Ferris State University

How will your program use the prize money to engage your students with other professionals, introduce them to both historical and new technology, and promote licensure?

We have been able to upgrade the computer labs with new computers and A/V equipment from donations and grants. We need to upgrade the classrooms where the presentations are happening and not just the labs. This is how we will use the prize money.

A/V equipment is central to the program’s ability to display presentations in an understandable way: no missing colors and sharp text. The classrooms need new A/V equipment along with new screens. Just like utility costs and operating expenses, investment in A/V and other technologies should be continuous. While A/V is typically very stable, we still want to keep it fresh and updated with the latest collaboration tools.

In the modern university, there is an expectation of up-to-date technology. With millennials in particular, for whom technology, collaboration and flexibility are often leading components in the decision to attend university, technology can be a main driver of culture. When prospective students walk into the classroom, they should be stepping into an environment that boasts innovation both aesthetically and functionally. More students would mean more graduates advancing the profession. We have been able to keep up with new equipment through agreements but need funds for “brick and mortar” updates.

Surveying students have meetings every Tuesday at 11 a.m. and usually survey professionals come in and do a presentation on their work and their company. This is done through the Burt and Mullet Student Chapter of the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), and the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS). This allows students to interact with professionals and also serves as a recruiting opportunity for the professionals and their organization. The funds will assist us in keeping the A/V equipment current for these fine presentations and allow the students to engage with professionals. The A/V equipment has been quite useful over the past year when many meetings were done remotely, thus it is very important to maintain it.

Ferris State University’s surveying program allows students to apply for licensure after graduation. According to the Michigan Occupational Code, in order to be licensed as a professional surveyor in Michigan, an individual must provide evidence of completion of a degree in professional surveying. The majority of students in the program enroll because the program enables licensure through the degree. Maintaining the hardware and software, both A/V and non-A/V, will allow the students to use the latest technology.

The Surveying program also has historical equipment. This is necessary as a surveying legacy. Students need to know how observations were done before current technology. An example would be how solar observations were done for location before GPS location.

Ferris State University Mission Statement

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Surveying Engineering is designed to meet the needs of all students in the program:

• Program graduates will apply communication skills, lifelong learning attitude, and the knowledge of mathematics and basic science to attain advancement within the surveying profession.
• Program graduates will exhibit creativity, leadership and team-building abilities, cultural appreciation, and an understanding of global, societal, and environmental context consistent with the principles of sustainable development.
• Program graduates will be engaged in the professional practice of surveying engineering with high ethical and professional responsibilities.
• The program graduates will strive for professional licensure.

Ferris State University additional documentation

• Check sheet
• Program brochure
• UAS workshop
• Surveying Engineering and Surveying Technology
• Surveying comic