Proud to be a Ferris bulldog!

Transcription

1 Proud to be a Ferris bulldog! My student number is: My advisor is: The semester I m admitted for begins: Do now I should register for classes: Things I need to do now: o Complete the required New Student Statewide & Online Orientation (page 3) o Log in to MyFSU and check Ferris Gmail (page 8) o Contact my program advisor to be sure I register for the right classes and I don t take more classes than I need to take (page 6) o Apply to the community college if I need to take CC classes with my Ferris classes (page 3) o Complete the FAFSA to apply for financial aid OR update my school code (page 10) o Contact a financial aid advisor with my questions (page 12) o Use MyFSU to set up direct deposit for financial aid refunds and textbook advance funding (page 11) o Register for classes (page 16) o If planning to take an online course, take the Is Online Learning Right for Me? survey, then complete the Online Readiness Orientation/Tutorial and quiz (page 15) o Submit the online financial aid consortium form if I m taking classes at the community college (pages 10, 11 & 12) o Order or pick up textbooks (page 19) o Pay tuition bill - explore payment options (page 13) o Verify class dates, times and locations via MyFSU (page 17) o Check Ferris Gmail for updates and financial aid notices (page 8) Do later Things I need to do before each semester: o Make sure my financial aid is in order submit another FAFSA each year (page 10) o Request my updated transcripts be sent from other colleges if I took classes outside of Ferris last semester (page 22) o Contact my program advisor to be sure I m on track (page 6) o Register for classes (page 16) o Submit the online consortium form if I m taking classes at the community college (pages 10, 11 & 12) o Pay tuition bill - explore payment options (page 13) o Order or pick up textbooks (page 19) o Verify class dates, times and locations via MyFSU (page 17) o Check Ferris Gmail for updates and financial aid notices (page 8) o Stay connected and find Ferris Statewide on Facebook: Student Checklist 1

2 Congratulations... and thank you for choosing Ferris State University. We are excited to serve you online or at one of our regional locations throughout Michigan. We are confident you ve made the right decision and will be pleased with the service of our staff and quality of our academic instruction. When you complete your program, you will be proud of your Ferris degree. Before you take the next steps and enroll in your first class, let us confirm that you ve made the right choice. Here are the top reasons to pursue your Ferris degree: 1. Your career will be built on our solid reputation of applied programs. Graduate from Ferris State University and have the knowledge, skills and abilities to hit the ground running. Employers really appreciate that Ferris students not only have the theory to support their knowledge, but the day-to-day skills and real-world relevance needed to be effective in today s workplace You can take advantage of our community college partnerships and save money on your degree. Ferris State University has partnerships with the community colleges where we offer our bachelor s and associate degree classes, which allow our students to count both Ferris and the community college classes in their financial aid. Ferris students can then access more aid than they could by attending the community college alone. Ferris public university tuition rates combined with your local community college tuition rate, allow you to earn a degree from a reputable university at a great price. Other local colleges carry costly tuition rates and mask them with scholarships. This sounds great, but even after the scholarships are applied, the tuition rates are still higher than Ferris and if you find their programs aren t for you, it s possible the credits won t transfer because their courses may not meet our standards of quality. You can transfer college credits from other schools. Ferris accepts transfer credits from a variety of institutions and will accept up to 90 credits into some of our programs! In addition, credits can be earned through assessment of prior learning, CLEP exams and proficiency exams. Advisors will meet with you to evaluate other prior learning to determine whether additional substitutions may be made. You ll learn from the experts. Ferris hires faculty who are professionals in their fields to be our instructors. This brings real world experience into your classrooms so you can learn from the best, and learn what s relevant for your chosen career. You have access to answers and support locally. You can find most answers to your questions online whenever it s convenient for you by visiting our website at If you need more support, we have staff at offices located across the state who are available to answer your questions and guide you. You don t need to travel to the main campus for assistance. We re available locally and excited to help you on your journey. Congratulations! 2

3 Forget the paper! Want to find the information online? is our official website. Sections of this notebook contain website paths to find the information you re looking for. If you have any trouble following the printed paths, or just want one easy spot to look, go to All of the links referred to in this document can be found on this one webpage. Important Admissions Notes! Concurrent Enrollment with the Community College If your degree program requires you to take classes at the community college as well as Ferris, you need to also apply to your local CC. We are partners, but remain separate institutions with different processes. Check your community college s website for their admission requirements. Once you re admitted to the CC, please note that you will have a different student ID in their system. Your classes will likely be offered on the same campus, but the CC academic calendar and registration dates may differ from Ferris. Your First Step: Required New Student Statewide & Online Orientation The online orientation is designed to give you an individually tailored experience that will provide you with tools and resources you ll need on your academic journey. Information provided is unique to your class location. Once your orientation is complete, you ll be able to register for classes. > Student Resources > New Student Orientation MyFSU > Academics & Services tab > Registration > New Student Statewide/ Online Orientation After completing the self-paced tutorial and practice quizzes, which takes approximately one hour, you will take a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of the content. You must get at least seven out of ten questions correct on the final quiz to complete this requirement. Please give our staff one to two business days to review your information and release your registration hold. Want to check that we have recorded your orientation completion and cleared your hold? Go to the Academics & Services tab in MyFSU and click View Holds. If you do not see Reg Orien Statewide-Online hold type, you have successfully completed the orientation final quiz and your registration hold has been cleared. Read this! 3

