Determined Dawgs Scholar Academy (DDSA) facilitates the transition to college for aspiring, conditionally admitted Ferris State freshman who may be the first in their families to attend college, require additional support following high school, or from communities with limited funding and resources.
Determined Dawgs take three college courses (9 credits), adjust to campus life and develop college-level learning habits during the summer following their high school graduation. This selective program is a four-week, intensive academic program designed to specifically aid successful transition from high school to college life and learning.
The program starts with a summer bridge experience in July, followed by an extended-orientation experience 3 days prior to the start of fall classes, and transitions into continued support, cohorted classes and supplemental learning assistance during the fall semester. Intentional and proactive advising, as well as ongoing support programming throughout your time at Ferris State University are all part of the Determined Dawgs Scholar Academy program.
Why should I participate in the Determined Dawgs Scholar Academy?
The DDSA program is a great way to be introduced to a support network of faculty, counselors, peer mentors, and fellow students. Students who complete the program will develop a good foundation that will set them up for success in their first year of college.
If you participate in Determined Dawgs, you will cultivate friendships with peers in your freshman class that may last throughout life. In addition, you will have the opportunity to “jump start” your academic career and gain the skills necessary to excel in your chosen major. Not only will you develop and demonstrate college-level learning habits, program participants will earn nine (9) college credits, saving approximately $7,100 in college costs. Successful completion of this program will qualify participants for fall admission to Ferris State University.