Ferris State University will be returning to campus next week. The two major move-in
days are expected to be Thursday, Aug. 22 and Friday, Aug. 23.Thousands of Ferris State University students will return to campus ahead of the start of the Fall 2019 semester, which begins on Monday, Aug. 26. Directors of various university departments and operations indicated that there have been significant efforts made to upgrade facilities to arrange a successful transition into the 2019-20 academic year.
Bryan Marquardt, the director of Housing and Residence Life, said that residence halls have seen some advances, following structural improvements to Clark Hall, in 2018, that sought to continue the campus experience for North Hall residents.
“Clark now has new furnishings and fresh paint in many areas, along with investments in other halls on the southern and western sections of campus,” Marquardt said. “The lobby areas for Brophy and McNerney halls were updated and Bond Hall has been painted and welcomes new furnishing in common areas.”
Marquardt said his staff has worked with supervisors in Auxiliary Services to adjust routines during move-in days on Thursday, Aug. 22 and Friday, Aug. 23, to create a positive and successful use of resources. By staggering the schedule, Housing and Residence Life expects to reduce campus congestion.
“The students moving into campus apartments will be able to access their residences Aug. 22,” Marquardt said. “By having them receive their keys and make their initial registration at the Ewigleben Sports Complex, we can help support an organized and effective move from parking areas to the residence halls for our students.”
Ferris Department of Public Safety Director Bruce Borkovich said his officers also enter the academic year with a focus on supporting a smooth transition.
“Prior to the start of classes, and in the first days of the fall semester, we are proactively assisting move-in and work to manage parking on campus,” Borkovich said. “We issue warnings rather than write citations and advise our contacts on how they can get appropriate permits. This is an important time for our officers to be visible and cooperative with everyone they contact because we want things to begin well throughout the campus.”
University Center Director Mark Schuelke said UC building is fully staffed and booked solid during more than two weeks of Bulldog Beginnings activities, a collaborative effort to engage and entertain students as they return to the main campus.
“Our efforts also include offering assistance during Greeks on the Quad Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, Aug. 25,” Schuelke said. “Another highlight event in our building prior to the start of classes is UC Late Night, from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. We will have new virtual reality entertainment and a number of novelties and giveaways. School Supply Bingo was a great success last year, so we augmented our supply of prizes to meet the demand.”
The university is celebrating its 135th anniversary as the academic year begins.