Living-Learning Advising

Many college students experience stressors that can impact their academics as well as their personal wellbeing. These stressors may be related to mental and/or physical health, accessing accommodations for disabilities, familial or social challenges, financial challenges, navigating the transition to college, and many others. UM offers lots of wellbeing-related resources and support for students, and students can search through these offerings on the UM Wellbeing Collective website.

In addition, the RC offers its own support for students, called RC Living/Learning Advising. We are here to listen, learn about challenges students are navigating, and to partner with you in locating useful resources, strategies, and support.

Connect, Ask a Question, and/or Schedule an Appointment by Sending us an Email

What can Living/Learning Advising help me with?

Navigating the transition to college
Mental and/or physical health challenges (your own and/or supporting loved ones)
Familial, financial, and/or social challenges
Connecting with therapists and/or other healthcare providers on campus or in the local community
Establishing UM disability accommodations
General self-care and wellness
Anything else on your mind!

What isn’t RC Living/Learning Advising?

RC Living/Learning Advisors aren’t therapists, crisis responders, or medical providers.
- However, we are happy to connect you with these (and other) essential resources during Living/Learning Advising appointments!
- If you or someone else needs urgent, emergency, or crisis support, you can find resources here. If you aren’t sure what type of healthcare you need, this webpage can help.
RC Living/Learning Advisors aren’t a confidential University resource, which means that we are obligated to report discrimination, discriminatory harassment, sexual or gender-based misconduct or related retaliation to the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office.
- If you are looking for a confidential resource to discuss these topics without required reporting, these resources are available to you!

Who are the RC Living/Learning Advisors?

RC Living/Learning Advisor: Becca Pickus

Becca Pickus (she/her) is an RC faculty member, academic advisor, the Social Theory & Practice Major Program Head, and an RC alum! She is also the RC Associate Director for Living/Learning. She has a background in clinical social work and facilitated grief and loss support groups for children, youth, and adults for 10+ years. In the RC, she teaches classes on restorative and transformative justice, trauma-informed/healing-centered work, and activism. Becca enjoys partnering with students to identify individualized approaches to navigating challenges and to enhancing holistic wellbeing.

RC Living/Learning Advising MSW Graduate Student Interns: Natalie Hopkins and Meghan McNamara

Natalie Hopkins (she/her) is in her second year of the master’s in social work (MSW) program at U of M. She is passionate about mental health, wellbeing, and community building, as well as environmental justice, social justice, and accessibility.

Meghan McNamara (she/her) is in her second year of the master’s in social work (MSW) program at UM. She hopes to work with adolescents and young adults, and is interested in incorporating creativity and mindfulness into her future work. She is the oldest of five children and loves spending time with her siblings!

Natalie and Meghan began their RC Living/Learning internships in January 2026, and will be here until they graduate in May 2027!
Their Fall 2026 schedules are (available both in-person in EQ or remotely, unless otherwise noted):

Day	Meghan	Natalie
Monday	9 am - 1 pm	9 am - 1 pm (remote only)
Tuesday	9 am - 1 pm	9 am - 5 pm
Wednesday	1 - 5 pm	none
Thursday	9 am - 5 pm	9 am - 5 pm
Friday	1 - 5 pm	1 - 5 pm

How do I connect with RC Living/Learning Advising?

Send us an email at RCLivingLearningAdvising@umich.edu! We schedule appointments individually and around your availability, and have both remote and in-person options. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: Technically, RC Living/Learning Advising is only available for RC students. In rare cases, we are also able to meet with students who aren’t in the RC but who are currently taking an RC class. Everyone is welcome to reach out, and if we can’t help, we will do our best to connect you with someone who can!

Last Updated: 07/29/2026

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