Student Success

Strategic Goal

With students at the center of everything we do, Ferris will continue to demonstrate our commitment to their success through recruitment in targeted markets, integrated support services, and intentional career development experiences.

Student Success Initiative 1

Expand access through targeted recruitment efforts.

Action Steps

SS 1.1

Coordinate University-wide recruitment strategies focused on specific performance indicators and inclusive of all recruitment areas (Big Rapids, statewide, online, KCAD, and international).

SS 1.2

Develop and commit to a targeted, measurable internationalization plan that prepares the University to thrive in a global economy and society. The plan will address study abroad, faculty development, curriculum development, on-campus global engagement, international student recruitment and retention, an inclusive environment for international stakeholders, faculty/scholar exchanges, and alumni engagement.

SS 1.3

Increase enrollment of adult, master’s degree, and Pell-eligible students as well as graduates of the Michigan Career and Technical schools.

SS 1.4

Other initiatives and programs related to the Strategic Goal.

Progress and Updates

REPORT INITIATIVE 1 PROGRESS

Signs of Success

An annually reviewed, adaptive recruitment strategy is in use across the entire University system by October 2020.
Enrollment of targeted populations in 2024 is 10 percent higher than it was in 2019.
The internationalization plan is complete and implementation of key components has begun by Fall 2020.

2019 - 2021

An internationalization plan has begun in early 2020 led by Piram Prakasam, Director of International Education.
Academic Affairs and Admissions are collaborating on a postcard mailing to Fall 2020 graduates encouraging them to consider enrolling in one of our graduate programs. With decreasing job prospects due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a better time to begin an advanced degree. Provost Bobby Fleischman has provided a message to include which focuses on the timeliness of the applied nature of our graduate programs and their clear path for career enhancement.
For the Fall 2021 Admit cycle, the Academic Colleges & Admissions are collaborating on retooling the application process for our students Many of these changes began as a result of our transitions due to the COVID virus but are now being applied more broadly to provide as clear a path to a Ferris education as possible.
UA&M is leading an effort to document and track all enrollment marketing initiatives throughout the University. Partners include UA&M, Admissions, Statewide/EIO, and KCAD.
For Spring 2021, the Alumni Association’s Student Alumni Gold Club collaborated with Admissions to implement a student- led, text message outreach program, to connect with and encourage enrollment from newly admitted students.
For Fall 2020, Academic Learning Center (ALC) tutors and Structured Learning Assistance (SLA) facilitators served as panelists in a presentation for West Michigan Works College Day! There were 55 high school students in attendance.
For Fall 2020, KCAD ran a geofenced social media ad campaign targeting undergraduate prospects and their parents encouraging them to "Live local, learn local", leading to an increase in applications from the targeted areas.

