Enrollment increase for spring 2012 semester
Ferris State University officials are reporting an increase in enrollment for the spring 2012 semester.
Ferris’ student population is up by 162 students from the spring 2011 semester to 13,705 students, which is a one percent increase. According to a press release from University News, the area that experienced a majority of growth between the spring semesters is in online education, where the number of students has increased from 147 to a total of 789 for spring 2012.
An increase was reported by Ferris of 1,657 in student credit hours for a total of 155,866. The Big Rapids campus represented two-thirds of that increase (989) while online education represented the other third (647). The largest credit hour increases occurred in the colleges of Arts and Sciences and Education and Human Services. Arts and Sciences increased by 1,403 while Education and Human Services increased by 625. University College experienced an increase of 57 students while Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris increased by 10 students.
The university also reported a 44-percent increase in its international student population which has grown by 80 students from the spring 2011 semester. Additionally, Ferris’ Hispanic population was up by 39.
New graduate education coordinator
Nancy Hogan, a professor in the criminal justice program, has been named as the new graduate education coordinator for Ferris.
Hogan began her duties this month. Her prior criminal justice experience includes working as a correctional officer, counselor and HIV/AIDS specialist. Hogan also worked part time for the Arizona Supreme Court’s traffic program.
Hogan earned a Ph.D. at Arizona State University in justice studies, a master’s degree from Pennsylvania-based Mercyhurst College in justice administration and a bachelor’s degree from Gannon University, which is also based in Pennsylvania.
Transition to Blackboard
Beginning in fall 2012, Ferris will make a full transition from FerrisConnect Vista to Blackboard Learn 9.1.
A transition to Blackboard has already begun with more than 360 faculty and staff having participated in Blackboard training courses. This semester, 106 faculty and staff are utilizing Blackboard in their classes, with a total of 338 course offerings and 5,339 enrolled students. There are also 1,145 courses on FerrisConnect.
There are resources available such as Technology Assistance Center at ext. 4822 or the Blackboard Learning Team at ext. 2842 for questions or problems. n
2012 student homecoming applications available
The Student Homecoming Committee recently announced that applications are now available for the Homecoming 2012.
Candidates must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and be free from current judicial sanctions to serve on the committee. Successful candidates will be expected to form a committee of their peers to help plan and put their event in action.
One application is sufficient for all the positions. Positions available are: Overall Chair, Parade Chair, Lip Sync Chair, Kickball Tournament Chair, Scavenger Hunt Chair, Comedian Chair, Bed Sheet Banner Chair, Alumni Reception Chair, King & Queen Selection Chair and Bonfire Chair.
The application is available on OrgSync. It must be submitted to the Office of Student Leadership & Activities in Rankin 164. Interviews will be held on Jan. 24 & 25. For more information on Homecoming events, visit www.ferris.edu/alumni/homecoming.