UM-Dearborn Experience

Tue, 06/03/2025 - 15:10

After spending a few years on Dearborn's campus, senior Bryanna walks through some of the best places to study on campus. What does each place offer? What are the vibes? Is it better for solo or group study sessions? All questions and more answered in this week's post.

Blog Post Written by Bryanna Worthy

A week in the life of my France study abroad trip

jpow — Sun, 25 May 2025 14:47:35 +0000

A week in the life of my France study abroad trip jpow Sun, 05/25/2025 - 10:47

Nothing is better than falling in love with a country after spending years learning the language. Over spring break, I had the opportunity to attend the France Sites of Memory 2025 study abroad. This experience was life-changing. I was able to connect with my professors, students, and even the locals. Those long hours of translating for French 408 finally paid off. As a student with eight years of experience learning French, here's a day-by-day rundown of how my journey went.

Day One: Bonjour Paris

Our first day in Paris was short but fun. We landed at the Charles de Gaulle airport around seven in the morning. Afterwards, we headed straight for the hotel. Once we arrived, the rooms were not ready yet, so we headed to a nearby café for a coffee and lunch. I ordered a BLT with fries and everything was so fresh and amazing. After our petit lunch, we headed to see an antique chapel that was quite extraordinary and a graveyard where some of the most prominent French writers were buried. To top the night off, we headed to a quaint restaurant that had the best French onion soup I’ve ever tasted in my life. It was warm, rich, and delicious.

Day Two: Bienvenue au palais de Versailles

During our trip to Versailles, we learned a lot about why the palace is built the way it is. Although the palace is 356 years old, it still holds its glory today. With an astonishing 357 mirrors in the hall of mirrors alone, Louis the 14th created a space that resembled the true French identity. For the duration of my visit, each and every corner of the palais left me in awe. From the jardins to the private estates, Versailles won my heart. With the Greek and Roman influences the palace has such a rich historical connection and display. The Sun King (Louis XIV) really demonstrated his power and achievements through the 357 mirrors in the “salle de glace” (hall of mirrors), which reflected the painted walls that displayed his achievements through Greek, Roman, and Christian references. One day was not enough to see everything that Versailles had to offer. To end the day, we had lunch at an Italian restaurant with authentic, fresh Italian pizza.

Day Three: Paris, Je t’aime toujours

Our third day in Paris was magical. We started our morning with the most perfect petit déjeuner (breakfast) that had croissants, fromage (cheese) and assorted fruits. In one word, it was parfait! After breakfast, we headed to the Louvre, which had so much art history about France and other countries. Here, our guided tour provided stories behind these great works of art, one of which was the Mona Lisa. Before leaving the Louvre, we were able to stop at the iconic Laduree Patisserie, which had the best macarons and cutesy gift items a person could imagine. After our trip to Le Louvre, we visited this quaint area in Paris that had small cafes, shopping, and plenty of sightseeing. While in this area, we had a movie-esque outdoor lunch with a view of the quaint streets of Paris. Once we finished our lunch, we headed to the Latin Quarter, better known as le Quartier Latin, where students of Paris have studied for many years. In this part of the voyage, we were able to witness beautiful architecture that was hundreds of years old. Afterwards, we had dinner at the most gorgeous restaurant called “Les Noces de Jeannette” (the weddings of Jeannette). This restaurant has every bit of elegance and composure that one could have imagined. The restaurant, located near the Opera, had timeless decor that brought the scenery to life. Finally, when our night came to an end, we took the metro to the Eiffel Tower. The tower is embedded with approximately 20,000 lights that sparkle over Paris. Every student that attended this part of the trip was blown away. We were taken aback by its beauty, by its culture, and by its history. All in all, day three was most definitely my favorite!

Day Four: Les Châteaux

Day four was a sweet memory as well. Monday morning, we woke up early and headed to Tours, France, where we went to tour the castles. Upon arrival, Provost Gabriella Scarlatta gave us the historical background of the castle we visited. After the guided tour, we had lunch right outside the castle on the premises. Then once we were finished, we headed to our second castle, which was, in one word, magnifique! It had the most gorgeous small chapel on its grounds as well as a beautiful view from the top of the castle that overlooked the town and river. For dinner, we went to a fun and elegant restaurant called Bistro Rossini, where I ate a chicken and potatoes dish that went along with a tomato sauce on top. When the day came to an end, we headed to our hotel, aptly named Le Grande Hotel De Tours. A hotel that was, in fact, grand.

Day Five: St Malo

Day five is another one of my favorites. We started the day early and took a walk around the city of Tours, where we saw this ancient building that was still intact. Then, after visiting a few hidden gems, we visited our last Castle, which was one of my favorites. It had a beautiful, serene stream running through it and a gorgeous, petite garden all around. The castle itself was small, but had a demanding presence. After our tour (which had a guided speaker phone), we headed to St. Malo, which is where we saw the sea. This was my first time seeing the sea, and I have to say it was magnificent. As the day was winding to a close and the sun was setting on the horizon, it was a moment I will never forget.

