Bulldog Beginnings 2018
Welcome! The Fall 2018 Bulldog Beginnings line up features numerous options for students to meet each other, savor free food, opportunities to win prizes, enjoy entertainment, discover resources and more.
Want to keep up with Bulldog Beginnings, via your mobile device? Check out the Ferris State Guides app or Ferris Go app.
Not sure where an event is located? Use the Campus Map.
Want event updates or to ask a question? Call the Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services (CLACS) at (231) 591-2685 or check out the Ferris State University Facebook Events page.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Friday, Aug. 24 |
Welcome Centers Location: Throughout Main campus Welcome centers will be set up across campus to help students with a variety of needs, such as finding on-campus housing locations, academic buildings, dining facilities, and more. Hosted By: First Impressions Committee (Grounds, Physical Plant, Presidents Office,
University Center, Student Life, Investments and Grants) with the help of many faculty
and staff volunteers. Bulldogs in Action Locations: Throughout Main campus Bulldogs in Action is a group of returning students who help new students move into campus residence halls. Volunteers assist new students, and families of new students, with carrying belongings from vehicles to the new student’s residence hall room. Volunteers may also answer Ferris-related questions. Hosted By: Housing and Residence Life with many student volunteers
Women's Volleyball Hosts Winona State 12 P.M. Location: Ewigleben Sports Complex Hosted By: Athletics
Women's Volleyball Hosts Concordia-St. Paul 6 P.M. Location: Ewigleben Sports Complex Hosted By: Athletics
Bulldog Welcome Location: Top Taggart Field Hosted By: Housing and Residence Life and Athletics Residence Hall Association (RHA) Movie in the Quad Your chance to watch Avengers: Infinity War on the big screen. Bring a blanket or towel to sit on the lawn and enjoy a movie with new and old friends. Depending on the weather, you may want to bring a sweater or light jacket. Hosted By: Housing and Residence Life & RHA |
| Saturday, Aug. 25 |
Greeks on the Quad This event is open to ALL students. Chapters from Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic and Black Greek Council will be hosting games and snacks. Come and hang out, listen to some music and play yard games. This is a great opportunity to let our new Bulldogs (students) learn about our Greek community.
Summer Fest (Downtown) Hosted By: The Downtown Business Association, Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services, and Student Life and many area businesses
Women's Volleyball Hosts Hillsdale 6 P.M. Location: Ewigleben Sports Complex Hosted By: Athletics
Meijer Back to College '18 Location: Big Rapids Meijer Hosted By: Meijer and Student Life
UC Late Night 9 P.M. to 12 A.M. Location: University Center The University Center will host various events throughout the building. The event includes entertainment, food, music, prizes and more. Hosted By: University Center |
| Sunday, Aug. 26 |
#BulldogReady 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. Location: First Floor of the University Center We are ready, are you? Let us help you get prepared for the first day of school. Stop by the bookstore to pick up your textbooks and then hang out with us. Activities to get you ready for Monday are: snack ideas, school supply BINGO, postcards to home, register your bike, classroom tours, and much more! Hosted By: CLACS, Barnes and Noble Bookstore, Department of Public Safety, Academic Literacy Center, Orientation, and University Catering.
UnCamping on the Quad 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. Location: North Campus Quad All the fun of camping without traveling, going in the woods, watching for bears, or sleeping. Join us around the campfire. Hosted By: University Recreation, Perry Street Wesco, and The Outdoor Club |
| Monday, Aug. 27 |
First Day of Classes Welcome Centers Locations: Throughout main campus Welcome centers will be set up across campus to help students with a variety of needs, such as finding academic buildings, dining facilities, and more. Hosted By: First Impressions Committee (Grounds, Physical Plant, Presidents Office, University Center, Student Life, Investments and Grants) with the help of many faculty and staff volunteers.
Doughnuts after the Drive 8 A.M. - 10 A.M. Location: Sidewalk in front of Wheeler Pavilion Lot 37 Are you a commuter student who is hungry after a long drive to campus? If so, come and get a free Doughrunt (mini doughnuts) in the parking lot. They will be hot, fresh, and ready to start your day. Hosted By: Student Conduct, Student Life, and Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services
Crafting @ CLACS 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. Location: CLACS Lobby, University Center 121 Back by popular demand is our crafting lunge in the CLACS Lobby. We have snacks, we have crafts, and we have wii!! Swing by between class and hang out with the CLACS staff.
Bingo in The Rock Cafe 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. Location: The Rock Cafe Want a chance to win a $250 gift card to the bookstore? Or gift cards to Starbucks? Here it is. Join us to play Bingo at the Rock Cafe.
