Greetings School Counselors and College Access Professionals,
Spring is a season of momentum and possibility, and I want to begin by thanking you for the critical role you play in supporting students and families through the college search, application, and decision-making process. Your advocacy, guidance, and care continue to make a meaningful difference in students’ postsecondary journeys.
At Eastern Michigan University, we remain deeply committed to access, affordability, and student success. As students consider their options and take the next steps, we encourage them to engage with our spring visit and outreach opportunities designed to help them explore campus, connect with our community, and feel confident in their college choice.
Our Explore Eastern Open House on Saturday, April 18, is a great opportunity for prospective students to visit campus, learn about academic programs and student support services, and experience what it’s like to be an Eagle. For students who have already been admitted, our Flying Home VIP Admitted Student Day on March 28 allows us to congratulate them and provide guidance and support as they prepare to transition from high school to EMU.
We are also looking forward to connecting with you, your students, and their families at the NACAC Metro Detroit College Fair on April 30. These opportunities are invaluable in helping students and families ask questions, gather information, and feel supported throughout the college planning process.
As always, our Admissions team is here as a resource for application support, affordability conversations, campus visits, and student-specific questions. We value our partnership and appreciate your continued collaboration on behalf of students.
Thank you again for all that you do. We look forward to staying connected this spring and beyond.
Sincerely,
Dr. LaJoyce Brown Director of Admissions
FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
Next Steps Checklist
To enroll at EMU, students must login to their admitted student portal at enrollment.emich.edu/status and complete the following:
1 Submit a $55 enrollment deposit
2 Activate their My.Emich account
• Go to account.emich.edu
• Select “Activate Account”
• Enter their EID and NetID (both found in their admitted student portal)
• Select “Activate”
• Enroll in DUO Security: This will be required to set up their account. Visit emich.edu/it/security/duosecurity for more information.
3 Register for Student Orientation Advising & Registration (SOAR) and EMU Connect
Students will also need to complete the following:
Submit the FAFSA at studentaid.gov
• EMU School Code: 002259
Apply for on-campus housing at emich.edu/housing
• There is a $150 application fee
• Students who live more than a 50-mile radius from EMU are required to live on campus.
Send their final official high school transcript after graduation
• Final transcripts must be sent via Slate, Parchment or email from their high school counselor to transcripts_admissions@emich.edu
Accessible education.
94% of EMU freshmen have received some form of financial aid. At EMU, we assist students in managing college expenses by providing affordable tuition, scholarships, and on-campus jobs. All undergraduate students pay in-state tuition — no out-of-state fees!
Eagle Guarantee Scholarship
AWARD Free tuition and on-campus housing support
REQUIRED Must be a first-year student with a minimum 3.0 GPA, be eligible for the Pell Grant and Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and and have assets less than $60k.
→ emich.edu/eagle-guarantee
Presidential Scholarship
AWARD Full tuition and full room and board
REQUIRED Must have a 3.5+ cumulative GPA and 25+ ACT OR a 1200+ SAT score (critical reading and math) OR 3.85+ cumulative high school GPA only.
→ emich.edu/presidential
Emerald Scholarship
AWARD Up to $12,000 per year
REQUIRED Based on cumulative GPA and test scores at time of application.
→ emich.edu/scholarships
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
REQUIRED Must have a parent or grandparent who graduated from EMU and be admitted to EMU with full-time status.
→ emich.edu/alumni
Thursday, April 9
Accessibilty Preview Day with Disability Resource Center
10 AM
At Eastern Michigan University (EMU) our Disability Resource Center (DRC) views disabilities as an integral part of the rich diversity of our campus community and society. Join this accessible tour to visit campus for yourself.
During this event, attendees will:
• Hear from Admissions & DRC Staff
• Connect with current EMU students
• Have lunch on campus
• Take a guided walking tour enrollment.emich.edu/register/ visitwithdrc
Thursday, April 30
NACAC College Fair Metro Detroit
8:30–11:30 AM, 6–8 PM nacacattend.org/26MetroDetroit
Saturday, April 18
Explore Eastern Open House
10 AM–2 PM, Check-in begins at 9:30 AM emich.edu/explore-eastern
Campus Tours:
Daily Monday-Friday, Select Saturdays
Campus tours are ideal for a prospective EMU student and their family. Tours are scheduled Monday through Friday and select Saturdays throughout the academic year.
Group Tours:
Group tours are available for schools or community groups between 15 and 100 ninth-grade students and above. Questions and/or requests for more information can be sent to group_tours@emich.edu
Eastern Michigan University
Board of Regents elects two-time alum and Flint native Dr. Brendan Kelly as next president
The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents elected Dr. Brendan Kelly as the 24th president of Eastern Michigan University, welcoming home a two-time alumnus whose career in higher education leadership, public service and community engagement reflects both the resilience and ambition of EMU’s mission. His appointment also marks a special homecoming with his wife, Dr. Tressa Kelly, herself a two-time EMU alumna and longtime educator. He is set to join the University on March 1, 2026 as president-elect, before beginning official duties as president upon the retirement of President James Smith.