4 Don t forget Each semester, make sure you know where to find the Important Dates Go to > Important Dates Fill in the important dates for your first semester. Early registration opens Late registration First day of classes Drop/Add week Last day to drop classes (for refund) Mid-term grades due Last day to withdraw (full semester) Last day of classes Examination week begins Examination week ends Commencement Final grades available Employer tuition reimbursement paperwork/set up fee due Consortium form due Tuition due (50%, 25% or 33%) Textbook advance funding Tuition due (25% or 33%) Tuition due (25% or 34%) Tuition due (25%) If you are taking classes from your local community college, check their academic guide for important dates! Important Dates 4

5 Class Location Information Alpena Community College 665 Johnson St., Alpena, MI (989) [email protected] Ann Washtenaw Community College 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor, MI (517) [email protected] Auburn Oakland Community College 2900 Featherstone Rd., Auburn Hills, MI (586) or (586) [email protected] Benton Lake Michigan College 2755 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor, MI (269) [email protected] Clinton Macomb Comm. College Garfield Rd., Clinton Township, MI (586) [email protected] Southwestern Michigan College Cherry Grove Rd., Dowagiac, MI (269) or (800) ext [email protected] Mott Community College 1401 E. Court St., Flint, MI (810) or (866) [email protected] Garden Schoolcraft College 1751 Radcliff St., Garden City, MI (586) or (586) [email protected] Grand Grand Rapids Comm. College 151 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI (616) or (800) [email protected] Montcalm Comm. College 1325 Yellow Jacket Dr., Greenville, MI College Dr., Sidney, MI (231) or (800) [email protected] Mott Community College Livingston Regional M-TEC 1240 Packard Dr., Howell, MI (517) [email protected] Jackson College 2111 Emmons Rd., Jackson, MI (517) [email protected] Lansing Community College 210 W. Shiawassee, Lansing, MI (517) [email protected] Delta College 1961 Delta Rd., D-102 University Center, MI (989) [email protected] Muskegon Community College 221 S. Quarterline Rd., Muskegon, MI (231) [email protected] Online (231) or (800) [email protected] North Central Michigan College 1515 Howard St., Petoskey, MI (231) or (866) [email protected] Port St. Clair County Comm. College 323 Erie St., Port Huron, MI (586) or (586) [email protected] West Shore Community College 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville, MI (231) or (866) [email protected] Traverse Northwestern Mich. College 2200 Dendrinos Dr., Traverse City, MI (231) or (866) [email protected] Harper Wayne County Community College District Vernier Rd., Harper Woods, MI (586) [email protected] Macomb Community College E. 12 Mile Rd., Warren, MI (586) or (586) [email protected] class Locations 5

6 Advising Academic advisors are available every semester to help guide you through the program. Top 3 reasons to contact your advisor once each semester: Make sure you don t take more classes than you need to, wasting valuable time and money. Make sure you balance your schedule with Ferris and community college classes to best utilize your financial aid. Make sure you plan your schedule ahead. Not every class is offered each semester. Don t get into a situation where the only class you need isn t offered the next semester, or you aren t taking enough credits to qualify for financial aid. Advisors help you plan ahead. What questions should you be sure to get answered by your advisor? o What classes should I take next? (Make sure you leave your appointment with an updated program plan.) o Is my class schedule impacted by financial aid? (This mostly affects students taking technology intensive courses with a slightly higher tuition. It is best to balance these courses each semester with other Ferris courses or community college classes.) o How many credits will I take each semester? (Financial aid awards vary based on credit load. Six credits is considered part-time and twelve credits is considered full-time. Note that some internships may be less than six credits, but are considered full-time for financial aid.) o Will I need to take summer courses? (Financial aid budgets are created for the academic year beginning with fall semester. Make sure you don t use all of your aid before summer semester if you ll be taking classes. Note that some programs require summer internships. You ll need to plan your financial aid accordingly.) o Are there classes I can test out of using CLEP or another proficiency test? (Successful prior learning assessments can save you time and money. Ask your advisor if it s an option for you.) o Did I get all the information I need for Michigan Works? (If applicable.) Still need help? Schedule your phone or face-to-face appointment online: > Schedule Advising What should you bring to your advising appointment? Make sure your updated transcripts from all previously attended institutions have been submitted to Ferris (including your community college transcripts from the previous semester, if applicable). If Ferris does not yet have them, bring your unofficial transcripts and order your official ones so that your advisor may see what you ve taken and create the best personal program plan. If you have received a program plan (or checksheet) in the mail, bring that to your appointment as well. advising 6

