What’s Inside:
Spring is Here! Hello off-campus students!
Spring is Here!.....……………………….…...1 Forever Go Blue………………………….…...2 Spring Commencement 2013……….....3 Fairy Doors in Ann Arbor........……….....3 Picture Perfect Potluck……………..........4 Getting Rid of Your Old Furniture…..… 4 Walking Alone at Night..……………..……5 Alpine Ski and Snowboard Team…..….6 Need Help Moving Out?........…………..7 C’mon, Get Mhappy!..................……...8 Securing Your Security Deposit…………8 Need a Few Credits? Interested in SelfDefense?.............................................9 Ben Folds at the Hill Auditorium.........9
While you’re enjoying the good weather, here are a few things to remember for this month: 1. In anticipation of student move-out this spring, the City of Ann Arbor Public Services Area will be offering a free solid waste drop off site, located at East University and Oakland, where you can drop off discarded furniture, bagged trash, non-perishable foods, etc. For those of you who are moving out, this letter is a reminder of some of the City of Ann Arbor refuse and recycling rules and includes dates, hours and a map. 2. Additionally, for students living off-campus next year, Beyond the Diag is hiring Neighborhood Ambassadors for the Fall. Check out our website or email beyondthediag@umich.edu for more information! 3. Stop by 1001 Oakland Avenue from 10:30AM12:00PM for some free soda and hot dogs before heading off to watch the spring game on April 13th! For additional off-campus safety resources, please visit http://deanofstudents.umich.edu/ Go Blue! Stephanie Karaa and Matt Lonnerstater Beyond the Diag Program Assistants Dean of Students Office
Forever Go Blue For most of the University of Michigan senior class of 2013, including myself, it seems like only yesterday when we were frantically figuring out which one hundred level classes to register for at our summer orientations. It was only yesterday that we slept in bunk beds in our cozy freshmen dorm rooms and gulped down food in the dining halls. Like yesterday when we grabbed anything that was offered to us at our first Festifall. Now, after countless late nights at the Ugli, many crowded experiences on the buses, numerous trips to Expresso Royale or Starbucks, four brutal Michigan winters, and unforgettable memories with all the great friends we have met in these past four years of college, I find myself ready to graduate along with thousands of my fellow Wolverines. Although all of us have had our own unique college experiences, the following are a few highlights of the past four incredible years here on campus: • President Barack Obama came to speak in Ann Arbor not once, but twice. First, he gave a wonderful graduation commencement speech to the class of 2010 and returned to give another speech at the Oosterbaan Fieldhouse in early 2012. • The Big Chill at the Big House in December of 2010 set the world record for the most people to ever attend a hockey game, with an attendance of 113,411. Michigan went on to defeat the Michigan State hockey team handedly by a dominating score of 5-0. • In July of 2011, the University of Michigan officially became a smoke-free university campus. • So many awesome memories at the Big House on Saturday mornings. From scoring 132 total points in a 67-65 victory in 2010, to beating Notre Dame under the bright lights in 2011, to beating Ohio State and rushing the field in 2011, there have been so many more thrilling games in between. Thank you, Denard. • One of the biggest thrills had to be making it into the NCAA Final Four! For those of you who are not graduating yet, I would say make the most of your time here. Get involved on campus, meet as many people as you can, and take advantage of your college experience. As they may be some of the most memorable years of your entire life. I have been blessed to have shared my college years with all of the amazing people I have come across. We are all so lucky to be attending such a prestigious institution and to be able to proudly call ourselves Michigan Wolverines. For now, goodbye, for tomorrow, good luck, and forever, Go Blue. Contributed by Wen Ning Photo from liberalvaluesblog.com Photo from www.mgoblog.com
Spring Commencement 2013 To all of the upcoming spring graduates—Congratulations! On that Saturday morning, you will enter the Big House as a student one last time and walk out a graduate from one of the nation’s top universities. This year, U-M alumnus and Twitter CEO Richard (Dick) Costolo will be delivering the Spring Commencement address. A Michigan native, Costolo was born and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan. He graduated from U-M in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Before joining Twitter in 2009, Costolo spent many years in the consulting industry and also managed to co-found three technology-based companies. While Costolo may be known for his role in revolutionizing social media and global interaction, he is also a talented stand-up comedian. It wasn’t until his sophomore year at U-M when he discovered his hidden passion for theatre and comedy (all thanks to an arts requirement). He spent many open-mic nights at the Michigan Union entertaining his fellow peers.
