Skip to Content

Search: {{$root.lsaSearchQuery.q}}, Page {{$root.page}}

RC Forums: Student Discussion Groups

RC Forums are student-created, student-led discussion groups centered around shared interests. Whether you're passionate about literature, sustainability, politics, gaming, gardening, music, language, or something entirely new, you can create a forum that brings people together around ideas you care about. Unlike most student organizations, RC Forums combine community, conversation, and academic exploration. Students meet regularly to discuss topics, share experiences, organize activities, and learn from one another in an informal, collaborative setting.

Earn Academic Credit

Residential College students may elect to receive up to one credit each semester for participating in a forum. These credits count toward the four RC course requirements for graduation.

Forums are open to all University of Michigan students, but only RC students are eligible to receive academic credit for participation. Forums typically meet for about an hour each week throughout the semester.

What Do Forums Do?

Every forum is different because every forum is shaped by its members. Depending on the group's interests, forums may:

  • Hold weekly discussions
  • Invite guest speakers
  • Organize performances or creative projects
  • Participate in community service
  • Take field trips or excursions
  • Partner with other forums for collaborative events
  • Build community within East Quad and the RC

Each semester, approximately ten active forums explore a wide variety of topics chosen by students.

Start Your Own Forum

Have an idea you'd like to explore? Any RC student can propose a new forum. You don't need to wait for an existing organization or faculty sponsor, if there's a topic you're passionate about, you can build a community around it. Forum leaders work together to recruit members, organize meetings, and plan activities while receiving support from RC staff and fellow student leaders.

Forum Core

The Forum Core is the student leadership organization that supports all RC Forums. Each forum is represented in Forum Core, where student leaders collaborate, share ideas, coordinate events, discuss policy, and advocate for the forum community. Forum Core also helps foster connections between forums through collaborative programming and community-building initiatives.

Interested?

Whether you'd like to join an existing forum or start one of your own, RC Forums offer a unique opportunity to learn with your peers, explore your interests, and help shape the RC community.

Questions? Contact the RC Student Affairs Coordinator (kaurt@umich.edu) for more information about joining or creating an RC Forum.

 

Last updated: 07/02/2026