Day Six: Mont Saint-Michel

Day Six was probably one of our busiest days. We headed to the tidal island of Mont St. Michel, located off the coast of Normandy, to visit the monastery, which is hundreds of years old. The monastery was massive and currently houses ten monks and ten nuns. The building has had many uses since it was first built, including its original purpose as a monastery and as a prison cell in the 17th century. This gothic site of memory left many students astonished. Also, in order to visit the monastery, you must walk up the steps to the top, and once you leave, you have to pay to return. Although this site involved a lot of cardio, it was still a cool experience. To end the evening, we had dinner in an old farmhouse and finished off our feast with a game of Uno.

Day Seven: Bayeux

For day seven, we made our way to the Utah Beaches located in Normandy, where WWII took place. Here we had a tour guide who took us through this historic building and gave us a historic lesson on what happened during WWII, and the Utah Beaches, specifically. Our tour guide even gave us time to look inside the building, which had various WWII machinery and artifacts. We also had a chance to actually visit the Beaches themselves, which were gorgeous. After our trip there, we took our bus to Bayeux. Since we only had the chance to spend half a day and the night in Bayeux, we stayed in this beautiful hotel called Lion d’Or (which several celebrities stayed at). After we received our rooms, we headed out for lunch and went to visit this very ancient cathedral (during lent). The cathedral there was one of my favorites because it was so dark and medieval, yet it still had so much history behind it. To end the night, we separated into three main groups. Those who were tired could rest at the hotel, those who wanted to visit more historical sites, and those who wanted to go shopping. I was in the shopping group.

Day Eight: Au revoir à France

Our final day in Paris was divided up between travel and exploring. We took a bus from Normandy, France, down to Paris. We arrived around noon, and strolled the streets of Paris and ate lunch near the Eiffel Tower. After our lunch, we headed to the catacombs, which is its namesake. Although the experience as a whole was quite intriguing, it was probably my least favorite. We walked 100 steps underground to reach the catacombs. It's so far down that it is underneath the metro. You also can't return the way you came in, you must continue straight out of the underground. Since the last day was unlike the rest, we did have more time to go shopping in Paris, where we went to the Opera shopping district, which was exhilarating. Finally, to end the night, we had an “Au revoir” dinner at this amazing Italian restaurant, and we watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle one last time.

Majors & Careers

Sun, 05/25/2025 - 14:47

After an eventful trip to Europe, Bryanna, a French studies minor, chronicled the eight days she spent in France. From the historic monuments to the delicious food, she provides an in-depth rundown for anyone who loves traveling or is considering a trip of their own.

The Ultimate Transfer Student Q&A

jpow — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:06:53 +0000

The Ultimate Transfer Student Q&A jpow Wed, 02/19/2025 - 11:06

We spoke with four UM-Dearborn transfer students from all four of our different colleges to get their insight on transferring to a new campus, overall experience, and tips they have for students transferring to UM-Dearborn.

Our interviewees:

Cayley Catlett, College of Business

Sophia Hawkins, College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences

Hasan Termos, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Kimberly Bertges, College of Education, Health, and Human Services

Why did you decide to transfer to UM-Dearborn?

I decided to transfer to UM-Dearborn because I was attracted to the smaller class sizes. I am a person who really benefits from having that one-on-one interaction with my professor. I like being able to know that I can reach out to my professor and it's not going to take two to three weeks to respond. That's something I really appreciate about UM-Dearborn.
- Sophia Hawkins

How was your experience transferring here? Is there a moment that stands out?

It was a very easy transition… I came from a school with almost 40,000 people. So, here it feels like you definitely meet more professors one-on-one and get to experience that, and it's easier to bond with people. I met one of my best friends in the first class I ever had here and we still talk and hang out once a week.
- Cayley Catlett

Have any professors made an impact on your experience here?

One is Professor Eric Ratz, I took thermodynamics and thermofluids with him. I remember asking him a lot of questions and he never not answered my question. Also, he would help me outside the classroom. I'm applying to a master's at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and he would give me tips on how to write my statement of purpose and even help me decide what I want to do with my master's.
- Hasan Termos

Which clubs and organizations are you involved in?

I am a part of the First-Gen organization. I'm also a part of TRIO, both the Student Support Services (SSS) and Select Student Support Services (4S), and then, I help out with Dearborn Support. I'm also a part of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Collective (CCJC).
-Kimberly Bertges

Learn more about our over 150 student organizations!

What practice-based learning opportunities have you been involved in?

I have an internship with the university where I'm helping with their social media accounts, which is something I've always dreamed of doing professionally once I graduate. So, that's allowing me to make connections and build a portfolio to add to my resume and build up more experience.
- Cayley Catlett

What do you enjoy most about being a student at UM-Dearborn?

