You are our number one priority. You always have been. And this challenging moment has only sharpened our focus. We have been hard at work developing innovative resources, tools and support systems that will not only help you cope with this moment, but grow stronger, smarter, more resilient and thrive as a Bulldog.
We're here to help. Explore your resources below.
Good morning Bulldogs,
It is great to see residential students moving back to the Big Rapids campus for the Spring 2021 semester. Don’t forget to take advantage of the events and activities that the Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services has organized to welcome students for the spring semester. More information is available at Bulldog Connect and on the CLACS website.
To protect the health of our community, all students living on-campus are required to participate in free COVID testing and must sign-up for a testing...
Keeping our communities safe and open is the responsibility of each of us. We're in this together!
Spring 2021 classes will begin as scheduled on Monday, Jan. 11, at all Ferris State University locations. As a part of state orders, in-person classes will be delivered remotely from Monday, Jan. 11 until Tuesday, Jan. 19. Clinical placements will continue as planned. Additional information is available from the Dean’s Offices in Health Professions, Optometry and Pharmacy.
A mix of in-person, HyFlex and online classes will be offered for Spring 2021.
Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols have been heightened throughout campus in accordance with CDC guidelines to ensure all horizontal and vertical surfaces, along with critical touch points, will be addressed on a daily basis.
The Custodial department will be putting forth enhanced disinfection efforts that would include, but are not limited to:
To support these efforts, the custodial department has introduced electrostatic disinfecting application devices. The electrostatic applicator gives a negative charge to the disinfecting solution as it exits the nozzle, allowing an even coat of solution that sticks to a targeted surface with 360-degree coverage.
In our June 25 communication to campus we outlined a new antimicrobial product procured by Physical Plant called MicrobeCare. This solution creates a barrier that kills 99.99% of microbes, prevents mutation and minimizes the spread of viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and yeast on a wide variety of products. MicrobeCare is safe and has recorded proven results in highly sensitive healthcare environments. This five-minute video provides information on the product and its benefits.
This application of this product will begin on Monday, July 13 by Custodial staff beginning with academic spaces, followed by residential living areas, athletics and offices areas. It may take several weeks to complete the application across campus. The product will be applied using electrostatic applicators to all touch points within buildings to include but not limited to: door handles, light switches, hand rails, table tops, chairs, computer keyboards, restroom fixtures, etc. to combat possible exposure to COVID-19.
Physical Plant has evaluated the HVAC system capabilities for buildings across campus and has identified strategies to implement to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and create acceptable indoor air quality. These strategies include
These strategies are defined and proposed based on each existing building mechanical system and room situation, and these strategies will be applied for each building’s specific need identified. More details can be found in the documents below.
Executive Summary of Survey Results
To align with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and
state regulations, all students, faculty, staff and visitors will be required to wear
a face covering inside University buildings and in any situation where social distancing
is difficult. This directive will be updated regularly and is available for you to
review.
Students needing an accommodation should contact Educational Counseling and Disabilities Services.
Employees needing an accommodation should contact Human Resources.
Ferris State University is asking everyone to accept the responsibility of protecting
themselves and others.
What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
COVID-19 is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of pneumonia illness. It was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
Since then, cases have been identified in multiple other countries including the US.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people. This new virus is a public health concern because:
Coping with COVID-19 Anxiety
Students may contact the Personal Counseling Center via e-mail at [email protected] or telephone (231) 591-5968. Additionally, Listening Ear is a 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Hotline (989-772-2918) that provides immediate support, information and referrals for our students.
All members of the University community may use TAO, a secure, private online library of interactive and engaging programs to help overcome anxiety, depression and other common mental health concerns. If you are dealing with anxiety or fear issues, or know of someone who is, these resources are available for assistance.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include:
Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it's unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.
If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing and in the last 14 days you should:
What is the treatment?
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection. People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. (source: CDC)
Is there a vaccine?
Yes, a vaccine is now available. Visit the State of Michigan's Coronavirus website for more information on the vaccine.
Where are the cases of COVID-19?
On March 10, state officials announced the first two confirmed cases of coronavirus in Michigan. New cases continue to be identified in the United States, including Michigan. The CDC continues to indicate that the number of cases reported in the United States will increase, as testing capability is increased. Ferris is monitoring this information closely.
CDC site for cases in the US: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.
