Sessions For: Student Life

Come help us during normal operating hours; as well as, unload our weekly Food Gatherers deliveries and stock our shelves!
If you are outside the U-M community, please reach out to maize.blue.cupboard@umich.edu to sign up.

Please join us to kick off our month-long celebration of Black history and heritage with a powerful, inspiring, and thought-provoking gathering centered around our theme, Gold in our Melanin, Greatness in our Histories. We will connect to invite reflection on the enduring legacy of innovation and resilience that has shaped the Black experience.

The BHM Opening Ceremony is led by the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA), and is co-sponsored by the Trotter Multicultural Center, Support for Incoming Black Students (SIBS), and the Black Student Union (BSU). Join us as we uplift stories and creative expressions that highlight authentic Black generational experiences, while also reflecting on the strength rooted in shared and unique histories. Inspiring genuine understanding, sparking creativity, and cultivating deeper appreciation for the gold within our melanin and the greatness within our histories.

We hope to see you at the Opening Ceremony and at other events throughout Black History Month!

Weekly gathering for students, staff, and faculty to build community with the Trotter Team and discuss the week’s events. Organizations and units are encouraged to collaborate and offer light refreshments or share tea practices that center their cultural practices. Come join us for good conversation, food and fun!

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 workshop is open to all graduate students seeking guidance around interviewing for positions beyond tenure track roles, which can differ greatly from the academic job search process. It also meets the needs of those applying to internships, including those applying to the Rackham Doctoral Intern Fellowship Program. The workshop will focus on preparing graduate students to navigate the interview process, and to effectively answer questions by strategically articulating strengths and skills. We will also discuss a framework for answering behavioral interview questions. This event is intended to be interactive, therefore a recording will not be available.
This workshop is designed for master's students, doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows. For faculty and staff, please contact rackhampdeworkshops@umich.edu to see if we can accommodate your attendance. Brought to you by the University Career Center, in partnership with Rackham Graduate School.

Thursdays | 5:30–7:00 PM | February 5 - April 2
What would it look like to pause—really pause—in the middle of a busy semester?
To gather with others who are curious about meaning, purpose, and what helps us feel grounded and whole?
Spiritual Wellness is an 8-week small-group experience for students who want space to reflect, connect, and explore their inner lives—no matter their spiritual, religious, or secular background. If you’ve been longing for deeper wisdom, authentic connection, or a place where your questions are welcome, this space is for you.
In a world that often feels rushed, isolating, or divided, this gathering offers something different: a warm, welcoming community where you can slow down, be present, and engage what truly nourishes you. Each week includes guided practices, shared reflection, wisdom traditions, and meaningful conversation—designed to support spiritual wellness, genuine relationships, and a deep sense of belonging.
The series is facilitated by Kelsey Lewis, with support from guest facilitators who bring diverse voices and practices. Because trust and community grow over time, participants commit to weekly attendance for all 8 weeks, ending with a closing celebration to honor the journey we’ve shared.
$250 stipend for participants who complete the full program
Limited to 12 students to create an intimate, supportive group

We offer therapy dog visits with Gus, a Cavapoo registered with Therapaws, where you can pet, cuddle, and get general stress relief!

Take a break, de-stress, and boost your social well-being with Gus and pals! He is paw-sitively excited to meet you! 🐶

In the spirit of the African American cultural tradition of
Sunday dinner at the home of the family matriarch, it is a time for the Trotter
community to come together and break bread, listen to music, dance, and
converse.

Join us for a vibrant celebration at Making a Dollar out of Fifteen Cents, a gala dedicated to honoring the enduring legacy of creative expression and groundbreaking innovation born from resilience. Throughout history, Black culture has exemplified the remarkable ability to create abundance from scarcity—transforming obstacles into opportunities and “spinning gold from mere fibers.”

This event pays homage to the ingenuity, endurance, and pioneering spirit that continue to redefine and uplift the Black experience. Through powerful and inspiring storytelling, we shine a spotlight on the visionaries who have shaped history and those who are charting new paths today.

CSG's Black Caucus proudly hosts an evening in coordination with the Black History Month Committee, featuring recognition of outstanding student organizations and awards for student leaders who embody innovation and student leadership rooted in resilience. Please join us for an unforgettable evening filled with thought-provoking reflection and elegance as we gather together to celebrate the creativity and brilliance that flourishes throughout time.

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.

Weekly gathering for students, staff, and faculty to build community with the Trotter Team and discuss the week’s events. Organizations and units are encouraged to collaborate and offer light refreshments or share tea practices that center their cultural practices. Come join us for good conversation, food and fun!

This workshop series brings a renewed focus to cultivating inclusive environments across campus. Participants will explore personal and collective experiences, learn best practices and strategies to foster belonging, and strengthen their ability to serve and support a diverse student population. Workshop offerings are open to Student Life staff and campus colleagues; attendance is voluntary. All workshops are free to Student Life Professional Staff Members.

In this interactive workshop, the Rackham embedded University Career Center coaching team will guide you through building out a strong master's student resume. Brief best practices will be shared, but most of the time will be spent actively working on your resume, so bring a laptop or a few printed copies of your resume. Lunch will be provided.

Join us for a night of discussion around BDSM and kink with local sex therapist, Dee Church. Get familiar with safe practices in a judgment-free environment, followed by an inclusive sex toy raffle!

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.

In this interactive workshop, the Rackham embedded University Career Center Ph.D. coaching team will guide you through converting your academic CV to an industry resume.

Brief best practices will be shared, but most of the time will be spent actively working on your resume, so bring a laptop or a few printed copies of your CV or resume.

Lunch will be provided.

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!"

In the spirit of the African American cultural tradition of
Sunday dinner at the home of the family matriarch, it is a time for the Trotter
community to come together and break bread, listen to music, dance, and
converse.

