Community Development Model

Community building is the foundation of the programming philosophy at Ferris State University. Through the concept of Community Builders, our student staff members connect with residents by dining together, attending campus events, programs, and informal one-on-one conversations. Our staffs focus on building connections, listening to concerns, assisting with conflict management, and being available to their residents as much as possible. The fundamental nature of our approach is to make residents feel they belong to a community and are in a place they can call “home.”

The Office of Housing and Residence Life at Ferris State University is deeply committed to the development of our students living on our campus. Research shows that activities like dining with other residents, spontaneous conversations in the hallway, playing on intramural teams, and watching movies together are valued by our residents. These activities, amongst many others are vital when building a sense of community.

We have developed a programming model that both meets the needs of our wide variety of students as well as fulfills our departments focus on positive Academic Initiatives, Living Environment, Holistic Development, Recognition and Embrace of Diversity, and Global Awareness. Learning in the hall meets the target of the following 12 subdivisions of our Crimson goal and our Gold goal.

Crimson Connection: we hope for our students to connect to their neighbors and the campus community.

Gold Success: we hope to prepare our students to leave Ferris State ready to succeed professionally.

Crimson Connection Programming

  • Ferris Pride
    • Students attending these programs will gain knowledge about Ferris State and take pride in being a Bulldog. Programming could center around student services on campus, athletic pride, homecoming, and any activity building pride in our University.
  • Academic Transition
    • Students attending these programs will gain knowledge about how to be successful academically. Programming focus is study skills, finding a career path, time management, balance, and more.  
  • Independent Thinking
    • Students attending these programs will gain knowledge about personal growth and value in self and others. Programming focus is defining values and making decisions.
  • Basic Life Skills
    • Students attending these programs will gain knowledge on the realities of becoming an adult and being on their own. Programming focus is cleaning, laundry, money management, and any activity helping students transition into taking care of themselves.
  • Living With Others
    • Students attending these programs will gain knowledge on respect and compromise. Programming focus is building policies, roommate/suitemate relations, and House dynamics.
  • Safe Choices
    • Students attending these programs will gain knowledge on making informed and safe choices. Programming focus is drugs, alcohol, safe sex, avoiding common illnesses (cold and flu), and health and wellness.

 

Gold Success Programming:

  • Backpack to Briefcase
    • Students attending these programs will gain knowledge in professionalism. Programming focus is interview preparation, financial stability, etiquette, and social media presence.
  • Involvement: Quality vs. Quantity
    • Students attending these programs will gain knowledge on how to bring balance in their educational experience. Programming focus is managing a schedule, involvement on campus, and productivity.
  • Professional Relationships
    • Students attending these programs will gain knowledge on professional relationships. Programming focus is communication with faculty and staff, employment and politics, and the law.
  • Embracing Diversity
    • Students attending these programs will gain knowledge on differences and similarities. Programming focus is Hall and House communities, cultures, stereotypes, language, and humanity.
  • Serving Others
    • Students attending these programs will gain knowledge on servant leadership. Programming focus is helping others, becoming involved and caring for the outside community.
  • Personal Impact
    • Students attending these programs will gain knowledge on awareness of others’ perceptions and their impact. Programming focus is relationship building, appropriate communication, and modeling the way.