Blog post written by Hunter Amo
The University of Michigan-Dearborn has a mission to help support students as they progress through their educational journeys. UM-Dearborn offers many support services, such as the Wolverine Wardrobe, personalized tutoring, and more. If you have yet to explore UM-Dearborn’s support services, here is a deep dive into what’s available for students, how to access these resources, and details on how each service works.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
The Counseling and Psychological Services team (CAPS) consists of trained psychologists and social workers who can help students through a variety of different approaches. Some concerns that lead students to visit CAPS include anxiety, depression, relationship problems, mood changes, stress, and other mental health issues; however, it is important to note that students do not need to have a mental health diagnosis to be eligible for counseling services. Apart from working directly with staff members, students can also engage in mindful activities with the Mental Health and Wellness Peer Educators. These student employees work hard to design activities to destress students and reduce stigmas surrounding mental health. Some of their events include walking nature trails, arts and crafts sessions, and presentations on topics that students may struggle with, such as people pleasing, caregiving, and balancing a work/school schedule.
To become a part of the CAPS community, students will need to fill out paperwork and join a CAPS staff member for an intake appointment. During this appointment, students work with a trained professional to identify what problems the student is having and discuss the best methods of counseling to address these concerns. Some of the services CAPS offers include:
- Individual therapy
- Relationship counseling
- Group therapy (interpersonal therapy groups and coping skills therapy groups)
- Crisis services
- Psychiatric services
- Psychological assessments
- Workshops
Appointments can vary in frequency, with some students attending CAPS weekly and some only coming in monthly or during times of crisis. No matter the situation, CAPS is dedicated to helping students navigate all of the challenges that come with university life and, overall, being a human.
There is no cost to enroll in CAPS, and all information discussed between a student and counselor is completely confidential. However, students need to either be actively enrolled in classes or plan to enroll in classes the following semester to be eligible for CAPS. There is no limit to how long a student can work with CAPS, and if additional support is needed outside of CAPS or after graduation, CAPS staff can help connect students with outside resources or refer them to other counseling services.
Student Food Pantry
The Student Food Pantry is a food pantry that students are able to access twice a month, with all of its supplies being completely free. UM-Dearborn strongly believes that access to quality food is a key to success and supports students in achieving their educational goals. Located in the Renick University Center, students only need to bring their UMICH ID card in order to gain access to the pantry. Not only do they offer non-perishable food items, such as frozen and canned food, but they also have a stock of school supplies, household items, and personal hygiene products. For students interested in supporting their peers through the pantry, UM-Dearborn accepts cash donations and products listed in any of the previous categories.
Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS)
Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS) collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to create usable, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments. After a brief, confidential intake appointment where students meet one-on-one with a staff member to discuss their medical history, DAS staff work to create an accommodation plan. Some of the accommodations they offer include:
- Sign language and oral interpreters
- Special testing arrangements
- Course materials in alternative formats
- Orientation to campus resources
- Advocacy on and off campus
DAS offers personalized coaching appointments with its students. A DAS support coach works to identify a student's strengths, challenges, and goals at UM-Dearborn. During these meetings, students work together with support coaches to create a personalized plan of action that works with the individual student’s learning styles, work ethic, and abilities. DAS support coaches also have the ability to connect students to other forms of support, such as CAPS for counseling appointments.
The DAS office works with students to craft a letter that is sent to all of their professors for the term, informing them that they are registered with DAS. This letter does not contain any personal information about a student’s disability, but instead only details what accommodations a student needs. Many students who work with DAS use their accommodations to take tests, midterms, and final exams in quieter spaces, which helps to lessen testing anxiety. It is important to schedule re-enrollment appointments for every new term so that the DAS office can continuously support its students and keep professors up-to-date on needed accommodations.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure, remember that UM-Dearborn values you. You are more than just a student ID number—you are a human being full of love, potential, and the ability to change the world. In times of need, reach out to any of the support services that you feel comfortable with. Contact information can be found through UM-Dearborn’s website and in your student portal.
