SEAS New Student Orientation 2024
Welcome to the School for Environment and Sustainability!
We are so glad that you will be joining us in the fall.
This website has information that will help onboard and transition you to SEAS. We encourage you to bookmark this site as a repository of useful resources you can refer to in the future. If you have any questions about Orientation, please email [email protected] or call 734-763-4928.
Orientation Schedule*
SEAS orientation will take place in-person in Ann Arbor, Michigan and at the Biological Station in Pellston, MI. Housing, transportation, and meals at the biostation will be provided and the associated costs covered by SEAS.
- Wednesday, August 21 - First day of Orientation - Ann Arbor, MI.
- 9:00am-10:15am - Check-In with Coffee and Light Refreshments
- 10:15am-10:45am - Dean's Welcome
- 10:45am-11:00am - Student Center Staff Introduction
- 11:10am-12:00pm - Faculty Panels for Specialization Breakout
- 12:00pm-1:00pm - Lunch
- 1:10-2:00 - Specializations Panels with Student Leaders & Current Students
- 2:10-3:00 - Simultaneous Sessions
- 3:30-5:00 - Community Connections Fair + Ice Cream Social
- Thursday, August 22 - Second day of Orientation - start in Ann Arbor, travel, end day at the Biostation in Pellston, MI
- 7:45am - Student Check-In
- 9:00am - Board buses
- 9:30am - Leave for UM BioStation
- 12:00pm - Rest Stop at 9 Mile Hill Rest Area (lunch time)
- 1:30pm - Return to busses
- 3:00pm - Arrive at BioStation and settle into assigned cabins
- Simultaneous Sessions:
4:00pm - 5:00pm - BioStation Welcome at Lecture Hall & Ice Breakers - 5:00pm - 6:00pm - Dinner
- 7:00 PM - Group Photo on the Beach
- 7:30pm - Outdoor Games or Free Time
- Friday, August 23 - Third day of orientation - Biostation in Pellston, MI
- 7:00am - 8:00am - Breakfast
- 8:30am - 11:30am - Activity Breakout #1
- 11:30am - 12:30pm - Lunch
- 12:30pm - 1:00pm - Break Time
- 1:00pm - 4:00pm - Activity Breakout #2
- 4:00pm - 5:00pm - Optional Volleyball Game OR Free Time
- 5:00pm - 6:00pm - Dinner
- 6:00pm - 8:00pm - Free Time
- 8:00pm - 10:00pm - Bonfire or Movie Screening Or Free Time
- Saturday, August 24 - Fourth and last day of orientation - start at the Biostation, travel, end the day in Ann Arbor.
- 7:00am - 8:00am - Breakfast + Pack Lunch
- 8:30am - Activity Breakout #3
- 11:30am - Lunch
- 12:30pm - Pack up
- 1:30pm - Board Buses to go back to Ann Arbor
- 3:15pm - Rest Stop at 9 Mile Hill Rest Area
- 6:30pm - Arrive at Dana
* This schedule will be updated regularly as we finalize event details.
Quantitative Review with Dana Jackman
This workshop series is intended for students who do not have a strong statistical background or have been out of school for a while and would like a refresher. It is a crash course that covers basic data analysis, data analysis in Microsoft Excel, graph interpretation, functions (linear, polynomial, log, power, hyperbolic), and algebraic equations. Though related, the sessions are not cumulative. You can choose which sessions to attend, and you can benefit from later sessions even if you miss earlier ones. Any Masters or PhD students can attend.
There will be two sets of virtual meetings throughout the summer. SEAS-relevant examples will be used throughout. Recorded lessons will be provided for students to review prior to each set of virtual meetings. Each virtual meeting will consist of approximately one to two hours of large and small group work where we will set up and solve complex problems. This group work will be followed by virtual office hours with Dana. You can ask your questions in a group setting or move into a breakout room to work one-on-one with Dana.
In preparation for meetings, please do the following:
-
Complete the Quantitative Pre-Survey before July 20.
-
Complete the Environmental Issues Survey before July 20.
