Ferris State University's Housing and Residence Life staff will begin move-in days
on Wednesday, Aug. 25. With 3,000 Ferris State University students counting the days before arriving in Big Rapids to take their places in campus residence halls, suites and apartments, Housing and Residence Life team is busy. Staff members are preparing their buildings and program schedules while striving to ensure the facilities are safe for those returning crowds.
Coordinator of Residence Life Brett Strohkirch said, “Ferris students living on campus will check-in at the Ewigleben Sports Complex as their first stop on campus. All on-campus residents will be required to take a COVID-19 test upon their arrival and then receive their keys to their room.”
“The Re-entry Committee determined on Wednesday, Aug. 11, that masks need to be worn in all university buildings, which includes the common areas of a residence hall,” Strohkirch added. “Those students who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 will be able to receive the vaccine during check-in if they choose.”
The university encourages people to be vaccinated, but vaccination is not a requirement.
Resident advisors for the Ferris State University Residence Life program hear from
Custodial Supervisor Kevin Jackson as preparations continue for move-in days, which
begin Wednesday, Aug. 25. The hall directors and resident advisors have building-level
activities planned for students and are collaborating with the Center for Leadership,
Activities and Career Services on Bulldog Beginnings events, which will run through
Saturday, Sept. 11.Strohkirch said those students returning to the Residence Life system should find a mix of veteran and newly appointed hall directors and resident advisors ready to assist in their building.
“We are proud to present a number of fresh and friendly professionals, ready to serve in each of our buildings for the 2021-22 academic year,” Strohkirch said. “When move-in days are underway, students should be looking out for staff in red t-shirts, in and around their building. They will be happy to help you with any questions or concerns as you complete your move-in.”
The Housing and Residence Life operation also welcomes contact with Strohkirch, as several student employment opportunities in housing still are available.
Housing and Residence Life representatives and Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services staff are among those who have organized Bulldog Beginnings, a 17-day schedule of events running from the first Move-In Day to Saturday, Sept. 11.
“Students from Residence Life facilities and those living off-campus will be welcome at a variety of large-scale activities during move-in week,” Strohkirch said. “Other community-based events will also be starting the first week of classes that align with our Residence Life growth model to engage our students. In addition, we wanted to follow through on data findings by offering events that encourage student engagement and bonding with their peers on campus.”
Move-in days will run from Wednesday, Aug. 25 through Sunday, Aug. 29, with Monday, Aug. 30 as the first day of Fall 2021 semester classes.