I think I've met some of the kindest and most genuine people throughout my time at UM-Dearborn. It feels like there are people there for you. Even people that you don't know. But it seems like there's always somebody there for you. It never feels like I'm alone. There's always somewhere on campus for me to go and get what I need. So, I really like that about UM-Dearborn.
- Sophia Hawkins

What tips do you have for someone who is transferring to UM-Dearborn?

The Consensus: Get Involved!

My biggest tip for anyone transferring to UM-Dearborn is to get involved, and to look for other people. They don't even have to be your age. I have friends who are literally the same age as my oldest child. So, I would say just get involved, get in the organizations, and put yourself out there.
- Kimberly Bertges

Get involved! When I first transferred here I was pretty nervous to get involved in different organizations by myself without having a person with me, but it definitely has helped me grow as an individual to be able to go and get involved in organizations that are part of my interests. They may not be connected to other people but they're connected to me.
- Sophia Hawkins

The biggest tip is to be more involved on campus. If I was more involved in my first year, I think I would have gained a lot of outside or beyond my coursework experience. And whoever is transferring here should consider being part of clubs, organizations, or societies. It’s very beneficial.
- Hasan Termos

Talk to people! Everyone here is so nice and wants to make friends. There is a good amount of transfer students here, so we're all in the same boat together.
-Cayley Catlett

Current Resources for Transfer Students:

Course Transfer System - We’ve developed the Course Transfer System, a tool to help you determine how much of your existing coursework will transfer to our campus.

Meet Our Transfer Specialists - Our Transfer Team provides pre-transfer advising to help ensure that you have a smooth transition. Whether you are just starting your academic journey or are ready to transfer, they are here to help with your success.

Apply as a Transfer Student - Get all the information you need to start your application to the ÿ�մ��!

Transfer Students

Wed, 02/19/2025 - 16:06

Your Most Pressing Questions Answered by Current UM-Dearborn Transfer Students

Blog written by Madelyn Gatteri

Being a first-generation college student: What no one tells you

jpow — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:14:40 +0000

Being a first-generation college student: What no one tells you jpow Mon, 04/10/2023 - 10:14

I have never felt like the term “first-generation student” could apply to me. I come from a family of six, with two older sisters who attended college and a mother with an associate’s degree. Thanks to them I’ve always been aware of the mechanics of college to some level. Each one walked me through some step in my journey, from applying to navigating my first semester to getting through finals week with my sanity intact. Their advice was invaluable during my first year or two, but none of them made it the full four years.

So far, I’m the only one to make it more than two years through college. It is here where my path diverges, away from my mom and my sisters, and where I have to venture out on my own to navigate the latter half of college. Each day, each week, and each semester, I learn something new about college life that I never would have thought of on my own.

On top of being a first-generation student, I am also a transfer student. I began college in 2020 at Henry Ford College (HFC) and transferred to UM-Dearborn in the Fall of 2022. In my experience, community college was like high school with a few extra steps. The goal was to finish your classes rather than to set up your future. I navigated the registration and transfer processes myself — it was easy enough to handle on my own. It wasn’t until my first semester at UM-Dearborn, where I heard my professors express the importance of internships and the inevitable reality of getting a job that I realized I was in desperate need of advice.

See, getting in is the easy part. You’re fresh out of high school, and you get to explore the things you're passionate about to see if they fit your desired career. But, I had no clue what I wanted to do. Fortunately, there are many useful resources, like the CASL Internship Office and the Office of Career Services, that have helped me better envision my future. In fact, taking a test offered through Career Services on recommendation from my advisor introduced me to the prospect of a career in communications and public relations.

It’s at UM-Dearborn that I have been able to fully explore my options as an English major, with minors and programs such as teaching, communications, or public relations. I had no idea that public relations was its own program until I spoke with my advisor. But this is when the idea of being a first-generation student makes more sense — I have no familial guidance through these last years of school. Nobody whose footsteps I’m following in. It’s up to me to navigate it alone, with the (much appreciated) help of my advisors and career planners, of course. I’ve always been stubborn and independent, but if my advisors are willing to guide me through my final years, I won’t complain.

The emotional rollercoaster no one talks about

I, like many first-generation students, am working to put myself through school. This means that my time and opportunities are limited. All I know is working to make a living. My parents had me get a job the second I quit my extracurriculars in high school, so I’ve been working since I was fifteen. The importance of a steady income has been drilled into my head repeatedly. I’m constantly juggling assignments on top of long shifts and home obligations. For a while, I often put my job over my classes, but my supervisor picked up on it and told me to rethink my priorities. Without him, I’d be much worse off. Regardless, my mental health took a sharp decline. I didn’t expect the lack of passion for my hobbies to impact my already struggling motivation to do well in my classes. I’ve always been an A student. I did my work well in high school, and a missing assignment caused me anxiety. But at some point between beginning my college journey and where I am now, I stopped caring. I started to watch my performance falter and my grades drop below what I initially expected of myself.

