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Students + Families

Students + Families

Winter Term at U-M

The University of Michigan has developed a comprehensive plan for Winter Term incorporating public health guidance, lessons learned from the Fall term and extensive feedback and engagement with the community.

Helpful resources

  • COVID-19 Playbook
  • How to get a COVID test
  • COVID-19 Scenarios: What to do On Campus
  • COVID-19 Scenarios: What to do Off Campus
  • Winter Term 2021 Plan
  • Winter Term COVID-19 Testing Summary

Before you come back to campus

  • Practice enhanced social distancing for 14 days prior to arrival, and continue to enhance social distance after your arrival. Check out the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for returning to campus safely.
  • Download or update ResponsiBLUE from the App store for daily symptom tracking and COVID-19 testing verification.
  • Download the MI COVID ALERT App, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services covid exposure notification app.
  • Complete the Blue Queue survey regarding participation in COVID-19 vaccination at U-M.
  • Register for the MyUofMHealth patient portal in case of COVID symptoms or exposures, or to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Complete pre-arrival or entry testing, if applicable.
  • Update your current address and phone number in Wolverine Access for accurate contact tracing, case investigation and to receive updates regarding public health practices.
  • Register here for testing through the Community Sampling & Tracking Program.
  • Get an influenza vaccine.
  • Know the new protocols and testing expectations. Also be sure to read the COVID-19 addendum to the Student Statement of Rights and Responsibilities.
Student wearing a mask and washing their hands

Protecting the Community
Community Public Health Expectations for Students

Protecting the campus community throughout the pandemic is paramount. All students are responsible for understanding the COVID-19 related expectations and their responsibilities this semester. U-M expects that students:

  • Complete the required pre-arrival testing to move into Michigan Housing residence halls.
  • Continue to wear a face covering, social distance, avoid indoor gatherings of more than 10, and stay home when sick.
  • Participate in regular COVID-19 testing through U-M testing programs; weekly testing is mandatory for some undergraduates.
  • Use the required daily symptom checker tool, ResponsiBLUE, at the beginning of the day. Undergraduate students are responsible for ensuring they have the required green checks for symptom checking and COVID-19 testing verification to be on campus.
  • Contribute to a culture of care by following safety measures across campus to protect the entire U-M community.
  • Participate in and maintain isolation and/or quarantine, as instructed by a health care provider or public health officials.
  • Know the new protocols and weekly testing expectations. Also be sure to read the COVID-19 addendum to the Student Statement of Rights and Responsibilities.

A Compliance and Accountability Team has been established to monitor participation in the mandatory testing program, follow-up with students to encourage and facilitate compliance, and escalate issues of non-compliance as appropriate.

Accountability for students and student groups who do not maintain compliance with COVID-19-related policies and requirements could include probation, canceling housing contracts, referral of the complaint for formal student conduct processes, and denied Mcard access to facilities.

A U-M branded face mask

Reducing Campus Density

  • Students are encouraged to remain at permanent residence and study remotely.
  • Michigan Housing capacity has been significantly reduced, with less than 1,200 undergraduates living in 10 residence halls -- down from more than 6,500 undergraduate residents and 16 residence halls during fall term. Housing remains available to select students who meet need-based criteria.
  • Nearly 90% of classes offered remotely.
  • In-person classes are limited to those that are essential, as determined by the instructor, for preparing the next leaders in nursing, medicine and other fields where in-person education is required and needed for academic progress.
A U-M branded face mask

Health & Wellness

To support students during the pandemic, we've expanded health and wellness resources, including:

  • The addition of two "well-being breaks" in the winter term.
  • Dedicated counselors now in all schools and colleges.
  • Additional staffing resources to meet growing needs in U-M's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which serves hundreds of students each week, 24/7.
  • Campus recreational sports facilities remain open with a number of organized opportunities to stay active.
  • Additional virtual resources to support student well-being.
  • University Health Service offers health care and individual wellness coaching to support students' well-being
  • Well-Being for Students is Student Life's resource page for information and wellness tips related to COVID-19.
A U-M branded face mask

Engaging Students

Many of Student Life's educational programs and community-building and learning opportunities have been adapted to serve students during this challenging time.

  • Student Life connects students with student organizations, leadership opportunities and campus jobs and internships.
  • Beyond Campus is a collection of virtual offerings from across campus to help students meet people and make connections, even if you cannot physically be on campus.
  • University Health Service has developed Connecting during COVID a page that addresses social well-being during this time by providing tips, links and resources for U-M students.
  • Virtual Winterfest.
  • First Year Experience will relaunch the Community Matters Cohort Program for the winter term.
  • Sign up for weekly newsletters on the latest events -- virtual and in-person -- from the Center for Campus Involvement.
  • Inclusive Campus Resources help students find support and community on the U-M campus.
  • Not sure where to get started? Use this decision tree of suggestions of ways to find community and have fun here: Find community.

Additional Resources:

  • Fraternity & Sorority Life.
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
  • Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives.
A U-M branded face mask

Housing & Dining

  • Housing and dining are open at reduced capacity with face coverings and physical distancing requirements in common spaces and buildings, additional cleaning and staggered timelines for activities such as move-in and dining.
  • If you live in a communal setting such as a residence hall, your room, suite or apartment is considered your "family unit." In the case of an off-campus house/apartment, this is considered your "family unit" where safety measures such as wearing face coverings and physical distancing can be relaxed.
  • All dining halls will offer to-go meals until further notice. You are required to complete your ResponsiBLUE daily symptom check and show that you have completed the screening at to-go meal pick-up. You can also view the MDining To Go section to see additional to-go locations on campus.
  • There are enhanced and strict cleaning policies and processes.
  • For questions and concerns regarding off-campus leases/housing, contact Beyond the Diag at beyondthediag@umich.edu

Housing & Dining Resources

  • On-Campus Housing
  • Off-Campus Housing
  • Michigan Dining

Frequently Asked Questions

View the FAQ section

It is important to note that this information is subject to change as the state of Michigan updates their executive orders as well as when additional guidance for U-M campus planning is in place.

University of Michigan
Campus Maize and Blueprint
Ann Arbor | Dearborn | Flint
500 South State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA

Frequently Contacted Departments

The Campus COVID-19 Call Center serves the campus community by connecting them to U-M resources and support during the pandemic.

To reach the hotline, please call 734-936-7000. Call center hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Campus Plans

  • View UM-Ann Arbor Plans
  • View UM-Dearborn Plans
  • View UM-Flint Plans
  • View Michigan Medicine Plans
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