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, and transitions into continued
support, cohorted classes and supplemental learning assistance during the fall semester.
Intentional and proactive advising, mentorship, as well as ongoing support programming
throughout your time at Ferris State University are all part of the Determined Dawgs
Scholar Academy program.
July 6 - Aug 2, 2025
The Determined Dawgs program is scheduled to begin on July 6, 2025 and will end on
August 2, 2025.
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.
Gain experience with analytical writing and problem-solving techniques in preparation
for fall quarter.
Interact with faculty who teach first-year introductory courses in hands-on, small
group-oriented settings.
Attend academic skills workshops developed exclusively for Determined Dawgs Scholars
intended to familiarize students with campus resources.
Become a fully accepted Ferris State University students for the fall semester.
Learn from experienced student peer mentors.
Engage in meaningful dialogue around various themes.
Develop a true sense of belonging with your cohort.
Participate in field trips, service-learning projects and activities throughout the
program.
Students will enroll in three courses; MATH 010 (4 credits), READ 175 (3 credits),
and UNIV 101 (2 credits).
MATH 010: Fundamentals of Mathematics
Mathematical concepts concerning whole numbers, both common and decimal fractions,
percentage and elementary algebraic operations are covered. Credit does not count
toward graduation but will count in the calculation of the GPA.
READ 175: Foundations–Analytical Reading
This course will provide students with the opportunity to become critical readers
by increasing vocabulary, enhancing reading comprehension and recall, and improving
reading skills to better prepare for personal and college-level reading. Students
will learn active reading strategies to become a more effective reader, which can
lead to improved college success. This course introduces strategies--active learning
techniques--and offers practice in skills which allow students to immediately use
what they have learned in their own reading. The aim of this course is to increase
student reading and help students develop techniques required for college reading.
UNIV 101: College Study Methods
This college methods course will assist students in the development and use of effective
and efficient study strategies that can be utilized in college courses. Students will
learn about goal-setting and self-monitoring, learning styles, test preparation and
test-taking, lecture and textbook note taking, time management and concentration,
and general strategies for more efficient learning. Through an assessment process,
students will be able to identify study skill challenges and will develop strategies
designed to help improve study skills. Students will be required to implement the
study methods and provide evidence of application of these study methods to other
courses.
8:00 am–9:00 am: Breakfast/Free Time 9:00 am–12:00 am: Community Impact Projects 12:00 pm–1:00 pm: Lunch/Free Time 1:00 pm–3:30 pm: MATH 010 3:30 pm–5:00 pm: Academic Resources or Campus Partner Visits 5:00 pm– 7:00 pm: Dinner/Free Time 7:00 pm–9:00 pm: Supplemental Learning Assistance (SLA)
Saturday:
Optional excursion/Day Trips
Sunday:
Free Time and evening study and academic prep time
Participants are required to pay a non-refundable program fee of $500. All participants
must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Form for 2025-2026.
This flat rate covers tuition (actual cost is $4,347 for 9 credits), books (actual
cost averages $500), and university housing and meals (actual cost averages $2,800).
The $500 program fee covers what would actually cost $7,647.
Participation in this program is by invitation only.
Complete the registration form [Registration is currently closed]. Once complete,
follow the instructions to complete the payment for the program fee to reserve your
spot.
