Dear students,

When my daughter was admitted to U-M some time ago, I shared with my longtime mentor how lucky my family felt. My mentor responded with the reverse: it is Michigan that is lucky, lucky to have her and all of the other talented students who make up our community. I realize now my mentor was talking about mattering: feeling like you are valued and that you have value to offer. 

This is the theme of the upcoming Mental Health on College Campuses Conference, free for students and held at Rackham. On March 25 at 3:00 PM, I will speak with NYT bestseller Jennifer Wallace, author of “Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose,” as part of the Naveed Arif Iqball Keynote Lecture, which is free and open to the public.

Here are some free ideas to strengthen your sense of mattering this month:

Stay healthy, Wolverines,

Robert D. Ernst, M.D.
Chief Health Officer
Associate Vice President for Health and Wellness in Student Life

Health and Wellness Updates

Your Health Service Fee at Work
Did you know the vast majority of UHC services are covered by the health service fee and have no out-of-pocket costs? These include all services through CAPS, most medical clinic visits, 24/7 nurse and mental health advice, and common STI lab tests. Visit our costs and billing page to learn more.

Springtime Health & Safety: It Takes More Than Luck
Learn strategies from Wolverine Wellness to stay safe while still having fun. If you choose to consume alcohol, plan ahead with Stay in the Blue tips and download the app. DPSS has some great tips and resources, too.

March 25: Mental Health Speak Out
From 6:00-7:00 PM on March 25, stop by the Union for a community-centered event led by student mental health orgs. Share or hear stories on mental health and learn about resources, plus enjoy free food and therapy dogs!

March 26: Play Day 2026
From 3:00-5:00 PM on March 26 in Pierpont, stress less and play more with the UHC Student Advisory Board. Eat pizza, play games, and more with your peers while learning about mental health promotion and prevention.

Know the Odds: Your Wellness > Any Wager
With March Madness on the horizon, now is the time to check in on your experience with gambling and sports betting. Learn strategies that help you go Beyond the Bet and share tips with your friends. Interested in learning more? Explore a new teach-out, a free, virtual short course, from the U-M Center of Academic Innovation.

Nature & Loneliness Survey: We Want to Hear from You
How does nature show up in your life, and how does it affect your sense of connection? Complete a short survey and get a chance to win a $50 gift card. (Plus, you will help shape programs that foster belonging and well-being in nature.)

Mental Health on College Campuses Conference: Free for Students
Register to attend part or all of the conference, March 24-25, 2026, at Rackham, including the Naveed Arif Iqball Keynote Lecture, featuring NYT bestselling and award-winning journalist Jennie Wallace, who will discuss the importance of mattering and value.