Finding Your Community
In addition to the countless student organizations that can help you find your niche on campus, several U-M departments can also help connect you to others who share a common interest or passion.
Academic Department Clubs/Organizations
Majoring in history? Interested in marine engineering? Desire to have a philosophical discussion? One great place to find other students who share your interests is in your academic department. Check out the departmental websites for information on student organizations and events that relate to that subject. Some departments also have informational bulletin boards near the departmental offices.
Center for Campus Involvement (CCI)
The Center for Campus Involvement implements programs and events for student engagement and supports student organizations. If you're unsure how to get connected on a large, decentralized campus, the CCI can help you find a place to start!
Center for the Education of Women (CEW)
The Center for the Education of Women serves ALL students who consider themselves "non-traditional." If you've had a break in your educational career, are taking care of children, are married, or a host of other qualities that may make you feel different than the "typical college student" you may find community through CEW. CEW supports a website to provide resources for students with children, hosts non-traditional student open houses, and provides other resources and opportunities for non-traditional students. The next non-traditional student open house will be on January 11, so stop by and learn more about CEW!
Ginsberg Center for Community Service & Learning
The Ginsberg Center is the campus hub for community service, student leadership, and civic engagement. Through a variety of programs and resources, the Ginsberg Center helps students become "citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future." Ginsberg sponsors program such as the America Reads tutoring program, Alternative Spring Break, and many other resources, workshops, and services to help you connect to community service opportunities.
Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI)
The Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives is a student-focused office dedicated to supporting the U-M in its ongoing commitment to create and foster an intellectually and culturally diverse campus community. The primary commitment of OAMI is to serve students through a variety of programs, research, and strategic planning activities. OAMI is also home to the First Generation Student Gateway.
Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA)
The Office of Multi-Ethnic Students Affairs (MESA) serves students in multiple ways by providing intercultural leadership development, social justice education, and peer mentorship opportunities. MESA works diligently to make the University of Michigan a more inclusive campus and provides transfer students the opportunity to take part in all these services and has mentorship programs that may further assist you in building a sense of community and belonging on campus, including A.L.M.A. (Assisting Latinos to Maximize Achievement) Program, S.I.B.S (Support for Incoming Black Students) Program, and Arise (South Asian Awareness Network). All programs are open to all students regardless of race or ethnicity.
Office of New Student Programs (ONSP)
The Office of New Student Programs coordinates many programs for students. In addition to Transfer Connections, ONSP can also help you connect to arts and cultural opportunities (including paid jobs) on campus through the Arts at Michigan program. Interested in theater? ONSP's Educational Theatre Company hires company members for summer, as well as fall-winter terms. Have military experience? ONSP's Veterans and Military Services Program can connect you to other students, as well as resources. And, last but not least, ONSP is the home to orientation programs. If you're looking for the best summer job on campus, be sure to apply to be an orientation leader by January 16. Don't worry that you're new to campus -- if you're hired, we'll provide the needed training, and you'll be a campus expert in no time!
Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC)
The Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center is committed to the belief that all people have the right to live free of violence and the fear of violence. SAPAC provides education and activism on issues of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and gender-based harassment for members of the U-M community. If you're interested, SAPAC houses student volunteer programs focused on education, awareness, and skill-building around healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and survivor support. SAPAC also offers an Ally Training program designed for students interested in becoming an ally in the movement to end sexual and intimate partner violence.
Spectrum Center
The Spectrum Center, also known as the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, operates with sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as core frameworks. The Center offers a range of support services for students including a peer mentorship program, drop-in discussion groups, and more.
University Health Service (UHS)
University Health Service is your campus health and wellness resource, but it is also home to Wolverine Wellness and the Collegiate Recovery Program. If you are interested in health topics, public health, or student wellness, UHS has several volunteer opportunities ranging from PULSE, a student-run health and social justice organization to the Student Health Advisory Council which provides a student perspective on health topics to UHS staff and clinicians.