Each fall, our campus community hosts a collaboration of events and activities to both welcome our new students to U-M, their home-away-from-home, and help them make a successful transition to the university community.
We designed these events and activities—collectively known as our “Welcome to Michigan” program—with your student in mind: we expose our newest Wolverines to our traditions and values, and introduce them to campus resources and spaces. Most importantly, these on-campus events offer students an opportunity to build social connections within their communities.
We know that many students were unable to participate in our typical Welcome to Michigan experience in 2020 due to Covid-19, which is why we have introduced new programs exclusively for our second-year students. In addition, we will host some of our most popular events—such as Festifall, our student organization involvement fair—on multiple dates to better meet students' schedules.
The pandemic challenged each of us in unique ways. New for this year, we have created a space specifically for the families, loved ones and other people in the lives of our newest Wolverines who supported and cheered them on to U-M. Stop by one of our recurring Parent & Family Receptions to connect and interact with campus leaders.
Below are the many ways you and your student can take advantage of our “Welcome to Michigan” program:
Wednesday, August 25
- Traditions & Tours | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Central Campus
- Parent & Family Reception | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Central & North Campuses
- Outdoor Movies | 8:00 pm, Central & North Campuses
Thursday, August 26
- Traditions & Tours | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Central Campus
- President’s Ice Cream Social | 12:00 pm (Noon) - 1:00 pm, Outdoors
- Parent & Family Reception | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Central & North Campuses
Friday, August 27
- Traditions & Tours | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Central Campus
- Parent & Family Reception | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Central & North Campuses
- Outdoor Movies | 8:00 pm, Central & North Campuses
Saturday, August 28
- Traditions & Tours | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Central Campus
- Parent & Family Reception | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Central & North Campuses
- Sophomore Celebration | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Ingalls Mall
- Artscapade | 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, UMMA
Sunday, August 29
- New Student Convocation | 4:30 pm, Michigan Stadium
- Post Convocation Picnic | 5:45 pm, Central Campus
Monday, August 30
- Ask Me Info Stations | various locations
- Party for Your Mind | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Libraries
Tuesday, August 31
- Ask Me Info Stations | various locations
- Festifall - North | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, North Campus
Wednesday, September 1
- Festifall - Central | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Central Campus
- Transfer Reception | 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Michigan League
Thursday, September 2
- Festifall - Central | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Central Campus
- Athletics Pep Rally | 8:00 pm, doors open at 7:10 pm, Michigan Stadium
Friday, September 3
- Rec Sports Expo | 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Palmer Field
- Escapade | 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Michigan Union
Saturday, September 4
- Go Blue Mix! | 8:00 pm - 12:00 am (Midnight), Outdoors - Central Campus
Sunday, September 5
- Traditions & Tours | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Central Campus
- Class Photo | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Palmer Field
- Pride Outside | 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm, Palmer Field
- Taste of Michigan | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Palmer Field
- Neighborhood Gatherings | Time TBD, Local Parks
Monday, September 6
- Residence Hall Association (RHA) Presents: After Class Bash | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Palmer Field
Friday, September 10
- UMix Late Night | 8:00 pm - 12:00 am (Midnight), Central Campus Diag
Friday, September 24
- UMix Late Night | 9:00 pm - 12:00 am (Midnight), Central Campus Diag
More "Welcome to Michigan" events can be found on the Office of New Student Programs website, the Happening @ Michigan Events Calendar or by downloading the "Welcome to Michigan" app.
Students who download and use the Michigan Orientation app will receive an automatic update with "Welcome to Michigan" information in mid-August. Apps are available on the App Store and Google Play.
Other Dates and Deadlines
- Meal plan changes will be allowed beginning on August 21, 2021, through the end of the day on September 13. Upgrades are allowed throughout the school year.
- Register starting Tuesday, September 14, 2021, for Parents & Family Weekend November 5-7
- The football schedule is available on the MGoBlue website.
- Religious holidays are posted on the Office of the Provost website.
- F-1 and J-1 international students have unique enrollment requirements and deadlines. Please see the International Center's website for details.
- Application deadlines for Winter 2022 study abroad programs:
- CGIS Winter program deadline: September 15
- International Programs in Engineering application deadline (Winter): Early to mid-October, depending on program
For a more comprehensive list of study abroad programs and application deadlines, visit global.umich.edu