Dear Wolverine Families,
For an administrator in higher education like me, there is nothing quite like Parents & Family Weekend. While I had a wonderful time welcoming students (back) to campus a few short months ago, the fun of this special weekend earlier this month was an entirely new experience.
In many ways, I have been feeling like a second-year student myself. I started this job in the middle of the pandemic and met most people through a computer screen for the better part of a year. This semester, I am experiencing many “firsts” at the University of Michigan. Perhaps that’s why I felt a special kind of warmth at our fall semester events, getting to see many parents, families, and loved ones alongside their students.
Now that we’re into November, we are looking at Thanksgiving Break and the expected holiday travel rush, and the end of the semester not too far beyond that. Some students are also reaching the point in the semester where they are feeling a bit burned out. Fortunately, we have well-being resources to help students build resilience and healthy habits and offer some respite—and many students are taking advantage.
In this edition of Family Matters, you’ll learn about what your student can expect for traveling over the holidays, including public health safety protocols and easy transportation to and from the airport. We’ll also walk you through the latest student mental health and well-being resources that have been recently added to our array of support services.