2021 - 2022

The annual marketing campaign supported Admissions student recruitment efforts by exceeded performance goals for all key performance indicators, including Ad Impressions (42M actual/30M goal), Marketing Qualified Leads (5.1k+ actual/1.75k goal) and Applications (1.7k+ actual/780 goal).
Partnered with KCAD and EIO to present a two-page Ferris Forward brand advertisement in the MLive College Guide outlining content specific for each area of focus (University overall, EIO and KCAD opportunities) but maintaining one brand identity for the University.
This Spring, the Alumni Association’s Student Alumni Gold Club collaborated with Admissions to implement a student- led, text message outreach program, to connect with and encourage enrollment from newly admitted students.
KCAD has developed a collaborative approach to recruiting dual enrollment students served by Success Virtual Learning (cyber school and partnering districts). The strategy is focused on delivering art and design curriculum to high school students all over the state through virtual delivery methods. The initiative has resulted in a well defined process for increasing awareness, promoting opportunities, gauging interest, and recruiting students/families through a coordinated effort with the high school. The process is supported by promotional videos and promotional literature that is strategically shared with students throughout the process. KCAD piloted one course in the Spring 2021 semester with positive outcomes. The program will expand to three courses in the Fall 2021 semester. The strategy also includes offering courses that are part of the KCAD first year experience as a means to start creating a pathway to a degree and creative profession (gateway into an Associates or Bachelor's Degree).
The football showcase brought in over 700 prospective football athletes to the Ferris State campus. Campers from all over Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio were in attendance. Total of 200 coaches in attendance. High School coaches from all over the state of Michigan all the way to Ohio and Indiana. College coaches from the University of Notre Dame, the University of Michigan State and the University of Michigan were in attendance to observe prospective high school athletes and to give a presentation to the camp as a whole. Former Quarterback Kurt Warner was in attendance to speak with the campers. 15 different media platforms were in attendance. Overall, This event provided Ferris State with great exposure to the state of Michigan. High Schoolers specifically from the East side of the state, found comfort in the campus according to the campers that provided feedback to the camp staff. Interviews after the event were posted on local news channels to inform the public about who was in attendance and congratulate the university for pulling an event like this off. Ferris State Athletics along with the Ferris State University Administration from every different department was happy to collaborate together!
Admissions, The Office of Transfer & Secondary Partnerships, OMSS and CLS collaborated on a series of information programming at Ferris Charter Schools in April of 2022. A team of professionals gave a multi-faceted presentation on the history of Ferris, our mission, academic offerings and what it is like to be a student at the University. We presented to nearly 1,000 9 to 12 graders. With excellent feedback from the school administrators and particpants - we will make this an regular recruiting practice.
To promote knowledge of the financial aid process and to provide additional monetary support for attending Ferris, the Office of Financial Aid created the Bulldog Bonus Scholarship. New FTIAC and Transfer students attended a comprehensive online financial aid workshop to qualify for the $2,000 award. Our goal was to increase education and prompt early completion of the FAFSA and required processes.
UA&M Launched a new suite of landing pages that provided prospective students with a dynamic glimpse of life at Ferris. This included the debut of a tool that helps prospective students more quickly find the academic majors they are interested in most. The landing page has since received more than 100,000 page views and 6,000 high-value conversions, including 4,800 clicks to apply. Explore the landing pages at Ferris.edu/Move-Forward.
The Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center continues to offer monthly outreach and college readiness virtual workshops with former Promesa Summer Success participants on the college-going process.

2022 - 2023

2023 - 2024

Student Success Initiative 2

Champion degree completion and ensure a clear path to success.

Action Steps

SS 2.1

Write a University-wide retention plan focused on eliminating barriers to success, increasing student involvement, and cultivating a sense of belonging.

SS 2.2

Advising task force recommendations are updated and key components implemented by Fall 2021.

SS 2.3

Sustain and strengthen our identity-based centers to provide academic and retention-based support.

SS 2.4

Apply for student success grants that provide resources for further retention efforts.

SS 2.5

Other initiatives and programs related to the Strategic Goal.

Progress and Updates

Report Initiative 2 Progress

Signs of Success

A retention plan is complete and key components are implemented by December 2020.
Advising Task Force recommendations are updated and implemented by August 2021.
Ferris receives at least one multi-million dollar student success grant (such as a Strengthening Institutions or Trio Grant).
The percentage of full-time students who complete and pass 24 credits or more in their first year increases.
Retention and graduation rates increase each year.

2019 - 2021

2021 - 2022

2022 - 2023

2023 - 2024

Student Success Initiative 3

Position career readiness and ExperienceShips at the center of a Ferris State education.

Action Steps

SS 3.1

Identify and provide the resources necessary to expand ExperienceShip opportunities for students.

SS 3.2

Provide faculty support to further embed career readiness competencies into courses.

SS 3.3

Expand the use of alumni employers to work with students one-on-one to help them shape their career paths.

SS 3.4

Focus our marketing and recruitment on our identity as an ExperienceShip university.

SS 3.5

Other initiatives and programs related to the Strategic Goal.

Progress and Updates

Report Initiative 3 Progress

Signs of Success

Career Education has increased engagement with first- and second-year students through classroom integration, personal appointments, events, or experiences by May 2021.
The graduate job placement rate in degree-related careers increases.
The percentage of graduates who complete ExperienceShips increases every year.