7 Advising (Continued) Which one are you a consortium student or a transfer student? If you aren t sure or are confused about how your community college credits transfer, talk to your academic advisor. TRANSFER STUDENTS are students who apply for entrance into degree programs at Ferris State University and whose course work from other institutions is subject to institutional and/or program transfer guidelines. Transfer of credits requires a minimum of a C grade to receive institutional and/or program transfer credit. CONSORTIUM STUDENTS are students who are obtaining a Ferris degree by earning a portion of their credits from a community college. A consortium agreement exists between the community college and Ferris State University. Once students are admitted to an approved off-campus program for which Ferris State University has a consortium agreement, they become Ferris State University consortium students. Consortium students receive Ferris State University advising, benefit from taking approved/articulated Ferris courses, have Ferris as their financial aid provider, yet pay tuition to the local community college at the community college rate. The completion of the consortium form is the way students communicate to the Financial Aid Office, on a semester basis, that they are taking community college courses which apply to their Ferris degree. All grades for advisor approved/articulated consortium courses and for which students may receive financial aid from Ferris will be accepted by and reported to Ferris. University and academic program grade requirements supersede whether or not approved courses fulfill academic requirements. If you re a consortium student, there is a new policy that applies to you: Ferris Consortium Transfer Policy Once admitted into a statewide or online aid-eligible off-campus/consortium program and each semester an approved consortium form is on file, transfer credits will be processed under the transfer consortium policy as long as Ferris is the financial aid provider or the student is not receiving any financial aid. The consortium transfer policy states that Ferris-approved, articulated courses at a community college be subject to the same set of academic and reporting standards as oncampus students. All Ferris-approved courses taken by consortium students will be accepted by the University, regardless of grade, and will be used for federal financial aid reporting and potential fulfillment of academic degree requirements. Whether or not the approved courses fulfill academic program requirements is dependent on University and academic program standards. For more information, go to consortium 7

8 Your Ferris Gmail Account Stay connected with your required account Your Gmail account is the only we will use to communicate information about registration, financial aid, student activities and class cancellations. For help accessing your account, follow the Help link or contact Ferris technical assistance helpdesk. The financial aid office will ONLY use your Ferris account to send you important information regarding your financial aid. Be sure that you routinely check your Ferris account! To find your computing ID and password: One week after receiving your acceptance notice, you can log on to your personal campus information through MyFSU and send and receive university . Follow these simple instructions to log on. 1. Start Internet Explorer or other browser (some functions will not work with Chrome) 2. Go to 3. Click on the MyFSU link near the lower right corner 4. Click on ID and Password Help 5. Click on Student/Alumni: click HERE 6. Provide both your student ID and birthdate 7. Make a note of your user name and initial password (you will need to after your user name each time the password assistance system asks you for your user name) 8. Set up your Challenge Questions 9. Go to pwdhelp.ferris.edu to change your password after entering your user name) To Access MyFSU: 1. Start Internet Explorer or other browser 2. Go to 3. Click on the MyFSU link near the lower right corner 4. Type in your computing ID and computing password MyFSU Tutorial: Go to click on Financial Aid; then in the right hand corner, click on How To Tutorials and check out the video links or quicksteps for MyFSU. Forward your Gmail to another Want to forward your student to another account? Gmail 8

9 Your Ferris Gmail Account (Continued) Here s how: 1. Log in to MyFSU (myfsu.ferris.edu) 2. Open the icon (upper right) 3. Click the gear in the top right 4. Select Settings 5. Select the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab 6. Click on Add a Forwarding Address in the Forwarding section 7. Enter the personal address you want to forward to 8. Click on verification link sent to personal 9. In Settings, Forwarding and Pop/IMAP, check that Forward a copy of incoming mail is selected and your address is in the drop-down menu. 10. In the second drop-down menu, choose what you want done with your messages after they re forwarded, such as keep Gmail s copy in the Inbox or archive Gmail s copy. 11. Click Save Changes 24/7 Tech help Need Technical Support? The Technology Assistance Center (TAC) is the first point of contact for computer support for Ferris State University faculty, staff and students. They are there to answer your computing questions. For assistance, call toll-free (877) or (231) or [email protected]. Tech support is available at Gmail 9

