University of Michigan

Rachael Smith, Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 04:17:19 +0000

I don’t feel represented here. I would say Umich is definitely cliquey between races. There are resources, but I don’t really interact much because I’m a graduate student and they’re targeted toward undergrads. They try to have programs and stuff for people of color, but I’m not a person of color – I’m black. There’s a difference. People of color are racist against black people. I wish their programs weren’t so performative. Every program has a bunch of white people on the board and it’s like… okay. Once the Rackham graduate school put on their annual fall ball and the theme was, “party like the 1820s.” What was happening in the 1820s besides slavery? My advice for prospective students… You’re not going to feel included. You’re going to feel alone. Don’t let that discourage you.

Ataia Templeton, Class of 2023

Editorial Team — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 04:16:01 +0000

Every black student I know has their own experience with being singled out as black/other in the classes that are predominately white. Mine: I was in an upper-level French class and the professor was talking about slavery in the French DOMs, and throughout the lecture, every white person in the class took their time to stare at me when the Professor asked for thoughts or whatever. For the most part, it is cliquey, there are some interracial friend groups. There are many organizations that support students of color because the campus is so large. Often they’re student-led, but there are resources like Trotter and DEI (probably not the name) that focus on equity and inclusion. BSU is so amazing and the Department of AfroAmerican and African studies and its professors are literally the reason why I decided to not transfer. I wish the admin or the regents would put more effort into getting black students on the campus. A larger black student population could lead to improvements in how they support black students and also make the campus less white which is very necessary. I do not feel represented. As for other identities, if you are physically disabled, you may not be supported as much as you need. From what I understand, not every building is accessible for all. I know some physically disabled people on campus who get around fine, but I know it may still be a concern. Umich does have the Spectrum Center which was the first of its kind and it does a lot to support LGBTQ people on campus. Also, the campus has a sexual assault unit and three all-women dorms that are inclusive of non-binary females and transgender women. I will say though that the dorms need to be renovated ASAP, but that hasn’t been prioritized by the regents. If you are coming to UMich, get involved with BSU!! Be friends with black people that match your vibe and always pull the race card because no white person wants to be called racist and reminding most of them that they have privilege because they’re white is uncomfortable for them, so pull it.

Elijah, Class of 2023

Editorial Team — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 04:13:19 +0000

There are not really resources for black students, but there are some. There are a decent amount of clubs centered around black experience and black students, which I’ve had positive experiences with. It’s not strictly enforced, but you can definitely tell that people prefer to stick around people that look like them or share their experiences. UMich does not really support black students or students of other marginalized groups at all. Not any more than they do other students — which is not really at all. I wish there was more representation from our student body (if the interests are there) in the fields that we want to go in. Y’all do NOT ride for us when we need you to. As a black person, I feel a severe lack of representation, and on the individual level, I feel more like a number than anything else. If there’s one thing you should do, it is to find yourself. Focus on that from the beginning and you’ll have a lot fewer problems getting lost in the process. It’ll still (absolutely) happen, but you’ll be more ready in this case.

Alexxus Lige, Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 16:58:37 +0000

UMich is cliquey. They don’t support students of color, but they have resources like MESA and OAMI. There exist the BSU for black specific resources and there are minority specific resources for students of color. On paper, UMich is supportive of people with other marginalized identities, but in actuality? No. I wish they would be intentional and not performative. I do not feel at all represented. If you are a prospective black student, really do your research.

Karla Bell, Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 16:55:21 +0000

UMich is cliquey between races. I don’t feel represented. We are only 5% of the population, and as a Black woman, it is extremely hard for my voice to be heard in the classroom. There are resources available to black students: Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs Office, Trotter Multicultural Center, and over 20 Black Student Orgs.

However, we need more Black people. Nothing can change extensively until we have more people. My advice to prospective students would be to find the Black community! We are very loving and look out for everyone.