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Chalk the Walk Activity Aug. 24 Seeks to Foster Inclusion, Welcome Students and Family to Campus

PhotoThe fifth annual “Chalk the Walk for Inclusion” at Ferris State University will take place Tuesday, Aug. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Faculty, students and staff are welcome to join in this open-ended opportunity to greet new and returning students with messages of encouragement and welcome.

As students and their families arrive at Ferris State University, thoughtful and subtle messages of welcome and assurance will be in place, following the fifth annual “Chalk the Walk for Inclusion,” set for Tuesday, Aug. 24.
Event organizer Maggie Walcott said all campus and community members are welcome to drop by as they are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day, with the focus of this activity being some well-intended fun.

“I will be stationed near the Woodbridge Ferris statue in the Dewaine V. and Jana B. Robinson Quad, with supplies of chalk and starter quotes, if a faculty member, student or staffer may want them,” Walcott said. “We are genuinely happy to have help in placing these messages for students and their parents as they arrive on campus.”

Walcott stressed that chalking walkways near residence halls, academic buildings and other campus locations is an open-ended opportunity. The worthwhile result is the promotion of goodwill throughout all areas of the university.

“Whether participants only have time to chalk a single message or stick around to share 10, the result will be a brighter and more welcoming campus,” said Walcott, who also urges participants to snap photos of their finished work. “Those who share their chalk work on social media are extending the message of inclusion and welcome beyond Ferris’ footprint.”

Early weather forecasts for Aug. 24 call for sunny, somewhat sticky conditions and a high around 80 degrees. Walcott urges anyone interested to come by with as much preparation as seems appropriate.

“We have been lucky with weather in the past five years, but we are certainly holding for dry conditions this year,” Walcott said. “We have found that bringing something to kneel on, a bottle of water, and some sunscreen are the best ways to stay comfortable during this event.”