To deal with this, I had to sit down and try to remember what it is I want and why I want it. From a young age, I’ve been described as incredibly driven. The goals I set for myself are the driving factor that gets me through my life. But I’ll be honest, my life has been easy. Going through college has been the hardest thing I’ve ever decided to do. It pushes me to my limits and forces me to go against the grain. I doubt I’m alone in the fact that I sometimes wonder if the degree is worth it. If it’s worth the stress, confusion, panic, and debt. As I stare at countless papers and assignments piling up, papers I have little motivation to do, making a living as a salesperson or a receptionist sounds pretty darn nice. I think these are questions a lot of first-generation students ask themselves.

I’ve come too far, though. I’m over 70 credits into my degree program and I’ve put too many sleepless nights into my education. Despite the hardships setting me back, giving up will never be an option. I have big dreams for myself, and none of them include walking away from my degree. I want to publish books, become an editor for a large-scale company, and see my work in advertisements all over the country — maybe even the world. And it’s all possible with a degree from UM-Dearborn. My future is right there, just within reach, and it’s so tantalizing that I have to move forward. One painful step after another. Being a first-generation student can feel like a huge burden to carry, but nothing will feel better than walking across the stage to get the degree I’m working so hard for — it is the ultimate reward.

First-Gen Students

Mon, 04/10/2023 - 14:14

From not a lot of guidance to a sea of questions, it's not always easy being a first-generation college student. In this post, first-gen student Madelyn discusses her first few years navigating university, her experience transferring schools, discovering resources on campus, and finding the motivation to keep pursuing her goals.

Blog written by Jasmine Ramirez

My experience navigating college as a first-generation student

jpow — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 14:31:15 +0000

My experience navigating college as a first-generation student jpow Thu, 03/23/2023 - 10:31

Being the first in my family to graduate high school and receive a full scholarship to college was the most profound moment in my life. As a daughter of immigrant parents, who couldn’t finish their education, I knew that I had made them extremely proud. Through their eyes, they saw a brave and excited young woman ready to take on her next chapter in life. I was excited to step into college, but what my parents didn’t know was that fear, anxiety, and terror overshadowed my excitement.

Being a first-generation college student meant that I was stepping into a new chapter of life with no familial guidance. Although my parents have been — and always will be — my mentors, I knew that they couldn’t give me the best college advice. They would say things like “Just work hard and you’ll get through it,” or “Si se puede mija. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” But who should I ask for help? Who is there to help and how do I find them? There was so much that I didn’t know that I began to question if I was ready for college.

With fear crawling into my mind, I was desperate to prepare myself for college. As I walked across the University Center on orientation day, I walked up to a table that said, “Student Service Support Program.” A woman was there to greet and inform them about the program and how they help first-year students settle into college. Happy to have found an organization that would benefit me, I signed up to attend their Summer Bridge Program. The Summer Bridge Program was a weeklong event that I attended before the Fall semester started. Throughout the event, other students and I were given tours of different buildings across campus. A wave of realization came over me as I walked around the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters. This is where I will begin my path to my future career. Classes will be harder, professors will be more strict, research papers will be longer and I will be dealing with them all by myself. However, we were given different presentations about the resources UM-Dearborn offered such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Writing Center, and the Kochoff Language Lab. Learning about these resources lifted a large amount of weight off my shoulder. Not only was I happy to start my first year at college, but I’d be attending a college that wants its students to succeed.

During my time at the Summer Bridge Program, I became close to many other first-gen students. All of whom were nervous as well. We shared many thoughts about the struggles of starting college and how we can overcome them. Hearing what many of them had to say I remembered that I am not the only one who is afraid of starting at a new school. From this, I learned that it’s okay to be scared of something new and that I can always find someone for help.

Although I was able to gain friends before the start of the school year, I was still apprehensive on my first day. I had no idea who my professors were and if I could handle college-level exams and assignments. Because I had done well in high school, I didn’t change the way I studied— which didn’t work out so well. I failed my first exam. With this, I knew I had to fix my time management, or else I would lose my scholarship. This meant breaking the bad habits that weighed me down. So, instead of doing everything last minute, I dedicated 30 minutes every day to drafting essays and studying for exams for each class. In addition, I set up appointments at the Writing Center and asked professors for help during office hours. After repeating this new strategy for a few weeks, my grades got progressively better.

As a first-generation student, I wanted to be surrounded by people who were in the same boat as me. Through Victorslink, I found a Greek organization that caught my eye. Alpha Psi Lambda is a co-ed fraternity that was based on Latino heritage. Coming from a Latino family, I was interested in joining the fraternity. During my membership process, I met more friends to who I could relate. The events that I and other members had, gave us the chance to create a strong bond. We all were able to relate with each other based on our cultural backgrounds. It is difficult to know where and how we all became extremely close because everything that we did as a group was full of love, acceptance, and understanding. Joining a fraternity/sorority was something that I thought I wouldn’t do in college, but I can say that it was the best decision of my life. I am proud to call everyone in Alpha Psi Lambda mis hermanos y hermanas.

