Did you know MDining has three convenient MDining to Go locations on the Ann Arbor campus? The “M-Dining To Go Express Meal Stations" are an extension of the dining halls. Your student can choose from three different meals choices offered daily. Students with meal plans or Blue Bucks can use the Express Stations. The three locations are in: the Michigan Union, South Quad, and the Central Campus Recreational Building. A map for the site is here.
Social distancing, participating in virtual meetings, programs and events, and being away from home can make it difficult for your student to feel engaged on campus and connected to fellow students. But staying involved and engaged is possible, even in this unusual time. There are many ways to help your student do so, including joining Student Organizations, virtual events and serving on committees. Here's how your student can do so.
Your student now has a safe, on-campus location to cast their vote in the November 3, 2020 election. They can also register to vote and cast early in-person absentee ballots on campus. Several units at U-M have partnered with the city of Ann Arbor to transform a gallery space at the U-M Museum of Art into the state’s first satellite city clerk’s office located on a university campus. It opened on National Voter Registration Day (Sept. 22) and will remain open until Nov. 3, with absentee ballots since Sept. 24.
Michigan Housing has both professional staff in the residence halls and student staff, many of whom are Resident Advisors (RAs). The RAs play a significant role in building community on the floor, providing connections and looking out for the wellness and safety of your student. We received word on Wednesday that some student staff in particular buildings have opted to stop work, sharing a number of concerns. Other resident advisors have shared they are continuing their duties.
Competitive Esports programs are growing in popularity among university students and those at the University of Michigan are joining in the “game.”. Your student will be able to participate via a new partnership between Recreational Sports and a student organization previously known as Arbor Esports.
A fall competition schedule begins September 19.
Helpful infographics are now available for your student to use to determine what they should do if they have symptoms, test positive for COVID or have been in contact with COVID-19 positive individuals. A guide is available for students who live on campus and for students who live off campus. The guides are available on the Campus Blueprint which keeps you and your student up-to-date on campus COVID-related information.
As the university gets closer to move-in dates and welcoming students back to campus, continued updates on Housing and Dining are available. Remember to visit the Maize and Blueprint for complete information. Here are some highlights on Move-In and MDining.
Your student is starting a brand new chapter of life. They’ll be navigating a new environment and transitioning into college. Resources are here for them!
Required Programs for Incoming Students
To assist your student in their transition to University of Michigan, all first-year students are required to participate in Community Matters programs. Your student is receiving invitations to complete these courses.
In ALA 171: Making the Most of Michigan, your student will learn how to navigate all of the academic and professional resources the University of Michigan has to offer to be successful at Michigan and beyond.
As the University of Michigan prepares for your student’s return to campus this fall, the Michigan Union, Pierpont Commons and the Michigan League are also welcoming them back.
The Michigan Union and Michigan League, located on Central Campus, and Pierpont Commons, located on North Campus, are open for limited hours beginning this week. All unions will be implementing MCard access protocols for anyone with a valid MCard. Restaurant and retail vendors will open by the start of classes.
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.