June 9, 2025

Ferris State opens new-student orientation season with big numbers, high energy

Kylie Branscombe has experienced Ferris State University’s new student orientation from about every angle possible – as a new student in 2018, as an orientation leader and today as a recruiter for Admissions.

Ferris State kicked off a four-week summer orientation schedule on Monday, June 9, with a large crowd of enthusiastic future students beginning their higher education journey.

For Branscombe, a 2023 Ferris State graduate, orientation brings a flood of memories.

“I love orientation,” she said. “I worked orientation for three years for Emily Hicks as an orientation leader and I really loved it. I still love it even though I am now a recruiter. I love interacting with incoming students, asking them questions, and answering their questions. For some of them, those interactions can help them overcome any nerves and feel more comfortable.”

This week, Ferris State is hosting additional orientation sessions for new students and loved ones accompanying them on Tuesday, June 10 and Thursday, June 12.

The following week, new student orientation sessions for June close with dates on Monday, June 16; Tuesday, June 17; and Wednesday, June 18.

Following a holiday break, sessions resume July 14, 15 and 17 followed by dates on July 21, 22 and 24.

The summer orientation season wraps up with a late session on Aug. 21.

Emily Hicks, assistant director of orientation, is grateful to have a dedicated team or student orientation leaders eager to support the future Bulldogs enrolling at Ferris State.

“Our orientation leaders are so excited to welcome the incoming Bulldogs to campus in June and July for in-person orientation,” Hicks said. “Incoming student orientation day will include finalizing items like financial aid, housing, and receiving their student ID card. Students will also get the chance to meet with someone from their academic college one more time before classes start and connect with other incoming students.”

Hicks added that orientation includes an opportunity for future students to further familiarize themselves with campus with a tour.

“At the end of the day incoming students will get the opportunity to walk their class schedule,” she said.

To register for a summer orientation session, visit the Admissions link.

Orientation activities for Kendall College of Art and Design students will take place on Grand Rapids on Friday, June 13.  

After being accepted at KCAD, students receive an invitation for the new-student orientation session – a one-day event that includes scheduled sessions, opportunities to hear from faculty staff and information about services.

Ferris State’s first day of classes for the 2025-26 academic year is Monday, Aug. 25.