Skip to Content
U-M COVID-19 updates

Student Life

What is Student Life?

Student Life is here for you; our most basic task is helping students get the most out of their experiences at the university. With Student Life you can find your own niche on campus; connect with students within or beyond your residence hall, organization, or academic program; get involved in student organizations, leadership opportunities, and campus jobs and internships; and choose the housing and dining and living options that work best for you.

Student Mental Health Innovative Approaches Review Committee Report

A committee of deans, faculty, and staff across U-M Academic Affairs and Student Life areas released a new report that outlines a comprehensive approach for transforming how the health and wellbeing needs of students can be holistically addressed on the Ann Arbor campus.

Last spring, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Susan M. Collins and Vice President for Student Life Martino Harmon tasked the 12-member Student Mental Health Innovative Approaches Review Committee with exploring and recommending holistic, innovative approaches to addressing student mental health and well-being. The group—co-chaired by Dean of Students Laura  Blake Jones and Senior Vice Provost Amy Dittmar—examined current resources at U-M as well as convened a series of town hall meetings and outreach sessions to solicit the input of students, faculty and staff across campus.

In August 2021, the committee released its recommendations, which span four broad themes of recommended areas of strategic and innovative change—each with its own series of supporting  recommendations.

View the full PDF Report

Student Compliance Accountability for COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Dear U-M Student,

The first day of class is rapidly approaching, along with the deadline to share your vaccination information. More than 90 percent of students have already submitted their vaccination record. Great work, Wolverines!

A COVID-19 vaccination is highly effective in protecting against serious COVID-19 infection, and combined with the U-M face covering policy, offers the opportunity for a more normal Michigan experience for you and approximately 47,000 other students this fall. In addition to helping protect immunocompromised Wolverines, it also helps shield the young and elderly family members of our U-M community.

Read more

Canopy Information, Locations & Guidelines

Individual Study Space Canopies

The University of Michigan has installed outdoor canopies around campus to provide individual students additional space for studying, rest, and eating between classes. These canopies are not available for booking events.

Study Space Canopy Locations:

Central Campus
Michigan Union (2 locations)
North capacity: 40
South capacity: 24
Ingalls Mall North (between Burton Tower and the Michigan League)
Capacity; 40
North Campus
Walgreen Lawn Gerstacker Grove
Capacity: 40

General Use Hours of Operation

Open April 6, 2021. Close date October 27, 2021.

Mon - Fri
Aug/Sept - 11am - 7pm
Oct - 11am - 6:30pm
Sat - Sun/Holidays:
Aug/Sept - Noon - 7pm
Oct - Noon - 6:30pm

General Usage Guidelines

  • For unvaccinated individuals, face coverings and social distancing is strongly recommended.
  • Furniture should not be moved.
  • Do not tamper with or alter the canopy structure.
  • No consumption of alcohol.
  • No amplified sound without prior approval.

Other Information

  • The MWireless WiFi network will be provided at all student canopies.
  • Electrical power and lighting is not available in the canopies.
  • Disinfecting wipes are available to use on table surfaces before and after use. Hand sanitizer is available in each canopy.
  • Tables in each canopy are cleaned regularly by U-M staff each day of operation.
  • Canopies will not be open for operation in inclement weather.

Canopy operations are subject to change, check this site for the most current information. Temporary canopy closures due to inclement weather will not be listed on this site.

For indoor study spaces​, please visit studyspaces.umich.edu

Reservable Event Canopies

Campus is making available canopies to specifically support U-M outdoor events. Canopies are unfurnished, and event organizers are responsible for all vendor coordination (e.g. furniture rental, event set-up, and trash coordination) based on the needs of their individual events. Reservations are required, and events are to be coordinated with Facilities & Operations Outdoor Events (Central Campus canopy location) or the Center for Campus Involvement (North Campus canopy location).

Event Canopy Locations & Information:

North Campus - Gerstacker Grove
Open for events starting August 25th
Size: 30x60
For reservations and general use rules: Center for Campus Involvement
Central Campus - Ingalls Mall North (between the Alumni Center and the Michigan League)
Open for events starting August 27th
Size: 60x60
For reservations and general rules: Facilities & Operations

Information updated August 26, 2021

Student Life Outcomes Report 2020-2021

"It is exciting to have these stories to tell, stories about how we didn’t lose our core work or our strategic priorities amid the pandemic. We simply learned how to do it differently."

- Martino Harmon, Vice President for Student Life

In August 2021, the Division of Student Life published the first-ever Student Life Outcomes Report for the University of Michigan. This detailed analysis of Student Life's work during the 2020-21 academic year was prepared by the Student Life Research and Communications, Marketing, and Design teams with input from staff throughout the division. The report uses a wide range of stories of divisional efforts and outcomes to paint a comprehensive picture of how Student Life adapted and innovated new ways of serving students while maintaining its commitment to its mission during an atypical year.

View the full PDF Report

Expectations for Staying Safe and Healthy in Winter 2021

January 13, 2021

Dear U-M undergraduate students,

We are excited to welcome you back after the break - whether you’ll be participating this winter term on campus or from afar. As you plan your return to campus or Ann Arbor for another academic term, there are several public health best practices and university expectations to make you aware of for a safe and healthy term.

Read more

Addendum to the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities

Dear University of Michigan Community:

As Wolverines, the importance of cultivating a culture of care for self and others has always been paramount and is of particular importance in this shared moment of crisis and challenge. It is right for us to reflect on the values we hold as individuals and the values we embrace as a community. University values are outlined in the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities: Civility, dignity, diversity, education, equality, freedom, honesty, and safety.  These values stand as long-held community-defined commitments rooted in social justice and put into practice through a restorative approach. It is these values which continue to serve as a guide as we live into our Pledge to Take Care of the Maize & Blue.

Civic Engagement

The University of Michigan delivers a world-class education to students, preparing them with critical knowledge, skills, and opportunities to be leaders in an increasingly complex world. Catalyzing and supporting students as they build the knowledge, skills, and agency for full participation in civic life must be a fundamental part of that education. 

Pages