10 Financial Aid Grants, Scholarships and Loans To receive any type of financial aid, you must first request a four-digit federal personal identification number (PIN) at and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Visit and be sure to insert the Ferris school code Your financial aid will not be packaged until you are admitted into a degree granting program at Ferris and all required financial aid documents are submitted. For more information: > Tuition & Aid Submit FAFSA immediately after January 1. Need-based aid is awarded on a first-come first-serve basis. STATEWIDE Financial Aid consortium programs Ferris has a consortium agreement with many community colleges This is an agreement that allows Ferris to be your financial aid provider and to count your approved community college classes when packaging your aid. You can only receive financial aid from one institution. If you have received aid from another school, you will need to change your school code on your FAFSA to the Ferris school code What you need to know about consortium policies o Your community college classes must be required for your Ferris program. o Your academic program must be approved for the consortium program at your CC location. o You need to submit a consortium form every semester you are registered at CC. o Payment to your community college for any tuition, fees, textbooks, parking etc. by their posted due date is your responsibility. Ferris does NOT directly pay any community college charges. Please plan your finances accordingly if you are required to pay your tuition at the community college prior to receiving your refund from Ferris. Many CCs offer payment plans, while others may not require payment until your Ferris financial aid refund is posted. Please contact your local CC for more information. o Only classes at your approved community college site will be counted in your financial aid package. (If you decide to take classes at a different community college, these will not be counted.) financial aid 10

11 Financial Aid (Continued) Forms you need to review and complete o Master Promissory Note (MPN) & Entrance Counseling The MPN needs to be reviewed and signed and entrance counseling must be completed before your Federal Direct loans can be disbursed. To complete your MPN, go to MyFSU > Academics & Services tab > Financial Aid Forms & Links. IMPORTANT: You must have your four-digit federal PIN to complete the MPN. If you have lost or forgotten your PIN, you may request a duplicate at You must accept your financial aid award in order for the MPN to be certified. o Student FA Budget Your financial aid budget is what the financial aid office uses as your average cost of attendance, which includes tuition, books and personal expenses. o Award Notice The financial aid office will send your first award notice via US mail to your permanent address. Future award notices will then be sent electronically to your Ferris address. The award notice will include your budget, need formula and the type and amount of each fund being offered to you. We recommend that you accept or reject each type of aid within 21 days of receiving the offer to prevent cancellation of the aid offer. If you are unsure as to whether or not to accept or reject a particular type of aid, contact a financial aid advisor to discuss your options. To accept your loans, go to: MyFSU > Academics & Services tab > Financial Aid Awards > Accept Award Offer caution! Plan ahead for Summer aid: Remember that your FAFSA runs one full aid year, fall, spring and summer, but your aid is disbursed to you in the fall and spring semesters. If you plan to take classes during the summer semester, work with your financial aid office to plan for each semester so you have enough aid to cover all three semesters. o Consortium Form A consortium form allows you to tell the financial aid office which community college classes you are taking so those credits can be counted when packaging your aid. All consortium forms are approved by your advisor and the community college classes must fit within your academic plan. To fill out your consortium form, go to MyFSU > Academics & Services tab > Financial Aid Forms & Links > On-Line Consortium Form. Be sure to submit your consortium form as soon as you register for your community college classes to ensure you receive your financial aid refund on time! Submit a new form if any changes are made to your community college schedule. o Direct Deposit We recommend that you set up a direct deposit account through MyFSU. To receive the $400 financial aid book advance, you must have direct deposit and your financial aid must exceed your tuition and fees. To set up direct deposit, go to MyFSU > Academics & Services tab > Timme Center for Student Services > Student Financial Aid Direct Deposit. financial aid 11

12 Financial Aid (Continued) Ferris State University is concerned about the average loan debt of our students. For information on budgeting and borrowing wisely, visit Processes that will put your financial aid on hold Verification Once your FAFSA has been received by the Federal Processor, you may be selected for verification. If selected, the verification process must be completed before financial aid may be offered to you. It is essential that all requested documentation be submitted as quickly as possible. Failure to provide requested documentation in a timely manner could result in a loss of some forms of aid. > Tuition & Aid > Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Federal regulations require that students make satisfactory academic progress toward the completion of a degree to be eligible for financial aid, including loans, grants and scholarships. There are three main components to the SAP policy: degree progression, minimum GPA requirement and class completion rate. A student must comply with all three elements to maintain eligibility for financial aid. Satisfactory academic progress for the financial aid office is not to be confused with academic progress as defined by individual colleges. Financial Aid Notices: In your Ferris only Ferris provides you an account through Gmail. The financial aid office will ONLY use your Ferris account to send you important information regarding your financial aid. Be sure that you routinely check your Ferris ! Financial Aid Refunds: What you need to do to get yours on time. If you have direct deposit set up, you will receive any financial aid refund by direct deposit. If you are not enrolled in direct deposit, your refund check will be mailed through the US Postal Service. If you are taking community college classes, your refund will not be available until after the CC s 100% refund date. Remember to submit an updated consortium form if you make any changes to your CC schedule because these classes must be reviewed to verify that they apply to the program in which you are enrolled. Refer to the financial aid section on the Academics & Services tab in MyFSU for financial aid refund dates. Refund dates can be found at: MyFSU > Academics & Services tab > Financial Aid Forms & Links > Refund Dates Scholarships specifically for off-campus students: Visit for more information. Wondering if you need to do anything else in order to receive your financial aid? Check the Student Requirements link on MyFSU. Still Have Questions? A financial aid advisor is available to answer your questions. Call your campus office to set up an appointment. financial aid 12

