PLAN, Manage Your Professional Development as a Graduate Student
Unfortunately, Ann Arbor is not a sleepy little college town, and both students and non-students must cope with its crime rate. Like most cities of over 110,000 people, Ann Arbor has its share of robberies, rapes, and other violent and non-violent crimes. Here are some common sense suggestions to help you try to ensure your personal safety and the safety of your property.
The majority of sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows. This means that our ideas about safety have to be broadened to include an examination of our relationships with acquaintances. One means of prevention is to increase our awareness of potential vulnerabilities. The decision about which precautions we take is a personal one based on how comfortable or safe we feel in any situation. Part of making that decision is to realize that it is natural to be uncomfortable or afraid in situations and that it is fine to take precautions or ask for help.
The threat of rape can create mistrust and may put obstacles in the way of forming healthy relationships between men and women because rape is primarily a crime that men commit against women. The following are some suggestions for both men and women to think about.
Make sure that there is explicit agreement between you and your partner about any sexual activity in which you may engage. Realize that it is NEVER okay to force yourself on someone, no matter what the circumstances. It is also important to be aware of sex-role stereotypes (e.g., men must be aggressive and women submissive) and not to play into harmful roles.
Be aware of your own rights in any social situation. If you do not feel comfortable with a friend or a date’s behavior, confront him/her and tell him/her to stop. Assert your right to say no and to do only what you want to do. Another good rule is to be aware of both your surroundings and the behavior of people around you.
In addition, keep in mind that alcohol and other drugs may impair the judgment and ability to communicate for both you and your date.
Contrary to the popular belief of many students, there is more to Ann Arbor than just the University. With about 110,000 residents, Ann Arbor combines big city excitement with small town charm. Many of the recreational and educational facilities provided by the city are described in detail later. Ann Arbor has a lot to offer, and you are encouraged to get off campus and explore the city.
A source of general information is the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, 120 W. Huron St. (995-7281). Several publications can also provide more information about Ann Arbor. The Ann Arbor Observer is a monthly magazine with feature stories and a comprehensive events listing. This publication is usually available to students during the Welcome to Michigan program.
There are many opportunities for self-improvement through several different organizations in town; most offer classes throughout the year and publish catalogs detailing their courses. Gather the catalogs and compare the classes and prices to see what suits you best. The literature rack at the Ann Arbor Public Library is a good place to begin.
Students’ spouses or partners and other persons wishing to take regular University courses as "Special Students" (not as degree candidates) should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 1220 SAB, 764-7433. Persons with undergraduate degrees may take courses through the Rackham Graduate School as non-candidates for a degree. For information, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions, 764-8129. Keep in mind that tuition and fees will still apply. The Center for the Education of Women (764-6005), which can provide information to those interested in other types of adult education.
You might want to check to see what is offered at other colleges in the area. Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti has five colleges (business, arts and sciences, health and human services, technology and education) and a graduate program. Washtenaw Community College is a two-year institution providing technical courses in several fields. Any student who has either a high school diploma, a G.E.D., or is 18 years or older and willing to demonstrate an ability to learn is eligible for admission at Washtenaw Community College.
Here are some other major organizations to check:
Ann Arbor offers a progressive public education system which produces many National Merit Finalists and sends over 70 percent of its high school graduates to institutions of higher learning. To enroll your child in an Ann Arbor public school, go directly to the school he or she will be attending. For further information, call 994-2200 or visit http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us. There are also a number of parochial and private schools in town. For a complete listing of these schools, consult and Ann Arbor phone book or search the internet.
These organizations are usually staffed by student and community volunteers, as well as professionals, and provide free service to anyone who needs them. If you are looking for an opportunity to gain new skills and experience, give them a call.
