Sessions For: Student Life

Join us for dinner and the kick-off for chapter coaching for 2026. You'll build community, learn about coaching for the semester and hear the latest updates from FSL.

In Person: This program is offered twice a year for U-M Student Life staff free of charge. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a terrific tool for helping people change behavior. It's especially helpful for medical staff (lifestyle changes and medication adherence), therapists/counselors for behavior change to support mental health, and wellness coaches. Its use is being expanded to Student Life advisers, supervisors, and more. Learn basic, foundational skills for MI, including spirit (Compassion, Acceptance, Partnership, Evocation), OARS (open questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries), identifying and responding to change talk, and a brief overview of discord (if time permits). There will be plenty of practice in "real plays" (you get to work on your own behavior changes that you are ambivalent about--so bring a couple behaviors you'd like to change. While you won't be an expert at MI when you are done, you will be able to start the practice, move forward in your skills, and know how to improve. Please only register if you can attend all of the training dates, as each day builds on prior sessions. All Fridays, all in person:

* Friday, January 9, 9-5, location University Health Service (UHS), Meeting Rooms 1&2

* Friday, January 16, 9-12:30, UHS, Meeting Rooms 1&2

* Friday, January 23, 9-12:30,UHS, Meeting Rooms 1&2

* Friday, January 30, 9-12:30,UHS, Meeting Rooms 1&2

** Please note that there may be a $25 charge to your department if there is no cancellation at least three days before the training begins or if you no-show on the first day**

Please note the following:

Before you sign-up, please make sure you have secured your supervisor's approval for attendance.
Register for only ONE session.
In this training, you will learn to:

Use the Shared Hiring Philosophy as a guide to creating an inclusive search experience and process framework that supports equitable candidate selection from preparation to onboarding Conduct behavior-based interviewing Create a team-oriented approach to an effective and positive candidate experienceThrough demonstration and hands-on practice, this course will serve as a guide to help you through the experience of being part of a search committee team.

First-Year Relationship and Sexuality Talk (FYRST) is a required, in-person, and peer-facilitated workshop that came directly from feedback and listening sessions with current University of Michigan students. Our goal is to create an accessible, supportive space for student-driven conversations where all identities and experiences are welcomed and in which students can build skills and tools around identifying goals and values and then communicate effectively about those. Workshops will be offered at multiple locations and times throughout the fall semester, so please sign up for the workshop that works for you!!
First-Year Relationship Sexuality Talk (FYRST) FAQ:

“How many workshops do I have to sign up for?”

You only need to sign up for 1 workshop. Attending 1 workshop will fulfill the requirement for the training.

“I see that there is more than one session, does it matter which one I sign up for?”

It generally does not matter which workshop you sign up for. There will be a few that are designated for specific groups such as transfer students or for students looking for accommodations. If you do not fit these groups please try to save these workshops for those that do and you are free to choose among any of the other workshops.

“Is this workshop required?”

This workshop is required for all transfer and first-year students at the University of Michigan.

“I’ve experienced harm around relationships or sexual experiences in the past and I am worried that attending this workshop may be harmful for me.”

Our team is aware that students who are coming into the university that have experienced harm in the past. Our workshop is specifically designed to respect and validate the experiences of survivors and has been carefully constructed to avoid any specific descriptions of violence and focus instead on themes of empowerment, communication, and boundary setting. However, if you still have concerns about programming and would like to request alternative programming, please feel free to reach out at SAPAC-FYRST@umich.edu.

“What if I struggle to learn in a presentation setting? I’m an active learner.”

Our workshop is built to meet a variety of learning styles, including time for self-reflection, small group sharing, and resources to take with you to work through on your own time! This workshop is meant to be interactive and inclusive.

“Can I request accommodations?”

We considered accessibility in creating this workshop and selecting the locations in which the workshops are help. However, we recognize many places at the University are inaccessible and we've set an * next to workshops that are on the first floor and lack stairs. These workshops also will have a presentation (other workshops we do not) and are a good fit for those who might need a large font. Please sign up for those if you feel that accommodations would assist you and reach out to SAPAC-FYRST@umich.edu if you are concerned or have questions.

“I missed my workshop, what should I do ?”

Our team tracks attendance at each workshop by having participants swipe in with their MCard. If you are not able to attend the workshop you signed up for, our team will continue to send reminder emails until you have completed a workshop. In this case, please sign up for another workshop as soon as you can as the workshop is required and may fill up especially near the end of the semester. No need to contact SAPAC unless you are not able to reschedule.

“I have had gender-based violence training before, can I get this requirement waived?”