My first semester as a first-gen college student was not perfect but it was the best experience. Walking into college and feeling scared is completely normal. It is what you do to overcome your fear that will benefit you throughout the rest of your college life.

First-Gen Students

Thu, 03/23/2023 - 14:31

Navigating college can be difficult for any student, and for many UM-Dearborn students, they are the first in their family to do so. In this post, first-generation college student Jasmine Ramirez shares her own experience navigating her first year at a university, the resources that helped her, and the lessons she learned along the way.

When life gets tough, reach out: How I found support at UM-Dearborn

jpow — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 16:00:04 +0000

When life gets tough, reach out: How I found support at UM-Dearborn jpow Thu, 01/26/2023 - 11:00

Blog written by April Marvin

I am all for motivational quotes and positive affirmations. Most mornings I can be found in front of my bathroom mirror repeating mantras over and over — sometimes to confirm, other times to convince. But sometimes that’s just not realistic. Because in reality, life can be hard. Really hard. Especially when you are going through some big things. It’s not always easy to chant positivity outward when all you feel inside is negativity.

I want to share a story with you to let you know you are never alone. During my internship with the Mental Health Association, I was able to immerse myself in all things mental health and I am here to tell you, so many people are feeling down, upset, anxious, stressed, worried, depressed, or lost — especially today’s students. The stress of school can be a lot, but when you add life, relationships, personal problems, finances, and hardships to the mix, your problems can feel isolating. Whether you want to be alone, or you’re crying out for someone to help, I think it’s important to know that there are people who care about you, your well-being, and your future. I found them here at UM-Dearborn.

So, story time…

This fall semester, everything was looking up for me. On the heels of a successful internship that turned into a working contract, a new internship with the university starting, a scholarship from PRSA Detroit, and my writing being recognized across campus, I felt like I was finally seen more than I had ever been. I was on the right track for senior year, accomplishing so much and making a name for myself, I was feeling BIG validation.

But then, during midterms, my grandfather passed away. I was the only grandkid, and we were extremely close. Even though those around us age, it is never easy to accept they will leave us. My grandpa was the kind of man that everyone wants to be like — kind, compassionate, hilarious, witty, and wise. I met him when I was five years old, and from day one, we were best friends. As I grew older, our relationship evolved. He no longer was taking care of me, but I instead, was taking care of him. Toting him around to his doctor’s appointments, following up on his schedule, bringing him meals, helping out with things around the house, and oftentimes breaking him out of the house to have fun. (He loved going to Coney’s and seeing my pet chickens.) When he passed, he left a huge hole in my heart, and pretty much in everyone’s that was lucky enough to know him. At the time of increasing schoolwork and exams, I was also tasked with writing the obituary, making the photo collages, compiling the slideshow, and writing the eulogy. Heavy stuff. We said our final goodbyes to him in early November.

More…

Just weeks after, during Thanksgiving, I got COVID. I had COVID early in the pandemic, in March/April of 2020, and had been lucky to avoid it since then. The experience was awful, and I was sick for 2 weeks, luckily staying out of the hospital. Timing is everything, right? Well, getting COVID while having a week off school is a good thing, but returning to classes in preparation for finals with COVID — not so great.

And even more…

Then the week of finals, my grandma passed away. She only made it seven weeks without my grandpa. People try to comfort me by saying, “they wanted to be together” and “she couldn’t live without him,” which is a great sentiment, but doesn’t make it hurt any less. Two of the most important pillars in my life were taken from me and all I have left are memories. A lot of memories, rich with laughter and love, lessons, and learning. I suppose what I have learned in all of this is that grief never really leaves us, and its weight is measured by the love in your relationships. And so, because of how deeply I loved them, I will feel this forever, which in a way brings me peace. Along with the fact that now, my grandparents will see me graduate with clear eyes, ears, and minds, clapping for me from above.

I promise there is a silver lining coming…

The bigger lesson I learned through all this is that our university — the faculty, professors, groups, organizations, and students — is incredible. I write this through tears as I look back on the past ten weeks and the amount of support I received from my professors, mentors, and fellow students. I encourage you to reach out, in any way you can, when you are going through tough times because it can be the very thing that helps you realize you can make it through.

I’ve had some amazing professors over the years, and this semester was no different. I emailed one very kind professor who has become a wonderful mentor to me, and he extended support that I will never forget. He helped me see that it was okay to reach out. His continued support is honestly what made me see I made the right decision coming back to UM-Dearborn. Professors that truly care about their students, beyond just the classroom. He has checked in with me various times over the past two months, and his messages have pulled me through some of the darkness.

