DDSA is a selective, four-week summer bridge program designed to help aspiring, conditionally admitted Ferris State freshmen successfully transition to college. It’s tailored for students who may be the first in their family to attend college, need additional academic support, or come
from under-resourced communities.
As a Determined Dawg, you’ll: ✅ Earn 7 college credits (with an option to waive an additional credit in the fall). ✅ Adjust to campus life while developing strong college-level learning habits. ✅ Receive ongoing support through cohorted classes, supplemental learning assistance, proactive advising, and
dedicated mentorship throughout your first two years at Ferris.
The DDSA experience begins in July and continues beyond summer—ensuring you have the guidance, resources, and community
to thrive at Ferris State University.
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 Determined Dawgs Scholar Academy (DDSA) is more than just a summer program—it’s your gateway to success at Ferris State University.
By joining DDSA, you’ll gain a strong support network of faculty, counselors, peer mentors, and fellow students, helping you build a solid
foundation for your first year of college.
As a Determined Dawg, you will: ✅ Form lasting friendships with peers in your freshman class. ✅ Jump-start your academic journey and develop college-level learning habits. ✅ Earn 7 college credits, saving approximately $7,031 in college expenses. ✅ Qualify for fall admission to Ferris State University. ✅ Become eligible for scholarships only available to students who are part of University
College. ✅ Gain access to priority registration dates in future semesters.
This four-week, intensive program ensures you enter college feeling prepared, supported, and ready to thrive at Ferris
State University.
As a Determined Dawg, you will:
✅ Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills through writing and critical thinking exercises, preparing you for fall coursework.
✅ Engage with Ferris State faculty in hands-on, small-group settings, gaining insight into first-year introductory courses.
✅ Participate in exclusive academic skills workshops designed to familiarize you with campus resources and set you up for success.
✅ Earn full admission to Ferris State University for the fall semester, ensuring a smooth transition into college life.
As a Determined Dawg, you will:
✅ Connect with experienced peer mentors who will guide and support you throughout your transition to college.
✅ Engage in meaningful discussions on important themes that shape your college experience.
✅ Build a true sense of belonging within your cohort, forming friendships and support networks that last beyond the
program.
✅ Take part in field trips, service-learning projects, and interactive activities that enhance your personal and academic growth.
Students will enroll in two courses; MATH 010 (4 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. This class counts toward
GPA calculation and fulfills the prerequisite requirement but does not apply toward
graduation credits.
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.
Monday through THURSDAY:
8:00 am–9:00 am: Breakfast/Free Time 9:00 am–10:30 am: UNIV 101 10:30 am–12:00pm: Campus Partner Sessions/Pack Time 12:00 pm–1:00 pm: Lunch/Free Time 1:00 pm–4:00 pm: MATH 010 4:00 pm–5:00 pm: Resources/ Campus Partner Visits 5:00 pm–7:00 pm: Dinner/Free Time 7:00 pm–9:00 pm: Supplemental Learning Assistance (SLA)/Organized Study Time
FRIDAY:
8:00 am–8:30 am: Breakfast/Free Time 8:30 am–12:30 pm: Community Service Project Time 12:30 pm–1:00 pm: Lunch 1:00 pm–4:00 pm: MATH 010 4:00 pm–5:00 pm: Resources/ Campus Partner Visits 5:00 pm–7:00 pm: Dinner/Free Time 7:00 pm: Cohort Check-in
Saturday:
Optional excursion/Day Trips
Sunday:
7:00 pm–9:00 pm: Supplemental Learning Assistance (SLA)/Organized Study Time
Participants pay a non-refundable $500 program fee for the four-week program. In addition,
they must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA and have all final high school transcripts
on file with the university in addition to the program application.
This fee covers tuition ($3,531 for 7 credits), learning materials/books (~$500),
and university housing/meals (~$2,800)—a total value of $7,031.
Participation in this program is by invitation only.
Complete the registration form. Once complete, follow the instructions to complete the payment for the program fee
to reserve your spot.