As a generation who values and relies on social media for everyday life, we are honored to welcome Mr. Costolo back to Ann Arbor! The ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4th at the Michigan Stadium. Learn more information about Spring Commencement! Contributed by Monica Cerrezuela Photo from http://about.me/dickcostolo
Fairy Doors in Ann Arbor Spring is here! Now that the sun is finally coming out of hiding, here’s an activity that you and your friends can do around Ann Arbor that might spark your interest: FAIRY TAIL DOOR SCAVENGER HUNT : You might have noticed that some doors at stores & restaurants around town are too small for anyone to fit through. These are the fairy doors of Ann Arbor. The “fairy doors” are a peculiar component of Ann Arbor’s culture and are spread all over the west side of State Street. If you are looking for something fun to do with your friends while exploring the city, go out and try to find as many doors as you can! Contributed by Francesco Balducci Photo from http://pinterest.com/pin/68257750572473893/
Picture Perfect Potluck Ever feel like it’s harder to make new friends now that you’re living off campus? Beyond the Diag has hosted many social events in off-campus neighborhoods all over Ann Arbor. A recent example of one of these events is a potluck dinner that was held in the South U/Oxbridge neighborhood. Those who came enjoyed a variety of delicious free food, as well as a great company. The unending flow of Mac and Cheese and Fettuccine Alfredo kept stomachs full and people happy. One of the residents brought cheesy bread from a new pizza place, Toppers, located on William St. Now I have a new favorite place for cheesy bread! Beyond the Diag events enable you to meet new people, socialize, and learn about local hotspots in your neighborhood that you may have never tried before. Another resident told me to try a new sub shop, Firehouse Subs, located on William. I got one of their subs later and loved it too! If I hadn’t been to the event I wouldn’t have heard about these awesome new places. So if you love free food , hearing about hotspots around Ann Abor, and hanging out with your neighbors; we welcome you to attend an upcoming Beyond the Diag event! You’ll have an amazing time! Contributed by Jackie Misco
Getting Rid of Your Old Furniture As the end of the school year is fast approaching, many of you will be eager to move out of your houses. Here are some tips to keep in mind when getting rid of your old furniture: • Leaving couches or other furniture on sidewalks or where you normally put out your garbage is not an option. These big items do not fit in sanitation worker trucks. Instead, the City of Ann Arbor has prepared a free solid waste drop off site, located at East University and Oakland. • Consider making some money by using Craig’s List, or Ebay. • Post on Facebook or other social media sites, letting your friends know that you have an item to sell or give away. • You can also drop off your item at Ann Arbor’s ReUse Center. Simply drop off your items at their drop-off center. There may be a small fee, but it is better than the alternative of a hefty ticket! • There are a host of other “haulers” that will also pick up your large items, but for a cost. Remember, the University does not allow students to drop off their large and bulky items at their dumpsters. It could result in a messy situation with fines and tickets! Contributed by Jonathan Bickmann Photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/kylebandy/433979365/
Walking Alone at Night It’s late. And you’re out studying for finals, so it’s only going to get later. What’s your plan for walking home after dark? Is it dangerous? Is it safer to talk on your phone (so a friend knows where you are) or not to (so you’re more aware of your surroundings)? It might help to know that in many places, including Ann Arbor, most attacks happen when we’re indoors (probably because those most likely to assault us are people we know.) That’s not to say there aren’t risks outdoors, but it can help to know that it’s a fairly low crime location for most people, most of the time. Here are some tips to help you be safer and feel safer. Remember, it’s up to you to decide which strategies fit your life and which don’t: 1. Call SAFERIDE. U-M offers free late night transportation to students, faculty and staff. SAFERIDE will take you from campus to your home or car, up to a mile off campus. Call 647-8000. 2. Use the buddy system. Those who want to sexually harass, steal from, or assault a person are less likely to choose us if we’re with someone else. Of course, it may not be safer if we choose just anyone. Unfortunately, some perpetrators offer to walk women home to sexually assault them. And importantly, a choice to “never walk alone” might feel simple to one student, but completely impossible to another who works nights or lives in her own apartment.
