Learning activities are often sedentary -- sitting in class, at study desks, in lecture halls. Fortunately, the U-M Recreational Sports program can help your student keep moving otherwise. And there's something for every taste, interest and activity level. 

"We have many activities students can get involved in when it’s time to take a break from studying," says Sarah Button, assistant director of Marketing, Sponsorship and Academic Partnerships at Recreation Sports. "These are great ways to unwind, relax and make new friends." 

For many parents, it must seem like move-in was just yesterday, and only a few hours ago you were standing in your student’s new room, passing on sage advice about laundry and promising them you would answer any call. And the truth is, it wasn’t that long ago: but once the school year ramps up at the University of Michigan, life moves fast for your student, with new changes every day.

If your student is sick or injured, you may be the first to receive a call or text. Many students prefer to tap into parents’ wisdom and care right away. Parents are undergraduate students’ primary source of health information, according to a U-M survey.

You know your student, and you may be called upon to coach them through self-care strategies including the use of over-the-counter medications, plus you may be the first one who is called to help in decisions about seeking health care.

Join us on Tuesday, November 28 for Giving Blueday and give for the future!

Giving Blueday is the way the entire University of Michigan community -- students, parents, alumni and fans -- can participate in Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving following Thanksgiving weekend.

Here’s a guide to meal-time options for students who plan to stay in Ann Arbor during Thanksgiving and/or winter break,

Thanksgiving break (November)

Several dining halls will be available to all students. Your student can check out the transportation schedule for Thanksgiving Day meals and other dining options over break.

Winter break (December)

For the winter break, dining halls and retail outlets have a varying schedule:

If you are the parent of an international student with F-1 or J-1 visa status, please ask your student to check their immigration documents before winter break.  

Every year the university hears from students who realize only after they have arrived home for the break that they forgot to carry required immigration documents, or that they forgot to get their current documents validated for travel.  This can make a visit home more stressful and less enjoyable.

In October, the White House decided it would no longer accept initial or renewal applications for persons in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

If you are a parent/family member of an undocumented or DACA student, you may be concerned about your student's status at the university.

Is your student planning to study, do research, or do an internship abroad during the winter semester?  Consider talking with them before departure to make sure that they have completed the following essential health and safety steps. This will help to ensure that they have a safe and fun experience, as well as ease any anxieties you may have about their travel. 

Here are steps your student should take before departing the United States: 

Is your student intimidated by the coming winter weather? You can share these tips to help them conquer the cold.

Some key concepts:

• A positive attitude helps – winter truly is do-able!
• The actual number of days of extreme cold or significant snowfall is typically small
• Use fall to prepare for winter, by getting good clothes and planning transportation
• Celebrate the sun and warmer temperatures when they appear

How’s the weather?

Na’kia Channey is a student who is not slowing down. If anything, entering her second year on campus has only brought more opportunities for involvement. 

Na’kia is a student in the College of Literature, Science and Arts (LSA). She intends to double major in Psychology and Organizational Studies, with a minor in International Studies. She is also involved as a research assistant, a resident in the West Quad Michigan Community Scholars Program, a student employee in Housing, and a part of the world’s largest youth-led non-profit, AIESEC.