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Glossary of Michigan Housing Terms

 

This glossary describes some common terms utilized in Michigan Housing. They are organized into the following areas:

  • General Terms
  • Departments
  • Staff
  • Business Portals and Systems

General Terms

  • Check-In.  Process through which a student formally enters Housing by completing forms and receiving their key/keycard.
  • Check-Out.  Process through which a student formally departs from Housing by completing processes including returning their key/key card
  • Community Living at Michigan (CLAM).  Behavioral expectations for all residents living in Michigan Housing. More information available on the M Housing Policies page.
  • Emotional Support Animal (ESA). Term for animals that have been approved through the Housing Accommodations process to live on-campus to support a resident with a health condition or disability.
  • Housing Contract. The legal agreement between the resident and Michigan Housing.  The contract includes two other referenced documents:  Housing Terms & Conditions and Community Living at Michigan (CLAM). More information available on the M Housing Policies page.
  • Gender Inclusive Living Experience (GILE). Community in Michigan Housing for students of any gender identity who are looking for a safe, inclusive, and supportive living experience.
  • Health and Disability Accommodations (HDA). General term for students who have an accommodation need based on a health condition or disability.
  • Housing Terms & Conditions. Expectations and policies addendum to the Housing Contract. More information available on the M Housing Policies page.
  • HSCR Process.  While living in M Housing, policy violations of the Community Living at Michigan (CLAM) that require follow-up may go through internal, accountability processes including community circles or conduct meetings as referenced in the M Housing Support & Community Responsibility (HSCR) Process. 
  • Michigan Learning Community (MLC). Communities focused on academically-based topics requiring an application to join. Students in MLCs take classes and live together in a designated area within M Housing facilities. To learn more about MLCs please visit the MLCs website 
  • Move-In. General term for the period when students move into their residential space.  This differs by population and type of housing.
  • Multicultural Council. A student leadership opportunity for residents interested in multicultural programming.
  • Move-Out. General term for the period when students move out of their residential space. This differs by population and type of housing.
  • Residence Halls Association (RHA). Student government for M Housing.  See the RHA webpage for more information. 
  • Religious Observance (RO). Term used when students are requesting accommodations for a religious observance practice or need.
  • Restorative Practices (RP). A value that guides Michigan Housing staff to focus on supporting communities, repairing harm when it occurs, and building strong relationships
  • Room Condition Inventory (RCI).  Form completed by every incoming resident to document the condition of their contracted space at time of check in.
  • Theme Community. Interest- and experience-based communities requiring an application to join. See Living Learning Programs for more information

 

Departments

General information about how Michigan Housing is structured can be found on the staff directory page. Select departments and parts of departments that Michigan Housing residents will likely interact with are shown below.

  • Operations: manages room assignments, contracts, package/mail distribution, Move-In, Move-Out, and other behind-the-scenes tasks. This includes the Housing Desk located in the Student Activities Building.
  • Community Connections and Engagement: plays a central role in creating vibrant and inclusive residential communities where every student feels they belong. They focus on connecting diverse groups and hosting meaningful engagement opportunities that foster a sense of belonging and inclusion. The team is committed to meeting the space needs of all students and cultivating multicultural environments.
  • Housing Support & Community Responsibility (HSCR): coordinates care to support students following an incident that poses challenges. This team supports socially just M Housing communities by facilitating support and accountability processes.
  • Residence Education (ResEd): includes staff such as Resident Advisers and Hall Directors. More information can be found here: Residence Education – Michigan Housing

Community Spaces

  • Community Center (CC). The first point of contact for many of Michigan Housing’s residential communities, a place where residents gather, meet peers, and ask for advice.
  • Community Learning Center (CLC).  Spaces designed for student collaboration, often with additional technologies including computers, printers, smart whiteboards and other connection points.
  • Connector. The Connector is Housing’s multicultural engagement center, located on central campus. 
  • Multicultural Lounge.  Spaces for students to engage with, celebrate, and learn about various cultures and identities. More information available here
  • Package Room/Mail Room.  Spaces located within each residential community that receive mail and packages on behalf of residents.
  • Reflection Room.  Rooms located in Michigan Housing spaces across campus that may be used for meditation, prayer, or spending time in quiet reflection.

Staff

General information about how Michigan Housing is structured can be found on the staff directory page. Select positions that Michigan Housing residents will most often interact with are listed below.

  • Building Facilities Manager (BFM). Student Life Facilities staff person responsible for all custodial and maintenance activity for a residential building or area
  • Community Center Assistant (CCA). Student staff person who works in The Connector, providing programming for residents and administrative support to the Community Connections and Engagement professional staff.
  • Connector Community Assistant (CCA). Student staff person who works in the Connector, providing programming for residents and support to the Diversity and Inclusion staff.
  • Community Center Manager (CCM).  Professional staff person who oversees the Community Center and package/mail room functions
  • Diversity Peer Educator (DPE). are part of the live-in student positions that make up ResStaff within the residential communities. They organize monthly educational, cultural, and personal enrichment programs designed to strengthen the living-learning environment. Through events such as heritage month celebrations, educational workshops, wellness gatherings, and music appreciation nights, they not only promote diversity and inclusivity but also foster a robust, connected community. By building relationships with residents and addressing behaviors that negatively impact the community and campus climate, DPEs are dedicated to creating an inclusive space where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
  • Hall Director (HD). Professional live-in staff member that supervises RAs.
  • HSCR Program Assistant (PA). HSCR student staff who facilitate restorative justice community circles.
  • Multicultural Lounge Community Assistant (MLCA). Student staff person who works in the multicultural lounges, providing programming for residents. 
  • Resident Advisor (RA).  One of the live-in student positions that make up ResStaff who work within the residential communities. Resident Advisors foster community building through intentional engagement with residents while maintaining safety and security for all.
  • ResStaff. Blanket term that covers all student staff who live and work in Michigan Housing residences.
  • Transdisciplinary Fellow (TF).  Student position focused on conceptualizing and delivering transdisciplinary programming in Munger Graduate Residences, Northwood Community Apartments and Lawyers Club. 

Business Portals and Systems

Updated 5-27-25

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