University of Michigan student housing

Housing system of the University of Michigan

The campus housing system at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, referred to as University Housing (which is a unit of Student Life), provides living accommodations for approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. There is no requirement for first year students to live in University Housing, yet approximately 97% of incoming students choose to do so. Every year, over 9,500 undergraduate students are housed in 18 residence halls on Central Campus, the Hill Neighborhood, and North Campus. Undergraduates, graduate students, and students with families can live in University Housing apartments in the Northwood Community on North Campus. Seven full service dining halls as well as several retail shops provide students with daily dining options.

South Quadrangle reopened for the fall 2014 term after extensive renovations. The renovated South Quad features an all new dining facility equipped with 10 unique restaurant concepts, music practice rooms, a new community center, redesigned group study rooms, improved student bathrooms, wireless network access, upgraded plumbing, and air conditioning. West Quadrangle was closed for renovations from the end of the winter 2014 term and reopened in 2015. The new design includes upgraded infrastructure, improved accessibility, renovated student rooms and bathrooms, and remodeled community and study spaces. The dining operation in West Quad did not reopen — accommodated by the new dining center in South Quad across the street — and the previous dining and kitchen areas were repurposed as community spaces. After a year long renovation, East Quadrangle reopened for the fall 2013 term with improved infrastructure, renovated student rooms and bathrooms, an improved dining hall and kitchen facilities, new spaces to enhance student and community life, and renovated classrooms and faculty offices. Other completed projects include renovations to Alice Lloyd Hall and a remodel of Baits Houses (named for Regent Vera Baits), both of which reopened in fall 2012. Couzens Hall reopened for the fall 2011 semester after extensive renovation. The newest residence hall, North Quadrangle, was opened in fall 2010. Features of North Quad include modern student rooms, a marketplace style dining center, community learning spaces, a high tech media gateway, classrooms and seminar spaces, and lounges on each floor. Stockwell Hall reopened in 2009 after renovation. In 2008, construction of the Hill Dining Center was completed. The two level dining center offers a variety of meal options as well as Victors cafe, which offers longer hours and convenience items. Connected to the Hill Dining Center is Mosher Jordan Hall, which reopened in 2008 after renovation. The university has invested in several major projects to revitalize residential facilities, programs, and dining. These projects include the building, renovation, and remodeling of residence halls and dining facilities, the renewal of community spaces, as well as upgraded internet access and electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, and fire detection and alarm systems. Fire suppression (sprinkler) systems have been installed in all residence halls. Michigan Dining also offers meal accommodations for religious observance. Many foods are made with locally produced ingredients as part of the initiative to achieve green and sustainable dining practices. Nutrition and allergy information are provided online by Michigan Dining staff, as well as guidance and support including the MHealthy Dining Program. Generally, between 30 and 40 percent of food offerings a day are labeled as MHealthy and upwards of 40 percent are labeled vegan. A team of dieticians offers free individual consultations, allergy and special diet support, nutrition publications, and healthy eating seminars. Academic support is provided by a Peer Academic Success Specialist (PASS). The PASS provides students with guidance on course and concentration selection, study skills, and technology assistance. PASSes hold regular advising hours and offer various workshops throughout the school year. Community Learning Centers in residence halls offer a technology rich, comfortable learning space for individual and group work. Other technology support includes residential computing sites, high speed internet access in student rooms, Help Desk service, and digital learning skills. The residence hall student government consists of the Residence Halls Association, hall councils, and multicultural councils. The Residence Halls Association (RHA), the student residence hall association, works with University Housing to enhance community life, sponsoring events and programs for residents throughout the year. The RHA is affiliated with the Great Lakes Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (GLACURH). Hall councils focus on hall programming and informing professional staff of students’ concerns. Representatives act as liasons between the RHA and their respective hall councils. Additionally, several residential Michigan Learning Communities allow students with similar interests to live and study together. Each program is associated with a University of Michigan academic department. These include programs such as the Global Scholars Program, the Honors Program, Living Arts, the Michigan Community Scholars Program, the Women in Science and Engineering Residence Program, and more.

Unique to Big Ten universities, U M has a security unit dedicated to campus housing. Housing Security and Safety officers regularly patrol residence halls and apartments. Officers are available to assist residents, investigate incidents, and monitor electronic access and fire protection systems. They also meet with individuals and groups about campus safety. Despite this, most of those, including Resident Advisors, Summer Conference Assistants, and Diversity Peer Educators, are not considered employees by the University. Instead, they are compensated for their work through "scholarships." As a result, student staff members do not have access to official grievance processes regarding their employment at the University.

University Housing offers gender inclusive housing options, including the Gender Inclusive Living Experience, for residents of all gender identities and expressions. Accommodations are also provided for students with disabilities, students with chronic health conditions, students in recovery, students with food allergens, and for religious observance.