Blog Post Written by Bryanna Worthy
What is it about a campus that makes it so special? Is it the small classroom sizes that make a campus unique? Or is it the life-changing chocolate chip cookies that can be found in its university center? At UM-Dearborn, what makes our campus special is not only our class sizes and café treats, but our community.
Our community is filled with students who have great ambitions and are seeking a space to bring those dreams to life. Because of our small size, students have the opportunity to develop connections with one another, professors, and staff. This allows for a one-on-one experience with professors and peers that students at larger universities may not receive. Since practice-based learning is heavily enriched in our academia, this allows students access to more research and internship opportunities. So, you’re probably wondering, what else makes our campus so unique?
Firstly, with over 130 clubs and organizations, students are able to set the tone when it comes to campus involvement. From cultural to academic organizations, students can make their mark on our campus. Due to the number of clubs and organizations, students can find their niche on our campus. At UM-Dearborn, there are not only independent student organizations, but there are also organizations like the Student Activities Board that help promote a fun and engaging atmosphere.
We also have departments and programs here geared towards helping you navigate college. The Academic Advising Office is a department that helps students successfully plan their academic year and college journey. Through bi-annual meetings and even additional resources, students can navigate life-changing decisions with the help of academic advisors. The Office of TRIO Programs, also known as Student Support Services, is another great example of the type of resources here at UM-Dearborn that help build community. The Office of TRIO provides support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing higher education. Some support services include tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, work-study programs, and education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy, and assistance in completing financial aid applications. The Internship Office in CASL also does a phenomenal job at helping students apply for and receive internships to graduate or to gain experience relevant to their major.
Organizing events is another way we build an active campus community. The Office of Student Life increases student organization visibility and engagement by creating campus-wide events like the Go Blue Bash, where current student orgs welcome new students. The Office of Student Life also provides a system where student org events can be organized, planned, and executed.
Sororities and fraternities on campus are also to thank for helping build our campus community. There are a variety of different fraternities, such as pre-med fraternities, business fraternities, and social sororities and fraternities to join. Such organizations not only enhance the student experience but also provide professional and teambuilding opportunities. This further leads me to mention the campus-wide events that truly showcase and support UM-Dearborn's school spirit.
Events
Homecoming Week
Homecoming week is typically held at the end of September, with a variety of events and activities to include all UM-Dearborn students. One of the most notable activities is the popular Cardboard Boat Races on the Chancellor's Pond, where students put their creativity and engineering skills to work through building and racing cardboard boats. Another classic event during Homecoming Week is the Maize Fest — an event that is designed like a carnival with games, activities, and free food. The best part about homecoming is that it is a campus-wide event that brings students of all different backgrounds together.
Winter Carnival
The Winter Involvement Fair encourages students to get involved and participate in campus life. This event allows students, staff, and faculty to make connections and discover the university's lively campus community. The event starts with the chancellor's State of the University Address, and is followed by fun activities, games, and food (which is the icing on the cake).
Hack Dearborn
For the past four years, our university has hosted an annual hackathon that invites our engineering students to a fun and competitive event. In this event, students pair up in teams to crack codes and win awards for their savvy engineering skills. With local and national companies participating in this event, students are able to make these professional connections with future employers and peers. The hackathon increases opportunities for our students to enhance their professional and social networks.
The International Student Social
Hosted annually by the French club and the Language, Culture, and Arts (LCA) department, the international social is a great event for students from all over the world to meet and learn about their differences and similarities. With free food and games, this event, hosted in the language lab, is a staple for not only the university in general, but also the LCA department. Students are able to make lifelong friendships.
Downtown Dearborn
Due to the fact that Downtown Dearborn is only minutes away from campus, students often find a keen interest in hanging out in the city. With various coffee shops and lively restaurants, Downtown Dearborn truly adds to the familiar ambience at UM-Dearborn. One popular restaurant for students to study at is Gateaux Patisserie. Its delicious pastries and aesthetic design make it a top pick. Another hidden gem would be the Qahwah House, which offers delicious Yemeni coffee and treats. This spot is a favorite among students to get together, study, and work on projects.
Here at UM-Dearborn, we value creating a welcoming place where you can prosper and earn your degree. We also take pride in making sure that you have all the resources to not only build your desired career but also lifelong friendships. Our goal is to have you call this university your second home. From intellectual conversations to social events, students can not only boost their careers but also become part of a community that supports one another.