Currently president of the Arkansas State University System and a proud Eastern Michigan University graduate, Kelly has charted a career defined by advocacy,
Throughout his career, Kelly has been known for delivering results while staying grounded in mission. Over his tenure as COMING HOME
accountability and transformative leadership. His election follows a nationwide search for a successor to EMU’s current president, Dr. James Smith, who announced his plans to retire after nearly a decade of service to the University.
“Under President Smith’s leadership, we’ve seen important gains in academics, facilities and community partnerships,” said EMU Board of Regents Chair Nate Ford. “Dr. Kelly will build on that strong foundation, bringing fresh energy and vision to help us expand innovation, elevate student success and deepen our impact across Michigan.
A
personal
journey rooted at Eastern
chancellor/president, he improved student outcomes, expanded market share, strengthened financial stability and forged strong relationships with students, faculty, staff and the greater community.
Kelly earned his Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a minor in Philosophy and his Master’s degree in Communication from Eastern Michigan University before completing his Ph.D. in Political Communication and Rhetoric at Wayne State University.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the next president of Eastern Michigan University,” Kelly said. “This work is personal to me. Ypsilanti and EMU are where many of the seeds for success were sown in my life — not only as a student but later as a scholar and leader. I could not be more honored than to provide the same opportunities to current and future students at EMU.
“I spent my formative years in this state, and I’ve seen first-hand how Eastern Michigan University lifts individuals, families and entire communities,” he said. “That’s why I consider it the greatest honor of my career to serve as Eastern’s chief advocate. I believe deeply in the mission of this university and of the transformative impact of higher education, and I will fight every day to tell our story, elevate and strengthen our impact and continually earn the public’s trust.”
To read the full story on EMU Today, please visit: today.emich.edu/story/story/13176
This work is personal to me. Ypsilanti and EMU are where many of the seeds for success were sown in my life — not only as a student but later as a scholar and leader.”
SCHOOL
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Program
• Prepares our students with the latest knowledge and hands-on skill sets require for future cybersecurity and computing professionals who can build, maintain, and protect networks and computer systems.
• Provides quality education opportunities to both traditional and non-traditional students.
• Supports the computing and cybersecurity needs of regional, national, public, and private sectors.
The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology also offers an undergraduate program in information technology and a master’s degree in cybersecurity.
OUR GRADUATES WORK FOR:
• Apple
• the CIA
YOU WILL LEARN:
• Mercedes-Benz
Offensive Security
Defensive Security
ACCREDITATIONS:
FACILITIES: CLASSES AND RESEARCH ARE CONDUCTED IN THE NEWLY RENOVATED SILL HALL
• Snapchat
• and many more!
Cyber Law
Digital Forensics
• Center of Academic Excellence for Cybersecurity Education Designated by National Security Agency/ Department of Homeland Security
• Computing Accreditation Commission (ABET)
FINDING HOME AT EMU
A Guide to the On-Campus Experience
Beyond the Hollywood stereotypes of dorm life lies a practical, high-impact choice for your students. At EMU, 20% of our Eagles live on campus, trading snowy commutes for total engagement. By choosing to live where they learn, these students gain a front-row seat to every activity, event, and academic resource we offer, all within a few minutes’ walk of their front door.
Ask an EMU resident what they love about living on campus, and they’ll likely mention the convenience—but they’ll also talk about the person they became while living here.
In a 2024 survey of students living on campus, students tell us that living on campus has enhanced their ability to:
• Meet other people
• Live cooperatively, and
• Resolve conflict.
Living on campus promotes students figuring out life, not just finding a place to sleep. That’s why 80% of our residents highly recommend the experience to others.
Do you have questions about housing or would you like to schedule a campus tour for your students? Reach out to us at housing@emich.edu or 734.487.1300 —we’d love to help.
NAVIGATING
THE TRANSITION: A GUIDE FOR FAMILIES
Success at EMU is about more than just showing up; it’s about leaning in. Here is how you can help your students (and their parents) prepare for the big move:
→ Step Out of the Comfort Zone: Encourage students to treat their dorm room as a home base, not a hideout. The magic happens at events, in student clubs, and in the common rooms. College truly is what you make of it.
→ Normalize the “Newness”: Remind your students that if they feel homesick or a little lost, they are in the majority. Almost everyone is nervous—some are just better at hiding it! Validating those feelings early on can make the first few weeks much easier to manage.
→ The Roommate Conversation: For many, this is their first time sharing a bedroom. Start the dialogue now about compromise, respect, and the art of “meeting in the middle.”
→ Financial Clarity: Make sure families review the budget together, keeping in mind that living on campus includes a meal plan—one less thing for the student to worry about, but an important line item for the family to understand.
→ A Safety Net is Always Close: Remind parents that they aren't “dropping off” their child alone.
