RA hiring: Apply starting Sep. 29
Be part of a supportive residential space where you can explore who you are, build meaningful relationships across differences, and develop skills for creating a more just world.
Together with IGR and Michigan Housing, the Social Change and Intergroup Relations theme community invites students entering their first year at U-M to join us for relevant living-learning opportunities and facilitated interactive programming to help you navigate your transition to Michigan, and to discover the contributions you want to make to society.
Community eligibility
- Residents: Students in their first year at U-M (including transfer students)
- Resident assistants (RA): Continuing students
Location
To be announced
Benefits
Live somewhere dedicated to your growth. Through intergroup dialogue experiences and intentional community building, you’ll deepen your understanding of your own identity while learning to engage meaningfully with perspectives that are different from your own.
The Social Change and Intergroup Relations theme community is grounded in a commitment to self-discovery, intergroup understanding, cooperation, and collective action. You’ll explore your personal and social identities, build critical thinking and reflective skills, and connect with other Wolverines who share your curiosity about how to make the world a better, more just place. Start or continue your journey toward social change here.
Programming
Residents participate in monthly programs designed around three core experiences:
- Self-exploration activities: Opportunities to examine your own identity, interests, wellness, career curiosities, and relationship to U-M’s culture
- Exploratory events: Experiences that broaden your perspective, such as attending a cultural event outside your own background
- Reflective meaning-making: Monthly community gatherings—coffee/tea chats or shared meals—where you’ll process, reflect on, and make meaning of your experiences with your community.
Expectations
- Attend our community welcome at the start of fall semester.
- Participate in at least two events or activities per month, followed by a required monthly gathering on a Sunday evening to reflect as a community.
- Engage authentically and respectfully with your community across identity and difference.
- Be open to self-discovery, dialogue, changing your own mind, and building skills for social change.
Apply to...
... live in the theme community
We're looking for a diverse group of curious first-year and incoming transfer students who:
- Want to be in a space that nurtures self-discovery through intergroup dialogue
- Are interested in exploring positive relationships across identity and social differences
- Have a genuine interest in building skills for social responsibility and social change
- Are excited to collaborate with others and co-create their community experience
The Theme Community Application is part of the First-Year Housing Application, available starting in April 2027 via the Michigan Housing Portal.
... become a theme community RA
Continuing/returning students who are interested in supporting the new community should indicate their interest through the Michigan Housing resident staff application, although placement is not guaranteed. We highly encourage students to apply who:
- Are passionate about helping create a community dedicated to social change and intergroup relations
- Have prior experience in intergroup dialogue facilitation, like what might be gained through ALA 320, CommonGround or Summer Youth Dialogues facilitation, or other extended engagements