13 Payment Information Payment Using E-Bill You can view your bill and make a payment at any time online through E-Bill on MyFSU. No paper bill will be mailed. Log in to MyFSU to make your payment with Discover, Visa, American Express, MasterCard or e-check. MyFSU > Academics & Services tab > E-Bill Pay On-line/Check Student Account Ferris has four payment options: Pay Tuition in Full Pay 100% of your tuition bill by the first due date and no additional fees or service charges are applied to your account. Deferred Payment Plans ($30 fee) If you are not taking financial aid or your financial aid isn t going to cover your entire bill, Ferris has several payment plan options available. For more information or to enroll in a payment plan, go to: MyFSU > Academics & Services tab > E-Bill Pay On-line/Check Student Account > Payment Plans Note: There is a 2% late fee added to any past due balances. Your classes may be dropped for non-payment. If your classes are dropped, there is a $100 late fee to re-register. Employer Tuition Reimbursement (ETR) ($35 fee) Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement? Our ETR program allows you to defer any portion of tuition your employer pays towards your education. You have 30 days after the end of the semester to pay your tuition balance. Note: Your financial aid award may affect your eligibility. For more information, visit: > Tuition & Aid > Employer Tuition Reimbursement Contact the student services department in Grand Rapids at (616) or (800) or [email protected]. Third Party Billing With appropriate authorization, third parties, such as employers, can be billed directly. Amounts billed to third parties (including approved financial aid) are immediately deducted from student accounts. If your employer will pay the institution directly (regardless of your final grades), our preferred method is through third party billing. Contact the Business Office for more information at (231) or (800) 4-FERRIS and ask for the Business Office. You should pay your tuition electronically via E-Bill. This process is more efficient and allows for information to remain confidential. It also is the only way to pay by credit card. Payment Plans, E-Bill 13

14 Payment Information (Continued) Debit/Credit Card Convenience Fee A 2.75% convenience fee will be charged on all credit card and debit card transactions made on consolidated student accounts. You can avoid paying the 2.75% convenience fee by paying online with an e-check, an electronic debit to your checking or savings account. Payments that are Mailed You may also mail a check to the Timme Center for Student Services with no convenience fee to the address below. Checks should be made payable to Ferris State University. Always include your student ID number on the check. Mail to: Ferris State University, Business Operations CSS 101PA, 1201 S. State Street, Big Rapids, MI Refund Policy You must contact your regional office for any class drops or withdrawals immediately following your decision to drop or withdraw from a course. (Students have the first four days of the semester to DROP a class for a refund. After the first four days, students can only WITHDRAW.) After the first four days of the semester or the first meeting of class, refunds are only made in some cases of total withdrawal from the University. A reduction in course load (a class withdrawal), after the first four days of the semester or the first meeting of class, is not a basis for a refund. > Tuition & Aid > Refund Policy Dropping/Withdrawing from Classes If you find it necessary to drop or withdraw from a class, you must call your regional office. Not attending a class or telling your instructor you no longer wish to take that class does not drop the class from your schedule. Total withdrawals from the University (dropping all classes) must be completed through the Records Office. To begin the process, call toll-free (800) and ask for the Records Office or dial direct to (231) Note: If you do a total withdrawal from the University during fall or spring semesters, your matriculation is closed. When you return to the University, you will need to submit a new application for admission to provide up-to-date information for your student record. There is no charge to be readmitted; however, you will need to meet current admissions criteria when re-applying. If readmitted, you will follow the newest academic catalog, policies and procedures. Financial Aid Implications of Dropping or Withdrawing If you receive financial aid, dropping or withdrawing from a course could affect your funding. Be sure to contact financial aid to check your status. Credit Cards, Refunds, Dropping, Withdrawing 14

