Earning a degree from Ferris State University is a significant achievement, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. As a student approaches graduation, it's essential to understand the requirements and details surrounding this milestone event.
Graduation is a time for celebration, reflection, and excitement for the future. Ferris State University takes great pride in its graduates, and the university's commencement ceremonies are designed to honor their achievements. In this article, we'll delve into the graduation requirements and ceremony details for Ferris State University, providing students and their families with a comprehensive guide to this special occasion.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for graduation, Ferris State University students must meet specific requirements, which vary depending on the degree and major. Here are the general requirements:
- Credit Hours: Students must complete the required number of credit hours for their degree, which typically ranges from 120 to 128 credits for undergraduate programs and 30 to 60 credits for graduate programs.
- GPA: Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate programs and 3.0 for graduate programs.
- Major Requirements: Students must complete all major-specific courses and requirements, including any capstone projects or theses.
- General Education: Students must complete the university's general education requirements, which include courses in English, mathematics, science, and social sciences.
- Application: Students must submit a graduation application by the designated deadline, usually 6-8 weeks before the commencement ceremony.
Additional Requirements
Some programs may have additional requirements, such as:
- Clinical Experience: Students in health-related programs may need to complete clinical experience or practicum hours.
- Licensure: Students in programs leading to licensure, such as nursing or teaching, must meet state-specific requirements.
- Comprehensive Exam: Some graduate programs may require a comprehensive exam or thesis defense.
Ceremony Details
Ferris State University holds commencement ceremonies twice a year, in May and December. Here are the details surrounding the ceremony:
- Date and Time: The ceremony date and time will be announced by the university, usually 6-8 weeks in advance.
- Location: The ceremony will be held at the Wink Arena on the Big Rapids campus.
- Guest Tickets: Graduates will receive a limited number of guest tickets, usually 4-6, depending on the ceremony size.
- Regalia: Graduates are required to wear official Ferris State University regalia, which can be purchased through the university bookstore.
- Rehearsal: A rehearsal will be held the day before the ceremony, and all graduates are expected to attend.
Special Accommodations
Ferris State University is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible ceremony for all graduates and guests. Here are some special accommodations:
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The Wink Arena is wheelchair accessible, and guests with mobility impairments can request special seating.
- Sign Language Interpretation: Sign language interpretation will be provided for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Audio Description: Audio description will be provided for guests who are blind or have low vision.
Graduation Week Activities
In addition to the commencement ceremony, Ferris State University hosts various activities during graduation week, including:
- Senior Breakfast: A breakfast event for graduates and their families.
- Commencement Rehearsal: A rehearsal for graduates to practice the ceremony.
- Faculty and Staff Reception: A reception for graduates, faculty, and staff to celebrate this milestone.
Additional Events
Some colleges or departments may host additional events, such as:
- College-Specific Ceremonies: Some colleges may hold separate ceremonies or receptions for their graduates.
- Departmental Receptions: Some departments may host receptions for their graduates and families.
As graduation approaches, students should ensure they meet all requirements and stay informed about ceremony details. Ferris State University is committed to making this milestone event a memorable and enjoyable experience for all graduates and their families.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and congratulations to the graduates in the comments below.