3. Take a Personal Safety Education workshop. Sometimes learning a few self-defense skills for worst case scenarios can help raise your awareness, ease your fears, and give you concrete choices to use in an emergency. The goal of Personal Safety Education is to expand your options, and does not imply that you “should” be able to prevent any attempted attack. 4. Think about your personal risk profile. Our safety risks vary based on gender & gender identity, race and ethnicity, false beliefs (like “bad things don’t happen to good people”), previous experiences of victimization, level of inebriation, and many other factors. Some of these we can change and some we can’t. To study your personal risk profile, consider taking a class this fall on Violence Prevention in College and Beyond (PHYSED 313.001). 5. Use the phone. “Now I’m crossing State Street… Now I’m entering the Diag….” Giving a play by play to a friend can be reassuring, and in rare instances, allow someone to call the police on your behalf. It’s important to note that it may slightly increase the chance that a perpetrator will assume you’re distracted, and try to steal your laptop or purse. Do keep your phone charged and nearby, with emergency numbers on speed dial - a good strategy for any location or time of day. Contributed by Katy Mattingly Katy Mattingly is a Personal Safety Educator and self-defense instructor for the U-M Dean of Students Office, in the Division of Student Affairs, and the author of Self-Defense: Steps to Survival.
Alpine Ski and Snowboard Team - USCSA Nationals The UM Alpine Ski and Snowboard team has come a long way in the past year, culminating with a successful spring break trip to the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard (USCSA) National race in Sun Valley, Idaho. This self-funded, student-led organization races five weekends per year in Northern Michigan in the Midwest division of the USCSA. Competing against schools, such as Notre Dame, Michigan State, Western Michigan and Grand Valley, student racers on this team have an opportunity to pick their own level of competitiveness in giant slalom (GS) and slalom ski races, and GS and boarder-cross snowboarding races. After placing second at MCSA Regionals, behind only St. Olaf, a college where skiing is a varsity sport, the men’s ski team was on their way to USCSA Nationals in Sun Valley, Idaho. Thirteen ski team members traveled in support of the 6 ski racers and 1 female snowboard racer. For the team to have the opportunity to compete at Nationals was a victory in itself, and the skiers hardly expected to be competitive with skiers from Colorado and west coast schools who had skiing coaches and scholarships. Needless to say, the team was ecstatic when the boys (Taylor Hunter, Kane Boynton, Stephen Siddall, Zach Hill, Andrew Thomas and Will Sanford) ended up on the podium with a 3rd place finish in Slalom and a 7th place finish overall. Taylor and Kane finished in the top 15, granting them them All-American status, and four racers received scholar All-American (Taylor, Kane, Stephen and Zach). The team looks forward to their partnership with Outdoor Adventures as a sponsored student organization, and can be contacted with any questions via email to skicaps@umich.edu. Check out the MGoBlog article! Contributed by Margaret Murphy
Need Help with Moving Out? The end of the school year is always one of the most hectic times of the years. Not only do you have all your finals and papers, but you also have to deal with taking care of your residence before you leave for the summer. Although it’s never a fun experience to have pack and move, Beyond the Diag has some helpful tips that will make the move-out process much easier for everyone involved: • Get an inventory: Often your landlords will have inventory checklists for you to make sure the things in your apartment are the way they were when you moved in. If your landlord doesn’t provide one, you can also get a generic inventory checklist from our off-campus housing website. • Park Properly!: It’s inevitable that you will need a vehicle to help with the move out process, but a whole street jammed with vehicles is not a solution. You also don’t want to have to pay unexpected fines. Get more information on the city’s parking options! • Dispose Responsibly: Don’t leave your furniture lying around the curb and if you properly dispose your trash or cardboard. It could help to stack up what needs to be recycled or broken down. Visit the City of Ann Arbor website for more information on trash collections and disposal procedures. • Be a Good Neighbor: You’re not the only one moving out! Problems with others living on your street or in your apartment building can be avoided if you can communicate properly with your neighbors or landlords. If difficult situations or conflicts do arise, don’t hesitate to contact: 1. Office of Student Conflict Resolution 734-936-6308 2. Housing Information Office 734-763-3164 3. Student Legal Services 734-763-9920 Moving out can be a daunting experience if it’s your first time, but there are so many resources out there that can help make the whole process a lot easier. Most importantly, always remember that you’re not the only one moving out and be respectful of other people as well! Contributed by Emily Ho Photo from http://www.gettysbur g.edu/about/offices/fa/facilities/ recycling.dot
