Graphic By Scott Carmichael, Graphic Designer / Web Editor

The approved tuition increase averages 6.7 percent. The room and board increase averages 5.9 percent for the 2007-08 academic year.

Tuition for continuing full-time resident undergraduates enrolled in at least 14-15 credits will be around $3,840. New undergraduate students will now be paying per credit at $282. Their tuition averages $4,230 per semester based on 14-15 credits. As for resident graduate students who paid $355 last year; they will now pay $379 per credit hour this year.

The room and board residency hall rates for students the increase will be just over $400 for a standard 19 meal plan and room. To further your cost referencing visit, ferris.edu and click on ‘calculate your tuition.’

One of the more noticeable efforts to lower tuition cost was a contingency fee of $8.

According to Rick Duffett, vice president of administration and finance, the fee is for fall semester but if the state refund is made, it’s anticipated that it will be gone for spring semester.

The contingency fee is involved to help hold down fall/spring tuition. “It’s been a really difficult year for planning, because the money hasn’t been received from the state. The longer there is uncertainty as the semester continues; it will be harder to eliminate the fee for spring semester,” Marc Sheehan, communications officer said.

The tuition increase is in response to the with-held money promised during the state budget planning meeting on Oct. 1, 2006. For higher education, the state’s budget was $1.46 billion. Out of that money, Ferris was allocated $50,045,100.

According to Director Sally DePew, budgetary planning and analysis, the money is received in 11 payments. Ferris has only received approximately $44 million of that money, and the last payment in August has been deferred.

“Ferris State University faces a decrease from last year’s state approved budget that could be as large as $6 million. This reflects the combined impact of state reductions to balance the 2006-07 budget, the deferment of our August appropriation payment and a decrease in funding to support MPSERS (Michigan Public Schools Employee Retirement System) retiree pensions and health benefits,” President Eisler said.

As referred to by Eisler the MPSERS is a fund that fluctuates and is a state mandated cost that Ferris has no control over.

“No one likes to see tuition larger. It’s our intention to keep it lower,” Duffett said.

According to Duffett, Ferris determines tuition with a number factors; it is based on utilities, salaries, and benefits including the MPSERS. The board must also consider any major projects occurring that could cause impact. All of those factors play a large part in what is determined for students to pay.

Duffett also mentions two ways that Ferris tries to cut tuition cost. For one, they pool their benefits with other universities; and secondly, they pool liability in property insurance with other universities.

According to DePew, Ferris combines their needs with other universities to have more purchasing power.

“It’s really a concern that we moved from a state-supportive institution to a state-assisted institution. A major portion from the state is now coming in the form of tuition from students. There was once a great deal of support from the state. It’s reverse at this time,” Duffett said.

According to DePew, the numbers are taking effect. The costs of Ferris’ operations in 1989-1990 were split between students paying 38.4 percent and the state paying 59.6 percent. That number is significantly lower then half now. In 2006-2007 students now pay 66.7 percent while the state pays 39.9 percent of tuition.

Although tuition has gone up, Ferris State’s student aid money also went up by 21 percent to help students cover the cost of the new tuition.

“The President and Board of Trustees should be commended on approving the third lowest tuition increase in the state. When you consider the increases at other state-funded universities such as Central Michigan, 21 percent, Oakland, 13.9 percent, Saginaw Valley, 12.9 percent, and Wayne State 12.8 percent, data from Detroit Free Press, Ferris’ own 6.7 percent seems downright generous,” Joe Viviano, president of student government said.

Although Ferris is facing difficulties with the budget planning, it is retaining students in record numbers. Enrollment for the summer semester was around 5,500 students.

“I support strongly this reasoned and judicious approach. In my four years as president we have experienced more than $7 million in budget reduction from the state,” Eisler said in his president memorandum on July 20. “The real challenge for higher education is the decline in state supportiveness. We will continue to provide for you the quality education you need in the time of reduced support,” Eisler said.

Graphic By Scott Carmichael, Graphic Designer / Web Editor

National Guard Troops Shortly after getting off the bus, the troops walked in formation to await their final dismissal before being with their families. Photo By Jalena Strayer, News Editor

The unit nicknamed the “Hooligans” were stationed in Rustamiya. According to SGT. Joe Bretz, of the National Guard, there were a total of 156 troops that were in the unit. The troops ranged from Big Rapids to Detroit to Kalamazoo.

