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  • Why Kinesiology?
  • FAQs
  • Becoming a Kinesiology Student
  • Life as a Kinesiology Student
  • Events to Explore Kinesiology
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• Undergraduate Orientation
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Life as a Kinesiology Student

• Student Organizations
• Advising
• Research Opportunities
• Honors in Kinesiology
• Multi-Cultural Services
• University/Campus-Wide Resources

Student Organizations

Kinesiology students have the opportunity to get involved in a number of ways, whether it’s by becoming a member in one of the many student organizations within Kinesiology or by doing research with Kinesiology faculty. We encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities and the wide variety of others across campus.

Check out the Current Students section to find out about upcoming events, programs and other activities taking place in Kinesiology. Our students take an active role in the various groups and activities in Kinesiology. Read on to find out more about each student group and how you can get involved.

Kinesiology Ambassadors are Kinesiology students who volunteer their time and energy to project a positive Kinesiology image and in return they gain valuable experience in public speaking, mentoring, and leadership. The Office of Student Services unveiled the Ambassador program in the fall of 2004. Students have been trained to visit their former high school to share their incredible experiences and undergraduate curriculum knowledge with prospective students, instructors and parents.

Kinesiology Ambassador Club Opportunities:

• Make presentations to prospective students, instructors and parents;
• Phone-outs to prospective and admitted students;
• E-mail prospective and admitted students;
• Participate in Kinesiology, U-M Campus events and off-campus events

Kinesiology Peer Advisors are current Kinesiology students who assist the Office of Student Services with summer/fall orientation for incoming freshmen and transfer students and a number of other events throughout the school year. This is a paid position which ranges between $7-8 an hour.

During freshman orientation, peer advisors assist the Office of Student Services by helping freshmen register for classes, answering any questions they might have, and helping to acquaint them to Kinesiology and the University in general. Peer advisors play a crucial role within Kinesiology and our peer program is considered by many the best on campus. Their student experiences provide us with valuable input as we plan and implement orientation each year.

If you’re a current student and plan on being in Ann Arbor over the spring and/or summer, this is a perfect opportunity to earn money and have fun! The time commitment can vary depending on your availability from May - August. The complete schedule of dates and time commitments is on the application and time availability forms. The pay is approximately $7-8/hour, including paid training, which takes place towards the end of May.

Being a peer advisor is a wonderful experience for both the peer advisors and the incoming freshmen. If you would like more information regarding the time commitment or responsibilities, please contact the Office of Student Services.

Kinesiology Student Government (KSG) is an organization that reaches out to current Kinesiology students, to potential Kinesiology students, and to the community.

Curriculum Advisory Group (CAG) is a student group meets each month throughout the school year to discuss Kinesiology curriculum issues. The meetings are facilitated by Pat Van Volkinburg, Academic Programs Coordinator, who then presents student comments at the monthly faculty meetings. Any Kinesiology student can participate, the meetings are open. This is an opportunity to voice concerns and make a difference!

Pre-PT (Physical Therapy) is a newly organized group, for anyone interested in learning about and networking with those in the physical therapy profession.

Organization for Athletic Training Students was formed in the fall of 2003. Their goal is to further enhance the athletic training experience and professional growth of athletic training students. Members of the club recently attended the Great Lakes Athletic Training Association conference. Their future plans include hosting presentations about the athletic profession, and assisting with recruiting activities.

Physical Education Club - Kerry Winkelseth, mentor for the Physical Education Club, said that she is proud of the club members because they serve as valuable role models to younger students with their participation in two programs. They volunteer for an after-school program where they lead and teach a variety of physical education activities. U-Go Girls is a program that meets on Sunday afternoons and introduces girls to a variety of sports hoping to get them started and excited about future participation opportunities.

Student Business Association (SBA) - Sport Business Association members are committed to furthering the personal and professional development of students interested in careers in sport. They are committed to spreading the word about Kinesiology’s unique curriculum and level of expertise, and to help students prepare for the future. The group is involved in several activities with units outside Kinesiology, such as the Business School and LS&A.

SBA members during a recent visit to the Palace of Auburn Hills
— home court of the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Shock

Learn about other student organizations around campus on the Student Activities and Leadership webpage or on the online directory of student organizations on Maize Pages. Also, refer to the Campus Information Center, where you’ll find information on everything from health, safety, religion and movies to hair salons, how to register your bike and things to do in Ann Arbor.

