As one of the University's Michigan Learning Communities, MCSP combines the personal attention of a small school with the extensive opportunities of a large research institution. Our program attracts students with a variety of academic interests who share a commitment to community service. MCSP helps students transition smoothly from high school to college and prepares them for leadership roles on campus and in their future careers. Students and faculty members meet for classes and office hours and participate in student-organized events in West Quad -- where MCSP students live. Our living-learning environment creates a comfortable sense of community within the University. MCSP is sponsored by the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and University Housing.
What does MCSP do?
- Bridge the living and learning aspects of university life
- Share a commitment to social justice, democracy, and a diverse community
- Lead local, national and international community service initiatives
MCSP Student Profile (on average)
125-150
Annual MCSP Students
75%
U-M First-year students
25%
Student Leaders (RA, PA, PM)
50/50
White to Student-of-Color ratio
High-Impact Educational Practices
MCSP offers unique educational opportunities for undergraduates, which have been widely recognized for their positive impact on student learning, academic achievement, and student satisfaction with college. These include:
- Learning communities
- Collaborative projects
- Close faculty-student interaction
- First-year seminarsWriting-intensive courses
- Common intellectual experiences
- Community service-learning and civic engagement activities
- Diversity
MCSP Components
- ALA 102, The “common intellectual experience” course for MCSP
- First Year Seminars
- “Learning in Community” Courses (community service learning & intergroup dialogue)
- English Composition Courses
- Academic Support
- Student-run Programming Board
- Community Service Action Teams
- Leadership Opportunities: Resident Advisors, Peer Advisors for Programming, Peer Advisors for Community Service, Peer Mentors, Action Team Coordinators, Webmaster
- Community and a "home" at the U-M
Ways to Get Involved
Peer Advisors for Community Service: The PACS team leads the work of community engagement and service-learning primarily through direct service with community partners, justice education, and deep reflection while fostering mutuality and understanding. It is a unique experience in which first year students gain leadership experience by planning and participating in reflective service and social action.
Intergroup Relations Council: The IRC organizes dialogue-style conversations on a range of topics, educates and supports students from various social identity groups, and works to build a strong positive climate for diversity and learning. The IRC fosters intercultural understanding through its dialogues and immersion experiences in the community and on campus helping students to effectively communicate across differences.
Programming Board: Our Programming Board (PB&U) cultivates and strengthens our community through social events and gatherings and supports students with wellness programs. All students are encouraged to participate in order to develop a sense of belonging and connection.