My internship supervisor has extended a gentleness throughout the past few months that made me feel comforted. Seeing how sympathetic people can be and how much support you have on your side was healing. I also have a caring professor that connected me with a COVID support coordinator on campus who can coordinate all of the emails to your professors to notify them you have COVID and may experience some issues with deadlines/coursework/due dates. Not only was this an extended hand from a compassionate person, but it helped me see that our faculty is here to help us. They want us to be okay. Asking for help and getting help isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather the strength in being able to admit you are dealing with much more than you may be able to handle.

I also have to say, our campus has amazing resources for our students. From our Health Insurance to Women and Legal Services, there is support for everyone just a click or call away. Especially with mental health, programs like CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Service) are helping to provide completely free services to students with one-on-one appointments or support and therapy groups, as well as a weekly wellness email. Check out info about Student Support Services and CAPS.

Moving forward…

I am still hurting and dealing with so much emotionally, but the support I have received pulled me through it all. At a time when I thought I was alone, wanting to just stay in that darkness, several hands reached in to help me on my way out of it. The best part is, I know that not only will my grandparents be cheering me on from above as I walk the stage at graduation, but these wonderful people who are a part of UM-Dearborn will be cheering as I accept my degree, too. I encourage you to reach out if you are experiencing something heavy, or really anything at all that is affecting your life. There are so many people here who genuinely care and want you to feel well, do well, and be well. I am living proof.

Campus Life

Thu, 01/26/2023 - 16:00

Life isn't always easy and finding support can be difficult when you don't know where to turn. In this post, blogger April shares a story with us all about her own recent struggles, the emotional journey that followed, and the resources she found that made a difference.

5 Reasons to Visit a College Campus

jpow — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 13:48:21 +0000

5 Reasons to Visit a College Campus jpow Thu, 10/27/2022 - 09:48

As you’re narrowing down your list of schools, you’re likely paging through brochures with pictures of students strolling through campus, or gathering in common areas with friends over slices of pizza. But nothing compares to seeing a campus community in action. Getting a real-time view of classes and activities in session, offers a glimpse of what life might look like as a student at your future college home. Now more than ever, universities provide various opportunities for interested students to experience campus through virtual and in-person events. Whether you choose to peruse your schools of choice on foot or via Zoom, here’s why getting a closer look at campus is an important step in your college search.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask burning questions. There are many ways to learn about a school, but talking to those who know the university best will provide invaluable insights. That’s why at ÿ�մ��, our admissions counselors make themselves available through Admissions Counseling Appointments and Virtual Drop-In Sessions. During your one-on-one with an admissions counselor, be sure to ask questions like: “What are the requirements for my major?” “What are some of the benefits of the university’s small class sizes?” And, “how do faculty and staff support student success?” Asking questions, not only about the admissions process, but the overall academic environment can help give you a well-rounded view of the school's offerings.
Current students can give you real insights into student life. From the best places to grab coffee on and around campus to quiet nooks ideal for studying before exams, active students know the ins and outs of their college community. At UM-Dearborn, campus tours are led by current Dearborn Wolverines who can candidly answer questions about the student experience on our campus.
Seeing is believing. It’s one thing to read about state-of-the-art buildings and small class settings, but it can be entirely unique to get a feel for these attributes of a university in person. Guided tours allow you to see the interaction between professors and students in classes of 20 students or less, and newly minted labs (like the ones in our recently opened Engineering Lab Building, for example) are often even more impressive on site.
You’ll have the chance to walk the walk. Being on campus gives you a sense of place. You’ll be able to feel the energetic buzz of groups gathering in common areas, or venture off to the more serene enclaves outdoors. By now, you’re probably familiar with University of Michigan’s large network and lively sports culture. But did you know that our charming campus is home to 300 acres of land complete with idyllic nature trails? Visiting campus will reveal that you can earn the Michigan degree from a picturesque landscape in the heart of metro Detroit.
You can venture off course. Your GPS can estimate the distance from your prospective university to nearby attractions, but taking the trip yourself gives you an opportunity to explore the surrounding areas and discover hidden gems along the way! When visiting UM-Dearborn, grab a bite to eat in downtown Dearborn’s up-and-coming food oasis, zip over to downtown Detroit or visit our sister campus in Ann Arbor to learn just how conveniently located the city of Dearborn, Michigan is.

Keep an eye on our Visits & Events site to learn more about how you can engage with our campus community as you continue your college search.

Understanding College Admissions

Thu, 10/27/2022 - 13:48

You’re invited! Experience the Dearborn difference for yourself

As ÿ�մ�� insiders, current Dearborn Wolverines show interested students around campus.

Peeling back the wondrous world of student organizations

jpow — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 14:38:51 +0000

Peeling back the wondrous world of student organizations jpow Wed, 10/05/2022 - 10:38

Blog written by April Marvin

I have always been a social person. I enjoy talking to people, connecting, learning about others, game nights (my competitive edge can come across as a little aggressive — working on that), and everything that involves people. So, when I initially came to UM-Dearborn as an 18-year-old, I wanted to get involved and get to know people outside my own town and my background. As an adult, I still felt the same, returning to a campus that I hadn’t seen in 15+ years. Getting involved was important to me, both socially and professionally.

