S is for Service

Some would say the S in UMSI is for Service, because here we’re all about Service through Information. Honestly, UMSI BY FAR had the most service opportunities out of all the other programs I considered. It’s crazy impressive really.

Some opportunities include:

• Ann Arbor Data Dive

I participated in this in the Fall on one of the teams. We met with our organization, The Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) to understand their data needs. Then on the day of the dive (a day long data analysis event), with the help of volunteers we were able to parse through the NAP data and present our findings in the evening.

• Alternative Spring Break

This is coming up in about two weeks! It’s an opportunity to engage in a social impact project during the break instead of catching up on work (like me) or working on your tan. So noble! The projects are generally local in cities such as Detroit or Chicago.

• Service Week

This happened at the beginning of winter term and consisted of a series of 2-hour data analysis/visualization sessions to help local organizations. This year’s organizations included Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Friends in Deed, CivCity, Ann Arbor District Library, People Against Xenophobia, and more.

• Citizen Interaction Design

This is a year-long partnership with a city to facilitate sustainable projects. Students are supported by staff who help manage the projects.

• Community Impact Projects

Theses are arranged on an ad-hoc basis and generally run through the academic school year. The project types can vary from website usability to app development to facilitating technology adoption.

• Global Information Exchange Program

I remember being really stoked when I learned about this program during visiting weekend! Completing a summer internship is part of the degree requirement to graduate from UMSI. Through this program you can obtain internship credits, travel abroad (this year is South Africa), and offer your services to an organization in need.

And the icing on the cake? Through service you not only positively impact communities using your developing skills, but you also further cements your skills in preparation for future jobs: