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.

Student Organizations
Student organizations are a great way for your student to get connected, with interests running the gamut. Much like the rest of the University, student organizations have had to modify their activities in our public health-informed environment. 

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.

University of Michigan Housing leadership is pleased to confirm that residence hall student staff have returned to work.

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. In early September, some student staff opted to stop work, sharing a number of concerns. Other resident advisors continued their duties. 

Dear Parents and Families,

As you may have heard, along with the trend in the region, state and nation, COVID-19 cases are increasing on our campus. These increases among students -- both on and off campus -- have led to the need to take further steps to protect the health and safety of the campus community. 

In light of the recent announcement and change in expectations for undergraduate residents via the Washtenaw County Stay In Place Order, if your student wishes to return to their permanent residence for the remainder of Fall Term, they will be eligible for a partial refund/credit of room and board for a portion of this term.

As a reminder, there is no public health requirement or University policy requiring your student to leave. Michigan Housing is open and your student is welcome to stay. As you consider your options, here are some details to help you and your student plan.

This coming weekend includes two usually social and exciting events for your student: Halloween and the U-M vs MSU football game. But, considering the recent Stay in Place order, how does your student stay safe yet still have fun?  And how does your student stay active while staying home? 

Students who live in the vicinity of campus have several convenient COVID-19 testing opportunities on campus.

University Health Service (UHS) offers testing for U-M students 7 days/week, whether students have symptoms or not. UHS is constantly adapting to meet student needs, including offering:

Although several weeks remain before Thanksgiving, when most students will return to their permanent residences to finish the semester remotely, it’s never too early to start planning. Have you discussed preparations for when and how your student will return home? 

Please note that the university is in the process of developing and communicating our plan to have your student's COVID test before leaving campus. 

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) has an extensive CAPS Toolkit. Designed for first year students, new to U-M, equips students with information needed to support an emotionally healthy lifestyle while going through some really big adjustments to campus life. 

The Student Advisory Board and CAPS professional staff worked together to create the Toolkit, “Go Blue! A New Student’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving at U-M: Mental Health Tips” , which is now available to your student.

If your student needs health insurance, you’ll want to know that U-M is offering three opportunities to enroll. Of course, health insurance is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Michigan Medicaid Application Assistance
On November 10, 11 and 12, students can get assistance to check their eligibility for Michigan Medicaid and apply if eligible. Michigan Medicaid is a public assistance health insurance program for low-income individuals.