Advising

Academic advising is viewed as an integral part of the educational process. All undergraduate Kinesiology students are assigned an advisor. First and second year students meet with the Office of Student Services until they declare a major. Once a student declares their major, they are assigned a faculty advisor. Although students are responsible for knowing and meeting requirements which appear in the bulletin, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their faculty advisors and the Office of Student Services each term in planning an individualized curriculum and monitoring progress towards a degree.

Office of Student Services Advising and counseling appointments and "walk-in" hours are available.  For scheduling information, please visit the Office of Student Services, 3745 Kinesiology Building, or call (734) 764-4472.

Research Opportunities

“Within Kinesiology, movement is studied at all levels: cellular, whole body, and societal. Much of the research within Kinesiology is interdisciplinary in nature. Studying the complexities of human movement encourages collaborative partnerships with many life sciences disciplines, such as medicine, neuroscience, and bioengineering, as well as fostering links with business, education, and social sciences. We invite you to learn more about research being done in the Division of Kinesiology.” Dr. Susan Brown Associate Professor, Movement Science Arthur F. Thurnau Professor

Honors in Kinesiology

Movement Science Honors Program

The Movement Science Honors Program in Kinesiology offers qualified students advanced coursework and independent research opportunities in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and motor control and development. Students with strong intellectual interests and the commitment to pursue those interests in a rigorous and challenging environment are eligible for the Movement Science Honors Program.

Honors students are expected to pursue a rigorous and diversified course of study. Students must complete the regular Movement Science curriculum as well as advanced coursework, independent study, and the successful completion of an honors thesis, completed during the senior year. Students must maintain a 3.5 GPA throughout the program. Each April, a subcommittee of the Movement Science faculty will review each student’s academic record and recommend continuation or termination. The program will be administered by the Honors Coordinator, the chair of the Honors subcommittee.

For more information, please view the academic requirements section of the Movement Science program in the Kinesiology Bulletin.

Academic Honors in Kinesiology

University Honors - Students who earn a minimum of 14 credits in courses which include 12 credits elected on a graded basis (A-E) and who earn a 3.5 grade point average are eligible for University Honors. This distinction is posted on a student’s transcript by the Office of the Registrar, and recipients of this honor may be invited to attend the annual Honors Convocation.

Degrees with Distinction - Students who have completed at least 60 semester hours at the University of Michigan with a grade point average of at least 3.9 will be recommended for a degree “with highest distinction”. Students who have earned a grade point average of at least 3.7 but less than 3.9 will be recommended for a degree “with high distinction”. Students who have earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 but less than 3.7 will be recommended for a degree “with distinction”.

Multicultural Services

Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs

The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) and the William Monroe Multicultural Center are active partners in the development of students of color – addressing racial/ethnic identity development, cross-cultural competency and personal empowerment.

MESA exists to promote and sustain a sense of community and involvement for students, particularly students of color. Through their programs and services, they endeavor to create a campus inclusive for all students, embracing its many identities and experiences.

MESA list of educational and cultural resources for African Americans, Arab-Americans, Asian/Pacific Americans, Latino/Americans, Native Americans and Multiracial/Biracial Americans.

University/Campus-Wide Resources

The following listing describe a few of the most frequently used University resources and services. A comprehensive list of resources is distributed to new students during orientation. Questions about the University community may also be directed to the Kinesiology Office of Student Services, 734-764-4472.

Campus Information Centers

U-M Career Center

Cashier’s Office

Center for the Education of Women

Counseling and Psychological Services

Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library

Human Resources

Information Technology Division

International Center

Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs

Office of Financial Aid

Office of Lesbian-Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs

Office of the Ombudsperson

Office of New Student Programs

Office of the Registrar

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Services for Students with Disabilities

Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center

Shapiro Undergraduate Library

Student Activities and Leadership

Student Financial Operation

Student Legal Services

Student Organization Accounts Services

University Catering

University Center for the Child and Family

University Health Service

University Housing Office

University Unions

Visitor Information

For specific visitor information on Kinesiology, please see our Visit Us section and the U-M Visitors web page.