-
View asynchronous recorded lessons contained in the QSW 2024 folder.
Days 1 and 2 “Building Skills in Mathematics and Modeling” - July 22 & 23, 5:30 pm
-
Via recorded lessons and virtual group meetings, students will develop motivation and frameworks for solving problems with mathematics,modeling, and statistics. Students will also get acquainted or reacquainted with mathematics fundamentals and foundational function forms. This includes mathematical functions common to environmental systems.
-
July 22nd Zoom: https://umich.zoom.us/j/91300429901
-
Password: QUANT1
-
-
July 23rd Zoom: https://umich.zoom.us/j/99135962283
-
Password: QUANT2
-
Days 3 and 4 “Building Skills in Data Analytics”- August 19 & 20, 5:30 pm
-
Via recorded lessons and virtual group meetings, students will develop, improve, and refine skills for data management, analysis, interpretation, and communication. We will use MS Excel to explore data, produce descriptive statistics, and develop effective visuals. Students will also become acquainted or reacquainted with a variety of essential statistical concepts. Students will also practice calculating and interpreting statistics.
-
August 19th Zoom: https://umich.zoom.us/j/93982419126
-
Password: QUANT3
-
-
August 20th Zoom: https://umich.zoom.us/j/94995926003
-
Password: QUANT4
-
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Required for All Graduate Students: Follow the UM Vaccination Policy
Submit your vaccination information.
Required for All Graduate Students: PEERS-RCRS Training
All graduate students are required to take the PEERS Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship (PEERS-RCRS) online training.
Masters students only need to do the online training. It is approximately 3 hours. This course introduces the key concepts and elements that foster ethical research and scholarship practices.
PhD students need to complete the online training and a minimum of 8 instructor-led contact hours of training before advancing to candidacy.
More information about RCRS training is on the Research Ethics and Compliance site.
SEAS Top 3s
SEAS Track Leaders put together their SEAS Top 3s. Their top 3 restaurants, bars, stores, and more. They also have this recommendation map, with places you may want to visit.
List of Helpful Resources
The content below contains resources to help you during your first semester at the University of Michigan.
Table of Contents
- Advising Resources
- Anti-Harassment Resources
- Child and Elder Care Resources
- Curriculum
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Housing
- International Student Resources
- Learning Accommodations
- Library Services
- MCards
- Mental Health Resources
- SEAS Student Center - SEAS Student Support Team
- Student Organizations
- Technology Resources
- Transportation
Advising Resources
- Student and advisor shared expectations form
- Advising and Mentoring Resources (PDF)
- Rackham's guide for getting the mentoring that you want
- Mentoring Others Results in Excellence (MORE)
Please Note: Non-matriculated students are unable to schedule coaching appointments with the SEAS Career Services team until after New Student Orientation. If you have any general questions, please email: [email protected]
Anti-Harassment Resources
- Be heard and receive care
- Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC): For U-M students, faculty and staff who are survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and sexual harassment. 24-hour crisis line: 734-936-3333. These are confidential resources to help you understand your rights and options.
- As Assistant Dean, Kim Elliott makes herself available to listen and is willing to advocate for students. In the case of sexual and gender-based misconduct reported to Kim, she will report to the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office (ECRT) and notify the SEAS Dean and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
- Students can email [email protected] for any and all support questions.
- The Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office (ECRT) is a reporting resolution resource with staff trained to respond to issues of sexual and gender-based misconduct. While the reporting process is private, it is not confidential. See the ECRT SGBM/Title IX Investigation Process document for an overview of the investigation process. ECRT Responding to disclosures of sexual violence
- Additionally, the Office of Student Conflict Resolution is available to help settle disputes and handle grievances often with the help of a student panel.
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Free, confidential services for U-M students. 24-hour line: 734-764-831
- Spectrum Center (umich.edu): The center works toward enhancing the campus climate and support services for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty at the university through education, advocacy, and community building.