C’mon, Get MHappy! April is MHappy month at the University of Michigan! U-M Students are invited to check out a wide range of free events that promote happiness and wellness at www.MHappy.org. While many of us are excited to see the first signs of spring, the end of the semester can also be a stressful time because of finals, graduation, or other causes. MHappy events such as movies, fitness classes, lectures, mindfulness techniques, playful “Happy Hours” and more provide laid-back opportunities to take a break from all that hard work! You might think that if you have a lot to get done, the best thing to do is to work non-stop till the end of the term. However, scheduling time to take breaks can actually make you more productive by restoring your attention span and relieving stress, which can improve your focus. Taking breaks can also increase energy and creativity, and reduce the likelihood of making mistakes in your work. Whether you prefer your breaks mellow, energetic, or somewhere in between, MHappy has events and activities to suit your style! UHS Health Promotion and Community Relations is excited to partner with The Happiness Initiative at U-M to produce many of the month’s Happy Hour events. Happy Hours will take place in central locations like the Diag and the Union from 4-6 PM in early April. Participants will be able to relax and play, all while learning valuable tools for navigating health issues like sleep, stress, relationships, body image, and wellness. View the full schedule. Contact Laura McAndrew at lastmc@umich.edu for more information about Happy Hour events. Contributed by Laura McAndrew, UHS
Securing Your Security Deposit While you’re packing your stuffed animals, taking down your Harry Potter posters, and deconstructing your Ikea furniture, make sure you also take the following three steps to securing your security deposit. 1. Clean, clean, clean – your security deposit can be withheld if the landlord needs to pay to clean the apartment. It doesn’t have to be “white glove” clean, but do not leave exploded spaghetti sauce in the microwave. 2. Ask your landlord to repair any damages – if you have a clogged sink, ask your landlord to fix it long before you return your keys. If you wait to tell them until move-out day or you never tell them, they can withhold part of your security deposit to make those repairs. 3. Pay your unpaid rent and utility bills—if you were not able to pay your utility bill on time, pay it as soon as possible. Your landlord may keep the security deposit to pay your unpaid bills. If you follow these guidelines, you are entitled to a full return of your security deposit. For more information, check out Student Legal Services’ page about move-out! Contributed by Jennifer Mulligan Photo from http://www.carinsurancelist.com
Need a Few Credits? Interested in Self-Defense? For the very first time at Michigan, you can now study personal safety and self-defense - and get credit for it. Violence Prevention in College and Beyond (PHYSED 313.001) is a new 3-credit course offered through the School of Kinesiology. This Mon/Wed class (5:00-6:30 pm) will include hands on, reflective and active learning in both the classroom and the gym. Students will explore many facets of violence prevention with Instructor Katy Mattingly, including:
• Where and when do you feel safe or unsafe? Why? • What are your risk factors for experiencing violence? • What exactly can we do to reduce our risks and protect ourselves? • How can we work together to interrupt violence before it happens? Utilizing research from psychology, women’s studies, public health, social work, law enforcement and the martial arts, PHYSED 313.001 will address many types of risks. Students will study and practice verbal, social, physical and community building skills and strategies that work, for use in their interactions with strangers, acquaintances, friends and families. The School of Kinesiology has opened this course to students of all colleges and disciplines. As always, check with your academic advisor to assure it fits with your academic needs. And the more students who register, the more likely this type of class will continue to be offered in the future! Contributed by Katy Mattingly Photo from Michigan Today - A Day in the Life
Ben Folds at the Hill Auditiorium The Division of Student Affairs is pleased to announce that it has partnered with MUSIC Matters this year to present their annual charity concert. Indie rock favorite, Ben Folds, will take the stage at Hill Auditorium on Thursday, April 11 at 8 p.m! The charity concert is presented by the student organization MUSIC Matters and is sponsored by Michigan Hillel. Proceeds from the concert will benefit need-based scholarships for high school students to attend the University of Michigan. Tickets are available at the Michigan Union Ticket Office or online. Tickets start at $20. During the day on April 11th, SpringFest will precede the charity concert, from 10 am - 2 pm in the Diag, sponsored by the Alumni Association. SpringFest will feature live performances from student dance and a cappella groups, interactive booths hosted by dozens of student organizations, and a free tasting of local eateries along "Restaurant Row." If your student org wants to sign up to host a table at the event, please email David Laczynski at djlaczyn@umich.edu. Photo from www.rockcellarmagazine.com
For more safety tips and information about Beyond the Diag, visit http://offcampus.umich.edu Like us on Facebook @ http://facebook.com/Umbeyondthediag Follow us on Twitter @umbeyondthediag Still have questions? E-mail us at beyondthediag@umich.edu