April 28, 2025

Ferris State President Bill Pink encourages students to spend a day ‘Unplugged’ and connect with classmates

Ferris State University President Bill Pink is inviting students to spend a day “unplugged” — stepping away from their phones and headphones to engage more deeply with those around them on campus.

Worried that constant digital distractions are causing students to miss out on meaningful college experiences, Pink is launching “Bulldogs Unplugged” on Wednesday, April 30, a campus-wide initiative focused on encouraging face-to-face interaction.

“When I’m here, I’m walking down our sidewalks. So often I will see Bulldogs on campus and I’ll say, ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ And many of them just keep their head down. They don’t hear me or see me,” Pink said.

“I’m encouraging everyone on campus to take the AirPods out of their ears, take the headphones off, get their heads up, and actually meet people,” he continued. “I get the feeling that many folks are missing out on so many interactions with Bulldogs on campus who might be seeking the same degree they are seeking, are having some of the same successes they are having, and experiencing some of the same challenges they are experiencing. But they may never get to know those people if all they do is walk with their head down.”

Concerns about the isolating effects of technology on young adults are growing nationwide. A 2023 advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General called attention to what it labeled an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, pointing to excessive social media use as a significant contributing factor. The advisory noted that in-person time with friends for those aged 15–24 has declined by nearly 70% over the past two decades.

Pink acknowledges that students often retreat into their own worlds while moving between classes or activities.

“But in so many cases, I think there are many things that they are missing out on,” he said.

To bring the “unplugged” message to life, Pink’s office has teamed up with Student Government and the Center for Student Engagement. From 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, students can stop by the David Eisler Center at 805 Campus Drive for free ice cream served by fellow Bulldogs.

Pink and members of his office will also be walking around campus, handing out Starbucks gift cards to students they see engaging with others — “unplugged” and heads up.

“It’s just a way for us to say, ‘Here’s who you are, here’s who we are, and it’s nice to spend some time together,’” he said. “I hope they get excited about it. I hope they leave the phone in their pocket and the headphones at home. I want them to make it a goal for that day to meet someone they do not know. It may even be their president.”