(Note: Updated 9/16/11)

How much will Semester in Detroit cost?

Tuition: You will pay normal UM tuition rates, just as you would to take classes on Ann Arbor's campus. However, if you choose an elective course taught by Wayne State University there may be a different arrangement for handling tuition payments.

Food: There are five Wayne State University meal plans available (including the Super 78 plan) for SID students.  Students in previous years report that choosing the cheapest plan, Super 78, is the best route to take; you can always upgrade your meal plan for no charge after the program has started.  Also, students who choose to live in Wayne State apartment housing are NOT required to purchase a meal plan.  

Do I need a car to participate?

No, you do not need a car. Semester in Detroit will have one UM van available for program-related use in the city. Many of the internships are located in or near Midtown and reachable by bike, bus or foot. If you own a car, you are welcome to bring it, but you will be responsible for paying for parking. Note: if you choose an internship site that requires you to bring a car, the program cannot reimburse you for mileage.

Will I be able to get a paying job in addition to the internship placement?

Maybe, but most students will not have the extra time to work for pay in addition to taking classes and doing the internship.

Does Semester in Detroit have fellowship funds to help students with expenses?

No, we do not yet have that level of resources. You may be able to find some funds for this activity from your department. 

How will participating in Semester in Detroit affect financial aid that I have been awarded?

In general, participation in SID does not change your financial aid award.  Of course, the specific circumstances regarding financial aid are unique to each UM student. If this is a concern, please contact SID Associate Director, Craig Regester, at 313.505.5185 or regester@umich.edu.

(Note: Updated 9/16/11)

What are the main elements of the SID curriculum in the winter term?

A complete description of SID curriculum is online. The key components are:

• Urban Planning in Detroit: Past, Present, and Future (3 credits)
• A community-based internship internship (4 credits)
• A weekly reflective seminar (2 credits)
• A biweekly Detroit Speakers Series (1 credit)
• 1-3 elective courses (3 credits each)

All classes are taught at the UM Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI (map).

How does the spring term curriculum vary?

The spring term will have all the same components as the winter term – a core course about Detroit history, a community-based internship, a weekly reflective seminar, and electives. However, because the spring term is a 7-week program, you will earn between 6-9 credits. Each class, including the internship, will account for fewer credits. Note: Spring SID Students are able to extend their internships into July for additional credit.  

Will the curriculum help me to complete the LSA minor in Urban Studies?

Successful completion of the winter term of the Semester in Detroit program will fulfill all but one course requirement for an LSA minor in Urban Studies. The additional requirement (not a prerequisite) is a core course in urban studies offered on the Ann Arbor campus through the Residential College. The spring term of Semester in Detroit will count for 6-9 credits towards the minor, and will require most students to take two additional classes on main campus.

Where will I be placed for my internship?

Detroit is home to hundreds of community and cultural arts organizations. Any interested non-profit organization that operates within the City of Detroit and that serves its population is eligible to submit an application for a Semester in Detroit intern. In order to insure a successful internship placement for students, we select only those organizations that submit a concrete project proposal (not merely a list of tasks), provide adequate workspace and professional supervision, and that are easily accessible by public transit. Organizations will be selected for the program in early October 2011, and students will choose an internship based on their interest and availability (as best as possible.) ALL internship placements will be excellent learning experiences for students. Click here for more information. 

What is the weekly reflective seminar and who will lead it?

All SiD students participate in a weekly reflective seminar in which they share, discuss and process their internship experience. It is led by Semester in Detroit Associate Director, Craig Regester, a Detroit resident with over ten years experience working with and for Detroit-based community organizations.

What are the elective course options?

These vary from one year to the next. See the SID Curriculum page for more information.

How will the Semester in Detroit curriculum contribute to what I need to do to graduate on time?

Most SID courses can be used to meet distribution requirements for the social sciences and the humanities. In some cases, SID courses can be used to meet concentration requirements (but this is ultimately determined by your concentration advisor).

(Note: Updated 9/16/11)

What are the arrangements for housing?

All SID students will live on Wayne State University's dynamic urban campus, and can choose from among several different dormitory/apartment options. Students will have free access to internet, the library, the recreation center, exercise rooms and laundry in the building, and a shuttle bus to the UM Detroit Center area. Click here to learn more about Wayne State University housing options and rates for the winter 2012 semester.

Can I find a different place to live, not in the Wayne State dorm?

No, all students are required to live on Wayne State University's campus. Special attention will be paid to the fostering of intentional community among SID students, as well as developing ways for UM students to integrate into the student life at Wayne State University. This kind of community-building would not be possible with SID students living in scattered sites around the city. In addition, Wayne State University is conveniently located in the central city with easy access to major transportation routes and public transit.

(Note: Updated 9/16/11)

Do I need to find my own internship?

No, the Semester in Detroit program has developed strong partnerships with over 50 Detroit-based organizations, including: big/small non-profits, arts/culture organizations, elected officials, and groups involved in small business development, education, public policy, media, and much more.  In the 2011 program, SID students chose from among 40 different internship organizations and projects. We work to match your interests with a project that a community partner has defined.

What kinds of work will I do?

There is a broad range of possibilities for internship sites as well as projects. All will depend on which Detroit organizations successfully apply and are accepted into the program. Click here to see a list (updated regularly through October 7, 2011) of organizations planning to apply for interns for the winter 2012 program. SID staff and faculty are committed to pairing students with the internship that best meets their academic and career interests.

Will I get to choose my internship?

Yes, ultimately you will get to choose the internship that best fits with your interests. Please keep in mind, however, that this is a mutual process with our community partners, and that they have the final decision on whether or not to accept you as an intern. Ideally, SID students who submit applications should include a detailed description of the kind of internship they seek. Based on three years experience, we are confident that all SID students will find a suitable internship match.