Upon returning home they were met in Grand Rapids with police escorts and families lined up all the way to the Wink arena waiting. Inside the men were escorted in by the Patriot Guard (Bikers).

The troops arrived at around 4 p.m. with their families awaiting with much anticipation. The families rose up to applaud the troops as they marched in.

The troops stood in format while they were first led with a prayer to start the ceremony.

The Commander in Chief, Thomas G. Cutler, was there as a guest to show support while Capt. Wagh, of the National Guard, spoke to the troops. “This is the best unit I have ever been associated with,” Wagh said.

Capt. Wagh went on to speak about the troops awards and the dedication that each man had.

The particular unit was highly decorated. There were 98 combat infantryman badges awarded, 55 action badges and two medical badges.

Not only did the men receive the awards above but 20 of the troops received Bronze Stars and eight received the Purple Heart.

During the time the troops served there were four unit casualties and two interpreter casualties. The four men who died for their country were SPC Bradley Schilling, Nov. 2006, SPC Bobby Mejia II, Dec. 2006, Wilson Algrim, Dec. 2006, and SGT Chad Vollmer, Dec. 2006.

Not only was this unit unique for their bravery but they also had merits beyond any other company. The Hooligans killed more enemies than any other company in the battalion. They seized more weapon caches than any other company in the battalion, and they were recognized as the single most effective company in the brigade.

As the ceremony ended the troops were unified one last time with a “hoowah”, and were dismissed to greet their families.

As everyone fled down the stands, there were hugs, tears, and a sense of finally being with their loved ones.

The sponsors of the event that made it possible for the troops were FSU, Capt. Marty Bledsoe of DPS, the boy scouts, girl scouts, the Patriot Guard and many more.

Friendly Welcome For The National Guard As families anticipated the return of their loved ones, they made and brought signs to show their support. Photo By Jalena Strayer, News Editor

Nichole Wheelock, SPOT Office staff member, said that Welcome Week benefits the students and faculty in numerous ways. “I think it gives both groups an opportunity to get acclimated to what Ferris has to offer. It is put on by so many different office departments that it has faculty working together. It gives them a chance to highlight some of the groups (RSOs) and gives them an idea of what kind of groups are on campus and what kind of people they’ll meet.”

There’s no better way to kick off a welcome week than with some summertime fun. On Wednesday, Aug. 22, there will be a pool party and free ice cream held in the UREC from 8 - 11 p.m. Yes, FREE ice cream.

Next, on Thursday, the mystery unfolds during the Puzzle Pursuit, a scavenger hunt which is taking place across campus. Pairs of students will be challenged to decode the pieces that reveal the finish line, where the first pair will receive a $75 gift certificate to the campus bookstore. There will be seven other opportunities for students to win this prize throughout Welcome Week. Those participating in Puzzle Pursuit should meet on the Ferris seal in the quad at 4 p.m.

Also taking place on Thursday are the Minority Student orientations, from 7 – 9 p.m. in the business building, and the Transfer and Non-Traditional Student Resource fair, which will be from 6 – 7 p.m. in the Dome room. Following these helpful and informative events will be Meijer Madness. The madness begins at 10 p.m. and ends at midnight.

Friday brings new students together for Bulldog Values day, where first year Ferris students meet in Williams to learn about their transition to college. Later that night, the Quad will be lit with big screen presentation of “Shrek the Third”. The movie will begin at 9 p.m. and students, faculty, and the public are invited to bring blankets and enjoy the movie under the stars. If it rains, the location will be moved to the Williams auditorium.

Saturday will bring Rockin’ in the Rankin, an event at the Rankin Student Center, which will be filled with games and activities. This Welcome Week event begins at 8 p.m. and ends at midnight. According to Wheelock, Rockin’ in the Rankin is “a big party in Rankin center.” She said that it offers multiple things for students to do, “from things you can make, to obstacle courses and airbrush tattoos.”

Sunday provides an opportunity for Ferris students to learn about club sports. The Club Sports Expo will provide information about rugby, soccer, dance, and more. “It’s like an open house to see what club sports are available,” commented Wheelock. It takes place at the UREC from 12:30 – 3 p.m. Following the Club Sports Expo, the peer mentors are beginning their program. The Peer Mentor Kick Off will take place from 4 – 6 p.m. in the UREC and is part of the SCHOLAR program.

