Extended and International Operations

Extended and International Operations

Ferris State University's Extended and International Operations (EIO) is a transformative force that extends the university's influence far beyond the BigRapids campus and conventional classrooms. EIO achieves this by fosteringstrategic partnerships, nurturing innovation in higher education, providingcorporate training and offering support for instructional design.

Ferris Statewide & Online

EIO has established a comprehensive network of locations throughout Michigan, making it possible for students to pursue their degrees in their local communities, realizing the vision of a Ferris education available to anyone, anywhere and at any time. These Statewide and Online undergraduate and graduate programs are marked by their agility, dynamism and responsiveness to the specific needs of local industries.

eLearning

The eLearning office is the epicenter of Ferris’ online learning initiatives, collaborating in developing, implementing and supporting continuous enhancement. This encompasses strategy development, technicalassistance, faculty training, instructional design and innovation in educationaltechnology. The eLearning office plays a pivotal role in elevating the university's digital education landscape, ensuring academic excellence and championing innovative pedagogical approaches.

The educational technology team is focused on strategically utilizinginstructional technology and providing comprehensive learning support. Theylead forward-thinking planning initiatives that span traditional classroom settings and online learning. This team of instructional design experts, technologists and trainers empowers faculty to enhance student success through technology and exceptional course design, offering their expertise in instructional design, best practices and unwavering support to faculty and students.

Online development includes formulating and implementing strategies to expand and strengthen the university's portfolio of top-tier online programs and courses, catering to both traditional and adult learners. Their mission includes forging strong relationships with Ferris academic and administrative units to meet strategic planning goals, foster the creation and delivery of high-quality programming and ensure a positive student learning experienc

Graduate Studies

As part of EIO, the Office of Graduate Studies is committed to supportinggraduate students and programs across the University, drawing on expertise inserving adult learners and those who study at a distance. This support includes planning and central office support, maintaining admission processes, coordinating growth in current programs, developing new degree options, market research and environmental scanning, marketing and recruitment and supporting the online learning environment.

International Education

in collaboration with various partners, the Office of International Education drives the development of a sustainable global ecosystem that enriches the campus and student experience. Through international student recruitment, immigration support, and advising, the office fosters a diverse and inclusive environment. It promotes international experiential learning through study abroad programs and facilitates professional development for faculty and staff. By engaging the campus in global events and activities, the office supports Ferris’ mission of preparingstudents for successful careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning in a rapidly changing global economy.

Transfer and Secondary School PartnershipS

The Transfer and Secondary School Partnerships is a nexus for collaboration between high schools, career and technical education centers and early/middle college programs. Their strategic endeavors revolve around increasing access to higher education and degree attainment throughcourse equivalency reviews, reverse transfers and coordination of academic transfer processes. The office also manages initiatives for high school students to earn college credits through programs like dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, early/middle college efforts and secondary school articulation agreements. And the Ready for Life Academy program (RFLA@FSU) provides invaluable opportunities for students aged 18 to 26 with cognitive disabilities, allowing them to experience college while acquiring essential job, life and career skills.

Community College Leadership Doctoral Program (DCCL)

The Doctorate in Community College Leadership (DCCL) has been methodically designed for visionary leaders of mission-driven, modern community colleges. This program offers a curriculum crafted and delivered by seasoned college administrators, including current and former community college presidents, vice presidents and deans. It is tailored to equip leaders with the competencies to guide community colleges toward excellence andheightened community responsiveness and prepare leaders to navigate the evolving education landscape. It adopts an inquiry-based, problem-solvingand action- oriented pedagogical approach, cultivating the essential skills required for success, regardless of the leadership level graduates aspire to achieve.

Corporate and Professional Development (CPD)

CPD acts as a bridge connecting corporations, government agencies, non-profits and other organizations to customized training solutions that advancetheir respective industries and service areas. The office brings together faculty members from multiple colleges to craft tailored training programs utilizingFerris facilities, workplace settings or other innovative venues to propel today's workforce forward at an accelerated pace. Additionally, CPD oversees the logistics of Ferris academic summer camps, which annually serve 2,000 children, exposing them to camp content and the prospect of a future at Ferris.