In our last issue we shared information about reopening our housing and dining in the fall. Both are open for fall with face coverings and physical distancing requirements in common spaces and buildings, additional cleaning and staggered timelines for activities such as move-in and dining. Here is some information on what you and your student should be doing to prepare for the new academic semester.

Housing

Dear Wolverine Families, 

In just a few short weeks, the whirlwind of fall semester will begin, and students will delve into a variety of enriching and formative opportunities—ones that are both academic and beyond the virtual and physical classroom. New friends will be made, new learning unlocked, and new steps taken into their bright and promising futures. 

U-M will provide Safety Kits for students who are on or near campus. The Safety Kits will contain face coverings, a two-ounce hand sanitizer and an information sheet about recommended public health best practices.

The distribution plan is as follows.

All U-M students (undergraduates and graduates) are required to take an online course called “Staying Healthy in a Changing Environment for Students on Campus.”  The course provides students with information about the COVID-19 virus, mental well-being, and returning to campus. Students will learn important information, critical skills and how to access resources. The course lasts 25 minutes. Students will receive an email from campus leaders during this week informing them about how to complete the course. 

As the University of Michigan prepares for your student’s return to campus this fall, the Michigan Union, Pierpont Commons and the Michigan League are also welcoming them back.

The Michigan Union and Michigan League, located on Central Campus, and Pierpont Commons, located on North Campus, are open for limited hours beginning this week. All unions will be implementing MCard access protocols for anyone with a valid MCard. Restaurant and retail vendors will open by the start of classes.

Your student is starting a brand new chapter of life. They’ll be navigating a new environment and transitioning into college. Resources are here for them!

Required Programs for Incoming Students
To assist your student in their transition to University of Michigan, all first-year students are required to participate in Community Matters programs. Your student is receiving invitations to complete these courses:

August:

College students experience food insecurity at alarming rates, with more than 30 percent of University of Michigan students experiencing food insecurity in some way. The Maize and Blue Cupboard (MBC) provides an immediate and comprehensive response to food insecurity for the U-M community by offering resources, educational opportunities, and compassionate support. In addition, the MBC helps students develop the skills to make informed decisions.

As the university gets closer to move-in dates and welcoming students back to campus, continued updates on Housing and MDining are available. Remember to visit the Maize and Blueprint for complete information. Here are some highlights: 
 
Move-in
 
Michigan Housing staff are ready to welcome your students and families next week! Move-in will be socially distanced and all will be wearing face coverings as we welcome you. 

As the fall term approaches, the Office of Financial Aid, Student Financial Services, and the Registrar’s Office are committed to serving your student in convenient, efficient, and safety-conscious ways.
 
Did you know your student can conduct most of their business online and on-demand? As your student starts to make their plans to return to campus, we encourage everyone to learn more about these online alternatives to conducting student business in person.

As a college student, your student has enough to worry about. With access to the University of Michigan Domestic Student Health Plan, they can have one less worry. U-M students, including undocumented students, who are enrolled in classes or between semesters at the Ann Arbor, Dearborn or Flint campuses are eligible to enroll in a low-priced, voluntary health plan available to all U-M students through Blue Care Network of Michigan.