2019 - 2021

Task force to determine Experienceship definitions and processes of becoming an Experienceship has been created in the winter of 2019.
PHR 587 - All P1 students take APhA Career Pathways Survey to learn about career interests and skills. - PHR 515 - Pharmacy professionals invited to talk with students about various areas of pharmacy profession. - Leadership elective offered to P1, P2, and P3 students - PHR 691 - CV review requirement
During summer 2020, the College of Pharmacy created a Career Planning Task Force (CPTF) that includes professionals from a variety of pharmacy professions (e.g. independent, institutional, community, industry, etc.). Seven of the nine members include COP faculty (2) and alumni (5). The CPTF provides input to the COP re: current job market needs and best practices related to career planning and preparation.
Alumni Relations and CLACS are working collaboratively to recruit and welcome alumni volunteers each month to actively support students through the Alumni in Residence program.
KCAD developed and launched the KCAD Innovation Hub to serve as a connection point with regional industry and local community partners. The Innovation Hub will facilitate grant- funded advanced research and sponsored projects that provide faculty and students an opportunity to participate in professional-level project experiences. Projects will provide businesses an opportunity to leverage institutional resources for growth, while students gain internship-like experiences and faculty engage as mentors and project managers. These projects will contribute to the students' professional readiness and possibly lead to future employment. Also, the projects may be implemented into existing coursework, be packaged into special topics coursework, or be used to satisfy internship requirements, so students can gain credit for experiences.
Career Center partnered with the Criminal Justice Program during summer 2020 to create an alternative internship for 182 students when CJ internships were not offered. This included meetings with faculty to determine learning outcomes which resulted in a collaboration to offer: Clifton Strengths, Essential Skills Development online modules, and two employer panel discussions. This collaboration is continuing for 125 criminal justice students during summer 2021.

2021 - 2022

2022 - 2023

In the College of Pharmacy, student success is embedded in the teacher-scholar model. Here, students work with faculty on research projects throughout the academic year. In FY22, 13 students co-authored 7 research publications and presented 14 posters at regional, national and international meetings.
In the College of Pharmacy, a career-readiness needs assessment was deployed to pharmacy students (professional year 1, 2, 3).
In the College of Pharmacy, the APhA Career Pathway training is being offered for professional year 1 and 2 classes.
Dr. Dan Wrubel from the Michigan College of Optometry (MCO) led a Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) mission trip to Dominica in August, 2022. The team included eight fourth-year MCO interns and four FSU pre-Optometry students. After two years of being unable to travel, the team was excited to be able to provide optometric services to 1,265 patients that do not have easy access to quality eye care. More than 3,000 pairs of prescription eyeglasses, readers, Plano bifocals, and sunshades were dispensed with over 140 referrals for severe hypertension and medical/eye care.
FSU Hospitality Management and Music Entertainment Business Program students returned to Lollapalooza Chicago in August 2022 for our fourth year with the event. In its second year returning as a live event after Covid, Lollapalooza continues to be one of the largest in the country with sell-out crowds of 100,000 people on three of the four days of the festival. FSU students worked all four days as part of the Guest Services team for an industry-intensive experienceship. The size, complexity, and experienced team of event producers leading the students provide exceptional opportunity for these young professionals to increase their event management skill sets adding one of the country’s most prestigious multi-day music festivals to their resumes.
The FSU Hospitality Management Program coordinated 52 student staff for the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival on Friday, Nov 18, 2022. This opportunity allowed every student enrolled in our program to experience the sales, marketing, and service sector of the beverage industry. As student pourers, skills in service, vendor relations, event operations, and legal compliance are developed as this partnership is integrated through our curriculum. Students build their professional network and gain opportunity/offers on site for internships and post graduation employment.
Through a partnership with the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan, the office of Career and Professional Success was able to create 57 new employer connections. Seventeen of these organizations attended Aerospace Day in November which included a career exploration expo, faculty introductions, a panel discussion, classroom visits in both the College of Business and the College of Engineering Technology, and a tour of the College of Engineering lab spaces.
Ferris has signed a five-year partnership with the National Security Agency, focusing on boosting science, technology, engineering and math education for students by leveraging the computer software, expertise, special equipment and information. https://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/news/archive/2023/january/partnership.htm

