A thematic living/learning program that is a collaboration among the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, the Department of Residence Life, and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Participants are a small group of diverse, committed first year and upper-division students who will examine and create their own unique civil society within the residential community. CIVICUS is based upon the concepts of leadership, citizenship, scholarship, community service and the development of a diverse community. The process of creating this residential community involves common readings, special programs, guest speakers, experiential learning and community service. All first year students take a common core of courses dealing with the interdisciplinary issues of civil society. Admission to the program is by invitation, and for first year students is based on a review of the application materials submitted for undergraduate admission.
The Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives in collaboration with a team of student affairs practitioners, academic administrators, faculty, staff and students gather each year to plan a month-long, comprehensive program that celebrates, honors and continues education toward a socially just society set forth by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The MLK Symposium offers workshops, speeches (including the UniversityÕs annual MLK Memorial Lecture), seminars, exhibits, and performances. The program is designed to bring the UM community together to address societal problems and to honor the values and principles espoused by Dr. King.
A SEAM learning community or cohort consists of 15 to 20 first year students who share similar goals, have expressed a desire to study in a multicultural environment, and share common courses through their first semester. Specifically, SEAM students will enroll in three or four common courses: a first-year seminar, composition, and one or two large lecture classes linked around a pre-major topic or interest area. Several components of SEAM are designed to promote academic excellence: 1) Large courses have recitation sections and tutoring, 2) Students enroll in first-year experience class that will emphasize critical thinking and major/career decision-making skills, and 3) The excellent ratio of faculty, counselors and advisors per student provide a supportive environment. Other benefits include smaller community-building opportunities, automatic enrollment in high-demand courses, extended orientation, a multicultural experience, closer connection with faculty and staff and an opportunity to live in small clusters of four-six students in select residence halls.