Classes begin Monday, but Welcome Week won’t be over. Monday evening from 7 – 8 p.m., Entertainment Unlimited (EU) is hosting Justin Kredible, the magician, in Williams Auditorium. With magic, jokes, music, and illusions, this show is a free event that is sure to please.

After a quick break from the festivities Tuesday, Welcome Week concludes with a speaker on Wednesday and Founder’s Day and a comedy show on Thursday. Wednesday’s speaker will be Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. David Pilgrim, and he will be discussing topics related to “Images of Separation.” Founder’s Day commences on Thursday from 4 – 7 p.m. in the quad and will have numerous games, music, novelties, and food. Finally, Welcome Week’s finale consists of a free comedy show at 7 p.m. called “Breaking the Ice,” featuring “Boogie” the comedian.

Wheelock said that some things have changed since last year’s Welcome Week. “The novelties that we bring to each event have changed, and we try to incorporate new groups that would make a good show that week. The comedy show is new, we’ve never had an event on the first day of classes, and the speakers are new,” she said. “We try to change things up, get some variety.” However, some events have become a tradition during Welcome Week. “We always show the big-screen movie, have Founder’s Day and Meijer Madness,” said Wheelock.

Out of all the activities planned, new and old, Wheelock’s personal favorite is the big screen movie. “No matter what they show, the atmosphere is really cool,” she said. “You look out and there are students, faculty, and families that come out, and the lawn is just covered. Plus, there’s popcorn!”

“The big thing right now is the Relay event itself, which will be Sept. 15 and 16 at the Crossroads Charter Academy Field at Mitchell Creek,” Ottobre said. “At the event, the FSU Team will have a balloon toss game and a putting green as well as hand massages,” she said. There will also be a silent auction featuring Ferris clothing and a used book sale to benefit the cause. “We try to get lots of students to help us set up everything and run it through the 24 hour event as well as walking the track,” Ottobre said.

In addition to the usual relay, Big Rapid’s Relay for Life is going to try some new things as well. They have created a FSU Community Cookbook over the winter, which will be sold for $10. In addition, a Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament is planned for Nov. 3rd and will be held in the Eagle Lodge in Big Rapids. The cost for the poker tournament is $40 per entry ticket prior to the event, and $50 at the door. “This and the cookbooks are new things for us and we are very excited about them,” Ottobre said. “We are also considering a bowling tournament and a co-ed softball tournament maybe in the spring for students.”

Ottobre became involved in this cause because cancer has dramatically affected her life, and the lives of loved ones around her. “I was made aware of this when my sister got breast cancer 13 years ago, and it was reinforced big time when my dad got sick with leukemia,” she said. “I continue to work for this cause because everyday I hear of another person suffering from it. Just August 1st I found out my 4 year old grandson, Ian, had a brain tumor. I keep at this project because I want to see an end to this disease.”

Ottobre is deeply grateful for how the Ferris community has worked to help the cause that she passionately feels is so important. Because Ferris approved the FSU United Team, the Relay for Life has been well supported. In addition, Ferris provides the tables and chairs used for the luncheon at the relay event. “Also, we couldn’t do this without all the wonderful student support we get,” Ottobre said.

Dump & Run A Success After all was said and done, over a few thousand items were packaged and sent out. Photo By Ben Kramer, Photo Editor

The results showed a great deal of support. The food included 1,805 items of food, 2,250 snack items, and 50 cases of Ramen noodles.

Over 3,000 items of clothing, shoes and miscellaneous items were received. The clothing included 1,790 pieces of women’s clothing, 875 pieces of Men’s clothing, 100 pieces of children’s clothing, 150 miscellaneous, and 100 pairs of shoes.

“I’ve always said that the Ferris students were the most generous people I have ever known and ‘Dump and Run’ just proved it,” Diane Griffin, MCC Americorps VISTA volunteer, said in volume 1, issue 2 of MCC’s newsletter.

There were nine different agencies or schools that volunteered to help, including Ferris. Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, United Church, Big Rapids High School students, Crossroads Charter High School Students, New Journey Clubhouse, Project Starburst, and Mecosta County Leadership Organization were counted among those providing assistance.

“People from each of these agencies volunteered time to sort clothing, shoes, food, and various other items that were donated,” stated the ‘Dump and Run’ result sheet.