Wednesday (Sept. 8) marks the start of the fall semester classes at the University of Michigan. In a variety of ways the University attempts to make smoother the often-difficult transition to college life faced by first year students. Living away from home and on their own, probably for the first time, they must make decisions and look for help from sources other than their parents.

Choice of food is one example. U-M offers a broad range of nutritious diet option to students who participate in the U-M’s Entr?e Plus dining program. Among them:

Many students will try something new in a new setting. Dining Services staff person, Mimi Lou is available for an interview at (734) 647-2614.

The residence staff is another source of help for students away from home for the first time. Resident assistants (R.A.) are involved on a daily basis in articulating and enforcing community living standards, according to Jeanine Bessette, assistant director of residence education. To help the staff in that process, a course developed last year, and offered again this year, was required of all applicants for R.A. and minority peer positions. “It combines elements of psychology and practical experience in multicultural community building, including conflict resolution skills,” Bessette said.

Contact Jeanine Bessette at (734) 764-8515, e-mail [email protected], or Monita Thompson Dandridge, of U-M’s nationally recognized program on Intergroup Relations, Conflict and Community, at (734) 936-1875, e-mail [email protected].

residence education[email protected]