Winter is an ideal time for students to plan spring adventures. Fortunately, the U-M Adventure Leadership program provides year-round outdoor educational and recreational opportunities for students, regardless of prior experience.

Trips include rock climbing, camping, backpacking, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. There is sure to be a trip scheduled to provide a fun and exciting adventure for your student. New programs are being planned for spring. Check out the options.

Most students find that winter is manageable and even enjoyable. And let’s admit it: there is no better hot chocolate weather!

You may want to check with your student about how they’re doing this winter. Here are some things about which you could inquire. 

Brighten it up

The Michigan Union is open! Your student will find a warm, welcoming home for study, gathering with friends and creating. 

After a 20-month closure to accommodate an $85.2 million renovation, hundreds of students, faculty, staff and guests walked through the doors of the refreshed and upgraded Michigan Union on January 13 for a reopening celebration. 

On the sixth annual Giving Blueday, donors gave almost 16,000 gifts to the University of Michigan, amounting to a total of $4,242,531. In addition, the number of gifts this year increased by nearly 26 percent. A big Thank You to all of you who gave!

Giving Blueday takes place over 24 hours on December 3, 2019, and coincides with Giving Tuesday, a worldwide day of giving. 

The total number of donors to Student Life this year was 4,339, a 51 percent increase compared to last year. Gifts benefiting Student Life programs included:

If your student rents and is thinking about subletting their place this summer, you may want to suggest that they learn about their rights and responsibilities, so they don't run into issues at the end of the summer.  

First, your student should review their lease and confirm with their landlord that they are able to sublet their space. Many landlords require subtenants to undergo the same approval process as regular tenants. 

To find a subtenant:
Some landlords will help with re-assigning the lease, possibly for a fee.

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.

Students who work, study or volunteer abroad can gain valuable life and cultural experiences while exploring new parts of the world. And travel is increasingly accessible to all students. 

For a successful and safe trip, you can encourage your student to follow these suggestions.

As your student settles into the Winter semester, there is likely a big question on their mind: what should I do this summer? For many students, it’s all about one word: “internship”. What is an internship? Should I get one? How do I start looking? The University Career Center (UCC), and other career offices on campus, are available to help your student navigate through the summer planning process.

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.

Students living in the residence halls have a variety of staff living with them from RA’s to Diversity Peer Educators to Hall Directors.  Particularly for students living off campus, the Dean of Students Office (DOS) is available to help.

As the parents and families of our Wolverines, you know firsthand how important it is to help them stay safe and healthy. This fall, it is more vital than ever that your student takes proper care of themselves and other Wolverines. 

In addition to the Starter Health Kit, there are many ways to ensure that we reduce risks on campus as your student continues to live and learn in the COVID pandemic environment. There are many simple practices that you can encourage your student to follow that can help prevent COVID-19, flu, colds, and more.