University Of Michigan: Student Athletes Count And Contribution

The University of Michigan has a rich athletics tradition, with over 900 student athletes across 27 varsity sports teams. The university's athletic program has a long history, dating back to 1865, and has produced many famous athletes, including Michael Phelps, Tom Brady, and Derek Jeter. The university supports its student athletes with a range of services, including counselling, career development, and performance nutrition.

Varsity and club athletes

The University of Michigan has a rich athletics tradition, with the Wolverines claiming more than 50 national championships across 12 different sports. The University fields 27 varsity sports teams and has over 900 student athletes, with 544 males and 488 females participating in varsity sports. The University's athletic program competes in the NCAA Division I-FBS and is part of the Big Ten Conference.

The University of Michigan provides comprehensive support to its student-athletes, including academic success initiatives, career preparation, leadership development, and mental health services. The University's athletic scholarship fund also provides financial support to student-athletes, with an average of $26,806 in sports-related student aid. The University's athletic development programs aim to prepare student-athletes for success during their time at Michigan and beyond, offering a seamless transition to life after sports.

Student athlete mental health

The University of Michigan is home to a large population of student-athletes, with over 900 varsity athletes and close to 3,000 club athletes enrolled in 2015-2016. These students face unique challenges, such as balancing high academic expectations with the demands of their sport, which can result in increased stress and a higher risk of mental health issues.

The University of Michigan recognizes the importance of student athlete mental health and has implemented various initiatives to address this issue. One such initiative is the Athletes Connected program, which aims to increase awareness of mental health issues, reduce the stigma associated with seeking help, and promote positive coping skills among student athletes. This program is a collaboration between the University of Michigan School of Social Work, the Eisenberg Family Depression Center, and the Athletic Department. It utilizes videos, presentations, and education/support groups to encourage student athletes to prioritize their mental health and provide them with the necessary resources.

In addition to Athletes Connected, the University of Michigan also offers free and confidential counseling services through U-M Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). CAPS strives to normalize seeking mental health help for student athletes, just as they would for physical health issues. They offer individual, group, and couples therapy, as well as crisis support during walk-in hours. CAPS also provides outreach and education workshops to groups on campus upon request, and has created a wellness zone with massage chairs, yoga and meditation tools, and other resources to promote relaxation and decompression.

The University of Michigan's comprehensive approach to student athlete mental health is a testament to their commitment to supporting the well-being of their student athletes. By offering a range of resources and initiatives, they aim to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and empower student athletes to take care of their mental and emotional needs.

Student athlete scholarships

The University of Michigan is home to a significant number of student athletes, with 946 varsity student athletes and close to 3,000 club student athletes enrolled in 2015-2016. These students are faced with unique challenges, such as balancing rigorous schedules, performing well academically, and managing the pressure to succeed in highly competitive sports.

To support these students, the University of Michigan offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Student-athletes can receive sports-related financial aid, with the average aid amounting to around $26,806. Male students receive around $29,027 on average, while female students receive approximately $24,331. These scholarships can significantly offset the cost of college.

In addition to sports-related scholarships, student-athletes can also take advantage of other scholarship opportunities. The University of Michigan encourages student-athletes to pursue study abroad experiences and offers financial support for these endeavours. In most cases, athletic scholarships will cover the majority, if not all, of the associated costs. Even for those who are not receiving athletic scholarships, there are alternative funding options available.

The University of Michigan also recognises the importance of mental health support for student-athletes. With only 10% of student-athletes with depression or anxiety utilising mental health services, the University strives to normalise seeking help. Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free and confidential counselling, as well as group and couples therapy. CAPS also provides a wellness zone, offering massage chairs, yoga and meditation tools, an Xbox Kinect, light therapy, and a relaxing space for students to decompress.

Student athlete support

The University of Michigan is home to a significant population of student athletes, with over 1,000 participating in varsity sports and close to 3,000 enrolled as club athletes. Balancing academic and athletic performance can be challenging and may result in additional stress. Therefore, the university provides various support services to promote the mental and physical well-being of its student athletes.

Mental Health Support

The University of Michigan prioritises the mental health of its student athletes and offers multiple resources to address their unique challenges. Athletes Connected is a program dedicated to supporting student-athlete mental health. It provides restorative yoga sessions, facilitated in partnership with IN-Power Performance, to help student athletes relax and manage stress. The program also emphasises the importance of seeking help and encourages athletes to reach out to their support team, which may include coaches, parents, or friends.

The university's Athletics Counselling Team (ACT) offers a range of services, including prevention, performance, and clinical care. Student athletes can easily access these services by scheduling an appointment or using the crisis support options available. The ACT team includes licensed clinical social workers, athletic counsellors, and a clinical neuropsychologist, ensuring specialised care for the student athletes.

Additionally, the university provides a list of mental health resources specifically for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) students, recognising the importance of culturally competent care. These resources include therapist locators, podcasts, meditation apps, and support groups.

Academic Support

In addition to mental health support, the University of Michigan offers academic support services to help student athletes succeed in their studies. The website provides information on various academic resources available on campus, ensuring that student athletes can excel in their academic pursuits while managing their athletic commitments.

Physical Health Support

The University of Michigan also recognises the importance of physical health and provides resources to support the well-being of student athletes. The Athletic Department offers performance nutrition services and access to athletic trainers to help student athletes maintain their health and optimise their physical performance.

Student athlete counselling

The University of Michigan is home to 1,032 student athletes who participate in varsity sports, with 544 being male and 488 being female. In addition, there were 946 varsity student athletes and close to 3,000 club student athletes enrolled at the university in 2015-2016.

Student athletes at the University of Michigan face unique challenges and expectations that can create unforeseen difficulties. They are expected to excel academically while also performing well in their sport, which can result in additional stress. Student athletes are also surrounded by a culture of toughness, which can make it difficult to ask for help with mental health issues.

To support the mental health and well-being of student athletes, the University of Michigan offers the following resources:

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS offers free and confidential counseling services to all students, including student athletes. Services include individual counselling, group therapy, and couples therapy. CAPS also provides outreach and education workshops to groups on campus upon request.
• Uwill Teletherapy Services: Uwill is an addition to CAPS that provides students with video, phone, chat, and message sessions with licensed mental health professionals at no cost, offering greater flexibility and expanding the university's service capacity.
• Wellness Zone: A space created for all UM students to drop in and relax, featuring massage chairs, yoga and meditation tools, an Xbox Kinect, light therapy, and a space to decompress.
• Athletes Connected: A partnership between the U-M Athletics Department and the School of Social Work to support student-athlete mental health.

Frequently asked questions