15 Taking an Online or Mixed Delivery Class? Register early online classes fill up fast! Get Ready For Class! Before enrolling in an online course, you should first assess your readiness for stepping into the online learning environment. Spend some time thinking about yourself as a learner and see whether your characteristics would help you be a successful online learner. Take the self-survey, Is Online Learning Right for Me? at ferris.edu/online/prepare/ready.htm. Before you can register for an online class, you must first successfully complete the Online Readiness Orientation/Tutorial and quiz. You can find this at ferris.edu/online/prepare. Online and mixed delivery courses require specific hardware, software and a fast internet connection to be successful. Go to ferris.edu/online/techlinfo to find out more. o Log in to MyFSU and FerrisConnect before your class is scheduled to begin to see if your instructor has posted pre-class assignments. Log on to MyFSU > Click on FerrisConnect icon in top right corner o Familiarize yourself with information available in FerrisConnect: Any pre-class assignments Textbook and material lists o o Complete any pre-class assignments so you are ready for the first session. Log into your class on the first day of the semester unless otherwise instructed. Online vs. Mixed Delivery Online courses are just that 100% online delivered through FerrisConnect. Some fully online courses do have a synchronous meeting time, but it can be done remotely (from your home or another location). Check the course information and class syllabus to see if there are any meeting times scheduled. Mixed delivery courses are delivered online through FerrisConnect but also require some face-to-face class time. How much time is required varies per class. Online Classes 15

16 Do ASAP How To... Register for Classes Before registration, log in to MyFSU and go to the Academic & Services tab. Check under Registration Status/Advisor Information to see when you are eligible to register and the date and time you can begin registration. To register for classes, log in to MyFSU and click on the Academic & Services tab. Select Add and Drop Classes. Select the semester for which you want to register. If you know the CRN (Course Registration Number), enter it or click on Advanced Search to search classes by subject or campus. You will need to complete the New Student Statewide & Online Orientation before you can register (see page 3). If you are looking for an online class, you can choose Fully Online in the Attribute Type in Advanced Search. Don t forget to complete the Online Readiness Orientation/Tutorial at least 24 hours before attempting to register for an online class (see page 15). This is a required prerequisite to taking an online class. If you receive an error message during registering, it could be that you have a hold on your account, or you could be missing a prerequisite. Please contact your regional office if you have any questions or need assistance. Be sure to check MyFSU before going to class to verify your room, day and time. Occasionally, changes are made from the original schedule during the registration process. Add Your Name to a Waitlist Waitlists are used for some high-demand courses. If a class is full and an online waitlist is active for the course, you can add your name to a waitlist right from the registration system. If you are interested in an off-campus face-to-face or mixed delivery class that is full and it does not have an online waitlist, contact your regional office for assistance. We monitor waitlists regularly and will open new sections when possible. Once you are put on a waitlist, you will be notified when a spot is available or a new section has been opened. IT WILL BE VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO CHECK YOUR FREQUENTLY. If you are notified via that a seat in a class is available to you, you will have to log in to MyFSU, go to Add and Drop Classes, and register for that seat by the deadline indicated in the . Request Your Transcripts Order an official transcript online. Visit and click on MyFSU. On the login screen, click on Order Official Transcripts Online. Unofficial transcripts can be accessed through MyFSU. Change Your Address To change your address or phone number you can send an using your MyFSU account to [email protected] and they will make the changes. Please include your name, phone number and student number in the . How To... 16

17 How To... (Continued) Change Your Name To request a name change, you are required to supply legal documentation (i.e. copy of marriage license, adoption papers, court papers) for a legal name change. If you are applying for financial aid, a copy of your new social security card reflecting the new name will also be required. This documentation should be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records in Big Rapids with a signed letter or signed name change request form. No documentation is required for spelling errors if the correct spelling can be verified with information in your student file. Log in to MyFSU > Academics & Services tab > Student Records > Student Record Forms - Name Change Change Your Major If you applied to the wrong program and were admitted, or need to change from undeclared to a major program, you will need to meet with your new program s advisor. Your advisor will make sure you are on the most direct path to your career goals. Also, they will make sure you meet the program admission requirements. If you re unsure what those are, see your advisor or go to > Programs > Degree Level > Program Name Navigate MyFSU MyFSU is your personal student portal. Here, you can find your student records, university policies and support services. (See login instructions on page 8.) You can link to MyFSU from Click on the link in the bottom right corner. Here is a snapshot of what you ll find on the main tabs: MyFSU Announcements Personal University Calendar Campus Updates Classified Ads Telephone Directory Password Help President s Corner Academics & Services FerrisConnect My Account Account Balance Timme Center for Student Services E-Bill Pay On-Line/Check Student Account Refund Schedule for Total Withdrawal Tuition Rates Student Financial Aid Direct Deposit Direct Loan and Perkins Exit Counseling Career Services Academic Profile Academic Advisor Student Employment Testing Office My College Registration Add and Drop Classes Look Up Classes Week at a Glance Detailed Schedule Online Readiness Orientation/Tutorial New Student Statewide/Online Orientation MyDegree Registration Status Advisor Information Student Grades How to... 17

