Meet the Host School

The University of Michigan

The University of Michigan (UMich) is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Founded in 1817 in Detroit, it moved to Ann Arbor in 1837. The university is divided into two main campus areas: North and Central. Between the two campus areas, there are over 600 academic buildings, including research labs, classroom buildings, libraries, student dorms, dining facilities, and workout facilities. UMich is the largest enrollment in the State of Michigan, encompassing a diverse student population of approximately 33,000 undergraduate students and 17,000 graduate students coming from over 100 countries and all 50 states.

UMich is ranked as one of the top public research universities by the National Science Foundation. To facilitate undergraduate research, programs such as the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program assist more than 1,500 undergraduate students to participate in research partnerships with more than 800 research advisors.

Umich is also the frontrunner in a diverse selection of academic programs, including education, nursing, social work, public health, business, and engineering. With hundreds of academic programs, UMich is committed to providing a well-rounded education to all of its students. With over 668,000 alumni, UMich also has a large alumni network around the world. In the face of challenges, UMich encourages students to learn with a commitment for development and innovation.

What is the United Asian American Organization (UAAO)?

The United Asian American Organizations (UAAO) is a racial justice and advocacy-oriented coalition group. The association represents various Asian American organizations on campus, promotes awareness on Asian American issues, and serves as a safe space for students to work toward justice and equity. They aim to serve as the liaison and collaboration agent for different Asian American organizations at UMich, bring more attention to Asian American topics, act as the political voice for Asian American organizations on campus, and develop relationships with other POC groups on campus and Asian American organizations outside of UMich.

UAAO also collaborated extensively with organizations with other students of color and other racial justice organizations. UAAO has legacy programs such as AA&PI Heritage Month, and High School Conference that are sponsored by the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA). Additionally, UAAO has strong ties with MAASU and has been a strong proponent behind the MAASU Spring Conference.

What is the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA)?

The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) engages the campus community and transforms the student experience to build inclusive spaces and equitable opportunities for all through various cultural and educational programs and leadership opportunities.

MESA strives to achieve our vision of a diverse and vibrant campus community where all members are embraced, nurtured, belong, and free to achieve their definition of success. Our work and strategies are grounded in both theories and practices, especially in facilitating social belonging and the opportunity to grow. We do so by focusing on affirming identities through the lens of race and ethnicity and engaging both the individual and collective to promote cross-collaboration.

In doing so, we nurture intercultural, intellectual, and leadership skills, and empower students to address social justice issues in ways that celebrate, educate, and build social capital.