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.

Required alcohol and other drug education for Panhellenic sorority members.

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

Do you have questions about Digital Accessibility and how to implement it in your everyday work? Is there an issue that you've identified or encountered in your work that needs attention? Join Student Life's digital accessibility liaison, Scott Heinowski, for digital accessibility office hours.

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.

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!

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 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.

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! 🐶

On Monday, November 3, 2025, the Trotter Multicultural Center, in partnership with the Central Student Government and the National Center for Institutional Diversity (NCID), will host Peril & Promise: A Conversation on College Leadership in Rackham Auditorium at the University of Michigan. This of a kind event will bring together two esteemed leaders in higher education:
Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, president emerita of Smith College, Brown University, and Prairie View A&M University, and a nationally respected voice on equity, access, and institutional change.
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College, psychologist, and best-selling author of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
This public conversation—moderated by Dr. Earl Lewis—will explore the promise and challenges of leadership in complex times, with particular attention to the role of student activism, institutional memory, and courageous decision-making. Both speakers bring firsthand experience navigating public discourse, student advocacy, and the responsibilities of institutional leadership across public and private contexts.
This event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Trotter Multicultural Center in partnership with Central Student Government, National Center for Institutional Diversity, CEW+, The Inclusive History Project, Rackham Graduate School, Alumni Association, The Program on Intergroup Relations, Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, Barger Leadership Institute, LSA First-Generation Commitment, Center for Social Solutions, Women In Science and Engineering, U-M Black Alumni Association, MLEAD, The Institute for Research on Women and Gender, Graduate Organization of Students in Higher Education, Black Undergraduate Psychological Association, Rackham Student Government, Black Graduate Student Association, Public Health Students of African Descent, and Women of Color & The Academy.
We also extend our special thanks to the The Office of Academic and Multicultural Initiatives, Caribbean Student Association, Black Graduate Psychology Association, and Support for Incoming Black Students whose partnership and commitment as a proud community partner help make this event possible.

The Division of Student Life has invested heavily in bringing adaptive leadership training to our staff via the Michigan Model of Leadership. Many staff were exposed to this model over the years. We will continue to ground our collective work in this model. If you have not yet attended a session, or are a new staff member to Student Life, we invite you to join us and learn about the model and your leadership style.

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.

Regularly scheduled meetings of the Multicultural Greek Council

The Panhellenic Association is proud to welcome Dr. Mari Ann Callais back to campus. Dr. MAC brings energy, knowledge and honesty to her keynotes that will leave attendees motivated and ready to continue to strengthen the sorority experience.

Spectrum Center's Pronouns 101 workshop is for U-M faculty, staff, and students. In this 2-hour workshop on the basics of pronouns and their usage, participants will have the chance to practice using different sets of pronouns and work on bystander intervention skills.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Learn what pronouns are and be able to share why they are important in your own words
2. Identify the correct pronouns in various sentence structures
3. Practice different methods of addressing harm using a tool called scripting (coined by author Ritu Bhasin)
4. Use an action planning resource to develop one tangible, actionable goal related to your increased inclusivity around pronouns
HOW TO ATTEND
Registration is required. A zoom link will be shared with registrants prior to the workshop.
MORE WORKSHOPS AND INFORMATION
For more information about Spectrum Center’s educational workshops and/or to request an in-person/virtual workshop for your department or organization, visit https://spectrumcenter.umich.edu/workshops

Wolverine Wellness invites you to join us for a lunch and learn interactive workshop that explores how we can help students lead with care by modeling intentional self-awareness and compassionate community care.

In fast-paced campus environments, it’s easy for both students and staff to move through the day without checking in with ourselves. For some, identifying or naming stress can feel unfamiliar or even unsafe. Yet, helping students tune in to their early warning signs can support resilience, reduce burnout, and foster a more sustainable approach to leadership and service.

Together, we will:



Unpack the relationship between stress and the eight dimensions of wellness



Explore how eustress and distress show up differently for students



Identify common stressors student leaders face — and how they impact well-being



Discuss evidence-based, short-term stress reduction techniques



Share campus resources and strategies that promote sustained mental health support



Discuss how you can encourage self-care and boundary-setting while supporting others



This session is ideal for professional staff, instructors and GSIs, student leaders, peer educators, or others in helping roles. Walk away with language, tools, and practices you can share with your students — and use to sustain your own wellness as you support theirs.

Join us for the 1st Gaa-Bigooshkaaning Round Dance hosted by the Native American Heritage Month Committee and the Native American Student Association (NASA)! This is a time to come together with community, share a feast prepared with Indigenous foods, check out craft vendors, and dance!
All are welcome!!

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.

Planning on applying to the Peace Corps or another global service program?
Make sure you're the most prepared candidate possible by participating in the Peace Corps Prep certificate program, which is open to all undergraduate students!
Through coursework and extracurricular experiences, the program will facilitate development within the following four core competencies: work sector-specific skills, foreign language proficiency, intercultural competency, and leadership. Learn more at our upcoming information sessions, which will be offered both virtually and in-person. Note: In-person information sessions will include dinner!

This program is for advisors of different student organizations!

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:

* January 10, 9-5, location University Health Service (UHS), Meeting Rooms 1&2

* January 17, 9-12:30, UHS, Meeting Rooms 1&2

* January 24, 9-12:30,UHS, Meeting Rooms 1&2

* 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**

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