Listed below are a number of ways to have your voice heard on campus. For opportunities to offer ongoing feedback specific to the implementation and assessment of U-M’s DEI Strategic Plan, see these additional channels dedicated to transparency and access about the plan and to encourage student engagement with the plan.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Advisory Board
Purpose: The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Advisory Boards have the goal of providing consistent student engagement on campus climate efforts, including the efforts at the Trotter Multicultural Center. Membership: The DEI Student Advisory Board is comprised of undergraduate and graduate/professional students consisting of 21 board members. Collectively, these board members represent each of the 19 schools and colleges, and also share a wide range of social identities, backgrounds, and perspectives. For more information contact Trotter Multicultural Center
Vice President for Student Life Student Advisory Board
Purpose: Provide advice on pressing issues to the Vice President for Student Life to encourage discussion on new initiatives and emergent issues. The Board's recommendations help to influence Student Life goals, services and overall effectiveness Membership: A diverse group of students that represent the breadth and depth of the institution, selected through an application and interview process Term of Service: One year term with option of renewing for one additional year Frequency: Biweekly Convened by: Vice President for Student Life Institutional Access: Vice President for Student Life
Dean of Students Advisory Board
Purpose: Provide advice on pressing issues to the Dean of Students. The Board's recommendations help to influence Dean of Students' goals, services and overall effectiveness. Membership: A diverse group of students that represent the breadth and depth of the institution, selected through an application and interview process. Term of Service: One year terms with option of renewing for one additional year Frequency: Biweekly Convened by: Dean of Students Institutional Access: Dean of Students
Student Life Units Advisory Boards
Purpose: Varies by unit but generally provide advice on pressing unit issues to the unit director and staff. The Board's recommendations help to influence unit goals, services, and overall effectiveness. Membership: Varies by unit but generally a diverse group of students that are involved in, or affected by the work of the unit. Term of Service: Varies by unit but at least one year Frequency: Varies, at least monthly Convened by: Unit directors Institutional Access: Unit directors, Student Life Leadership
Student Focus Groups
Purpose: Seek feedback and wisdom from students through surveys or focus groups Membership: Diverse groups of students, all of whom have interest, experience or expertise in the issue at hand. Term of Service: One time engagement with potential for ongoing involvement as needed Frequency: As needed Convened by: Student Life or University Leadership Institutional Access: Unit directors, Student Life Leadership
Focused Interest/Content Meetings
Purpose: Provide one time, issue-based thinking on topics or situations that need focused attention. Provide perspective that represents the breadth and depth of the issue and the student body. i.e. DEI strategic planning Membership: Diverse group of students, all of whom have interest, experience or expertise in the issue at hand Term of Service: One time engagement with potential for ongoing involvement as needed Frequency: As needed Convened by: Appropriate institutional leader(s) Institutional Access: Appropriate institutional leader(s)
CSG/RSG Executive Meetings with University Leadership
Purpose: Discuss issues of importance to students and consult with the Vice President for Student Life on matters of the student government. Membership: The President and Vice President of the Central Student Government and Rackham Student Government Term of Service: Students are elected by the student body of all schools and colleges for one year terms Frequency: Varies, at least monthly Convened by: Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Institutional Access: Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
University Council
Purpose: The University Council invites the Vice President for Student Life to their meetings as needed in order to connect on issues of importance to students and consult with the Vice President for Student Life on matters of the student government. Membership: The presidents of the governments of each school and college on campus Term of Service: Students are elected by students enrolled in their specific school or college for one-year terms Frequency: Twice monthly Convened by: Vice President for Central Student Government Institutional Access: Vice President for Central Student Government
Fireside Chats
Purpose: The Fireside Chats are monthly opportunities for students to meet with the President of the University and the Vice President for Student Life to discuss any campus topics or concerns that they may have in order to improve life as a U-M student. Membership: Students are randomly picked from the registrar list to be invited each month. Students can also be added by request. ~30-35 students attend each chat, allowing for many student perspectives to be a part of the conversation. Term of Service: Students are invited to attend one meeting with a different group of students attending each chat. Frequency: Monthly Convened by: U-M President Institutional Access: U-M President & Vice President for Student Life
President's Office Hours
Purpose: The U-M President allows access to any student to request an appointment in order to connect on issues important to students. Membership: Any student enrolled in any school or college within the university may request an appointment during the President's monthly office hours. Term of Service: One-time engagement with potential for ongoing involvement as needed Frequency: Monthly by appointment Convened by: U-M President Institutional Access: U-M President