Parents and Families

University of Michigan family photo

College is a major transition - for students, as well as for parents and families. However, plenty of information is available to make the transition as easy as possible.

The U-M Parents website is a detailed resource that provides information specifically designed to support parents and families. It contains information about academics, student life, health, safety, and financial, other many other topics. Student Life's Parents & Families website works in partnership with the U-M Parents website to provide an up-to-date quarterly newsletter, Family Matters, an information-packed newsletter designed for current Wolverines' parents and loved ones.

Parents and incoming students who don't know their way around campus will benefit from visiting Campus Information Centers (CIC). CIC offers maps and directions around campus, a building search, an acronym decoder, and plenty of other tools and resources for helping you find your way on campus. They are open 19 hours every day and are ready to answer any type of question you may have!

Our Family Matters Newsletter provides current information about campus life and offers resources that can help support you in your supporting role for your Wolverine. In addition, subscribers will receive occasional messages sharing the University's response to unexpected or emergency situations.

To receive Family Matters via email, submit your contact information using our new, streamlined online subscription form. It takes less than a minute to complete and takes effect immediately. To learn more about Family Matters, view the subscription options.

Student health and travel abroad insurance plans are also available through University Health Service (UHS).

If you are just interested in happenings around campus, check out the University Record, which puts out a daily newsletter containing University news.

Lastly, take a look around the Student Life website. You'll find information about all of the resources the University offers its students. If it's relevant for your student, it's relevant for you as a parent.

Night Rides Keep Students Safe and Warm

Students can choose from several night-time transporation options including SafeRide, which offers extended hours and a new mobile app.

Creating a Climate of Safety

Do you know about sexual violence and sexual misconduct prevention efforts at U-M and how parents can help?

Academic Success Requires Asking For Help

As midterms approach for many, students can struggle to keep up with the academic workload. U-M offers a multitude of resources to help students thrive academically.

A student studies in the Hatcher Graduate Library.

Your Student's First Year

You want your student to get the best possible start to their first year. How will they navigate the many "first time" experiences they're about to have?

Inclusive Campus: Student Life Resources

In this ongoing feature, we provide information about Student Life programs, services, and spaces designed for your student's identity-related needs and interests.

Take the Stress Out of Move-In

Even if it's not officially marked, Move-In is one of the biggest days on the calendar, for your family, your students, and the staff of Student Life alike. If you've done it before, you've had a glimpse of just how much happens over a few days, as the streets of Ann Arbor fill with students, parents, and beanbag chairs, crisscrossing town. If this year will be your first, you're probably deep into planning and wondering if there are any tricks.

Key Conversations to Have with Your Student

If you attended Parent and Family Orientation, you may recall a few suggested key conversations to have with your student. Research shows it is important to talk with your student frequently to keep the lines of communication open. This article suggests topics to get you started.

Campus Safety is a Community Effort

The University of Michigan is a large, active community surrounded by a vibrant city. Lots to do and places to go. Classes, meetings, study activities and social gatherings occur across campus at all hours, day and night.