The Developmental Curriculum Department of Ferris State University's Retention and
Student Success unit provides a variety of courses to students seeking to improve
their academic readiness or to determine their career path. Its faculty are committed
to developing and offering educational opportunities that prepare students for the
academic challenges of university life. The services provided promote personal, academic,
cultural and social growth according to the principles of adult learning and development.
Goals:
- To improve basic college learning skills.
- To improve educational efficiency by assisting the University in retaining greater
numbers of potentially successful students.
- To aid in the in-service of faculty who teach (outside our area) at-risk freshmen
in making informed choices for textbooks and methods of content delivery.
Objectives:
- To provide reading classes that will increase reading skills for all Ferris students.
- To provide academic courses for first year students that will enhance their transition
to college, including orientation classes.
- To provide intrusive academic advising that will guide students into appropriate academic
courses that facilitate academic and personal growth.
- To provide career exploration classes to all students who may be undecided about their
career goals.
- Career Exploration (CARE) - A program designed for students who have not selected a program of study. Along
with taking a course in career exploration, students are directed by faculty advisors
into course work that fulfills the General Education requirements common to all FSU
degree programs. Students also have the opportunity, in consultation with a faculty
advisor, to select exploratory course work from a variety of fields of study to assist
in career decision-making. For more information call (231) 591-3564.
- Directed Studies Program (DIST) - A program designed for transfer or former FSU students with less than a 2.0 GPA
who do not meet the admission requirements of the specific program for which they
originally applied. These students are expected to develop, with the assistance of
their faculty advisor, an individualized program of study to strengthen their academic
performance. In some cases, enrollment in foundation courses is necessary to enhance
the student's potential for academic success. For more information call (231) 591-3564.
- General Studies Program (GNST) - The General Studies Program is for students who are admissible to Ferris State
University but do not meet all eligibility requirements for the specific program they
have chosen. The General Studies Program allows them an opportunity to earn credits
that will make them eligible. Advisors from Retention and Student Success work closely
with students to assist them in transferring to the program of choice as soon as possible
while taking general education courses required for all degrees. For more information
call (231) 591-3564.
- University College Program (UNCP) - A two-semester probationary program that assists first-year students who are ineligible
for direct admission into other Ferris programs. The purpose of the University College
Program is to help students become successful in college and enable them to transfer
into the Ferris State program of their choice. Placement tests, ACT scores and previous
high school work determine the courses required to complete the program. University
College Program courses at the 100 level or higher may be applied toward elective
credits in other programs. University College Program students are required to register
for fall classes no later than the final session of summer orientation/registration.
Failure to do so will delay enrollment in the University College Program to the following
spring semester. For more information call (231) 591-3564.
Statement of Purpose
