Dear Bulldogs, 

We have heartbreaking news to share. A member of our Merrill-Travis Hall community passed away on Tuesday. While the cause of death has not been determined, there does not appear to be a danger to campus.  

We know this is very upsetting to everyone on our campus. It is OK to ask for help. Ferris State has a variety of campus resources available to assist you during this difficult time. 

Please reach out to your resident assistant if you want to talk or connect with support. 

The Personal Counseling Center is also available to help you. This is a free service for Ferris State students. The center offers in-person and virtual counseling sessions, and is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can connect with the center at (231) 591-5968 or email [email protected].  

The Listening Ear also is available at (989) 772-2918 between 2 p.m. and 2 a.m.  

We know this is a difficult way to start the school year. Our thoughts are with our resident’s family and friends. In times like this, remember to take care of one another and support each other.  

Bill Pink 

President 

The University is aware of an incident during the late evening hours on Saturday. After our Department of Public Safety dispersed a party near Finch Court, it is believed that someone in a vehicle leaving the area may have discharged a weapon on or near Sports Drive. Campus police are closely monitoring the area and are investigating. We want you to know that your safety is our highest priority. 

We do not believe that there is an imminent threat of danger to our campus at this time. However, you are encouraged to come forward if you have information that may be pertinent to our investigation. Call the Department of Public Safety at (231) 591-5000 or email [email protected]. 

Knowing what to do in an emergency, such as an active shooter on campus, can save your life and the lives of others.

Here are steps you should keep in mind, and a link to sign up for alerts so you know how to act. We recommend you look at the resources on the Be Prepared, Stay Safe webpage.

If you are dealing with a person who has a weapon or is actively shooting inside of your building, remember: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT.

Run 

Know where exits are located.
Leave your belongings, other than your cell phone.
As you are getting out, be prepared to encounter law enforcement - keep your hands visible and follow their commands.

Hide 

If you cannot get out, hide.
Find a safe room if one is available.
Hide in an area outside of the shooter’s view.
Turn off lights if possible.
If possible, lock the doors and block the entryway to the room.
Silence your cell phones.

Fight 

If you cannot hide, or are discovered, fight.
As a last resort when your life is in danger, attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
If possible, dial 911 on your cell phone and set it down, keeping the line open.
If possible, have others that you are with join forces with you.
You are fighting for your life - anything goes! If you or others do not stop this person, they will likely harm you. 

Call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so and try to clearly communicate what you see and hear. At any time, if you are talking with authorities and it is no longer safe to do so because the shooter is nearby, leave the call connected to 911 or the police. 

When the crisis is over, do not open a secure area unless you know the police are there, or you can confirm with 911 that the police are in place for you to exit. 

Remember, the police still do not know who or how many attackers are present. Exit with empty hands that are in the air. Comply with all commands that the police give you. 

Please be mindful that there may be students, visitors, faculty or staff in your building who have a disability and may need extra assistance to be safe! 

Communication is key in any emergency. Sign up for emergency text alerts now to make sure you have the information you need. 

The university uses the Rave Mobile Alert system to notify our campuses of emergencies immediately and provide clear steps to take. This system sends emergency messages in a variety of ways, including text messages, emails, and phone calls. 

Sign up for Alerts Now

It’s important for students and employees to be aware of what to do in the event of severe storms, tornadoes, and lightning so we can keep our campus community safe.

Here are steps to keep in mind should campus experience severe weather, and how to sign up for alerts so you know when to act. Additional information is available on the Severe Weather Safety webpage.

The National Weather Service issues severe weather watches and warnings to keep you up to date on potentially dangerous situations. A WATCH means conditions are favorable for dangerous weather. A WARNING means that a severe storm or tornado has been spotted and you should seek shelter immediately.

If a tornado is spotted:

• Make sure you know where the severe weather shelter areas on campus are. Maps are located near the entrances.
• Immediately walk to the designated tornado shelter area closest to you. Please note, people with disabilities may need assistance make their way to tornado shelter areas.
• If you are unfamiliar with the building where you are located, move to the lowest level of the building, find an interior area such as an interior hallway, closet, or bathroom.
• Avoid areas with a larger roof span that may collapse such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, etc.
  Stay away from windows, glass, and unsecured objects such as filing cabinets and bookcases.
• Do not use elevators.
• Remain in the safe area until you receive an "all clear" message from the Ferris State Police or local public safety agencies.

If you see lightning:

• Remember no place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area.
• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.
• Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Remember, communication is key in any emergency. Sign up for emergency text alerts now to make sure you have the information you need.

The university uses the Rave Mobile Alert system to notify our campuses of emergencies immediately and provide clear steps to take. This system sends emergency messages in a variety of ways, including text messages, emails, and phone calls.

For more information, visit our Emergency Alerts page. If you have any additional questions about enrolling or unenrolling in the Rave system, contact the IT Solution Center at (231) 591-4822.

Sign up for Alerts Now

The safety of our Ferris State students, employees, and community members is our top priority. Communication is key during any emergency. Sign up for emergency text alerts now to make sure you have the information you need.

The university uses the Rave Mobile Alert system to notify our campuses of emergencies immediately and provide clear steps to take. This system sends emergency messages in a variety of ways, including text messages, emails, and phone calls.

Sign up for Alerts Now

Emergency Alerts for Your Parents, Family and Friends

Your family and friends can also choose to receive emergency text alerts from Ferris State as well. Have them text the word FerrisAlerts to 67283 on the cell phone they want to receive messages.  

For more information, visit our Emergency Alerts page. If you have any additional questions about enrolling or unenrolling in the Rave system, contact the IT Solution Center at (231) 591-4822.