
The first reference should read "Ferris State University's Kendall College of Art
and Design." Subsequent references are Kendall, KCAD or Kendall College of Art and
Design. It should never be referred to as Kendall College.
Style Guide
To ensure consistency in style in Ferris State University communications, a style
guide is available here.
Mission Statement
The following Ferris State University mission statement can be used on any University
publication. It should usually appear on the bottom of the last page or back cover
of the publication but may appear elsewhere if more appropriate.
Ferris State University prepares students for successful careers, responsible citizenship
and lifelong learning. Through its many partnerships and its career-oriented, broad-based
education, Ferris serves our rapidly changing global economy and society.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The statement below, centered on one line, should appear on all classified employment
advertising. It is not required on display (marketing) advertising.
Ferris State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
Key Marketing Messages
As the competition for students, and state and private support continues to grow,
it is important that we present clear and consistent messages about the strengths
of Ferris State University. While Ferris has many attributes, the top 10 messages
we suggest you emphasize in your communications are:
- Ferris State University is a learning community dedicated to the vision of its founders
to provide educational opportunity for Michigan's citizens to reach their full potential,
regardless of age, race or economic status.
- Ferris State University offers a challenging and rigorous curriculum that provides
a unique blend of technical and professional programs, with the foundation for these
programs rooted in traditional academic areas. Programs include several that are unique
in Michigan and the United States.
- Ferris State University is recognized for excellence of education by maintaining current,
relevant coursework which produces graduates with the hands-on skills that allow them
to be productive employees from the first day of employment. Ferris also provides
real-world relevancy to its coursework by requiring program-related internships in
more than 90 percent of its degree programs.
- Ferris State University focuses on teaching with more than 85 percent of all instruction
performed by full-time, tenure track faculty. No graduate assistants are used for
instruction.
- Ferris State University is a statewide leader in laddered 2+2 programs where students
first earn an associate and then a bachelor's degree.
- Ferris State University provides students of all ages access to educational opportunity
through a traditional, residential college experience on its main campus in Big Rapids
or through statewide locations, online learning and partnerships with community colleges
and career technical centers.
- Ferris State University is dedicated to providing an affordable education for all
students by engaging its network of alumni, donors, foundations, and federal and state
resources.
- Ferris State University provides an education that serves as the basis for lifelong
learning by providing the skills needed to lead a productive and enriching life in
an ever-changing world.
- Ferris State University has students sought out by business and industry before they
graduate, with some disciplines having a 100 percent placement rate of those graduates
who responded to a graduate follow-up survey.
- A Ferris State University education does not end when a degree is awarded. It challenges
students, alumni, faculty and other stakeholders to Imagine More.