From the Resident Advisors on every floor to the full-time Complex Directors living in the building, front desk support, and a dedicated university police department, students have a massive support system ready to help solve problems 24/7.
Transitioning to college life is a significant leap for both students and their families. While the road to independence has its hurdles, the rewards of living on campus, the friendships, the self-discovery, and the support, make it a true highlight of the EMU experience. Thank you for helping your students navigate this exciting next step; we look forward to welcoming them home.
Visit emich.edu/housing for details about housing options and the application process.
Beyond the Classroom: Campus Life Opportunities at EMU
The Office of Campus Life promotes student success and belonging by helping them explore new interests, identities, and communities. The office strives to enrich the campus community by creating opportunities that are experiential, impactful, and centered on the diverse identities and communities represented on campus. The team of student employees is the heart of the operation, reflecting the diverse student body and challenging the office to respond to the shifting needs and interests of everyone on campus.
A Community-Wide Impact
The Office of Campus Life is honored to be one of the departments on campus that serves and supports the entire community at some point throughout the year. The office coordinates 84% of its offerings in collaboration with over 30 different departments and student groups. 50% of the events held center on underrepresented or marginalized populations.
Students consistently provide positive feedback on their experiences, rating the events a 4.6 out of 5 stars on average. Feedback has included comments like, “It was the perfect thing to get my mind off school and make me more relaxed” and “The event was well organized and I met a lot of new people.” Another student called an event “Absolutely lovely, one of the best events I’ve ever been to at EMU!”. The events have attracted nearly 7,000 attendees, with 2,700 individual students attending at least one event—representing 40% of the full-time enrolled undergraduate student population.
More Than Just Events
Events are not the only way students can make connections. The Office of Campus Life supports over 150 student organizations by offering a platform for them to share
their mission and offerings, sponsoring their events, and coordinating experiences that help them build effective and ethical leadership skills. These student-run communities focus on developing connections and skills related to academic/professional, cultural/identity, advocacy/service/wellbeing, creative arts/ media/entertainment, and social/recreational interests. They include 19 recognized social Greek organizations across the National PanHellenic Council (NPHC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), Interfraternity Council (IFC), and College Panhellenic Association (CPA).
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) at EMU offers students the opportunity to grow as leaders, scholars, and engaged citizens. These opportunities include leadership development programs, service projects, academic support initiatives, social events, and cultural celebrations. Members also participate in various philanthropy and community service efforts that give back locally and nationally.
The FSL team within Campus Life provides personalized support, resources, and guidance to both individual members and chapters, helping them to succeed academically, operate effectively, and uphold EMU’s values. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles within their organizations and governing councils, which promotes the development of valuable skills such as communication, time management, and event planning. Through FSL, students build lifelong relationships and a sense of belonging while connecting with a network of alumni and campus partners.
To stay connected and learn more about Campus Life and Fraternity and Sorority Life at EMU, follow them on Instagram (@campuslife and @emufsl).
Supporting Student Success: EMU’s Disability Resource Center
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is known for its diverse student body, which includes its strong support for students with disabilities. The goal of the office is to make the process for students and their families as easy and stress-free as possible. It is also their role to ensure that when a student is entering a post-secondary learning environment, the university provides equitable access while they complete their education. The office works to set students up for success, provided they utilize the available resources and approved accommodations.
The Accommodation Process
Students who currently have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan, regardless of their most recent testing or diagnosis, should apply to work with the office as soon as they have an EMU email account. Students who do not currently have a plan may still apply, provided they have a diagnosis from a medical professional. Once the student submits the required information, a case manager will reach out to review what reasonable accommodations would be available as they transition to college life. These meetings can occur in person or via Zoom. The accommodations reviewed are for housing, nutrition, and academics and can usually be completed in one meeting. Once a student is approved, they will not need to go through this process again as long as they remain a student at EMU. The only requirement is to renew their accommodations online when they register for their next semester, as accommodations are connected to individual courses.
Temporary Accommodations and Family Involvement
Students may not realize they can begin this process at any time, as there is no deadline. The office recognizes that unplanned events can occur, impacting a student’s ability to participate in college activities, and provides temporary accommodation(s) for any medical concern or emergency such as a fracture, concussion, or other mental health reason.
A common question from families is about their involvement once a student is accepted. Parents are only as involved as their student wants them to be. A parent may be on a student’s Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the student can invite them to any meeting. However, no changes to an accommodation would be made without the student’s input.
Another question from family members relates to success strategies, time management, and college-readiness. While students often have more one-on-one support in K-12, this does not necessarily transfer once they enter higher education. These are not considered reasonable accommodations because the resources for these are available to all students at EMU through the Holman Success Center. Every student working with the office is provided with referrals to this support center, but it is up to the student to follow through with meetings and utilize the resources.
For any questions about the process, students and their families can visit www.emich.edu/drc, email drc@emich.edu, or call 734-487-2470.