As this workshop was designed with University of Michigan student feedback in mind, our workshop is unique to the UM community. Our curriculum focuses on individualized reflection and because of its interactive nature, each workshop will be unique to the people attending. Although we are excited you already have familiarity with the subject, this workshop is required for every first year and transfer student.

“I’m a commuter/non-traditional student, do I still have to attend?"

Yes, this workshop is required for every first-year and transfer student - not only do we want every student to benefit from having this time to connect with peers, but we also want to make sure your peers benefit from what you bring to our community. If you have any concerns or questions about being able to participate, please contact SAPAC-FYRST@umich.edu.

“I still have questions! Who should I contact?"

Please contact us at SAPAC-FYRST@umich.edu.

The Ginsberg Center offers multiple workshops to support students and staff who are working with communities through courses, student organizations or independently. Learning in Community (LinC) is an educational workshop and training series focused on supporting those interested in community engagement, social justice, democratic engagement, advocacy, activism and philanthropy. Sessions address one or more of the following areas:

Principles and Practice of Ethical Community Engagement
Democratic Engagement
Leadership for Social Change
In addition to our LinC Workshop Series, groups can also request individual workshops. For more information, or to submit a request for one of the below workshops, please visit our website: https://ginsberg.umich.edu/linc

This program is for advisors of different student organizations!

Join us for the 2026 Student Life Professional Development Conference - Anchored in Purpose: Evolving Work, Steadfast Mission! This conference is dedicated to recentering ourselves in the midst of increasing change in complexity at work, enabling future opportunities for us and our students, growing our community to meet the ever evolving needs of higher education, and expanding our reach to ensure maximum impact. Participants will engage in dynamic discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at creating a resilient, equitable, and inclusive future.
Our Pre-Conference (Monday, January 26, 2026) includes half or full day Sessions and Workshops. The Conference Day (Tuesday, January 27, 2026) includes 50 Minute Breakout Sessions, Lunch, and 75 Minute Extended Sessions in the afternoon.
This year's conference encompasses four focus areas:
Strengthening Our Roots: Professional skill building (core skills, best practices)
Growing Our Community: Networking, collaboration, and building inclusive spaces
Anchored in Purpose: Leadership, mission-driven work, and ethical decision making
Expanding Our Reach: Innovative approaches, emerging student needs, and new programs
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 9, 2026.
There is a $25 charge for Student Life staff and graduate students to attend the conference and a $50 charge for non Student Life staff per day.

The Bridging Intergenerational Social Justice Wisdom Panel is a great chance for students to learn more about career possibilities within social justice fields. We will have amazing IGR alumnx panelists share their stories and experiences on how social justice has been applicable to them throughout their career paths, and a mix and mingle session for students and alumnx to connect more directly.

Join us for a lunchtime conversation with Taneshia Nash Laird, a "civic innovator and cultural strategist whose work sits at the intersection of capital, culture, and community." She'll discuss her career and impact across a broad range of disciplines, especially focused on how emerging leaders of color can influence cultural networks and policies through their work. This event is open to all individuals of any race/ethnicity, and will focus on leadership and cultural policy through the lens of BIPOC experiences. Lunch provided!"

Welcome to the University of Michigan! "So, You're New to Higher Ed" is a foundational course for Student Life staff members new to working in higher education and the world of student affairs. This four-session course covers key topics essential for understanding and thriving in the university environment.

Please register for each of the four sessions.

The Student Life Facilitation Committee and Student Life Professional Development are proud to announce that we are offering a staff-oriented facilitation training opportunity once again! A similar training has been offered to students and we have adapted the curriculum to provide staff with the skills and knowledge necessary to build confidence and ability in facilitation. The training location is TBD:
Monday, March 2 & Tuesday, March 3, 8:30am-4:30pm. Attendance is required for the full training. A light breakfast & Blue Bucks for lunch will be provided.
The training is comprised of a 16-hour training curriculum designed to: 1) prepare participants to facilitate dialogues, meetings, and workshops involving two or more individuals; 2) be available to staff within Student Life; 3) supplement unit-specific trainings; 4) maximize divisional resources; and 5) be module-based and repeatable.
We encourage you to register, participate, and gain invaluable skills throughout the training. This training is free to Student Life staff and $100 for staff in other departments. We have a minimum cap of 16 and a maximum cap of 26. If we do not meet the minimum we will need to cancel the training. If we meet the maximum you will have the opportunity to join a waitlist.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact slfacilitation@umich.edu

Search committees are a critical part of how Student Life hires new employees. This workshop is for anyone who wants to build their skills in leading search committees, whether you have past experience or not. We'll review what a search committee is and who leads it, and then go through several key elements of facilitating successful committee meetings, including ways to notice and address bias and dominant narratives. This workshop is interactive and participants will have the opportunity to practice skills while working through common search committee scenarios.