Sessions For: Student Life

Join us as we celebrate international students and scholars with birthdays in [May, June, July, OR August]! We'll enjoy cake, coffee, and tea, and we encourage you to bring your friends together to celebrate your birthday! Meet us at the Student Activities Building courtyard located at 515 E Jefferson Street in Ann Arbor. In case of inclement weather, we will meet indoors in the atrium in the same building. Please register in advance so we can plan how much food to order.

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.

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.

Welcome to Michigan! As a participant in this workshop, you will have the opportunity to connect with your peers, reflect on your social identities, and practice the Michigan PAUSE from Talking Maize and Blue. Workshop participants will also be invited to a welcome event at the beginning of the Fall semester hosted by the Program on Intergroup Relations. This workshop is peer facilitated and takes place via zoom. These workshops are put on by CommonGround in the Program on Intergroup Relations.

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.

The Monthly International Student Impact Circle is an intimate gathering for international students across the University of Michigan to connect, reflect, and share experiences related to campus climate and life at U-M. This space is designed to support meaningful conversation around the changes and challenges that may be affecting international students.

Through facilitated dialogue, the series aims to build community, offer mutual support, and create room for reflection, processing, and healing.

Each summer session will focus on a theme relevant to international student experiences, with guiding questions designed to encourage connection and thoughtful conversation.

Summer Themes:


May: Navigating Michigan Summers
June: Navigating U.S. School and Work Culture
July: Navigating Culture Shock

Refreshments will be provided!

Please note: This is a structured event that will begin promptly at 3:30 p.m. and is not a drop-in style program. This space is not intended to provide legal advice or guidance on policy implications. Circles will be moderated and facilitated by the Office of Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR).

Hosted by Rackham’s embedded University Career Center career counselors, the topic for this session is resumes. In particular, what are some strategies for writing the all-important bullet point? In an interactive discussion with examples and opportunities to workshop your own resume, we will work on framing your experiences as effectively as possible.

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.
If you need an accommodation for this training, please email the facilitators at StudentLifeSearchTraining@umich.edu at least 2 weeks before the date of your training. Search Training is offered monthly, so we encourage you to sign up for a future date if we can't meet your need.

For many soon-to-graduate Ph.D. students, coordinating a dual job search—applying both to academic and non-academic jobs—becomes a reasonable way to expand your options. In this workshop, we will discuss concrete ways to time, strategize, and optimize the tandem job search, seeking to maximize bang for your buck throughout these two intense, labor-intensive processes.

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

The International Center's Summer Orientation workshop presentations are designed for new international students admitted for Fall 2026. These workshops are presented by staff from various University departments. You may register for as many workshops as you are interested in.
All workshops are listed in Michigan's time zone: Eastern Daylight Time.
This year, some workshops will be presented virtually, and while others will be in-person. Be sure to note this when registering for sessions of interest to you.
Most virtual presentations will be recorded and recordings will be available on the International Center Summer Orientation 2026 Canvas site.

This workshop is open to all graduate students seeking guidance on cover letters and resumes for positions beyond tenure track roles. It also meets the needs of those applying for internships, including those applying to the Rackham Doctoral Intern Fellowship Program. The process of synthesizing your academic experiences into strong application materials for jobs and internships beyond academia can be challenging but rewarding. This workshop is a hands-on opportunity for graduate students to learn how to effectively develop a resume using the foundation that they have laid with information from their CVs. Additionally, this session will include tips for writing compelling, tailored cover letters, and thinking strategically about how these two documents complement each other.

This workshop is designed for master's students, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows. For faculty and staff, please contact rackhamdeworkshops@umich.edu to see if we can accommodate your attendance.

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

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.

Meeting with representative stakeholders of all four councils and to the Fraternity & Sorority Life Office!

Are you a student or professional staff in a helping role seeking to enhance your communication skills? Join Wolverine Wellness for Compassionate Conversations, a workshop rooted in Motivational Interviewing principles and designed to help you build a toolbox for more impactful and caring conversations.

In today’s higher education environment, empathic fatigue and burnout can be a challenge for those dedicated to supporting others. This workshop will empower you to engage in meaningful interactions that foster genuine connection while safeguarding your own well-being.

