Theme Communities & Michigan Learning Communities

(New for the 2025-2026 Academic Year)

The Women in Science and Engineering Residence Program (WISE RP) is an academically supportive living/learning community for students who are interested in academic majors and careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or pre-health. WISE RP participants have access to a number of academic resources and benefits that aid them in their transition to the university. The community, housed in Mosher Jordan Residence Hall, is comprised of approximately 100 first-year students, 25 returning students who serve as sophomore Peer Mentors, and four upper-level undergraduate Resident Advisors.

The Residential College (RC) is a small, four-year program that provides any LSA student an engaging environment with an emphasis on languages, writing & discussion, the social sciences, and the arts. The RC enables students to combine the resources of the larger university with the lively intellectual atmosphere of a small, liberal arts college, while choosing any LSA major.

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. Members live with other students participating in research, join in peer-led study groups, and participate in social events throughout the year. Beyond research events, last year MRADS students held game nights, talent shows, and participated in craft activities. Sophomore student leaders who participated in MRADS during their first year also live in Mosher-Jordan and serve as mentors and research advisors to first-year students.

MCSP provides students with a small, diverse, supportive community of first- and second-year students from a wide variety of interests and backgrounds; opportunities to dialogue with others around social justice issues; wellness, cultural, and social events; and a menu of carefully selected courses taught by dedicated faculty from across the university. In addition, every year, MCSP students contribute hundreds of hours of community service within the greater Ann Arbor area, working with local schools, community gardens, refugee assistance programs, and environmental organizations.

Max Kade offers students a unique opportunity to live in the only language house on campus. The core theme of the Max Kade Haus is experiential learning–applying what is learned in one’s German classes to everyday life. Program participants are also eligible to apply for the George Valenta Scholarship. Max Kade hosts special events throughout the academic year, culminating in a trip to a German-speaking city in the spring. Some of the activities include: Attending musical performances by German composers and artists (Handel’s Messiah, Berliner Philharmoniker, etc.); Yoga auf Deutsch; excursions to museums to see German-related exhibits; Kerrytown Kindlefest.

Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts is a 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.

Living Arts Engine Program unites students who are excited about working with their peers and faculty in engineering, the arts, architecture and other fields to explore innovation, creativity and collaboration. Living Arts Engine strives to provide an open, playful environment that encourages students to generate and pursue creative new ideas. The program offers weekly classes and monthly workshops by distinguished faculty and working professionals from the fields of engineering, architecture, visual arts, film, music performance and composition, dance, and theater. In addition, Living Arts Engine provides mentorship by older students and support for Living Arts Engine students to create their own programming and events.

The LSA Honors Program is a four-year academic program designed to provide motivated, academically talented 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.

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.

The Global Scholars Program (GSP) prepares sophomore, junior, and senior University of Michigan students to be interculturally competent global citizens, champions for meaningful change, and innovative leaders of tomorrow. GSP students live, learn, and complete collaborative global justice internships with US, international, and exchange students. Global Scholars hold over 20 citizenships and speak over 30 languages combined! Students may choose to return for a second and third year as leaders in the program.