UMSI Cares Closet

Meeting Needs, Supporting Success

Expanding access to everyday essentials to support student well-being and academic success.

Meeting basic needs should never be a barrier to academic success. Yet for many students, ongoing financial strain and limited access to everyday essentials can create unnecessary stress and anxiety that affect learning, well-being, and persistence. In response, the Academic Programs and Student Life team is launching the UMSI Cares Closet, a new initiative designed to provide easily accessible basic needs resources for the UMSI community. Phase 1 of the program will launch in February 2026.

Through ongoing engagement with students, UMSI staff have observed a growing number of requests for emergency support and have heard more students share challenges accessing hygiene products, cleaning supplies, food, and other essentials. While the Maize and Blue Cupboard remains an important campus resource, changes in where students learn, study, and spend their time have underscored the value of additional, nearby options for accessing basic needs.

The UMSI Cares Closet complements existing campus resources by offering a convenient, low-barrier way to access essential items in locations already central to student life. The initiative reflects UMSI’s ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and equitable community, recognizing that student success depends on meeting both academic and basic needs.

Beginning in early February 2026, UMSI will offer grab-and-go care bags at UMSI Central and the Kenlee Ray and Susan Quackenbush Student Lounge (LCSIB 2511) on North Campus. These bags will include items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, soap, and other hygiene essentials, and will be placed alongside the Emergency Food Bags currently provided by the Maize and Blue Cupboard.

Made possible through the generosity of donors to the UMSI Annual Fund, the UMSI Cares Closet is a proactive step to reduce basic needs insecurity, nurture student well-being, and help every community member thrive. Designed with privacy and dignity in mind, community members are invited to take what they need anonymously.

For more information, please contact UMSI Academic Success & Student Support or UMSI Student Life staff, or email umsi.academicsuccess@umich.edu. Additional information about campus resources and student support is available on the UMSI website.