While campus life is fun, exciting, and full of new opportunities, some students may experience difficulties or challenges that affect heir ability to fully engage in the U-M experience. Students are often able to weather storms using their knowledge and skills, but some situations may require assistance and support from campus resources.
If your student’s academic and campus experience is impacted by concerns or difficulties, the Dean of Students Office (DOS) is a great place to start for support, care, and assistance.
DOS is a central place for students, parents/families, faculty, and staff to seek assistance in navigating the complex issues of campus life. They:
- Provide direct support to students or student groups experiencing situations impacting their college experience
- Identify available resources
- Collaborate with campus partners
- Coordinate the appropriate response to address the student’s needs
The DOS' goal is to promote a safe, respectful, healthy, and inclusive campus community for all students at the University of Michigan.
The Dean of Students Office can help you or your student address:
- Crisis/emergency situations
- Off-campus housing concerns
- Academic difficulties
- Financial hardship
- Concern for the wellbeing of self or others
- Physical illness or injury
- Food insecurity and basic needs
- Campus climate concerns
Is your student experiencing something not listed here? You could ask them to contact DOS anyway. The team will work to find the best resources and services to support their success and wellbeing.
Your student can contact DOS by walking into the office, by email, or by phone, whichever method works best. A member of the Student Support/Critical Incident Response Team will talk with your student to gather basic information about their concerns. The team member will discuss options for addressing the concerns, including determining the steps your student can take and the steps the team member can take on your student’s behalf.
DOS staff are knowledgeable about university policies, procedures, and community life. They work with individual students, student groups, parents/families, staff, and faculty to address conflicts, help address barriers impacting your student’s ability to be successful and can connect students with campus and community resources that promote restoration and success. Staff work cooperatively with students to identify strategies to address areas of concern and assist in developing a plan to move forward.
You can also contact DOS directly about your student. Staff are unable to disclose personal information about your student to you without their consent due to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), but we can share resources and the typical path forward based on what you share with us about your student’s situation. Staff can also reach out to your student and invite them to connect with our team.
In the event of an emergency, call 911 or U-M Police Department at 734-763-1131. They are best able to respond and provide assistance in these situations.
When in doubt, please contact Dean of Students Office. Staff are more than happy to talk with parents/families and students about any situation and assist with making a plan to support student success and well-being.
You or your student can reach DOS by email [email protected], by phone 734-764-7420, or by walking into their office in the Tappan Street Auxiliary Building at 609 Tappan Ave (this is a temporary location until January 2020). An on-call team member is available 8 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday to assist.
To help Student Life continue making a difference in students' lives, please consider making a gift.