Article by student Zoey Brookbanks, MRADS Program Associate
A major pillar of the MRADS student experience has always been leadership experience. In fact, during our 2025 Alumni Weekend, guest speaker, Dr. Barret Anderson reflected that one of the most significant experiences of his undergraduate education was his time as a “big buddy” in MRADS (then called UROP in Residence). This experience provided him with an early leadership opportunity that is still meaningful to him today. Since Dr. Anderson's time in MRADS, we have expanded these opportunities. We now have a whole ecosystem of student-led support for MRADS students.
The Student Leader Ecosystem
How does this “ecosystem of student support” work?
Students often hear about MRADS from our Recruitment Team, who serve as “ambassadors” at outreach events designed for new and incoming students. These outreach events take place during our admission season, and the Recruitment Team offers guidance to students who wish to apply to MRADS. Students receive admission to MRADS in the summer before their first year at the University of Michigan.
By July, our Orientation Team provides the first touchpoint with incoming students— a video chat, where new students learn about the MRADS experience, get to know one another, and can ask questions. Following this, the Peer Advisors and Peer Mentors send emails to their assigned student-scholars, welcoming them to the university and giving students insights into what to look forward to during welcome week.
Welcome Week is when the “magic" happens! Students arrive on campus in late August and are greeted by Peer Mentors, Peer Advisors, and Resident Advisors. Peer Mentors host a dinner to spark a social connection within their group, while Peer Advisors host meetings to reflect on students' research interests and prepare them find a research position. Amidst all of this, Resident Advisors host connection events, making sure that MRADS students connect with others in the residence hall. These events and activities continue throughout the year, ensuring that students are supported throughout!
How do students become student leaders?
There are many "paths" to becoming student leader, and many students take on different roles during their time in our program. First-year students are introduced to their first leadership opportunity through the option to become an Affinity Group Leader. An Affinity Group Leader facilitates the MRADS Affinity Groups by planning events and connecting with students from similar backgrounds. This experience introduces leaders to event planning and communication skills, as well as extra professional development opportunities and 1:1 mentorship.
By October, first-year students can apply to be a Peer Advisor or Peer Mentor. Both roles build different leadership skills, from forming connections with mentees of different backgrounds to interpersonal skills and conflict management.
MRADS also selects Resident Advisors (RAs) in collaboration with Residential Education. RAs are typically students who have already completed other leadership roles with MRADS and want to continue developing their skills, particularly in event planning and relationship building.
Alternatively, our returning student leaders have the opportunity to become a Peer Mentor Plus. This newly created role provides elevated leadership experience and new responsibilities such as facilitating research discussions, mentoring others, and hosting community events.
Finally, MRADS offers technical roles to students interested in building their skills in administration, team management, writing, and event facilitation. These positions include Social Media & News Program Assistant, Program Associate and Program Assistant, and Program Associate
The Impact:
The student support ecosystem contributes directly to the success of first year students. Moreover, the array of opportunities available to Student Leaders provides ample opportunity for students to learn and grow in their leadership capacity while enrolled at the University of Michigan.
