In our last issue we shared information about reopening our housing and dining in the fall. Both are open for fall with face coverings and physical distancing requirements in common spaces and buildings, additional cleaning and staggered timelines for activities such as move-in and dining. Here is some information on what you and your student should be doing to prepare for the new academic semester.
If your student plans to work on campus this year, there will be plenty of opportunities for on-campus jobs. With COVID-19, the workplace and employment protocols will have been modified for your student’s and staff’s safety. Student Life positions offer competitive pay, locations across campus, flexible hours to fit busy schedules, opportunities to advance, skills to build your student’s resume and the chance to develop lifelong friendships.
Dear Wolverine Families,
As you and your student navigate the remainder of summer and prepare for their return to campus, Student Life is here to help. Our wide range of resources and services—all of which are crafted to care for the entire well-being of your student—are ready and waiting for them.
Still, figuring out what exactly your student needs might be a little overwhelming for you in the midst of the pandemic. To get you started, this newsletter will introduce you to some key resources and answer questions you may have about how to prepare for the fall semester.
“Face covering required.” These three simple words have probably already become a familiar part of life outside home for you and your student. Wearing a face covering is a key part of the shared responsibility we all have in keeping each other safe.
This is why the University of Michigan is requiring all students, staff, faculty, and visitors to wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose anywhere on campus grounds. This includes when inside buildings, outdoors and on U-M transportation. You can review the full U-M Face Covering Policy for COVID-19 here and a brief FAQ here.
The Division of Student Life worked closely with U-M students across campus this summer to develop the Wolverine Culture of Care—a commitment to keeping the U-M campus community as healthy and safe as possible. We encourage you and your student to review and post these guidelines as a reminder of how your student can care for themselves and be respectful of their impact on the health of others.
Starting a new academic year is always an exciting challenge met with some trepidation. The COVID pandemic puts a whole new spin on it. But U-M’s successful First Year Experience (FYE) is making the modifications to continue to provide the best experience for your student.
We are looking forward to welcoming your student to the University of Michigan campus this fall. The health, well-being and safety of your student is a top priority. If your student is returning to the residence halls, new procedures will be in place for pre-move-in, arrival, and how room assignments will be made. Enhanced cleaning protocols will also be in place for the ongoing residential living experience.
MDining’s nine dining halls will be back up and running to provide nutritious, delicious food for your returning UM student this fall, with some added changes to keep them safe and healthy. It will be the same great health-conscious food your student has enjoyed, with some new protocols in place.
When your student returns to campus in the Fall, the coronavirus pandemic will bring many additional questions to the normal Fall excitement, anxiety, and eagerness to navigate the many facets of the higher education experience. The Dean of Students Office (DOS) is available to help.
As a family member of a Michigan undergraduate, you know one thing for sure: life is always in motion and transition. It's the exciting part of life that opens us up to new opportunities and experiences. I am so pleased to be able to be part of the transition of Student Life leadership as I take on the role of interim vice president.