Through this interactive and reflective session, you will learn how to:


- Extend compassion to yourself so that you can fully offer it to others
- Hone your active listening skills
- Apply motivational interviewing skills to support agency and encourage positive change
- Maintain emotional balance and resilience in your role.

Whatever your role on campus, this workshop will provide you with invaluable conversation skills to enhance both your personal and professional interactions. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and the students you serve!

As a spouse or partner of an international student at the University of Michigan, you may be wondering how to adjust to living in the U.S., and in Ann Arbor. Attend this event series to learn about some of the possibilities and to meet other spouses and partners of international students!
All events will be led by the Michigan Language Center (MLC) in partnership with the U-M International Center.
This series is being offered as part of International Orientation; however, registration is open to continuing students, as well.

Are you interested in learning how to effectively connect with colleagues and prospective employers? Do you want to learn how to discuss your research to those outside of your field? If so, this integrative workshop will help you to develop a strong pitch that can be used in networking opportunities. Come and a) learn about the process of networking, b) develop and practice your pitch, c) reflect on when (and when not) to bring your research up in your pitch, and d) understand University Career Center networking and career development resources. Brought to you by the University Career Center, in partnership with Rackham Graduate School.

Pop-Up Play Day
Take a break, meet new people, and have some fun! Join RSSL for Pop-Up Play Day on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM for an evening of games, activities, food, and community.
Whether you're looking to make new friends, unwind after the first week of classes, or simply enjoy a welcoming space, Pop-Up Play Day offers a chance to connect with other students in a relaxed and inclusive environment. Come as you are, stay as long as you'd like, and discover new ways to build community at Michigan.

For many soon-to-graduate Ph.D. students, coordinating a dual job search—applying both to academic and non-academic jobs—becomes a reasonable way to expand your options. In this workshop, we will discuss concrete ways to time, strategize, and optimize the tandem job search, seeking to maximize bang for your buck throughout these two intense, labor-intensive processes.

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

The Ruthven Wellness Committeehas organized a monthly massage program where you can sign up for a15-minute massage at $1/minute. (The sign ups are slotted every 20 minutes to accommodate for cleaning in between.)
You may sign up for 2 consecutive slots for $30 for 30 minutes, however, please do not sign up for more than that. These are popular, so please drop your session if you can no longer make it.
Accepted forms of payment at time of session: Cash, cards, and apps (PayPal, Cash App, Venmo, Zelle)
Location: Ruthven Room #0264 (located in the basement on the left-hand side before the Wellness Room)

This workshop is open to all graduate students seeking guidance on cover letters and resumes for positions beyond tenure track roles. It also meets the needs of those applying for internships, including those applying to the Rackham Doctoral Intern Fellowship Program. The process of synthesizing your academic experiences into strong application materials for jobs and internships beyond academia can be challenging but rewarding. This workshop is a hands-on opportunity for graduate students to learn how to effectively develop a resume using the foundation that they have laid with information from their CVs. Additionally, this session will include tips for writing compelling, tailored cover letters and thinking strategically about how these two documents complement each other. This workshop is designed for master's students, doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows. For faculty and staff, please contact rackhamdeworkshops@umich.edu to see if we can accommodate your attendance.

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 for 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.

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.

Spiritual Wellness Group – Undergraduate Students
Looking for a space to slow down, connect with others, and explore what gives your life meaning? Join the RSSL Spiritual Wellness Group, an eight-week experience designed for undergraduate students who want to grow in purpose, belonging, and community.
Beginning Thursday, September 24, 2026, the group meets weekly from 5:30–7:00 PM in The Connector.
Each session explores a different aspect of spirituality and well-being through meaningful conversation, reflection, interactive activities, and connections with fellow students.
Whether you identify with a religious tradition, are spiritual but not religious, are secular, or are simply curious, all students are welcome.
Registration is limited to ensure a meaningful, small-group experience, so reserve your spot early.

