Community Development Model

Community building is the foundation of the programming philosophy at Ferris State University.  Through the concept of Community Builders, our student staff members connect with residents by dining together, attending campus events, programs, and informal one-on-one conversations.  Our staffs focus on building connections, listening to concerns, assisting with conflict management, and being available to their residents as much as possible.  The fundamental nature of our approach is to make residents feel they belong to a community and are in a place they can call “home.”

The Office of Housing and Residence Life at Ferris State University is deeply committed to the development of our students living on our campus.  Research shows that activities like dining with other residents, spontaneous conversations in the hallway, playing on intramural teams, and watching movies together are valued by our residents.  These activities, amongst many others are vital when building a sense of community.

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Programming:

In addition to the community created in the residence halls, further education through formalized programs enhances the resident’s experience.  Topics such as alcohol awareness and education, health and wellness resources, study skills and stress management are important to the success of each resident.  Student staff members are trained to address these topics in our model, providing seamless education outside of the classroom.

As a result, we have developed the FSU SUCCESS programming model.  The model was designed to support the many transitions college students encounter during the year.  The acronym FSU SUCCESS was created to establish monthly themes.  They are:

F-(Late August) is for First Impressions.  Students will have an opportunity to get to know one another, get to know their campus, and most importantly, their residence hall community.  Most of our students are away from home for the first time and developing a sense of belonging.  Programs in this month can contribute to a successful transition to FSU.

S- (September) is for Student Services.  During this time, our staffs work diligently to connect our residents to resources, services and other opportunities through campus departments and programs.  This is a prime opportunity for residents to get involved with on-campus organizations, referred to as RSO’s (Registered Student Organizations). 

U- (October) is for Understanding Academic Needs.  Recognizing that midterm study preparation occurs in the month of October, students may experience stress and possibly academic roadblocks for the first time.  Student staff members program to help residents not only realize their campus resources, but also cope with the levels of stress they could be experiencing at this time.

S- (November) is for Self Awareness- As residents establish themselves on campus, programming in this month addresses self awareness and areas of personal growth and development.  We also address stressful situations such as suicide, sexual assault, harassment and general health and wellness.

U- (December) is for Unity in Community- During this month, we provide the opportunity to explore learning how to celebrate all people.  We strive to educate residents to enhance their global awareness and understanding.  We provide faith and culturally based traditions, programs and activities to provide opportunities to celebrate all holidays and cultures.

C- (January) is for Creating Opportunities- During this month, we expect our staff to rebuild connections they made first semester with each resident and reestablish the importance of community.  The mid-winter blues and cabin fever seem to affect residents the most.  We encourage each resident to explore everything our halls and other campus programs have to offer.

C- (February) is for Cultural Diversity- In this month; we celebrate all types of diversity.  Campus programs, such as ones celebrating Black History Month are important for collaboration and campus wide inclusivity.  We celebrate all diversity, whether it is dealing with a resident’s identity development, personal development or other adjustments to their life as a college student.

E- (March) is for Emotionally Energize- During this month, residents have 75% of their academic year complete, we encourage each resident to explore opportunities for the Summer and following Fall.  Internships, employment opportunities and study abroad opportunities are great opportunities to consider.  Our staff members encourage health and wellness programs, stress management and the opportunity to feel energized for the rest of the semester.

S- (April) is for Service to Others- During the Spring semester at Ferris State, multiple opportunities occur where students have a chance to give back to their community.  Keeping the core value of global awareness in mind, our students explore opportunities such as community service projects, like the Big Event and Sibs and Kids Weekend.

S- (May) is for Send Off/Saying Goodbye- In this month; we encourage each resident to bring closure to the end of the year.  To reflect on the past year, end of the year scrapbooks, photo walls, and other ways of saying goodbye to friends and acquaintances are great ways to provide closure to the end of the year.  Staff members are encouraged to provide social gatherings and have end of the year celebrations to show their appreciation for a great year.

Every staff member is responsible for one Socially Educational Program per monthly programming area fitting into the FSU SUCCESS model.  In addition to these programs, student staff may be asked to facilitate additional programs.  For example, if a unique need exists within a community, or staff members and residents identify specific areas of interest, more programs are always available!