Bulldog Beginnings - Ferris State University

Ferris State University is gearing up for the return of students to campus with Bulldog Beginnings, a series of important dates, educational events and fun activities to start the Fall 2017 semester.

Bulldog Beginnings features numerous options for students to meet fellow students, enjoy free food, opportunities to win prizes, live music and more.

The week also focuses on Ferris pride, Bulldog Values, the University's Mission/Core Values, the many campus resources available to students and more. Mostly, the week focuses on fun.

Check below for key early Fall 2017 dates related to Bulldog Beginnings, such as Founders' Day, and the academic start of the semester.

Date	Event
Friday, Aug. 25	First Impressions 7:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Various main campus locations Bulldog in Action 8 A.M. Sponsored by the Office of Housing and Residence Life, Bulldogs in Action is a group of current and returning students who help new students move into campus residence halls on Friday, Aug. 28. Volunteers assist new students, and the families of new students, in carrying belongings from vehicles to the new student’s residence hall room. Volunteers also answer Ferris-related questions of students and families. Bulldog Welcome 7:30 P.M. to 9 P.M. Top Taggart Field Event includes an official address to Ferris State University students welcoming them back to campus to kick off the 2017-18 academic year. Ferris dignitaries will be on hand to talk about what it means to be a Bulldog. Attendees should use #ImABulldog in social media. Residence Hall Association Move in the Quad (Movie TBD) 9 P.M. Location TBD Bringing a tarp or towel is recommended. Also, depending on the weather, it may be wise to bring a sweater or a light jacket. Academic Tours Details to be determined
Saturday, Aug. 26	Big Rapids Beginnings 3 to 6 P.M. Downtown Big Rapids Join a fun time in downtown Big Rapids. Big Rapids Beginnings is an opportunity for Ferris students to explore the many venues of the city's downtown area. Shuttle transportation will be provided to local businesses in the downtown area. Meijer Mania 7 to 10 P.M. Big Rapids Meijer This event is hosted by the Big Rapids Meijer store and includes bargains, giveaways and more. UC Late Night 9 P.M. to 12 A.M. University Center The University Center will host various events throughout the building. The event includes entertainment, music, prizes and more.
Sunday, Aug. 27	VIP in the UC TBD University Center The University Center will host multiple events throughout the day as students prepare for their first day of classes, beginning Monday, Aug. 28. Academic Tours Details to be determined Residence Hall Programming Beginning at 7 P.M. All main campus residence halls
Monday, Aug. 28	First Impressions 8 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Throughout main campus Stations will be set up across to help students with a variety of needs, such as finding academic buildings to make it to classes on time, to find the campus bookstore, the Academic Support Center, dining facilities and more. Rec Fest Time TBD The Student Recreation Center will be hosting its open house event. Come to the Rec Center to enjoy giveaways, generally have fun and to see what the facility and staff have to offer, including information about intramural sports offerings.
Monday, Aug. 28	DON'T FORGET: First Day of Fall 2017 Semester Classes Best wishes, Bulldogs
Tuesday, Aug. 29	Silent Disco 9 p.m. to TBD Location: TBD Students will wear wireless headphones with the ability to switch through the variety of music that will be played by disc jockeys. Participants are able to choose their own music to dance and sing to during the event. Grilled Cheese in the IRC Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: IRC
Wednesday, Aug. 30	Get Acquainted Day 5 to 7 P.M. Location and details: TBD Entertainment Unlimited Comedian Event featuring Eric O'Shea) 8 P.M. Location: TBD
Thursday, Aug. 31	Founders' Day Celebration, including Ice Cream Social 4 to 6:30 P.M. Outdoors on the North Quad (inside the University Center, in case of rain) Founders’ Day is an annual event for students, faculty, staff and community members to come together to celebrate founders Woodbridge and Helen Gillespie Ferris, and their contributions to what is today known as Ferris State University. Founders’ Day activities are free and open to students, faculty, staff and community members. Founders’ Day is part of Bulldog Beginnings.
Friday, Sept. 1	Disc Golf @ FLITE (Ferris Library for Information Technology and Education) 1 to 3 P.M. FLITE Come see the FLITE library building turned into a competitive field.
Saturday, Sept. 2	Details TBD
Sunday, Sept. 3	Details TBD
Monday, Sept. 4	Labor Day (NO CLASSES, OFFICES CLOSED)
Tuesday, Sept. 5	Academic Support Center Open House 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Academic Support Center
Wednesday, Sept. 6	Bulldog Bonanza Location: TBD Time: 4 to 7 P.M. Bulldog Bonanza is an opportunity to learn about campus student organizations as well as local Big Rapids businesses.
Thursday, Sept. 7	Pizza Party at Center for Latin@ Studies Location: TBD 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.
Friday, Sept. 8	Details TBD
Saturday, Sept. 9	B1G Alleyway Clean Up Location/Details: TBD 11 A.M. to 2 P.M.

Founders Day

Anyone with a disability that needs special accommodations to attend this event should contact the Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services at (231) 591-2685 or clacs@ferris.edu at least 72 hours in advance.