Service Opportunity: Cass Community Social Services
October 3, 2026 | 12:00–5:00 PM
Join RSSL for an afternoon of service with Cass Community Social Services in Detroit. Together, students will support an organization dedicated to meeting immediate needs while creating pathways toward long-term stability through food assistance, affordable housing, job training, and community-building initiatives. This hands-on service experience invites students to put compassion into action, deepen their understanding of social justice, and build meaningful connections with one another while serving the broader Detroit community.
Transportation will be provided from the University of Michigan, making it easy for students to participate. Whether you're looking to give back, meet new people, or learn more about community engagement, all are welcome to join us.

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.

Are you a current Ph.D. student considering a postdoc as your next step? In this workshop, a collaboration between the University Career Center, Rackham Professional Development and Engagement, and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, staff will cover all that you need to know about preparing to transition from a Ph.D.s to a postdoc. We will cover the pros and cons of doing a postdoc, the different types of postdocs, how to prepare to search and interview, as well as how to prepare yourself for the professional transition.

Michigan Souls: Stories of Purpose, Place, and PeopleThursday, October 8, 2026
6:00–8:00 PM
Michigan Theater | Ann Arbor
Every person carries a story.
Some stories are spoken often. Others remain quietly beneath the surface—shaping who we are, where we come from, what we believe, and what gives our lives meaning.
Join Religious, Secular & Spiritual Life (RSSL) for the premiere of Michigan Souls, a student storytelling project that invites us into the lives of University of Michigan students through honest conversations about identity, spirituality, purpose, belonging, and the experiences that have shaped them.
Through a series of short films, you'll encounter stories that are deeply personal yet universally human. Whether you identify with a religious tradition, no tradition at all, or are simply exploring life's big questions, these stories offer an opportunity to listen across differences, discover unexpected connections, and reflect on what it means to be part of a diverse campus community.
Following the screening, stay for a facilitated conversation with the student filmmakers and participants as we continue exploring the power of story to build understanding, empathy, and community.
Come ready to listen.
Come ready to reflect.
Come ready to discover the extraordinary stories already living all around us.
Admission is free. Registration is required.

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.

Hosted by Rackham’s embedded University Career Center career counselors, the topic for this session is resumes. In particular, what are some strategies for writing the all-important bullet point? In an interactive discussion with examples and opportunities to workshop your own resume, we will work on framing your experiences as effectively as possible.

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.

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 rackhamdeworkshops@umich.edu to see if we can accommodate your attendance.

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

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 rackhamdeworkshops@umich.edu to see if we can accommodate your attendance.

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

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 UCAN (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.

Professional conferences and workshops can play a significant role in building your network, expanding your expertise, and showcasing your skills in graduate school. They can also be daunting and overwhelming, even after having attended a few. In this workshop, we will provide you with the basics of making the most of professional conferences, workshops, and other similar professional events so that you can network without worrying about what to do and how to show up! We will cover the difference between conferences and workshops, specific types of sessions and networking events that can happen as part of a conference, what to do to prepare beforehand, and do’s and don’t’s of attending. 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.

This workshop will explore the many transferable skills you have gained during graduate school and how to translate these skills to the non-academic job market. We’ll review transferable skills employers value (e.g., collaboration, critical thinking, project management) and discuss the types of graduate school experiences where you may have honed these skills. You will have time to reflect on your unique experiences and articulate the transferable skills gained from them. To get the most out of the session, please review this worksheet and come prepared with questions and/or experiences to share. 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.

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.

1 session on January 9, 2026

In Person: This program is offered yearly 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, faculty (a way to communicate with students about classwork), and academic, leadership, 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 of behaviors you would 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, 9 am to 2:30 pm with a 30 minutes lunch break (bring your own lunch or order in).

* Friday, January 8, 9-2:30, location University Health Service (UHS), Meeting Rooms 1&2

* Friday, January 15, 9-2:30, UHS, Meeting Rooms 1&2

* Friday, January 22, 9-2:30,UHS, Meeting Rooms 1&2

* Friday, January 29, 9-2:30,UHS, Meeting Rooms 1&2

** For non-Student Life staff there is a $300 charge for the 20 hours of training. Student Life staff, 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.**