If you believe that summer is strictly a time for sleeping in and watching Netflix, you’ll want to reconsider.
Academic Affairs hosted their first ever Summer Opportunities Fair and the options for having a fun and successful summer break are extensive.
The two-day event took place Thursday and Friday, Jan. 18-19 in the UC. Students benefited from learning about the services offered by Ferris after the end of spring semester, while also enjoying free food and prizes. Ferris Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Paul Blake stressed the importance of the fair.
“This is the first annual event. It got started through Academic Affairs because we wanted to do something beyond what normally gets done at Dawg Days and have a specific focus on summer, because I don’t think most students really know what kinds of opportunities are available,” Blake said. “I don’t think most students know that there is free housing available if you take six hours of credit during the course of the summer.”
The event included information for everyone, ranging from study abroad programs across the world to research projects right on campus. Tables were set up to inform students of these opportunities, as well as course offerings, scholarships, financial aid, camps, employment positions, housing, internships and more taking place throughout the summer.
“A few students I’ve talked with are in some curriculum that they might want to change. We’re talking about summer but we have all of the colleges represented, so they can see what is here and go talk to many people,” Ferris Executive Assistant to the Provost Robin Hoisington said.
Hoisington also expressed her desire for all students to expand on their knowledge of normal services, such as housing or admissions and learn about the unique and less well-known chances to take online courses or utilize the Shimadzu Core Laboratory.
Ferris elementary education freshman Alyssa White said her excitement for the study abroad programs were what drew her to the Summer Opportunities Fair. There are a total of 15 study abroad programs offered by Ferris, with trips to countries like Haiti, China, Scotland, Costa Rica and Italy.
“I think everyone should come to this event. There is a lot of information, tons of booths, free stress balls and it’s fun,” White said.
For anyone who was unable to attend the Summer Opportunities Fair, a link will be made available through the university-wide announcements.
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