- Office of the Ombuds. Free, confidential advice and resources for U-M students,. 734-763-3545
- Educate yourself and access resources
- U-M Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Rackham is SEAS administrative body which means we following many of their rules and policies including Academic Dispute Resolution Policy and Procedures.
- SEAS student misconduct, both academic and non-academic process.
- DEI Resources | University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability: Under ‘Additional Resources’ access various assessments and tools, such as Harvard's Implicit Association Test (IAT), University of California- San Francisco Unconscious Bias training, a Diversity Toolkit for Discussing Identity, Power and Privilege, and quizzes for understanding your own privilege and power.
- Intersectionality, Positionality, and Privilege | Infographic | U-M LSA Center for Social Solutions: Review UM’s Center for Social Solutions infographic on intersectionality, positionality, and privilege.
- Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs: MESA strives to promote student development and empower the campus community around issues of diversity and social justice through the lens of race and ethnicity.
- Anti-Racist Resources for Learning | University of Michigan School of Social Work: Access a list of anti-racist resources curated by the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, UM Rackham, UM Library, Ibram X. Kendi, and more.
- General Safety Tips from Rackham Graduate School
Child and Elder Care Resources
University Human Resources provides a listing of child care resources. An additional set of resources have been created for in-home care and tutoring.
If you are caring for an older family member, UM offers elder care resources as well.
- Center for the Education of Women (CEW) - Even though their main focus is women, they will help all students who are primary caregivers, regardless of gender.
- Child Care Subsidy - child care expenses from any licensed child care provider will be eligible for reimbursement under the subsidy, regardless of the state, country, or agency of licensure.
- Children on Campus policies and resources
- Early On Michigan - addressing a child's developmental delays
- Lactation Rooms on campus for breastfeeding parents
- On-Campus childcare centers:
- Stories from Michigan Caregivers and Student Parents (MCaSP)
- Washtenaw County resources for senior citizens
Curriculum
- Academic calendars
- Forms, handbooks, and policies
- SEAS courses
- Thesis information session recording
- Generative AI Guidance for Students
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- SEAS DEI Office
- University of Michigan DEI Office
- Campus resources for LGBTQ+ students
- Office for Institutional Equity (OIE)
- Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Reporting and Resources
Housing
A few questions have already come in regarding housing in the Ann Arbor area. The links below may be helpful to you as you begin your housing search. Additionally, here is the Facebook group for the SEAS incoming class. Please join to get in touch with potential room or housemates.
Off-Campus Housing - Most Graduate students live in apartments off-campus.
A lot of apartments/houses in Ann Arbor are run by management companies instead of individual landlords. One of the easiest ways to search these is to check out the companies' websites:
Here are some general sites that have a lot of rental options (particularly for non-management company landlords):
Facebook group for finding housing - Ann Arbor Roommates & Housing
Munger Graduate Residences - There is a graduate residence on campus that may also be of interest to you. You can find information about Munger Residence, here.
Signing and Understanding Apartment Leases - Student Legal Services can help you read through your lease and make sure you understand it. To make an appointment, call them at (734) 763-9920.
International Student Resources
The University of Michigan’s International Center is responsible for advising students on US immigration laws related to F and J visa categories. Contact them at [email protected] or call them at 734-764-9310 if you have questions.
The English Language Institute (ELI) provides a full range of English for academic purposes courses and academic support for international students.
- Pre-Arrival Guide for New International Students - good starting place.
- The International Center’s Immigration and Visa page
- ELI Conversation Circles
- ELI Online Pre-Arrival Course: Preparing for Graduate Success - this course is optional/ not required.
Learning Accommodations
We want to make sure that you have an environment that you can thrive in. If you wish to register with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Office, please start by filling out the Student Application Form and reviewing the registration process on their website. Students already approved for accommodations through SSD will continue to receive their accommodations. Additional resources to be aware of:
- Tips for Academic Success in the Current Learning Climate
- Academic Innovation's Adjusting your Study Habits during COVID
- Wellness Coaching
Library Services
The University of Michigan Library is a system of 20 libraries that includes a specialized graduate library. With more than 11 million volumes, the University Library is the eighth-largest academic library in North America and is considered one of the top research libraries in the United States.
