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COVID-19 and Travel During the Academic Break

This week, many students will complete their Fall term finals and depart our Ann Arbor campus for their winter break destination, whether that is their permanent residence or elsewhere. 

While U-M is a highly vaccinated community—with 98 percent of our students fully vaccinated—breakthrough infections can occur. We offer reminders around COVID-19 and travel that can help your student protect themselves, as well as others, during their winter break travels. 

Vaccine

What’s New? Stay Up-to-date…

​As we move into a period of particularly frequent travel for our students and more activities happening indoors due to colder weather, we are committed to providing you and your student with up-to-date information on current campus life and opportunities that will make an education at U-M a safe, positive experience. These regular updates recently included COVID-19 booster shot recommendations, testing resources, an update on the Omicron variant, and important tips for staying healthy during the remainder of the fall term and upcoming winter break travel. 

If you miss any of these updates, you can view President Mark S. Schlissel’s most recent message at any time during the week. You also can stay informed on a daily basis by visiting the Campus Maize and Blueprint page.

Our Time With Your Student

Dear Wolverine Families, 

Finals season is upon us, and your student is entering the home stretch of the fall term. I am sure you are looking forward to your student returning home soon. When my daughters were in college, I couldn’t wait for winter break to roll around and bring them back home for some quality time together. In a way, all the parents, families, and loved ones of U-M students are in the home stretch right now, too—waiting to be reunited again for the end of 2021 and the start of 2022. 

The intensity of studying can give them a big appetite, so we were pleased to bring back the special late night breakfast this year. Food is one of many ways to care for your student’s well-being during finals; addressing mental health concerns is another. If you are concerned about a student at any time throughout the year, there are many ways to help them help themselves through the Well-Being website.

A COVID Update

Dear Parents and Families,

As we move into a period of particularly frequent travel for our students and more activities happening indoors due to colder weather, we are committed to providing you and your student with up-to-date information on current campus life and opportunities that will make an education at U-M a safe, positive experience. 

Earlier today, your student received this emailed update, which includes COVID-19 booster shot recommendations, updates, and important guidance for safe travel before and during the upcoming winter break.  

Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of your student and our broader University of Michigan community. While living with the realities of COVID-19 has become more prevalent, we continue to strengthen our approach to keeping our community safe.

To stay up to date throughout the week, you may also view the Campus Maize and Blueprint site.  

A COVID Update

​Dear Parents and Families,

As we move into a period of particularly frequent travel for our students and more activities happening indoors due to colder weather, we are committed to providing you and your student with up-to-date information on current campus life and opportunities that will make an education at U-M a safe, positive experience. 

Earlier today, your student received this emailed update, which includes COVID-19 booster shot recommendations, testing resources, an update on the Omicron variant, and important tips for staying healthy during the remainder of the fall semester and upcoming winter break travel. 

Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of your student and our broader University of Michigan community. While living with the realities of COVID-19 has become more prevalent, we continue to strengthen our approach to keeping our community safe.

To stay up to date throughout the week, you may also view the Campus Maize and Blueprint site. 

Important Dates to Remember

As the end of the fall semester approaches, you may want to pencil in some of these important upcoming dates and events to help stay connected with your Wolverine and be aware of your student's possible upcoming travel during university breaks.

Save the Date

Labor Shortages and the Benefits of On-Campus Student Jobs

Labor shortages and supply chain delays have become commonplace during the pandemic, and the open job situation on campus reflects that of much of the country. Student Life normally employs thousands of students across campus, from program coordinators and office assistants to cooks and baristas. This year, far fewer students than usual have applied for on-campus jobs, and the lack of potential workers is affecting businesses that normally cater to U-M students as well. 

In response, many Student Life positions for students offer increased wages above industry standards, and we have increased outreach to students who might be interested in a position that offers income as well as valuable work experience. And the best part? When students work on campus, they don't have to look far for a job that’s flexible and can help make a difference.

Student Worker

Planning for Winter Break Travel

In a few short weeks, your student’s fall semester will be complete and they will be departing our Ann Arbor campus for their winter break destination, whether that is their permanent residence or elsewhere. Read on for tips to help your student maintain their health and safety during their holiday travel, as well as transportation options available to and from campus to Detroit Metro Airport and other locations. 

Winter scene at the Law Quad

Supporting Your Student’s Mental Health and Wellbeing

As we near the end of the fall 2021 semester and approach final examinations, we know our students may face increasing stressors that can make balancing their own mental health and wellbeing more challenging. 

The university currently offers numerous resources to help students navigate stress and is also broadening its approach to more holistically address our students’ mental health and wellness. 

Read on to discover resources that are available for your student, as well as updates on the university’s efforts to strengthen its approach to supporting your student’s mental health and wellbeing.

Flu Cases on Campus

Your student may have shared with you or you may have read that the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus recently experienced a large and sudden increase in cases of influenza among students. Last week, federal health experts arrived in Ann Arbor to learn more about how the flu is spreading and the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine.

We encourage every member of our community to get a flu shot. Flu vaccination rates in our community are far lower than COVID-19 vaccination rates—and the COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against the flu virus. 

Beat the Flu

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