Talking 'Career Planning' with Your Student

Fall semester has begun, and students are thinking about new classes, the football season, and hopefully, about ways to translate their academic pursuits into meaningful career choices.

At the University Career Center (UCC), students will find a wide range of resources and opportunities to support that decision-making process. Students can:

Students Move with Recreational Sports

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." 

Our Time with Your Student

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.

What to Do if Your Student is Sick or Injured

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.

Give for the Future this Giving Blueday!

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.

Travel Reminders for International Students

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.

Support Available for DACA Students

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.

A Checklist for Your Student Prior to Studying Abroad

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: 

How U-M Students Conquer the Cold

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?