2023 - 2024

Highlights and Achievements

2019 - 2021

For Fall 2020 graduates, Academic Affairs & Admissions are collaborating on a post card mailing to this group encouraging them to consider enrolling in one of our graduate programs. As the economic outlook since the COVID situation has lessened job prospects, we believe there has never been a better time to begin an advanced degree. Provost Fleischman has provided a message to include in the text which focuses on the timeliness of the applied nature of our graduate programs and their clear path for career enhancement.
UA&M is leading an effort to document and track all enrollment marketing initiatives throughout the University. Partners include UA&M, Admissions, Statewide/EIO, and KCAD.
Student Life, OMSS, and CLS wrote for and received a MCAN Grant that will provide a College Completion Coach that will provide holistic wrap-around support to students of color pursuing two year degrees at Ferris State beginning in December 2020 for at least one year with plans to extend up to three years with the renewal of Americorp funds.
During summer 2020, the College of Pharmacy created a Career Planning Task Force (CPTF) that includes professionals from a variety of pharmacy professions (e.g. independent, institutional, community, industry, etc.). Seven of the nine members include COP faculty (2) and alumni (5). The CPTF provides input to the COP re: current job market needs and best practices related to career planning and preparation.
Alumni Relations and CLACS are working collaboratively to recruit and welcome alumni volunteers each month to actively support students through the Alumni in Residence program.
KCAD developed and launched the KCAD Innovation Hub to serve as a connection point with regional industry and local community partners. The Innovation Hub will facilitate grant- funded advanced research and sponsored projects that provide faculty and students an opportunity to participate in professional-level project experiences. Projects will provide businesses an opportunity to leverage institutional resources for growth, while students gain internship-like experiences and faculty engage as mentors and project managers. These projects will contribute to the students' professional readiness and possibly lead to future employment. Also, the projects may be implemented into existing coursework, be packaged into special topics coursework, or be used to satisfy internship requirements, so students can gain credit for experiences.

2021 - 2022

The Alumni Association’s Student Alumni Gold Club collaborated with Admissions to implement a student-led, text message outreach program to connect with and encourage enrollment from newly admitted students.
KCAD has developed a collaborative approach to recruiting dual enrollment students served by Success Virtual Learning (cyber school and partnering districts). The strategy is focused on delivering art and design curriculum to high school students all over the state through virtual delivery methods.
The football showcase brought in over 700 prospective football athletes to the Ferris State campus. Campers from all over Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio were in attendance. Overall, This event provided Ferris State with great exposure to the state of Michigan. High Schoolers specifically from the East side of the state, found comfort in the campus according to the campers that provided feedback to the camp staff. Interviews after the event were posted on local news channels to inform the public about who was in attendance and congratulate the university for pulling an event like this off. Ferris State Athletics along with the Ferris State University Administration from every different department was happy to collaborate together!
To promote knowledge of the financial aid process, to prompt early completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and to provide additional monetary support to students, the Office of Financial Aid created the Bulldog Bonus Scholarship. New FTIAC and Transfer students attended a comprehensive online financial aid workshop to qualify for the $2,000 award.
Retention and Student Success led the selection of EAB/Navigate as the University’s student success management platform and is currently leading its implementation and roll-out.
Ferris was honored by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators as one of only two first-gen advisory institutions in Michigan.
Over 80% of the Pharmacy Class of 2022 have currently accepted employment positions upon graduation, which is 16% higher than in 2021.

2022 - 2023

To support video advertising initiatives at 10 of our top feeder high schools, the Web Marketing team built landing pages personalized for each of the school's students. The pages include info on popular programs, an opportunity to request more information, and wherever possible, a video of an alum of the high school that has since succeeded at Ferris.
FSU Hospitality Management and Music Entertainment Business Program students returned to Lollapalooza Chicago in August 2022 for our fourth year with the event. In its second year returning as a live event after Covid, Lollapalooza continues to be one of the largest in the country with sell-out crowds of 100,000 people on three of the four days of the festival.
Through a partnership with the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan, the office of Career and Professional Success was able to create 57 new employer connections. Seventeen of these organizations attended Aerospace Day in November which included a career exploration expo, faculty introductions, a panel discussion, classroom visits in both the College of Business and the College of Engineering Technology, and a tour of the College of Engineering lab spaces.
Ferris has signed a five-year partnership with the National Security Agency, focusing on boosting science, technology, engineering and math education for students by leveraging the computer software, expertise, special equipment and information.
Bulldog Bonus scholarships worth $2,000 is back for eligible Ferris State University students beginning classes during the Fall 2023 semester. https://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/news/archive/2022/november/bonus.htm

2023 - 2024

Student Success

Student Success

Strategic Goal

Student Success Initiative 1

Action Steps

SS 1.1

SS 1.2

SS 1.3

SS 1.4

Progress and Updates

Signs of Success

Student Success Initiative 2

Action Steps

SS 2.1

SS 2.2

SS 2.3

SS 2.4

SS 2.5

Progress and Updates

Signs of Success

Student Success Initiative 3

Action Steps

SS 3.1

SS 3.2

SS 3.3

SS 3.4

SS 3.5

Progress and Updates

Signs of Success

Highlights and Achievements

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