Questions
Q: What differentiates SEAS from other programs?
A: Our customizable learning experience offers all the benefits of a small, intimate school embedded in a world-class research environment. Our interdisciplinary emphasis joins together natural and social scientists, designers, and engineers. We turn knowledge into impact—from research to implementation and engagement. Our deeply interdisciplinary environment supports expansive creativity and effective problem-solving—allowing us to address complex environmental issues from every angle on every scale. We offer the most comprehensive and integrated environmental academic programs in the nation—providing students from all backgrounds with the skills and expertise they need to become sustainability leaders. Complex environmental problems require equitable solutions that combine policy, markets, behavior, design, engineering, science, and the humanities. At the University of Michigan, you will learn how to SEE things differently. SEAS was the first environmental school to offer master’s projects. Our interdisciplinary student teams combine expertise from every specialization at SEAS—providing collaborative engagement that prepares students for careers in the sustainability fields. With 10,388 alumni, SEAS has the largest alumni network of any environmental degree program. Our global engagement equips graduates to change the world.
Q: How does SEAS facilitate coordination and communication among the specializations?
A: Each specialization has a faculty specialization coordinator and these coordinators meet on a monthly basis during the school year.
Q: What is done to cultivate a sense of community within the program?
A: Each specialization has several student leaders that organize social activities. Faculty also bring in speakers and organize other types of gatherings.
Q: How strong is the sense of community at SEAS?
A: SEAS has a community passionate about solving environmental problems. With COVID-19, it has been a challenging year to strengthen our community.
Q: Is there an opportunity to be paired with a current student to ask questions about attending SEAS/U-M?
A: Yes, reach out to [email protected].
Q: What sustainability measures do you already have in place on campus?
A: Dana is the first academic building in Michigan to earn LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The President's commission on Carbon Neutrality is tasked with creating a plan to make the campus carbon neutral. http://sustainability.umich.edu/media/files/U-M-Carbon-Neutrality-Final-Report-2021.pdf. Composting bins are a regular sight on campus. The public bus system in Ann Arbor is very good and cuts down on car emissions. Reference the Planet Blue Campus Sustainability goals at http://sustainability.umich.edu/campus-goals.
Q: How many people applied this year?
A: We saw the highest number of applications in SEAS history this year. Application totals are not public information at this time.
Q: What is the size of each cohort of students?
A: This year, we are expecting 275 incredible students.
Q: What will be the estimated student-to-faculty ratio?
A: This number varies by specialization. SEAS has 50 faculty members (44 of whom are tenure/tenure-track professors).
Q: Is this program PhD-friendly?
A: SEAS has a small and competitive PhD program. If you are interested in connecting with current PhD students to learn more, reach out [email protected].
Q: I would like to know more about the new programs introduced this year.
A: Please see the Sustainability and Development specialization recording to hear the presentation from SEAS faculty.
Q: What will orientation look like this year?
A: We are reviewing in-person options. Traditionally, we have a variety of activities to build community and also a case study.
Q: Is it possible to stay in dorms this year?
A: Yes, please see information at U-M Housing.
Q: Are students required to live on campus?
A: No, students are not required to live on the Ann Arbor campus.
Q: Can U-M students use sports facilities for free?
A: Access to recreational facilities is included in your tuition/fees that you pay. U-M facilities and programs have experienced changes due to COVID-19.
Q: Can you please address what we should be doing to prepare for classes prior to the fall semester?
A: If you have challenges with quantitative work, we would suggest you begin reviewing material.
Q: What sort of COVID precautions do we need to be taking before arriving on campus?
A: Follow the latest safety guidelines, monitor your health and get vaccinated to keep your friends, family, and community safe. https://campusblueprint.umich.edu/prevention-testing-care/prevention
Q: Can you provide insight into vaccination requirements?
A: To keep our community safe, every U-M student is strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine at the earliest possible opportunity. In fact, everyone over the age of 16 becomes eligible for vaccination in Michigan starting April 5th. The university is not requiring a vaccine at this time. https://campusblueprint.umich.edu/
Q: If we can provide proof of vaccination, would we still be subject to any potential COVID-related restrictions?
A: We will follow any restrictions the CDC and U-M puts out. More guidelines should be available over the summer.
Q: What on-campus health and safety measures will be in place for the fall?
A: Please see here for ongoing updates.
Q: How has SEAS transitioned with the pandemic?
A: In the winter semester, a COVID-19 task force was assembled to address issues of remote learning and working, as well as to establish guidelines for who could be in the Dana building.
Q: How has the pandemic impacted the SEAS learning experience?
A: Due to guidelines, a majority of the classes were online, and the traditional experiential learning experiences done in groups was completed in a different format.
Q: Is there a plan for COVID preparations for the fall yet?
A: The University of Michigan will return to campus for the fall term with most classes taught in person, residence halls open at nearly 80 percent capacity, athletics events with fans in the stands and the campus community abuzz with activity. Read the Fall 2021 FAQ.
Q: Will classes be remote, in-person, or hybrid for Fall 2021? What will the mix be between the three options?
A: Fall 2021 plan announcement: https://campusblueprint.umich.edu/fall-term-plan
Q: What will the classroom experience look like for the next academic year?
A: SEAS anticipates a residential learning experience with the possibility of some remote classes.
Q: When will we know which classes are being offered remote, in-person, or as a hybrid?
A: We anticipate early May 2021.
Q: Will there be an option for a fully remote semester?
A: Right now, no formal option. However, we anticipate that a number of required courses will be offered remotely.
Q: What will campus life look like in the fall?
A: The University of Michigan will return to campus for the fall term with most classes taught in person, residence halls open at nearly 80 percent capacity, athletics events with fans in the stands and the campus community abuzz with activity. Read the Fall 2021 FAQ.
Q: Will there be football games?
A: Unsure at this time.
Q: What can we expect as far as COVID regulations as a student?
A: Fall 2021 plan announcement: https://campusblueprint.umich.edu/fall-term-plan
Q: What is the current outlook of the effect of COVID on learning strategies for the upcoming fall semester?
A: Fall 2021 plan announcement: https://campusblueprint.umich.edu/fall-term-plan
Q: What's the plan for the Fall 2021 semester as it pertains to international students?
A: Please check in with the International Center for information on obtaining a student visa. https://internationalcenter.umich.edu/
Q: How is SEAS supporting students through the pandemic?
A: SEAS assembled a COVID-19 planning committee with students, staff, and faculty to address student questions and needs throughout the pandemic. SEAS provided regular updates and workshops to update and educate students.
Q: Is there a way to set up a tour on campus?
A: U-M is not doing any formal tours at this time. We will share some campus information on the SEAS website.
Q: If I can't get to the U.S. in time for fall, can I defer my admission to Fall 2022?
A: Please reach out to [email protected].