Rec Fest and Grand Opening Celebration 6 P.M. - 9 P.M. Location: Student Recreation Center Come to the Rec Center to enjoy games and prizes, see what the facility and staff have to offer, including information about intramural and Club sport offerings. Get a first look at the new and improved Rec Center! Hosted By: University Recreation |
| Tuesday, Aug. 28 |
Taco Tuesday Time: 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. Location: North Campus Quad Pop up event!! We love tacos and want to share our love of tacos with you. So come and grab a taco on your way to class. Student Employment On-Campus Job Fair Time: 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Location: University Center 202 Hosted By: Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services and Student Employment |
| Wednesday, Aug. 29 |
OMSS: Open House 12 P.M. - 3 P.M. Location: FLITE, Suite 159 (Ferris Library for Information Technology and Education) The Office of Multicultural Student Services invites students to visit their office to learn about ways they can get involved! TOWERS Leadership Development Series, The Black Male Network, Volunteer Opportunities, Upcoming Events, and much more. Light refreshments will be provided. Hosted By: OMSS (Office of Multicultural Student Services)
Transfer Student Success Center Open House 2 P.M. - 4 P.M. Location: Arts and Science Commons 1015 Are you a transfer student and looking for what resources are available to you here on campus? Here is your opportunity to find what there is for you. Hosted By: The Transfer Student Success Center
Make S'more Friends 5 P.M. - 8 P.M. Location: LGBTQ+ Center, University Center The LGBTQ+ Center wants to welcome you back to campus with a fun night filled with S'mores and board games. Come and join in on these fun activities and see what the center has to offer. Hosted By: Office of Multicultural Student Services & The LGBTQ+ Resource Center
Headphone Disco 9 P.M. Location: North Campus Quad Hosted By: Entertainment Unlimited, your campus programming board |
| Thursday, Aug. 30 |
Founders' Day Celebration - All Day
President Eisler's State of the University Speech 11 A.M. Location: University Center, Room 203 This presentation is open for everyone to hear President Eisler's remarks about the past, present, and future of Ferris State University. Hosted by: The President's Office
Founders' Day Extravaganza & Ice Cream Social 11 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. Location: North Campus Quad (University Center, in case of rain) Founders’ Day is an annual event for students, faculty, staff and community members to come together to celebrate founders Woodbridge and Helen Gillespie Ferris, and their contributions to what is today known as Ferris State University. Founders’ Day activities are free and open to students, faculty, staff and community members. Come and enjoy some great food, great games and win lots of prizes. There is also a resource fair to discover places you can volunteer around the community, departments on campus that provide services for you, and your 5-star Registered Student Organizations. Check it out and get connected. The annual Founders’ Day Community Ice Cream Social will once again feature the famous Jones' Homemade Ice Cream served up by local celebrities from the Big Rapids community. Free ice cream will be served as long as the ice cream lasts. Register to win awesome raffle prizes such as a large screen TV. Drawing will be held on the quad at 6:30 pm and you MUST be present to win. Hosted By: Founders' Day Committee (General Counsel, University Center, Grounds, Dining, Catering, and CLACS) and the many departments and local charitable organizations taking part in the event.
Football Hosts East Stroudsburg 7:30 P.M. Location: Top Taggart Field Don't miss out on our first football game of the season. Come and get your Ferris pride at Founders' Day to cheer our football team into their first win of the season. Hosted By: Athletics |
| Friday, Aug. 31 |
Disc Golf @ FLITE 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. Location: FLITE (Ferris Library for Information Technology and Education) Navigate your way through the library with 18 holes of indoor disc golf. Team up with a partner and toss discs around in and out of the library. Discs are provided and you can sign up starting at 12:45 in the FLITE Deck. The last team needs to tee off no later than 2:45. Prizes to winning teams and everyone gets to keep their discs. Hosted By: FLITE
Women's Soccer Hosts Missouri-St. Louis 4 P.M. Location: Soccer Field Hosted By: Athletics
Late Night Movie 9 P.M. - 11 P.M. Location: University Center 202 Your opportunity to see Solo: A Star Wars Movie with a friend. We will be playing it on campus for your viewing pleasure. Come catch the showing and get free snacks in Solo cups! Hosted By: University Center |
| Saturday, Sept. 1 |
Michigan's Adventure Trip 10 A.M. - 10 P.M. Location: Leave from Lot 1 - University Center Want an adventure? Come to Michigan's Adventure, with Ferris State University! Travel there and back, snacks, and a day full of memories are provided. This event sold out last year so make your reservation now. Click here to purchase your special event ticket. Pre-registration and payment required as seats are limited. Hosted By: Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services |
| Sunday, Sept. 2 |
Women's Soccer Hosts Bellarmine 12 P.M. Location: Soccer Fields Hosted By: Athletics |
| Monday, Sept. 3 |
Labor Day (NO CLASSES, OFFICES CLOSED) The 50th Annual Labor Day Arts and Crafts Fair 10 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Location: Hemlock Park This annual arts and crafts show is a must see event in Big Rapids. Browse through a vast array of handcrafted items; from wheel-thrown pottery to hand-woven baskets, stained glass, furniture, paintings, jewelry and much more! NEW this year, Mecosta County children have the chance to flex their creative muscles and learn about entrepreneurship in a fun way as the festival hosts its very first Children's Business Fair. Free Admission.