Weekly gathering for students, staff, and faculty to build community with the Trotter Team and discuss the week’s events. Organizations and units are encouraged to collaborate and offer light refreshments or share tea practices that center their cultural practices. Come join us for good conversation, food and fun!

Building a network and connecting with others is critical to your professional development in graduate school and job/internship searches. Join this discussion to learn strategies for building your network, including tips on using LinkedIn and the University Career Alumni Network, and how to leverage this network for career exploration and job/internship searching. There will be plenty of time for your questions!
This event is intended to be interactive and therefore a recording will not be available. Brought to you by the University Career Center, in partnership with Rackham Graduate School.

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.

This program is for advisors of different student organizations!

Organized and sponsored by the Ginsberg Center's Student Advisory Board, Movie Nights aim to bring Ginsberg Center students together to build community with each other. At the Ginsberg Center, our mission is to cultivate and steward equitable partnerships between communities and the University of Michigan in order to advance social change for the public good.

Please note: The movies selected for screening do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Ginsberg Center or its affiliates, and their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement of any particular viewpoint.

Join us for Soul Food Sundays, an uplifting program inspired by the rich African American tradition of Sunday dinners at the home of the family matriarch. These cherished gatherings have long been a cornerstone of Black culture—a time to reconnect, recharge, strategize, laugh, and share love over a table laden with delicious, soul-nourishing food.

This week, the BHM Committee and the Trotter Multicultural Center invites the community to come together not just for a meal, but for meaningful conversation. Alongside our feast, there will be a Community Conversation exploring themes of care and sustainability within our community—how we support one another, nurture collective well-being, and honor traditions that have sustained us through generations.

Whether you’re seeking good food, good company, or thoughtful discussion, Soul Food Sundays welcomes all to celebrate legacy, culture, and the power of coming together.

Weekly gathering for students, staff, and faculty to build community with the Trotter Team and discuss the week’s events. Organizations and units are encouraged to collaborate and offer light refreshments or share tea practices that center their cultural practices. Come join us for good conversation, food and fun!

This workshop will focus on resources you can leverage to explore career options, as well as strategies to best position yourself for a variety of career trajectories. We will cover approaches to networking, transferable skills, and key resources designed to support your exploration. This workshop is open to students at all points in their graduate careers, and there will be plenty of time for your questions. This event is intended to be interactive, and therefore a recording will not be available.
This workshop is designed for master's students, doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows. For faculty and staff, please contact rackhampdeworkshops@umich.edu to see if we can accommodate your attendance. Brought to you by the University Career Center, in partnership with Rackham Graduate School.

Join us for a new Coaching Circles Pilot! Each coaching session will provide 8-10 staff members with an opportunity to interact informally with a Student Life Unit Director around a leadership topic of interest to them. These are informal conversations (rather than workshops or presentations) between staff and these leaders who have experience with and willingness to share their wisdom around these topics.
Staff are asked to register for only one Coaching Circle session this semester as part of the pilot. Space is very limited, register today!

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.

Building your network is something you can be doing proactively throughout graduate school. Additionally, learning from what others have done in their career is a great way to explore areas of interest. Join us to learn how to navigate and develop the basics of your own LinkedIn profile. We will introduce ways to build connections and learn more about opportunities through informational interviews by using LinkedIn and the University Career Alumni Network.
If you do not yet have a LinkedIn account, please create a free account before the session at linkedin.com.

Brought to you by the University Career Center, in partnership with Rackham Graduate School.

Weekly gathering for students, staff, and faculty to build community with the Trotter Team and discuss the week’s events. Organizations and units are encouraged to collaborate and offer light refreshments or share tea practices that center their cultural practices. Come join us for good conversation, food and fun!

Ginsberg’s Community Engagement @ Michigan Series for faculty and staff addresses critical topics in community-engaged teaching and learning, research, scholarship, and program/project development. Through seminars and events, this faculty and professional development series supports faculty, staff, administrators, post-docs, and graduate students at U-M who are interested in learning about or further developing community-driven practice. Participants engage with strategies and approaches to develop and sustain community partnerships for research & teaching, prepare students to work with communities, emphasize civic learning across disciplines, develop and refine course-based and program curriculum, and more.
Offered in Fall and Winter terms. Open to Faculty, Admin/Staff, and Postdocs. Some sessions open to Graduate Students. See workshop descriptions for details.

Weekly gathering for students, staff, and faculty to build community with the Trotter Team and discuss the week’s events. Organizations and units are encouraged to collaborate and offer light refreshments or share tea practices that center their cultural practices. Come join us for good conversation, food and fun!

Negotiation is something that many people feel unprepared for, especially during the job search process. We'll talk through the steps involved in salary negotiation, as well as negotiation tips that can be utilized in other contexts. Bring your questions, as there will be plenty of time for questions and answers. This event is intended to be interactive, and therefore a recording will not be available.

Brought to you by the University Career Center, in partnership with Rackham Graduate School.

Are you a current master’s student or recent alum considering a Ph.D. or another doctorate? Do you want to learn how to effectively present your research experience and academic potential to admissions committees? This workshop will guide you through the essential components of a successful doctoral application. We will review different types of doctoral programs, typical application timelines, application documents, and additional factors to consider when looking and applying for a doctoral program. We will also reflect on if a doctorate is the right choice for your career goals. You will have the opportunity to ask your questions and learn more about how to best utilize University Career Center and Rackham resources to get support for this academic transition. Whether you are just considering the idea of pursuing a doctoral degree or you have already started preparing for it, this session will provide the tools you need for a successful application. This event is intended to be interactive and therefore a recording will not be available. Brought to you by the University Career Center, in partnership with Rackham Graduate School.