We may be deep into winter here in Michigan, but Spring Commencement is just around the corner. If your student is planning to graduate this spring, here are a few important dates to keep in mind. 

Today:

Is your student planning to work, study or volunteer abroad?

Depending on their itineraries, students may need to take steps to protect their health as they prepare for their journey. For example, students visiting countries with reported health risks such as yellow fever and malaria may require vaccinations and medications prior to their trips.

You can help your students by encouraging them to make use of these university resources if needed:

Nationally, mental health is a growing concern for college students, with students increasingly reporting and seeking help related to their mental health. This may be partially due to changing attitudes; mental health problems carry less stigma, so students are more inclined to acknowledge problems, seek help, get diagnosed and find effective treatment.

You may want to try the following strategies for helping your student as they navigate adulthood:

Sleep is a strong predictor of academic success in college, yet sleep problems are common and may be difficult for students.

In the 2018 U-M National College Health Assessment:

Parents and families of the U-M community,

I hope your students are feeling settled and inspired as they enter into another cozy month of studying, working, gaining life skills alongside members of their clubs and organizations and making memories with friends.

If you plan to visit campus for graduation or to pick up your student, we hope you take time to enjoy some campus features and traditions. 

Explore the Wave Field: The Wave Field is an earthen sculpture on North Campus, designed and created by Maya Lin, the artist known for creating the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. It's the perfect place to take a breath and take photos!

Congratulations! If you’re reading this, your student is probably graduating this spring. We hope this guide will help take some of the stress out of the big day (or days) so that you and your student can enjoy this momentous occasion.

Tip #1: There is more than one graduation ceremony for the University of Michigan. 

Understanding this concept will help you better plan and communicate with your student.

If your student is considering graduate or professional school, they are not alone. It's a common consideration for undergraduate students. 

M Gift Packages deliver virtual hugs to U-M students

Along with warmer temperatures and sunny skies, spring at U-M brings two traditions: the stress of finals studying and the excitement of graduation. Whichever event your student is experiencing, M Gift Packages can ease the anxiety and add a special, virtual hug by delivering snacks, drinks, U-M merchandise, and the message that you’re thinking of them.

Suggestions for a special graduation and finals packages include:

If your student lives in University Housing, please remind them of a few steps that need to be completed before they leave campus.

Instructions are available at Undergraduate Move-In and Move-Out.

Residence halls officially close 11:00 AM on Friday, May 3, 2019. Students who need to extend their stay need to apply by Monday, April 29, 2019.

Before departure, students should return their space to the way they found it when they moved in.