Theme Communities & Michigan Learning Communities

Exclusively for first-year students and alumni of the Summer Bridge Scholars Program, this vibrant learning community taps into scholars’ full range of identities, knowledge, and experiences to develop innovations for social challenges that matter most to them. In partnership with optiMize, BSP empowers scholars to create a meaningful impact on the world.

The Michigan Sustainability Community (MSC) at Oxford Houses provides a residential experience and community rooted in experiential learning and community engagement in various aspects of sustainability as well as climate and environmental justice.

The Residential College (RC) is a small, supportive, and highly personalized four-year living and learning community housed in East Quad. Students explore majors in LSA or the RC, supported by a dedicated advising team to help them navigate their goals from their first year through graduation. RC courses emphasize engagement through real-world learning, language immersion, the arts, and opportunities to collaborate with the campus and local community. The RC provides a strong sense of belonging and a supportive environment where students grow academically, socially, and personally throughout their college experience.

Michigan Research and Discovery Scholars (MRADS) provides an opportunity for first-year students of any potential major to participate in a year-long research project with UM faculty. Scholars live with others participating in research, and have access to exclusive professional development opportunities throughout the year. Beyond research, students participate in social events throughout the year. Last year, MRADS students held game nights, talent shows, and crafting activities. Upperclass students also live in Mosher-Jordan and serve as mentors and research advisors to first-year students.

Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts is a diverse living-learning community focused on creative expression of all kinds. Students live in a welcoming community with other first- and second-year students who have similar passions. They take small writing and studio arts classes taught by dedicated faculty and attend events together such as art exhibits, theater performances, live concerts, and poetry readings. LSWA participants engage in student-led clubs and workshops and have opportunities to work with guest musicians, painters, poets, and more. Students from any academic major are encouraged to develop and stay connected to their creativity.

The LSA Honors Program is a four-year academic program designed to provide motivated, academically  engaged undergraduates with opportunities to enrich their education beyond what might be typical for an undergraduate career at the University of Michigan. It allows the student to combine the vast resources of a large research university with the kind of personal attention and small community one might find at a small liberal arts college. Honors accomplishes this by offering a variety of unique Honors courses from across the LSA curriculum, personalized advising, and community engagement.

The Health Sciences Scholars Program (HSSP) is a living/learning community that provides first-year undergraduates with opportunities to explore the issues, opportunities, and diversity of professions in the field of health sciences. Students receive support as they transition to life at the University of Michigan, as well as the direction needed for pre-health studies. Students join a tight-knit community where they meet peers with similar goals, get honest guidance from peer mentors and alumni, and gain a clearer picture of what a future in healthcare can look like. HSSP students receive dedicated pre-health advising, peer mentorship, facilitated study groups, and clinical shadowing opportunities to help them thrive both socially and academically at U-M. 

The Global Scholars Program (GSP) prepares sophomore, junior, and senior University of Michigan students to be interculturally responsive  global citizens, champions for meaningful change, and innovative leaders of tomorrow. GSP students are from all over the U.S. and around the world, representing over 30 countries and speaking more than 30 languages. They learn about critical global issues through facilitated lectures, small-group dialogues, and collaborative group experiences that include project-based learning with our partner NGOs. Students may choose to return for a second and third year as an RA, employed student leader, or Global Engagement Fellow.