Michigan information from state health officials can be found at: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/.
What is Social Distancing?
Social distancing means:
How do I prevent the Coronavirus?
There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:
How do I self-isolate and self-monitor?
To self-isolate, you should:
The CDC offers the following additional guidance on how to self-isolate: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html
Faculty, staff and student-employees must complete the symptom checker each day when working, whether in person on campus or when working remotely. The electronic symptom checker can be completed securely online. All students are highly encouraged to complete the symptom checker.
The Ferris eLearning Department is maintaining a list of wifi hot spots around the state that may make it easier for you to stay connected and access your remote courses.
In addition, the Federal Communications Commission has an agreement which states that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot spots for increased accessibility to the internet. Visit the FCC's website for more information.
Yes, the FSU Student Food Pantry is open and ready to help you! Food pickup is available via scheduled appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 4-5 p.m. or by appointment. Stay updated by following the FSU Food Pantry on Facebook.
Other local food pantries include:
200 S. Stewart
Big Rapids MI
(231) 629-8140
120 S. State St.
Big Rapids MI
(231) 796-5342
Our Statewide locations are following the directives of both our main campus and their community college partners. Please contact the Director of Student Services, Jocelyn Goheen, at [email protected] for more information.
Reports of the impact of COVID-19 around the world can be troubling, especially for members of the community who are from or have friends and family in affected areas.
Resources and support are available at the Personal Counseling Center. Please call (231) 591-5968 to request an appointment with a licensed mental health provider.
The University opposes any actions that harass, discriminate, or otherwise create a hostile environment for students, faculty, and staff. Any member of the University community can make a report about an alleged bias related incident or hate crime by contacting the FSU Department of Public Safety or the FSU Office of Student Conduct.
Please note as we are testing students living in residence halls upon move-in, it is important to recognize testing is not a substitute for prevention measures such as wearing a mask, social distancing, washing/sanitizing hands often, and avoiding large crowds and gatherings.
A test provides information of infection for an individual at a specific point in time, and any earlier test would occur days before arrival on campus. Negative, but not current, results may lead to a false sense of security and reduce compliance with our risk mitigation measures: daily self-assessment, social distancing, required face coverings, hand washing, enhanced cleaning and disinfection, limits on the size of gatherings, and on-going education of community expectations.
The test being conducted is called a molecular or PCR test and is the most accurate type of test currently available. Each student will be given a test collection kit and asked to put the swab into their nose to collect a sample. This is called a nasal swab.
No. The University is requiring all students residing on campus to take a COVID-19 test upon check-in.
The Birkam Health Center will receive all positive COVID-19 test results, notify those students with positive results directly via phone and will notify District Health Department #10 so they can begin a health investigation and contact tracing.
For those students who test negative, they will be notified via email by the University.
When you are notified you tested positive for COVID-19, please go to your local place of residence and self-isolate, limiting your contact with others immediately. When the local health department contacts you, they will coordinate with you and University staff to help you isolate and provide you with needed food and support. If you would like to go to your permanent residence to isolate, you will work with the health department to determine whether it is safe for you to do so.
Adhering to all recommendations directed by the health department and the University is mandatory for students. If you choose not to follow this guidance, you could be subject to student discipline.
You should not leave your residence hall room after receiving a positive test result until you are notified you can do so by the health department.
These are the steps that will be taken:
If you are in a face-to-face course, instructors will work with you and make appropriate accommodations.
Please reach out to your instructor(s) and/or faculty advisor if you need accommodations due to testing positive for COVID-19.
Ferris State University
The local health department, with assistance from the University, will conduct contact tracing efforts. Contact tracing is part of the process of supporting patients and warning contacts of exposure in order to stop chains of transmission.
Yes. The University is participating in wastewater monitoring on campus. Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater can predict the number of symptomatic individuals infected with COVID-19. People begin shedding the virus in feces before they become symptomatic.
Daily monitoring of wastewater flows on campus should reveal trends in the number of infections on campus, even if infected individuals are asymptomatic. If SARS-CoV-2 levels increase in the wastewater stream generated by a particular residential building, the University can intensify focus on that particular location to increase diagnostic testing of the asymptomatic residents of that building to limit the spread of the virus among their contacts.
Not at this time. The University continues to evaluate its testing program and may conduct additional testing and/or monitoring as the semester continues.
