Blog

Entering a new space can be a stressful experience for everyone, but these feelings can often be intensified for people from underrepresented groups. When someone doesn’t know where, or if, they’ll be accepted into a new community, it can be difficult to acclimate or feel comfortable. That’s why the University of Michigan is committed to ensuring all students can find a home on campus. Outside of the hundreds of student organizations that pride themselves on fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone on campus, U-M has services that all students can take advantage of that care about you, your comfort, and your education. 

If you’re a student considering applying to U-M and are looking for community-specific programs, here’s a short list of some of the many, many spaces on campus that might be for you. 

MESA

The office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs is a staple on campus, known for its extensive semester-wide programing and Heritage Month celebrations. Every year, you can find a variety of diverse events dedicated to celebrating underrepresented cultures. In the past, MESA has hosted talks, music concerts, panel discussion, mixers, and even movie screenings. This program is also responsible for hosting QTBIPOC Kickbacks, where queer, transgender Black indigenous, people of color can find community in a casual environment.

OAMI 

MESA often works hand-in-hand with the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI), which also prides itself in cultivating a positive community across campus for all students. Alongside the mixers that MESA holds, OAMI has many support networks for minority students to feel connected and uplifted. Undocumented students can find community with Undocumented Student Support, and there are plenty of initiatives that provide resources and support through the First-Generation Student Gateway. Even transfer students can find a place to call home at OAMI with M-Connect, a program that mentors students during their transitional period into U-M.

Trotter Multicultural Center

Located near the Michigan Union on Central Campus, the Trotter Multicultural Center is a welcoming and collaborative area for all students to use as a gathering place or an individual workspace. All are welcome to use the Sankofa Lounge within Trotter’s walls, the rooftop deck, kitchen, and even reservable conference rooms. Trotter also hosts a variety of student-led organizations and groups, one of which is CommuniTea, where students and faculty alike can come together and discuss topics ranging anywhere from campus-related issues to personal anecdotes.

Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS) Office 

The Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services is a department committed to providing the best possible educational experience for students with physical or mental disabilities. Within the office are four programs: Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), Academic Support and Access Partnerships (ASAP), Testing Accommodation Centers (TAC), and Adaptive Sports and Fitness (ASF). All four of these services work to equip students with the necessary tools for success at U-M. These include mentoring, coaching, workshops, testing accommodations, and any other forms of equitable access necessary for a student’s needs. Not only does SAAS want to ensure the educational success of students, with the ASF program, social and emotional outlets are also a priority. Regardless of your physical abilities, there are built-in spaces around U-M that keep sports accessible to everyone.

Spectrum Center

The Spectrum Center is a place where all students can come find support, understanding, and friendships related to LGBTQIA2S+. Every year, the Spectrum Center makes sure to center marginalized voices within the queer community by celebrating visibility weeks for different identities. In the past, the center has thrown transgender, asexual, and aromantic visibility week get togethers. This fall, you can find the Spectrum Center hosting its yearly Pride Outside event where you can socialize, play games, and get giveaways!