Support for Incoming Black Students (SIBS)

SIBS logoApply to be a mentor Mentee interest form
 

Support for Incoming Black Students (SIBS) is a year-long, student-coordinated, peer mentorship program that is open to all first-year students at the University of Michigan (U-M) who are interested in issues that affect the Black community and dedicated to the holistic wellbeing, retention and success of the students in the program. The goal of SIBS is to cultivate a sense of community, enhance community members' experiences at U-M as well as provide intentional mentorship and educational opportunities for students on campus. This includes personal, academic, and professional development opportunities that contribute to fulfilling first-year experience.
 

How it works

  1. Incoming and/or first year students submit their interest for SIBS, and interested mentors fill out a separate application.
  2. Incoming and/or first-year students are paired with a mentor (Big SIB) who assists them with their transition to campus and college life at U-M.
  3. Mentors and mentees agree attend some required events and check in with each other at least monthly.

 

Benefits         

  • The SIBS Lead Team hosts monthly events that provide social and networking opportunities to engage with fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
  • Access to the support and resources of the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs.
  • Up-to-date information about active student organizations, university programs, and campus events
  • Opportunities to strengthen your skills as a student leader and young professional in academia
  • Increased understanding of your identities and those of others
  • Work that involves social justice programming along with race and ethnicity educational conversation
     

Mentee/mentor expectations

  • Attend the SIBS fall kick-off event in September
  • Attend the SIBS Speed Matching event to help us pair you with the best Big SIB for you!
  • Attend SIBS monthly scheduled events
  • Attend the end-of-semester celebration(s) in December and April 
  • Maintain contact with your Big/Little SIB (meet at least once a month)
  • Enjoy being a Black Wolverine!


 


 

Apply to be a mentor or mentee

Let us connect you with a mentor or mentee!


Mentee interest form  Mentor application form  

 

 

 

Have any questions?

If you have questions or are interested in joining SIBS, please contact MESA program manager Jamie Carter ([email protected]), (734)763-9044. You can also email the SIBS core team at [email protected].