Our Time with Your Student

It's that time of year again. Spring is here, and summer is coming, though the snow that fell on campus in early March would've had us believing otherwise. You may be focused on your student's return home for the summer (for students who live in University Housing, see 2018 Move Out). There's so much to hear from them about how the academic year went—what they learned, what they loved, what they've become. Right now, students are still facing the final stretch.

Changes Afoot and by Vehicle

If you’re planning to visit campus in April, you may want to know about some of the major construction and renovation projects.

One of the areas that will be most affected is the State Street corridor between South University and North University Avenues. Although State Street will still be open to vehicle traffic in both directions, traffic may move slower due to these projects: 

Social Justice Education Opportunities

Do your students have a burning desire to take on the injustices in the world and seek to meld activist pursuits with a university degree? If so, they are in the right place!

The University of Michigan has a long history of supporting student activism. There are Student Life programs that stem from or are the result of U-M’s social justice heritage that offers incredible educational opportunities to students. Highlighted here are a few of them.

Fraternity and Sorority Life Opportunities

For over 175 years, fraternities and sororities at U-M have been developing leaders, contributing to the community through service and philanthropic opportunities, building lifelong relationships, and engaging students in educational and leadership programming outside the classroom.

More than 6,000 students participate as members of over 60 organizations (also called chapters), and each organization participates in one of four councils:

Getting Around Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor offers a variety of transportation options to support your student. Here are a few great options:

  • Ann Arbor city buses:  Students can ride city buses free by swiping their valid MCard (U-M ID card). Most bus routes originate from the downtown Blake Transit Center, and many buses also stop at the Central Campus Transit Center.  For routes and schedules, see The Ride

  • Airport transportation:

M Gift Packages Kick Off a New School Year

Welcome to Michigan

A new school year brings new opportunities, clean slates, and anticipation of fully enjoying the university experience. Help your student kick off the new year with a Welcome to Michigan gift package!

The package includes “Go Blue” gear for your Wolverine: a cozy blanket, umbrella, journal, keychain, pen, cell phone holder, bottled water, reusable water bottle, travel mug and house-made Michigan Dining granola. You can also add a gift card, sold separately.

Other suggestions for gift packages include:

Improved Process for Buying Textbooks

Starting this fall, students will find the process of buying textbooks more affordable, streamlined and reliable, thanks to a new partnership between the university and Barnes & Noble College.

U-M has named Barnes & Noble College as its preferred textbook vendor. The agreement requires the company to provide all specified textbooks and course materials and establishes an online portal for selecting, purchasing and returning textbooks.