Our campus and student life are different, and I mean that in the best way. We have a ton of different organizations and the feel of a big university but in a perfectly packaged and not-so-overwhelming way. If you’re wondering if you should put yourself out there and get involved, the answer from me is a resounding YES!

First, joining a student organization can help you get out of that cycle of coming to campus, going to class, and leaving. Of course, if you want to get home and jump into your PJs to eat Nutella straight from the jar, I’m not judging (clearly speaking from experience). But there are so many great experiences that can open up for you through joining a student organization. A plus? Making friends and connections with other students who are like-minded and who you may have never crossed paths with without joining an organization. The friendships you make not only enhance your experience at UM-Dearborn but can last a lifetime (I am definitely speaking from experience on this one).

Second, and simply put, it’s fun! Of course, there are meetings that include organization business and planning, but if it is related to your major or passions it’s a good time all around.

Added bonus: you can help make decisions, plan events and get involved deeper if you want to through committees, different positions and leadership or executive boards. Your voice is heard in student organizations, whether that’s for leading change or just having a good time, it all matters.

Which leads me to my third point. Student organizations look stellar on your résumé. Any position you hold or event you help plan, fundraise, or work you do within the organization can become a great way to convey your leadership, passion, work ethic and experience. It shows a robust and well-rounded college experience that says you managed your time well between academics and getting involved on campus. I can tell you from experience interviewing at different companies, student organizations act as a great talking piece that highlights your skills in a professional and personal setting.

And finally, you grow and learn so much about yourself, your place in the world, and who you can be. Surrounding yourself with people interested in the same thing is great, but those people teach you so much about life and can help you see yourself differently. I have met some incredible peers along the way who have completely altered me in the best way. Without joining the student organizations I’ve been involved in over the years, I would have never crossed paths with some amazing people. I met two of my very best friends in my sorority who I have been learning from and growing with for the past 15 years. I connected with a wonderful person who helped me on my path toward fulfilling my passion for writing. Because of her, I entered several of my writing pieces in various competitions, most of which are published now. I crossed paths with a person who challenged me in my leadership and taught me how to adapt and be flexible to others while practicing empathy every step of the way. I met someone who is nearly half my age but who has become someone I look to for perspective, all while helping me see the importance of being genuine and transparent with people of any age. These are all things that have impacted me further than just the time in those organizations, they are life lessons I will always carry with me.

My experience in student organizations has spanned from social to professional. I have enjoyed mixers as a sorority member and budget planning meetings as a fundraising chair. I have stood at podiums directing important business as president and sat down with peers talking and crying about life. The biggest takeaway I have from it all is this: that student organizations help you become the best version of yourself. The added bonuses are great, but the personal fulfillment is a feeling that lasts for a very long time, beyond your years as a Dearborn Wolverine. Trust me, put yourself out there, the Nutella jar will still be there when you get home.

Check out all our campus has to offer through VictorsLink, you can explore upcoming events and the campus student organizations.

Campus Life

Wed, 10/05/2022 - 14:38

Consider the world of student organizations officially demystified. In this post, blogger April breaks down the top reasons to join a student org — the benefits, the opportunities, and all the wonderful people you'll meet.

4 Reasons to Consider a Commuter Campus

jpow — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:19:06 +0000

4 Reasons to Consider a Commuter Campus jpow Wed, 08/31/2022 - 15:19

Since its founding in the 1950s, the ÿ�մ�� has prided itself on being a commuter campus. Our team of distinguished faculty and staff are honored to offer students the opportunity to earn the Michigan degree from our serene enclave in southeast Michigan. Over the years, our students have saved thousands of dollars by choosing to enroll at UM-Dearborn. A commuter campus like ours reduces room and board costs significantly, allowing students to focus their investment on their academics, rather than additional fees. However, the pros of a commuter campus go far beyond cost savings. Here, a few more benefits to consider.

Flexible scheduling. To accommodate the needs of the student community, UM-Dearborn offers flexible scheduling for those balancing jobs and academics. Evening courses allow students to earn their degree outside of standard class times and professors often extend office hours beyond normal business hours. Plus, our small campus setting allows students to develop meaningful relationships with faculty and staff — we’re a university where professors know students by name!
The college experience. With more than 150 student activities, UM-Dearborn fosters a culture where commuter students don’t have to compromise an exciting college experience. Get involved in a sports team, join a Greek organization or, start your own club! For those interested in student organizations, evening and weekend activities make getting involved a breeze.
Proximity to the greatest attractions southeast Michigan has to offer. Nestled on idyllic grounds, our campus sits in the heart of Dearborn, Michigan, one of the state’s most culturally rich cities. Brush up on American history at The Henry Ford museum or indulge in Mediterranean cuisine at one of Dearborn’s finest restaurants. Plus, you can always catch the Detroit Connector for an easy trip to Ann Arbor or Detroit.
Familiar surroundings. If you’ve mastered the art of studying at home — you’ve got your desk, a reading nook, the perfect lighting for late-night study sessions — why rock the boat? Enrolling in a commuter school will allow you to earn your college degree from both a campus setting and from the comfort of your own home. Plus, if your family is a part of your support system, a commuter school allows you to keep them close without sacrificing your learning experience.

