SMTD Community Care Initiative

The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance is committed to providing unwavering support to our students. The resources listed on this page are coordinated by the SMTD Community Care Initiative. This initiative was developed to provide access to student support and to consolidate resources that foster academic, artistic, and holistic student success.

 

Key Contacts

Administrative Leadership

Academic Support

Financial Resources

Community & Culture

*These individuals have reporting obligations.

 

Health & Wellbeing

SMTD Backstage

Academic Support

SMTD students are encouraged to take advantage of the Academic Advising resources available through the Office of Academic and Student Affairs (OASA). From orientation to graduation, OASA helps students navigate college life both inside and outside of the classroom, including guidance on the following:

Rackham students should reach out to the Graduate Coordinator, Melynee Weber-Lynch, [email protected], for all equivalent guidance.

Accommodations

The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities provides support to students seeking academic accommodations for both short and long term disabilities.

Financial Resources

Emergency Financial Assistance

  • Dean of Students Office: Provides individualized support to students experiencing various challenges outside of their academic work.
  • SMTD Emergency Fund: Funded by SMTD donors and Dean David Gier to provide support to SMTD students to address emergency financial needs. To apply for this fund, please email Ryanne Arecheja and request a form. 
  • Center for the Education of Women (CEW+) offers emergency funding to current U-M Ann Arbor graduate and undergraduate students for unexpected financial emergencies that threaten to derail degree progress. Students must speak to a CEW+ counselor to determine eligibility.
  • U-M’s Office of Financial Aid Emergency Loans provides emergency loans of up to $500 as a short-term (90 day), interest-free loan.
  • Maize & Blue Cupboard addresses food insecurity and offers equitable access to healthy, nutritious, and nourishing food for the U-M community.
  • Off Campus Housing Worksheet: This worksheet is designed to help you look at your financial resources and your expected monthly expenses to better understand your budget.
  • U-M Financial Aid TV: Have a question about financial aid? Learn more through short videos.
  • Clothes Closet: A program that allows U-M students to obtain business casual and business formal attire from a wide selection of clothing donated by U-M faculty, staff, alumni, and other professionals from the community.

Health & Wellbeing

There are a multitude of resources both at SMTD and at U-M to support every aspect of your wellness. For specific information about physical and mental health offerings, visit the Wellness Program section of SMTD Backstage.

Counseling and Psychological Services

  • To schedule an appointment with SMTD’s embedded counselor, Janelis Turner, LLMSW, please email her directly at [email protected].
  • In-person Urgent Support, Monday – Friday: 10am – 4:30pm: Call 734-764-8312 or come to the Central Campus Office (4th Floor of the Michigan Union).
  • CAPS Phone Urgent Support After Hours (24/7: Evenings, Weekends, Holidays) 734-764-8312 (Press 0)

GradCare: For students with a GSA or graduate fellowship appointment with GradCare healthcare coverage and benefits
Benefits Team: 734-615-2000, option 1 then 1 again

Community & Culture

  • The U-M International Center provides a variety of services to assist international students, scholars, faculty and staff at the University of Michigan, as well as U-M American students seeking opportunities to study, work, or travel abroad. For information about a specific U-M International Center service area, please contact 734-764-9310 or [email protected].
  • Spectrum Center: The Spectrum Center is a campus resource center dedicated to serving and supporting members of the University of Michigan’s LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Appointments can be made online via their office hours calendar. If you would like to arrange an appointment but the slots do not work for you, email [email protected].
  • The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA): The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, using the lens of race and ethnicity, engages the campus community and transforms the student experience to build inclusive spaces.
  • Trotter Multicultural Center: The Trotter Multicultural Center is a space where equity, liberation, and cultural innovation are standard in the experiences of all.

Safety & Conflict Resolution

 

 

Entrepreneurship & Career Development

The Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Career Empowerment & Leadership (EXCEL) Lab is SMTD’s home base for performing arts entrepreneurship, leadership, and career services. EXCEL’s personalized, collaborative approach to professional development explores students’ individual visions and goals, and connects them with the resources they need to thrive. In addition to funding opportunities, resources include:

  • 1:1 Coaching: Get help with professional development, arts entrepreneurship, arts leadership, resume and cover letter assistance, and broader exploration of interests and potential career pathways.
  • Internship Partnerships: EXCEL sponsored internship opportunities that are only open to SMTD students.
  • Programming: EXCEL Lab programming includes workshops, guest speakers, Q&A’s and other activities throughout the academic year.
  • ARTSADMN Courses: Courses through the Department of Entrepreneurship & Leadership cover a variety of topics across the spectrum of arts entrepreneurship, management and leadership studies.

Arts Initiative

Additional career-related resources are available via the U-M Arts Initiative:

Graduate Student Resources

SMTD GSI Coordinator: Melynee Weber-Lynch, [email protected]