September 23, 2026 | By Nick Pfost
Incoming University of Michigan students planning to live on campus will have a new opportunity to build community, explore themselves and campus, and learn across differences beginning in fall 2027.
The Social Change and Intergroup Relations theme community is a residential experience for students entering their first year at U-M, including incoming transfer students.
The offering brings together Michigan Housing’s expertise in creating supportive residential communities and IGR’s pioneering work in intergroup relations education and intergroup dialogue. The two have a long history of collaboration, including the signature ALA 171, “Making the Most of Michigan,” a course Forbes cited in naming Michigan a “new Ivy” in 2026.
“We are excited to partner with Michigan Housing to cultivate a vibrant and supportive community to enrich student learning and development, foster holistic social well being and student success, and promote civic learning and engagement,” said Roger Fisher, program director of The Program on Intergroup Relations.
The community will help students navigate the transition to Michigan while encouraging them to consider who they are, build meaningful relationships across differences, and discover how they want to contribute to society. Residents will connect with peers, educators, opportunities, and university resources as campus becomes home.
Facilitated dialogue, reflection and community-building activities will expand students’ opportunities to understand their personal and social identities, engage with perspectives different from their own and strengthen skills for cooperation and social responsibility. Students will also help shape aspects of the community and its programming.
“Research tells us that finding a sense of belonging in your first semester of college can be a critical part of success,” IGR assistant director Deborah Slosberg underscores. “We’re excited about offering that opportunity with monthly events for the whole community and opportunities for students to learn more about themselves and others!”
The Social Change and Intergroup Relations theme community will join several other living-learning communities available to U-M students. Together, these programs help students make a large university feel more personal by forming close relationships, engaging with faculty and staff, and extending their learning beyond the classroom. The new partnership with Michigan Housing and IGR will add intergroup dialogue and social change to the range of topics students can explore as part of their residential experience.
Donna Rich Kaplowitz, senior director for campus dialogue education, says the benefits extend well beyond a student’s first year.
“This community prepares first-year and incoming transfer students to connect across differences and build real relationships with folks whose backgrounds and beliefs are not their own,” she says. “We know these skills help students thrive here, and position them to be career- and world-ready after they leave college.”
Seeking a resident advisor
Michigan Housing will open applications for resident advisors (RA) from September 29 (5:00 pm) through October 13 (11:59 pm). Continuing students who are interested in supporting the new community should indicate their interest through the 2027-2028 Michigan Housing resident staff application, although placement is not guaranteed. IGR staff and faculty will offer application-support appointments for interested students—reach out to us at [email protected].
Applying to live in the community
Students entering U-M in fall 2027 can apply for the Social Change and Intergroup Relations theme community as part of the first-year housing application, available beginning in April 2027 though the Michigan Housing portal.
Students from all backgrounds and academic interests are encouraged to apply. Previous participation in IGR or experience with intergroup dialogue is not required.
Learn more on the Social Change and Intergroup Relations theme community webpage.
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