MCards
The Mcard is your official University of Michigan identification card. The UMID number is the cardholder's eight-digit student number listed on the card. MCards can be used as a bus pass on campus, for access to campus buildings after hours, and more.
Submit your photo for your MCard.
General information about MCards.
Mental Health Resources
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is still offering virtual appointments through the pandemic. You can make an initial consultation request here.
SEAS has a CAPS embedded counselor. Her name is Dr. Juemei Yang ([email protected]). Email her for an appointment.
- CAPS stressbusters app
- Online mental health screening
- Relaxation videos
- Mental health resources for graduate students
- CAPS Anxiety Toolbox
- SilverCloud
SEAS Student Center
The SEAS Student Center is where you can find the student support staff including admissions, the registrar and course advising, financial aid, and career services. You can contact the staff by emailing [email protected].
Other contact information if you want to reach a particular sub-group of the student center staff:
- [email protected] - direct email to the careers services staff
- [email protected] - direct email to the SEAS financial aid staff
- [email protected] - direct email to the admissions staff
Please Note: Non-matriculated students are unable to schedule coaching appointments with the SEAS Career Services team until after New Student Orientation. If you have any general questions, please email: [email protected]
Student Organizations
Hundreds of student organizations enrich your experience outside of the classroom. The most popular among SEAS students are listed below. Visit Maize Pages for a full student org directory.
- SEAS Track Leaders
- Behavior, Education, and Communication (BEC) - Yuuki Garcia and Sarah Davis
- Environmental Justice (EJ) - Amina Dunn and Lyric Patterson
- Environmental Policy and Planning (EPP) - Abhishek Gupta and Alicia Echeveste Sanchez
- Ecosystem Science and Management (ESM) - Arslan Younas and Troy Tofil
- Geospatial Data Sciences (GeoSci or GDS) - Sean Skinner and AiLi Pigott
- Landscape Architecture (MLA) - Kaia McKenney and Stevie Lehman
- Sustainable Development (SusDev) - Bridget Damon, Nick Nonnenmacher, and Anagha Margasahayam
- Sustainable Systems (SusSys) - Dani Levy and Peggy Ferguson
- SEAS Student Government
- American Society of Landscape Architects student chapter
- Graduate Rackham International (GRIN)
- Students of Color at Rackham (SCOR)
- Ross Net Impact
Technology Resources
- Zoom at UM
- Zoom For Students Video (13 minutes)
- MPrint mobile app with FollowMe (for touchless release of print jobs on-demand)
- ITS Remote Resource Guide
- ITS Computing Sites
Transportation
The closest major airport to Ann Arbor is Detroit International Airport (DTW). If you are flying to Michigan, here are directions on how to get to and from the airport.
The university provides a free campus bus service, learn more about it at the Parking & Transportation website. In addition, the U-M campus and Ann Arbor, in general, are extremely bike-friendly.
Check the Interactive Campus Map to find specific campus buildings. The SEAS Student Center, and most SEAS faculty offices, are in the Dana Building.
Buses
- Blue buses are for University Bus Routes - They offer free transportation around campus. You can just hop on these buses, no ID is needed.
- White buses are run by the City of Ann Arbor Transportation Authority - If you have your MCard, you can swipe it when you get on the bus and ride for free.
- MAGIC Bus - GPS location and E.T.A. for some buses.
- Greyhound Buses - Budget transportation to popular locations like East Lansing
- Airbus and Michigan Flyer - Cheap and easy ways to get back and forth from the Detroit Airport during school breaks
- Paratransit - Transportation Services offers curb-to-curb Paratransit services for students, faculty and staff that are pre-qualified through the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
Student Driving
- Michigan Drivers License - Learn how to get a Michigan driver’s license or state I.D.
- Michigan Parking and Transportation Services - University parking information.
- Parking in Ann Arbor - Ann Arbor parking information, including fines, permits, and different structures.