Understanding College Admissions

Wed, 08/31/2022 - 19:19

If you’re a Michigan resident exploring universities close to home, consider the many benefits of a commuter campus like ours

My college journey as a non-traditional student

jpow — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:27:31 +0000

My college journey as a non-traditional student jpow Thu, 08/18/2022 - 10:27

Blog written by April Marvin

I feel like I have shared some of my biggest fears with you all. It’s easier to write from behind a computer, especially because I picture people on the other end who have the same feelings and same insecurities. However, the scariest obstacle I have overcome on my college journey is returning to school after many years off. To be honest, what I thought was going to be a terrifying return back to school, where younger people judged me (I was fully picturing walking into the CASL building with a walker like an old lady in a nightgown), turned out to be anything but that.

My Background

I initially came to UM-Dearborn right out of high school. I was ready for the college experience but still wanted to be close to home. Back then, there was no Student Union, the UC was newly built/renovated, and the Fairlane center was just being opened. It was a true commuter campus and a great option for those of us that wanted to experience college while still having some of the comfort and familiarity of home. I was a good student in high school. I was involved in everything from AP classes to Student Council and was a part of a ton of activities like Drama, Choir, and Student Leadership.

When I made the decision to come to UM-Dearborn, I knew I wanted to continue to be involved as I was in high school, but I also wanted to make friends. I only knew one person from my high school who also enrolled, and we stuck together like glue for the first month or so.

The Harsh Reality

I dropped out of college during my junior year. My parents refused to pay any longer and served me a hefty dose of tough love. In my last semester, I had one A (thank you creative writing), three incompletes, and a failing GPA. I was embarrassed. I ran and didn’t look back. I also took a long time to deal with the reality that I was the one person who had messed it up, but also the one who could fix it. This lesson took nearly 10 years to learn. This is a hard story to share, but one that I have come to see as crucial to my own growth and speaks to the importance of second chances and the ability of people to change. I share it with humility in hopes that people understand we are all only one step away from an entirely different life.

So, after I ran away, I got recruited for a management position in retail, and it worked out nicely. I was promoted within the company and made a nice living for myself traveling throughout the state of Michigan training management teams and opening new stores. But I always felt that disappointment bubbling in the back of my throat, and admittedly, sometimes it came out as tears for the opportunity I wasted in college.

The Turning Point

April & friends at a Michigan tailgate

It wasn’t until recently that I sat down with myself (yes, seriously spoke the tough words out loud to me, myself, and I) and accepted my life and the choices I made before. I think that is one of the toughest, but most important facts about truly growing up, being able to tell yourself the truth and accept your mistakes, not as roadblocks but as stepping-stones. Every obstacle has a way through/over/beyond if you look at it as an opportunity.

I wrote one (very scared and humble) email to the admissions department at UM-Dearborn. And in that one email, I asked for another chance. I honestly didn’t know what the response would be. I could get a resounding “NO!” for the way in which I left my academics and my GPA standing, but the response that came back was, “we would love to talk to you about reinstating at the University of Michigan Dearborn.” And the door was opened for me, for a second chance at a degree and at life.

And Now…

I became a non-traditional student, and I am so happy that I am now. I have seen things from both sides as a nervous freshman and as a legitimate adult (still working on that) and am lucky to have a university that supports students like me. Students that have full-time jobs and families and dependents at home who need them. Students that come from other countries through international study programs. Students who are unsure of what they want to do in life and need some extra time to figure it out in school. Students who are first-generation college attending. Students who have been incarcerated and are seeking to better themselves. Students who have never been away from their families or homes. Students who are scared and searching for a place that will make them feel at ease and at home. Students who have so much life going on around them that they cannot be full-time or must step away for a while. Whether that’s a semester, or for over 10 years like me.

If you are one of those potential students, I am here to tell you that UM-Dearborn is a place of solace for people like us. It is a great choice for the incoming freshman, as a smaller campus that can provide all the great things about college life, but still feels like a personalized and not overwhelming experience. But for the non-traditional student, it provides a great environment to learn, grow, and become what you know you were meant for. I wear that non-traditional badge proud because it comes with some impactful life lessons.

If you feel like you may not fit in with whatever situation you have, trust me, there is a place for everyone here. And some wonderful people who probably feel just the same as you do. It’s only one step away.

Thu, 08/18/2022 - 14:27

The road to higher education looks different for every student. In this post, blogger April is sharing her own unconventional and inspiring college journey — all the way from the early beginnings to the present day.