18 How To... (Continued) MyFSU continued Student Records Registration and Academic Guide Academic Advising Guide Course Evaluations Academic Calendar Account Summary by Term Apply to Graduate Class Schedule Exam Schedule Final Grades Midterm Grades Official Transcripts and Enrollment Verification Select Tax Year Student Handbook Tax Form Test Scores Transfer Credit Unofficial Academic Transcript View Holds Verify/Update Addresses and Phone Verify/Update Emergency Contacts View Student Information Student Record Forms Name Change Petition for Change in Residency Status Replacement Diploma Request Form Request for Non-Disclosure of Directory Information Social Security Number Change Request Withdrawal Appeal Form Map-Works Link Statewide and Online Advising Scheduling Computer Network Services Bookstore Financial Aid Awards Award History Requirements Consortium Form Applications and Forms How-to Videos FAQs File your FAFSA Refund Dates Unofficial Transcript Library University Life Social Media Help Appeal Your Grade in a Class If you disagree with an assigned grade, you need to follow the appeal process. First, contact the instructor of the course and discuss it. If there is still a disagreement, contact the department head of the offered course. Final appeal rests with the dean s office that offered the course. The appeal process should be initiated as soon as possible, but no later than one year after the course was graded. Refer to the Retention of Student Work section on the website for additional information. Textbook Advance for Students with Financial Aid If you re receiving financial aid, you may be eligible for a $400 book advance, if o your financial aid exceeds your tuition and fees o you ve set up direct deposit through MyFSU o you re enrolled at least half-time More information can be found at How to... 18

19 How To... (Continued) Get Your Textbooks All students in good financial standing may charge up to $500 per semester against their financial aid refund/student account through the bookstore. You will need to show your Bulldog Card to charge textbooks. This option is available when purchasing books online or at a Ferris bookstore (with a student ID) the week before and during the first week of classes. Big Rapids Bookstore/Ordering Books Online (231) n Hours: M-Th: 9am-6pm F: 9am-5pm Sat: 12pm-4pm Sun: Closed Summer Hours: M-Th: 9am-5pm F: 9am-4pm Sat/Sun: Closed 1. Register for your classes online. At the end of registration (or on your MyFSU detailed schedule), look for the link to order textbooks. 2. Click to connect to all the textbooks you ll need for your new classes. 3. Buy or rent all of your textbooks for the upcoming semester. Have them delivered to your home or pick them up in Big Rapids. Buy early and allow seven to ten days for shipping. The cost to ship books is $6.95 for the first book and $1.95 for each additional book. Grand Rapids-Kendall Center Bookstore Information (616) n 17 Fountain Street, Room 114, Grand Rapids, MI Located in the lower level of the Kendall Building on the corner of Fountain and Division. Students taking classes in Grand Rapids may choose to purchase or rent and pick up books here. Hours: M-Th: 8am-6pm F: 8am-1pm Sat/Sun: Closed Summer Hours: M-Th: 8am-4pm F: 8am-1pm Sat/Sun: Closed Books for online classes must be ordered at Textbooks 19

20 Student Resources Disability Services Ferris State University is committed to following the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you are a student with a disability or think you may have a disability, contact the Disabilities Services office at (231) or [email protected] to discuss your request further. More information can be found at Any student registered with Disabilities Services should contact the instructor as soon as possible for assistance with classroom accommodations. Graduation Information All degree candidates are required to file a formal application for graduation at the beginning of the semester before you plan to graduate. To be eligible for graduation, you must meet the program grade point average requirements, as well as meet the course and credit requirements specified for the selected curriculum, and the University s general education requirements. Ask your advisor when you should fill out the graduation application online via MyFSU and the paper graduation clearance form. Career Services Career Services (resumé building, interview tips, placement, etc.) are available to all off-campus students. Create your career profile on the Bulldog CareerLink to create and upload your resumé, look for job fairs or internships, and even do a simulated online interview to practice your verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Health Insurance Ferris State University offers a health insurance plan for students and their families. Contact the Birkam Health Center at (231) for a brochure and application regarding the Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan. Library Resources A full range of online library services are available through Ferris State University s FLITE (Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education). Visit the library web page at or through MyFSU for information about accessing sources from off-campus. If you need help with research or have questions about using the library, please call the FLITE Reference Desk at (231) or visit InterLibrary Loan for Distance Education Procedures Check for information on this service available to Ferris students. Student resources 20

