The University of Michigan’s Expect Respect program fosters a campus community where belonging is a core part of the student experience. As Wolverines, we each bring unique identities, backgrounds, and perspectives that shape how we move through campus and beyond it. Building a well-rounded Michigan community means recognizing that belonging doesn’t look the same for everyone. And that’s not only okay, but it’s also something to celebrate!
Cultivating a season of belonging isn’t just about finding your own place; it’s also about contributing to the community around you. Expect Respect offers a few ways to think about belonging on campus, off campus, and everywhere in between.
Belonging and Identity
One of the most powerful ways to find belonging at Michigan is by seeking out spaces where your identity is reflected, affirmed, and uplifted. Every student deserves to feel represented and comfortable, and finding communities that align with who you are can make a meaningful difference in your college experience.
Whether through cultural organizations, identity-based student groups, or shared-interest spaces, Michigan offers countless opportunities to connect. Exploring Maize Pages or attending campus-wide events like Festifall or Winterfest can help you discover communities where you feel at home. Actively seeking out these spaces, especially as an off-campus student, can strengthen your sense of belonging and remind you that you’re an essential part of the Wolverine community.
Belonging and Shared Experiences
Belonging is also built through shared experiences. While academics are a big part of college life, what happens outside the classroom often shapes our strongest connections. Trying a new activity, whether on campus or in the greater Ann Arbor area, can open the door to many unexpected friendships.
Shared experiences, from attending local events to joining a recreational class, help friendships grow naturally. Check Happening @ Michigan or a2gov.org to see what’s going on near you, and consider attending something that might feel a little outside your comfort zone. You never know — maybe knitting, trivia night, or even a ballroom dance class is the missing piece in your Michigan experience.
Belonging and Expectations
It’s also important to remember that everyone’s college journey looks different, and it likely won’t resemble a movie montage. Holding rigid expectations about how your Michigan experience should look may unintentionally limit the ways you find connection and belonging.
Spending time off campus, creating a comfortable home environment, and building community in your neighborhood are just as involved as being involved on campus. There are no rules for how to “do” Michigan. Letting go of stereotypes and assumptions allowed you to define belonging on your own terms.
As we move into the second half of the academic year, now is a great time to invest in your community and intentionally create spaces where you feel you belong. By exploring identity-affirming communities, embracing shared experiences, and letting go of unrealistic expectations, you take meaningful steps toward belonging. Not only for yourself, but for those around you as well.
To learn more about fostering a culture of care, kindness, and respect at Michigan, visit the Expect Respect website.