Advisory on Commercial Solicitations Mailed to Home Addresses
Every year, families of incoming Michigan students report to us that they receive a number of solicitations to purchase products or services related to moving into residence halls. Some of these solicitations look like they originate from the University because they use “Michigan,” “University,” or “Residence Hall” in the company titles. We do not want you to make a purchase based on the assumption that a company is in any way operating with the prior approval, sanction, endorsement or sponsorship of the University.
When University Housing itself provides a commercial service, we will always make it very clear that it is our program and that we are fully accountable for the service, or that the service operates under an agreement with University Housing.
In addition, we want to let you know that it is our institutional policy never to sell or provide our mailing lists to commercial entities except under very specific and limited circumstances.
We are unable to judge whether companies that approach you will deliver the product or service they offer, or the quality of that product or service. We are unable to follow up on any complaints or problems you may experience in the event you choose to make purchases from these outside commercial vendors. Please be careful about companies that make unsubstantiated claims such as “This is the only way to guarantee carpeting for your room at Michigan.”
There is one group that is authorized to solicit parent and student business. The Residence Halls Association, the student government for University Housing residents, may mail fundraising solicitations to parents, offering items such as linens and bedding and exam snack packages for their sons and daughters in the residence halls.
In addition, University Housing conducts a Vendor Fair during Fall Move-In. Vendor Fair participants are commercial agents who sell or lease products such as lofts, and carpets cut to fit residence hall rooms. Agents who participate in this program meet with Housing in the spring to discuss how they can best serve incoming residents and their parents at Fall Move-In time. Housing does not endorse any commercial agent, including those who participate in the Vendor Fair. Instead, it allows Vendor Fair participants that meet eligibility requirements to feature their products in a venue that does not impede the Move-In process, and offers students an opportunity to purchase items they may desire for their residence hall room.
Students and their parents are under absolutely no obligation to purchase items from the vendors participating in the Commercial Vendor Fair, or other solicitations described here.
CURRENT OR FUTURE COMMERCIAL SOLICITATIONS OR RHA FUNDRAISERS
The following are current commercial solicitations that are either sponsored by University Housing or conducted with the consent and acknowledgement of University Housing.
The University disclaims any responsibility of liability for any misrepresentation by vendors or of items for sale. All transactions are strictly between the buyer and seller of the product or service.
If you are concerned about the authenticity of any other commercial solicitation, please contact the Housing Information Office, 734-763-4104 or housing@umich.edu for verification of its standing.
University Housing Programs
- Refrigerator Rental (Residence Halls)
- Blue Bucks Debit Accounts
Residence Halls Association Programs
- Residence Hall Linens and Residence Hall Carpets (mailed out to home addresses the summer before freshman year)
- Final Exam Care Packages (mailed out to home addresses the summer before freshman year and prior to the end of fall and winter terms)
- Student Advantage Discount Card (mailed out to home addresses the summer before freshman year)
Commercial Vendors
- John’s Pack & Ship (move-in package services; move-out packaging, shipping, and storage services)
- Commercial Vendor Fair, Move-In