21 Student Resources (Continued) Michigan Works! If you are returning to school through a program with Michigan Works!, visit this webpage for links to more information and answers to frequently asked questions. Student Code of Conduct For the complete Ferris student handbook and more information about the Code of Student Community Standards, go to click on Current Students at the bottom and then on Student Code under Student Life. Parking Parking is at a premium at most Ferris locations. Plan ahead and allow extra time the first week of classes. More information can be found in the online orientation (see page 3). Receiving an Incomplete If you receive a grade of incomplete (I) in a course, it indicates that you have successfully completed 75% of the course requirements, and you should not re-register for the course. The grade of I is assigned for illness or other necessary absence, generally beyond the student s control, which prevents the completion of course requirements. Incomplete grades that are not made up within the following semester are changed to grades of F, unless a written authorization by the instructor requesting a time extension is received by the Records Office. Make sure to keep your copy of the incomplete grade form supplied by your instructor. Student Software As a Ferris student, you have access to several discounted Microsoft, Adobe and AutoCAD products through the University s Microsoft Licensing Agreement. For a list of products and pricing information, visit > Student Resources > Tech Support & Software Purchases. Student IDs You may obtain a Ferris Bulldog card for identification purposes. This card has your student ID number on it and will help us identify your student records when assisting you in the office. It is also required in order to charge textbooks to your student account at a university bookstore. After you have registered for classes, go to your local office to get your photo taken for your student ID. Grand Rapids students should go to Kendall College of Art and Design for your ID. Replacement IDs are $25. Student resources 21

22 Student Resources (Continued) Transcripts to Ferris It is important for you to request updated transcripts be sent to Ferris each semester from any other colleges you attend, including the community college. Not doing so may delay or prohibit registration. Due to FERPA, a federal regulation designed to protect your privacy, we cannot request those for you. Some classes have prerequisites. You will not be allowed to register until those prerequisites have been fulfilled. Your updated transcripts are proof you ve taken them at another institution. Please send official transcripts to: Admissions Office, 1201 S. State St., CSS 201, Big Rapids, MI Transcripts from Ferris Official transcripts can be ordered online through the National Student Clearinghouse by going to under Quick Links and selecting Transcript Request. Transcripts are $5.00 per copy and there is an additional cost per order for processing and/or shipping. Undeclared Admission Status This is how you move from undeclared admission status into an academic program: o Make sure you have current transcripts sent from all institutions you have attended. o Meet with your advisor to learn what you need to do to declare a major. o Once you have met those requirements, you and your advisor will need to fill out a program change form. Undeclared status means you are not eligible to receive financial aid. It also means your program plan is not yet locked in. You are responsible for completing any changes to that program that occur prior to being admitted. Veterans Benefits Ferris State University offers many educational benefits such as VA Grants and Scholarships, Montgomery GI Bill and the various chapters/programs associated with Veteran s Administration. For more information regarding Veteran s Educational benefits, go to and under Diversity Initiatives, click on Veterans. Our Veteran Program Specialist is available to assist you with questions about your educational benefits. ([email protected]) The Writing Center The Writing Center provides a number of services for students off the main campus including those in online and distance-learning classes. You can contact the Writing Center via ([email protected]) to ask questions about writing. You may also send a paper and receive ed feedback from a tutor.* You can visit their website to find information about writing and the Writing Center and how to hone your writing skills with computer tutorials and worksheets. *You should be aware that responses to ed papers typically take several days. Responses to long papers might take much longer. Student resources 22

23 Student Resources (Continued) Ferris students get first priority in tutoring. To let the center know that you attend Ferris, either from a Ferris address or indicate in the subject line that you are a Ferris student. Include in the body of your message your name, student number, program/major, course and instructor s name. Weather and Cancellations Students should listen to local radio and watch local television to find out if the community college or location where they attend class is closed. If the community college is closed, Ferris classes at that location are canceled. Phone numbers are available online at > Student Resources Student Privacy FERPA As a student, your academic records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This means that Ferris cannot release information from your educational record without your written permission. If you would like to grant access to additional parties, including your parents or spouse, please contact your regional office to complete the Authorization to Release form. Student Directory Student directory [public] information includes name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, class, major field of study, dates of attendance, degrees and honors/awards received, previous institutions attended, participation in officially recognized sports and activities, and, if the student is an athlete, height and weight. The University may release all or any of these student directory information items for any purpose at its discretion. All students should carefully consider the consequences of the decision to withhold the Ferris release of directory information items. Once this request is processed, the University will not acknowledge to any third party, the existence of said student as an enrolled individual on any of its campuses. Nor will the University notify said student that it received a request for information from any third party. If said student decides to lift the request for non-disclosure, he or she must notify the Record s Office in writing of this intent. Students with a break in enrollment must resubmit this paperwork each time they re-apply if they wish to keep this confidentiality active. If you wish to submit a Request for Non-Disclosure of Directory Information form, you may find that in MyFSU under Student Record Forms. This request for non-disclosure must be filed by the end of the first week of the fall semester to assure information will not be published in the student directory. Student Privacy 23

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