19th Annual Labor Day Car Show 10 A.M. - 3 P.M. Location: Mitchell Creek Park If you are a car lover, come and join local car enthusiasts at the 19th annual Labor Day Car Show. There will be classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Fun for all ages and free admission. Hosted By: The River Valley Car Club |
| Tuesday, Sept. 4 |
Veteran's Networking Event 1 P.M. - 4 P.M. Location: Veterans Resource Center in the University Center Not ready for Labor Day Weekend to be over? The Veteran's Office will be serving hotdogs and sharing about what their office does. You can also take this opportunity to meet the new VRC staff member Sean Allen, catch up with Jacob Schrot and talk to other representatives from other Veteran's organizations. Hosted By: The Veterans Resource Center |
| Wednesday, Sept. 5 |
Grilled Cheese in the IRC 11 A.M. - 1 P.M. Location: Interdisciplinary Resource Center (IRC) Enjoy a free Grilled Cheese on us. Served by special guest faculty and staff. Hosted by: Student Life and many volunteer servers
Bulldog Bonanza 4 P.M. - 7 P.M. Location: University Center and North Campus Quad Students will have the opportunity to find out what Registered Student Organizations (RSO) are available on campus and meet local businesses from the area. Come find out what Ferris has to offer. Hosted By: Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services, Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce, University Center |
| Thursday, Sept. 6 |
Center for Academic Literacies Open House 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Location: FLITE Library Stop by for games, prizes and snacks. Also pick up information on the academic support center and what it has to offer you to be successful during your college career. Hosted By: Center for Academic Literacies
Plan Your Planner 10:30 A.M. - 1 P.M. Location: Center for Leadership, Activities, and Career Services (CLACS) Lobby in the University Center Looking to get organized this semester? We can help you!! Join us to get your planner organized for the fall semester. Hosted By: CLACS
Center for [email protected] Studies "Tacos, Talk, and Thrive" 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. Location: Interdisciplinary Resource Center, Room 131 The Center for [email protected] Center invites you to come and see what they have to offer. Learn more about this wonderful office and what they do on campus. Free food and activities during the event. Hosted By: The Center for [email protected] Studies
World Record Attempt: Bulldog Bubblegum Blast 6 P.M. Location: North Campus Quad Hosted By: Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services and B103.9 |
| Friday, Sept. 7 |
Town Trek 3 P.M. - 6 P.M. Location: Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services (CLACS) University Center Walk Big Rapids with us! Learn how to get to Riverwalk, find multiple parks, access the White Pine Trail, play up to 36-holes of disc golf, and explore downtown Big Rapids. Expect a 7+ mile round-trip walk. Participants can opt to stay downtown Big Rapids for First Friday activities, shopping, and/or dinner on their own. Water and snack provided. Hosted By: University Recreation, Disc Sports Club, and Big Rapids Disc Golf
Women's Volleyball Hosts Wisconsin-Parkside 7 P.M. Location: Ewigleben Sports Complex Hosted By: Athletics
Friday's at Ferris: rePercussion 9 P.M. Location: University Center 202 Join us to kick off the NEW! Friday's at Ferris series, taking place every other Friday at 9pm in the University Center. From Goffstown, New Hampshire to the big stage on NBC's America's Got Talent, these young men have certainly come a long way just to perform for you! rePercussion is an extraordinary comedy drumming experience! Going beyond interactive drumming, they blend sight, sound, and laughter bringing to the stage a highly entertaining, mind-blowing and fully customizable experience. rePercussion holds the World Record for leading the world's largest Airdrum Ensemble! Hosted By: Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services |
| Saturday, Sept. 8 |
Men's and Women's Cross Country - 2018 Ray Helsing Bulldog Invite 9:30 A.M. Location: Katke Golf Course Hosted By: Athletics
Big Alleyway Clean Up 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. Location: North Campus Quad Come serve the community by helping clean up Big Rapids alley’s by the off campus student housing. A great way to give back to the community you live in. Please register ahead of time here. Hosted By: Bulldog Sustainability Alliance, Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services, and Student Life
Women's Volleyball Hosts Purdue Northwest 2 P.M. Location: Ewigleben Sports Complex Hosted By: Athletics
Rock The Patio 3 P.M - 6 P.M. Location: South Quad outside The Rock Cafe Alum Chris Cranick and Overdrive Orchestra will be rocking out at The Rock. Get your dinner and enjoy music outdoors. Hosted By: Music and Entertainment Business Association and Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services
Football Hosts Findlay 7 P.M. Location: Top Taggart Field Hosted By: Athletics |
Anyone with a disability that needs special accommodations to attend this event should contact the Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services at (231) 591-2685 or [email protected] at least 72 hours in advance.
