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. 

Is your student interested in being a part of an international community without leaving campus? Or interested in improving intercultural skills with students from different backgrounds and perspectives?

U of M’s world-class education for your student, includes preparing them with critical knowledge, skills, and opportunities to be leaders in an increasingly complex world. Catalyzing and supporting your student as they build the knowledge, skills, and agency for full participation in civic life must be a fundamental part of that education. 

Meeting people and growing friendships is an important part of your student’s university experience. However the COVID-19 pandemic, and its social distancing guidelines, makes those connections a challenge. Fortunately, Student Life’s Finding Community provides many virtual options.

College students experience food insecurity at alarming rates, with more than 30 percent of U-M students experiencing food insecurity in some way. As the majority of students return home in coming weeks, the Maize and Blue Cupboard (MBC) will continue to make an impact on those who remain by staying open over the break. 

Learning to manage a heavy academic workload while focusing on health and well-being as final exams loom can be a challenging part of the college experience. Taking exams entirely on a virtual basis will also add to the stress. But parents and family members can be the first people students turn to -- and a wonderful source of comfort -- when they want to talk through stress this time of year.

What are some ways to support your student during finals?

The University is using a mobile app, called ResponsiBLUE, to ensure the safety of everyone entering buildings on campus. If your student is returning to campus for Winter Term, it will be important for them to have this app.

ResponsiBLUE is a mobile-friendly website that will help faculty, staff, and students keep the university healthy and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Here’s how it works:

Heading into the Winter semester, University of Michigan students on and off campus will have a number of opportunities to stay active and moving via Recreational Sports. These include: