As a faculty or staff member, you play a critical role in shaping student success at the University of Michigan. We are here to empower you with resources to guide and uplift every student on their college journey.
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Every student defines success differently, so the first step toward supporting student success is getting to know students as well as you can. Ask about their goals, interests, and experiences inside and outside of the classroom. Find out what support they need to make the most of their time at U-M and leverage your resources to connect them with those resources. U-M is a big place, but it can feel much more manageable for students when they have a faculty or staff member that they know and trust.
Foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
Create spaces where all students feel valued, respected, and able to contribute. Small gestures — learning students’ names, acknowledging diverse perspectives, and responding empathetically — go a long way toward building belonging.
Connect students with resources.
You don’t need to have all the answers yourself. Familiarize yourself with campus support services (academic advising, wellness programs, financial aid, access and belonging units, etc.) so you can guide students to the right place when challenges arise.
Integrate student-centered teaching and learning practices.
Design courses and assignments that are engaging, relevant, and inclusive of varied learning styles. Offer students clear expectations, timely feedback, and opportunities for reflection and growth.
Collaborate across units.
Student success is a shared responsibility. Partnering with colleagues in advising, student life, academic departments, and other areas strengthens our collective impact and ensures consistent support for students throughout their U-M journey.
Champion a growth mindset.
Encourage students to view challenges as opportunities to learn. Model curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning — values that define the Michigan experience.
Listen to student voices.
Seek and incorporate student feedback. Their perspectives help us continuously improve our programs, policies, and practices to better serve their evolving needs.
