Ferris State University's summer stretch of new-student orientation sessions kicks
off on Monday, June 12, on the Big Rapids campus.
Ferris State University is gearing up to host 12 new-student orientation sessions this summer, beginning on Monday, June 12, introducing 1,500-plus students and their families to what Ferris offers before the 2023-24 academic year starts in late August.
A year into establishing a new hybrid orientation model, Assistant Director of Orientation Emily Hicks noted visiting future students have arranged their first semester’s classes schedule through online sessions, which also included learning more about their academic college, working with financial aid experts and engaging Housing and Residence Life staff.
The Admissions team is excited for the opportunities new students will have to visit Big Rapids, oftentimes accompanied by family and friends, as they experience the in-person orientation process.
“Our first session on Monday, June 12, is booked solid. The rest of the first week, Tuesday, June 13, and Thursday, June 15, has drawn significant interest,” Hicks said. “The online orientation process has streamlined how our in-person sessions are arranged because we greatly minimize process questions and complications. That has proven to be more comfortable for everyone involved.”
This summer’s in-person orientation sessions focus more on a personal experience in welcoming the new students to experience Ferris firsthand.
“After our opening ceremony, resource fair and college sessions, students will participate in engagement activities. Our orientation leaders will be ready to lead campus tours, so our newest students know how to travel campus and manage their schedules,” Hicks said.
The 12 scheduled new-student orientation dates for Summer 2023 are as follows:
- Week one: Monday, June 12; Tuesday, June 13; Thursday, June 15
- Week two: Monday, June 19; Tuesday, June 20; Thursday, June 22
- Week three: Monday, July 10; Tuesday, July 11; Thursday, July 13
- Week four: Monday, July 17; Tuesday, July 18; Thursday, July 20
Hicks noted that the month between the end of the Spring 2023 semester and start of orientation, on June 12, has provided the opportunity to prepare the 35 student orientation leaders for the four-week summer schedule of sessions.
“We are happy to have many new faces joining our returning orientation leaders,” Hicks said. “Our orientation leaders are a very friendly and engaging group of students who are prepared to welcome new Bulldogs and tell the Ferris story.”
Hicks said students should register for their orientation session as soon as possible to expedite their completion of activities ahead of the academic year. The Fall 2023 semester begins on Monday, Aug. 28.