Summer Prep for Student Success

Creating Community Through Student-Centered Support

UMSI Director of Student Success and Programs Katy Peters shares how summer orientation and support efforts across programs lay the foundation for a strong start to the academic year.

As the School of Information prepares to welcome the 2025–26 academic year, the Academic Programs and Student Life team within the Office of Academic and Student Affairs has been focused on delivering student-centered programming that ensures all incoming students are supported from day one. Rooted in our mission to lead success-oriented efforts, our summer and early fall programming lays the foundation for a smooth transition to UMSI.

Throughout the summer, we facilitate a comprehensive virtual orientation experience for incoming residential students (BSI, MSI, and MHI), featuring sessions such as Degree Planning, Prepping for Coding and Math Courses, and Services for Students with Disabilities—each designed to promote academic readiness and access. Students are introduced to key platforms like the UMSI Orientation website, which hosts essential resources and timelines, and the UMSI Students Slack workspace, where they can ask questions, receive updates, and begin forming connections. Additional sessions, including the Life as a UMSI Student Panel, International Student Panel, Ask-Me-Anything with the Career Development Office, and Maximizing Your Time as a Graduate or BSI Student, offer early engagement with the UMSI community and support services.

In addition to core programming, we offer targeted support for student populations with unique transitional needs. These efforts include tailored advising for students pursuing dual degrees or graduate certificates, the iSuccess program for new BSI transfer students, and advising touchpoints for students in the BSI–MSI Accelerated Master’s Degree Program. These initiatives help ensure that all students—regardless of background or pathway—feel welcomed and prepared.

Summer efforts culminate in the on-campus orientation experience, which begins on August 18 and is led by UMSI Student Life. This in-person programming provides expanded opportunities for students to build community, explore resources, and prepare for the start of classes. With involvement from UMSI units and campus partners, orientation week features both informative sessions and social events designed to foster a sense of belonging and momentum as students begin their Michigan journey.

The online Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) program, which enrolls students year-round, also receives dedicated onboarding. Each semester, students are welcomed through virtual events such as an Academic Advising and Planning Webinar, Setting Yourself Up for Success, a Current Student Panel, and a New Student Community Building session. These offerings guide students through course planning, introduce key support resources, and encourage early peer-to-peer connection. MADS students also have access to an orientation site on Canvas and join the MADS Community Slack to begin engaging with the community. Those based near Ann Arbor are welcome to attend school-wide on-campus orientation events in August.

This work is made possible through strong partnerships across the school. Collaboration with the Recruiting, Admissions, and Financial Aid team, along with the Registrar and Student Services team, ensures continuity from matriculation through orientation. Similarly, the Career Development Office, Engaged Learning Office, and the Office of Organizational Culture and Community enrich our programming by encouraging students to think holistically about their academic and professional experience. The success of these efforts reflects UMSI’s shared commitment to helping students feel informed, supported, and confident as they begin their time at the school.

Alongside these student-facing initiatives, staff have also been preparing for the academic year through strategic planning and resource development. This includes refining degree planning tools, incorporating student feedback, and expanding fall programming. These internal efforts reflect our continued focus on improvement and responsiveness to evolving student needs.

While campus may be quieter during the summer, it remains a season of meaningful preparation. As we enter the new academic year, we remain committed to fostering inclusive, supportive, and success-oriented experiences for every UMSI student.