No. However, students must provide verification of the negative test and that test must be an antigen or PCR test.
Our Spring 2021 plans mirror Fall 2020 and comply with the state of Michigan COVID-19 requirements and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
These plans include:
Yes. In accordance with state mandates and federal CDC guidance, the University is requiring that all students, faculty, staff and visitors wear a face covering over the nose and mouth inside all University buildings, outside when at an organized gathering, and in any situation where social distancing is difficult.
The university will distribute at least one, washable, branded face covering to members of the campus community, and additional face coverings are available for purchase.
You may provide your own face coverings; however, they must meet CDC guidelines:
Fabric face coverings should only be worn for one day at a time, and they must be properly laundered with soap/detergent before subsequent use.
Students who are medically unable to wear a cloth face covering should contact Educational Counseling and Disabilities Services before returning in-person at [email protected] Students at Kendall College of Art & Design should contact Marie Yowtz, Director of Counseling & Disabilities Services at KCAD, at [email protected]
Individuals are not required to wear a face covering when they:
No. You may provide your own face coverings; however, they must meet all CDC guidelines:
Fabric face coverings should only be worn for one day at a time, and they must be properly laundered with soap/detergent before subsequent use.
Classes will begin as scheduled on Monday, Jan. 11, at all Ferris State University locations. As a part of state orders, in-person classes will be delivered remotely from Monday, Jan. 11 until Tuesday, Jan. 19. Clinical placements will continue as planned. Additional information is available from the Dean’s Offices in Health Professions, Optometry and Pharmacy.
The University is carefully monitoring and responding to new information about COVID-19 and its impacts. It is understood that our plans must be flexible and include contingencies for changing conditions over time. We are prepared to deviate from outlined plans in order to take swift actions to keep our community safe. The University will be ready to pivot to primarily online instruction at any point during the fall semester should it be required. Students enrolled in courses at our regional locations will also receive communication regarding any changes at our regional site locations.
Most of us are doing the right things to protect ourselves and others. If you find yourself around others who are not remembering to keep distance or wear a face mask, we encourage you to do your part to remind others of our shared responsibility. If you are comfortable, please remind those you are with to be safe by keeping distance and wearing their face covering. If you are not comfortable encouraging the behavior in the moment, please remove yourself from the situation and then let the appropriate people know (RAs in your Residence Hall, your professor in the classroom, any FSU/KCAD staff member, or use this form to report a non-emergency.
To protect everyone’s health and safety and allow for proper physical/social distancing in classrooms and campus/statewide buildings, a mix of different types of course formats will be offered in the fall:
Screenshots provided at the link below show how these delivery methods appear in your detailed course schedule in MyFSU.
Course Schedule ScreenshotsLike this fall, Ferris State’s spring course schedule will ensure it is following CDC guidelines and physical/social distancing can be maintained. This effort to maintain a safe distance between people has significantly reduced classroom capacities around campus and thus requires some classes to be moved online or to a HyFlex (hybrid of online and in-person) format, to protect everyone’s health and safety.
Residence hall students are encouraged to return to their rooms where they can take advantage of a direct wired internet connection. Non-residential students participating in online courses from the Big Rapids campus may use one of the computers in the FLITE library with their own headset/microphone, or a quiet location where WIFI is available, such as the commuter lounge in the lower level of the University Center or any of available spaces in the Student Recreation Center.
If you have personal circumstances that lead you to prefer a fully online course load for the Spring 2021 semester, you should consult your academic advisor, who will be able to assist you. If you are unable to reach your advisor, please contact your College at the numbers below and/or at [email protected] (and include your student ID).
If you have a health condition that supports the need for a reasonable accommodation, you should contact Educational Counseling and Disabilities Services before the semester begins at [email protected] Students at Kendall College of Art & Design should contact Marie Yowtz, Director of Counseling & Disabilities Services at KCAD, at [email protected]
Yes. If you need assistance with adjusting your course schedule, please contact your advisor by email to request a virtual appointment. If you are unable to reach your advisor, please contact [email protected]
If you are feeling well enough, please continue to participate in your fully online courses. If you do not have access to a computer while in isolation/quarantine, please email [email protected] for assistance.
