Description

This is the list of messages related to German at the University of Michigan. You generally receive these messages on Tuesday via email, and you will see them posted on Canvas (German Advising Mail at University of Michigan). If you have any questions, please see the German Department advisors Kalli and Mary Rodena-Krasan.


Tuesday, August 4, 2026

German Advising Contact Information With Office Hours From Tuesday, August 4 - Wednesday, August 12

You can reach the German advisors through a general email: germanadvising@umich.edu

We have two advisors for German undergraduates:

* Mary Rodena-Krasan (MLB 3128; mkrasan@umich.edu)
Until the end of July, Mary is available via email appointment only.
Mary's Link for Office Hours: https://umich.zoom.us/j/92765512004

* Karl-Georg Federhofer (MLB 3422; kallimz@umich.edu)
My office hours this week are:
Tuesday, August 4: 8-5 p.m. (only via Zoom),
Wednesday, August 5: 8-5 p.m. (only via Zoom),
Thursday, August 6: 8-5 p.m. (only via Zoom),
Friday, August 7: 8-5 p.m. (only via Zoom),
Monday, August 10: 8-5 p.m. (only via Zoom),
Tuesday, August 11: 8-5 p.m. (only via Zoom),
Wednesday, August 12: 8-5 p.m. (only via Zoom),
and by appointment.
My Zoom Link for Office Hours: https://umich.zoom.us/j/909147087

It is best to schedule appointments, which you have to do by 4 p.m. on the previous day. You can schedule appointments with us here: https://myadvising.lsa.umich.edu/appointments/offices/GERM

If you would like to get in contact with a peer mentor in our Department, please write to: germanpeermentors@umich.edu.

Student Panel for New Instructor Orientation: Thursday, August 27, 11-12 p.m., MLB 3308

Hartmut Rastalsky, director of First- and Second-Year German, asks if any of you would be available on Thursday, August 27, 11-12 p.m., to be on a student panel for our new instructor orientation, in 3308 MLB. We will have 2 new instructors, who will be teaching German 101 this Fall. This panel is one of the highlights of our orientation each year. After discussing teaching in our small group of teachers for the previous three days, the new instructors are always excited to hear from actual students!

A panel of 3-6 students would be ideal, and it would be especially helpful (but not essential) if you have taken German 101 here recently. Each of you would speak briefly (this will be quite informal) on some things you liked about your 101-232 classes here, and anything you wish had been done differently. Afterwards, the new instructors would ask you some questions.

If you have time and will be in town then, please just send Hartmut (hmr@umich.edu) a quick reply. He will send you a reminder with some additional information on the day before the session.

German Park: Saturday, August 29, 4-11 p.m., 5549 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor

The German Park Recreation Club Est. 1938 hosts three picnics the last Saturday in June, July, and August. Admission gates are open 4-9 p.m.; the Park closes at 11 p.m.

* Live Music
* Authentic German Food and Beer
* Live German Dance Performances

* Cash Only Event
* $10 Entry
* Tickets for food/drinks after entry

Website: https://www.germanpark.org/

Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Sunday, August 30 (Campus Deadline)

The Institute of International Education (IIE), on behalf of the U.S. State Department, administers the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which offers research, study, and teaching opportunities in over 140 countries to recent graduates and graduate students. This competition is administered on campus by the International Institute.

In 2025-2026, the University of Michigan was a "top producer" of finalists for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Website: https://ii.umich.edu/ii/funding/fulbright-program/fulbright-us-student.html

Study Abroad in Germany - Winter 2027 in Tübingen: Tuesday, September 15 (Application Deadline)

The Tübingen program, which is organized through the Center for Global and Intercultural Studies (CGIS), takes place in the Winter term, and it is intended for students who have completed at least German 221/231 by the end of the Fall 2026 term. The German Department strongly recommends that you precede your stay in Tübingen by attending one or two three-week sessions at the Goethe Institut.

This Goethe Institut segment is not part of the CGIS program itself. Please talk with Mary or me about the Goethe segment.

The CGIS portion in Tübingen will start early in March with a mandatory 'Startkurs' (up to 6 credits). While you will be enrolled for the Winter 2027 term at the University of Michigan, you will then take classes during the 'Sommersemester' at the Universität Tübingen (mid April - late July). You will earn 15-18 credits for Winter 2027: the courses that you take in Tübingen can be language courses for international students or regular university courses.

Various university courses outside the English Department are taught in English. Tübingen credits can be used to satisfy degree requirements for a German major or minor.

For more information about the Tübingen program and to apply, use this link: https://mcompass.umich.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=10248

Study Abroad in Germany - Social Sciences and Humanities in Berlin (Winter 2027): Tuesday, September 15 (Application Deadline)

This English-taught IES program is designed for students without a German language background who are looking for an in-depth look at the culture and context of the metropolis of Berlin. German majors should consider the University of Michigan programs in Freiburg and Tübingen.

The program examines issues relevant to major cities today, such as architecture, cultural identity, gender and sexual politics, multiculturalism, popular culture, and urban studies. Wherever possible, courses take advantage of the city’s many historical, artistic, and cultural sites. A 4-credit German language course is required for beginning and intermediate students. On-site staff help the students integrate into life in Berlin. Learning is enhanced by an extended course-related trip to Vienna or Warsaw and various day trips to German cities. During free time, tour neighborhoods and visit museums to gain a better understanding of Germany’s complex history and culture.

Eligibility:
* Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing
* Good academic standing
* Minimum 2.75 overall GPA
* No previous German language study is required

Academics:
Students must take 13-16 credit hours per semester. One German language course (4 credits) is required for beginning and intermediate students. All other courses are taught in English and worth 3 credits unless otherwise stated. Two week-long field trips will be included in the program, as well as day excursions that complement your learning in the classroom and contribute to a general knowledge of German culture and society.

Please see program website (IES) for details.

For more information about the Social Sciences and Humanities in Berlin program and the application material, go to: https://mcompass.umich.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11723

CGIS Study Abroad Fair: Tuesday, October 8, 12-4 p.m., Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom

Curious about studying abroad as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan? Come explore everything the Center for Global and Intercultural Study has to offer and find the best program for you!

CGIS is part of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), but all University of Michigan undergraduates are welcome to apply to its programs.

No matter who you are, where you come from, or what you are studying, a study abroad experience is available to you during your time at Michigan.

Get your questions answered! Come chat with:
* CGIS Program Advisors
* Recent U-M study abroad students
* Financial Aid and the LSA Scholarships Office
* Newnan Academic Advisors
* Other on-campus offices

Several study abroad offices from around campus will also be present.

With over 120 CGIS programs in 40+ countries ranging from a few weeks to an academic year, there are many options to choose from.

If you want to learn more about how to satisfy your major/minor requirements abroad, how to afford study abroad, how to travel with other University of Michigan students on a faculty-led trip, or want to know what to expect, be sure to add this event to your calendar and drop by.

Website: https://lsa.umich.edu/cgis/news-events/all-events.detail.html/119402-21842681.html