If you have any in-person classes and/or you are not feeling well enough to participate in your classes remotely, please contact your faculty by email to discuss options to participate remotely from isolation/quarantine and/or arrangements to make-up your work. Here is a sample email you may wish to use:
Dear Professor [name]
I am currently enrolled in [class]. Unfortunately, I have been directed to quarantine or isolate until at least [enter date]. Please know that I am committed to doing everything I can do in order to stay current with my coursework during this period.
With that in mind, I would deeply appreciate your help in working with me to make a plan that will allow me to participate remotely from isolation/quarantine and/or to make-up any face-to-face class time and work I will miss.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon and can be reached by either a response to this email, or by phone at [enter number].
Sincerely,
No. Please reach out to your faculty (see sample email above) to make arrangements to participate remotely and/or to make-up the in-person class time and work that you will miss while in isolation/quarantine.
After contacting your faculty, if you need additional assistance with accommodations for your course work while in isolation/quarantine, please contact your advisor, your academic program, and/or the Office of Educational Counseling and Disabilities Services at [email protected]. Students may also request formal accommodations through Educational Counseling & Disabilities Services.
At KCAD, please contact your faculty advisor, the dean of Academic Affairs and/or Counseling and Disability Services.
Yes. Tutoring, writing consultation, and other academic support remain available through the Center for Academic Literacies. Walk-in Tutoring and other academic support will remain available through the Academic Literacies Center.
Online tutoring appointments can be made through Tutor Trac, online, by phone or in person. Follow the instructions in this guide to make a appointment.
The Writing Center will operate remotely and completely online during the Fall 2020 semester. For more information please visit the Writing Center webpage.
For students attending Kendall College of Art and Design, please contact the Activities and Resource Center (ARC) at [email protected]
Students with questions about housing can email [email protected] Please include your student ID number, if possible. For more information for residents, please visit www.ferris.edu/housing. For dining questions, please contact Dining at (231) 251-2210 or [email protected]
University Housing and Dining will be open with plans in place to reduce density and provide for extra cleaning. Physical/social distancing will be implemented throughout common areas and dining halls, and we will continue to employ enhanced safety and cleaning protocols throughout residential and dining spaces. Dining halls will be open for students, but with limited seating. They will operate under all appropriate food service safety guidelines from local health authorities.
Email your request for an assignment change to [email protected]
Students who are looking to cancel their on-campus housing for the spring semester should email [email protected]
We are setting aside rooms for isolation should that become necessary. Housing, Dining, and Custodial Services will provide basic housing, food, and cleaning needs. If a student needs to quarantine or self-isolate, representatives of University Housing, our Health Center, and our local Health Department will work closely to determine how to manage each student’s situation on a case-by-case basis.
Isolation and quarantine are used to limit the spread of communicable disease. Persons in isolation or quarantine should restrict activities outside their residence, except for getting medical care, for the period of time they are at risk of secondary transmission. If you are in isolation, do not go to work, class, public areas, and avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
In order to provide quality education now and in the future, we do not plan to discount
tuition. Our faculty and staff continue to serve students, and deploying new technology—even
on a temporary basis—is incurring additional costs for the university.
The $12 per credit online fee and the $16 Racquet and Fitness Facility Fee will not be charged for Fall 2020 courses. For information about the other refundable fees and how to request a refund within the first 5 days of the semester, please visit our Business Office webpage.
Please be aware that you may request a refund of the Health Services fee online in the Health Dog Patient Portal and this fall the Student Activities and Student Government Fee by emailing Student Financial Services at [email protected]
CARES grants from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund are available to students who were enrolled in Spring 2020 and incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. Examples of eligible expenses for CARES funding include medical, food, housing, utility and technology expenses; relocation costs to return home; unexpected childcare; course materials; and other unexpected expenses. Students who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for the emergency grants. At this time eligible students can receive up to $400 (one time). More information and a link to the application is located on our CARES Act page.
The University will continue to provide free COVID testing clinics to asymptomatic students each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Testing will be performed between 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Wink Arena. To sign-up for testing, visit this link.
These testing clinics are open to any Ferris student not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. You will need to complete the FSU daily symptom checker online and receive a green Negative status prior to being tested. If you are experiencing symptoms, please contact the Birkam Health Center at x2614 or your local healthcare provider.
Individuals who test positive will be called by the end of the day on which the test was administered. An e-mail will be sent to those who test negative.
If you have any questions, concerns or require a follow-up letter with your results, please e-mail [email protected].
Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. This includes individuals identified as high-risk for contracting COVID-19, but not experiencing symptoms.
Quarantine time-frame: 14 days from time of contact with possible virus to sequester away from others to avoid possible transmission if become ill/asymptomatic.
Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. This includes individuals who are ill/tested positive/presumed positive for COVID-19.
Isolation time-frame: 10 days since symptoms first appeared and improving, with at least three days with no fever (non-medicated).
Patients with COVID-19 have reported mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure. Information suggests that older people and those with certain underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, seem to be at greater risk of serious illness. For more information, consult the Centers for Disease Control or contact your local health practitioner.
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. This includes being within approximately six feet of an individual with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time, and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may also be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID19, please self-isolate in your residence, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your recent travel or contact. They will work with the appropriate local or state public health departments to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. Students may call the Spectrum Health COVID Hotline for a free screening at (833) 559-0659. During this virtual video visit, you will be asked a series of questions about your condition by a Spectrum Health provider who will advise whether you need to seek additional care. If determined to qualify for a test by Spectrum Health provider, will be instructed where and how to obtain the viral test.
The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza, is to avoid exposure to the virus. Take the CDC-recommended precautions to reduce your risk of exposure, including:
Physical/social distancing includes maintaining distance from others when possible (six feet is recommended), refraining from attending large gatherings or events, and avoiding unnecessary contact with others (e.g., not shaking hands, hugging, or kissing as greetings).
When an individual within the Ferris State community tests positive for COVID-19, the local public health agency takes the lead in contacting the individual who tested positive and the individuals with whom they have been in contact.
The state of Michigan has published a statewide WiFi hotspot map to enable residents lacking home internet access a path to locate and use a strong connection.
COVID-19 is not associated with any race, ethnicity, or nationality, though systemic
health and social inequalities have put members of some communities at greater risk
of contracting COVID-19 than others. It is vital that our community work to combat
discrimination based on racial bias or appearances and to correct misinformation on
the spot. Make sure you only share accurate, unbiased information, and speak up when
you hear, see, or read misinformation or harassment. Incidents of bias or harassment
can be reported to the Office of Student Conduct.
The abundance of news and updates about COVID-19 and ongoing uncertainty is making many people feel anxious. The University Counseling Center has gathered a variety of online resources to assist students. In addition, students can access virtual appointments with our Counseling Center staff. Please visit our Personal Counseling Center webpage for more information; including our Therapy Assistance Online program (TAO).
Yes! Student Life is actively preparing registered student organizations guidelines for meetings and programs, and the following are some examples of how we are working to keep all students connected to organizations and activities:
There will be opportunities to socially engage and make new friends while on campus or at a statewide location, but the experience will be different. We do not envision fitness activities taking place or indoor exercise facilities being available, given current state executive orders. Strict adherence to group limits of 10 or fewer people, indoors, with face coverings and distancing will be required, as defined by the recent executive order from Michigan’s governor (outside of classroom settings). Any in-person activity or event will be limited to 10 people or fewer for indoor settings and 100 people or fewer for outdoor settings. In both settings, face coverings must be worn and appropriate physical distancing must be maintained. Virtual events and activities will also be organized.
The Student Recreation Center will welcome back our students on January 11, 2021.
For more information on the University Recreation Center re-opening phases, including hours and how to make a required reservation in advance of working out, https://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/studentlife/u-rec/reopening.htm.
To limit your exposure, the CDC recommends that you limit your travel. We are working to offer additional events and activities to engage students on weekends this academic year. There may be circumstances in which people must travel. In those cases you are encouraged to follow the CDC guidelines for travel within the United States.
Yes.
Unfortunately, we are unable to intervene in any contracts between students and other entities such as landlords or property management companies.
Prospective students have the opportunity to sign up for a personal on-campus visit
experiences by appointment only. These visits are limited to 1 student with 2 additional
guests. The one-hour experience includes the opportunity to speak with an admissions
representative, have a guided tour in a University golf cart or van, and tour various
areas such as the University Recreation Center and a model residence hall room in
North Hall. Safety is of primary importance for your visit and the Admissions representative
will be wearing a face covering. We require that all campus guests also wear a face
covering (face masks will be provided if needed). For information on dates, times,
and experiences available, please go to www.ferris.edu/visit.
