The Connector celebrates 10 years of community and connection

By Amanda McLittle and the Community Connections and Engagement team

You belong here. 

Those three words, seen throughout the Connector, embody Michigan Housing’s commitment to connection, engagement and belonging for all U-M residents. 

Since opening in 2015, the Connector in West Quadrangle has served as a multicultural engagement center and home to Michigan Housing’s Community Connections and Engagement Department. Once the site of the U-M International Center, the space has welcomed thousands of students seeking community, diverse perspectives and campus resources. 

The Connector remains central to residential life—providing spaces for students to access services and connect with fellow residents through regular programming. It is one of several multicultural spaces across campus, alongside 16 multicultural lounges and four reflection rooms.

This fall marks the Connector’s 10th anniversary. A campus celebration took place on Sept. 30, featuring giveaways, food, games and most importantly—community and connection.

In the following Q&A, Amanda McLittle, director of Michigan Housing’s Community Connections and Engagement Department, and her team reflect on the past decade and the lasting impact of The Connector’s mission.

You’ve been with Michigan Housing since the first day the Connector opened in 2015. Can you share what it felt like when the space first opened and what your vision was at that time?

Walking into the Connector for the very first time back in 2015 was overwhelming in the best way possible. I couldn’t believe how much space had been dedicated solely for this innovative purpose—set apart for students to connect, collaborate and build community in new ways. It was such an exciting opportunity to work with students in a setting that was so different from anything we’d had before.

It’s important to note that the original vision for the Connector was actually created by the Director before me. When I started, my approach was to immerse myself in the day-to-day realities of the space. I wanted to observe how students were using the Connector in practice versus how it had been imagined on paper. Collecting feedback directly from students became a priority. We worked to translate that feedback into meaningful changes.

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how the Connector has continued to adapt and thrive, ultimately becoming a place that feels genuinely built around the everyday lives and voices of Michigan students.

Photo of The Connector at its opening in 2016.

Over the past decade, how have you seen the space and your department evolve to meet the changing needs of residents?

Those first two years were a whirlwind of learning and evolution. We found ourselves making numerous adjustments—furniture layouts, program offerings, art work, walls, operational hours—all based on how students truly wanted to use the space. This responsive approach culminated in a major renovation in 2017, grounded in what we’d learned from students about their needs and aspirations and the needs of a growing team.

Since then, we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of events and programs hosted in the Connector. Each year, our calendar has grown, reflecting both ongoing interests and new ideas from students. The Connector has really become a central hub—not only for our student staff and the Community Connections and Engagement staff, but also as a key way we connect with and reach residents where they are. We’ve learned so much about the best ways to engage students, adapting our efforts based on what works and what they’re telling us they want.

With all this growth, we’ve found ourselves bursting at the seams—whether it’s finding space for staff desks, enough storage, or resources to meet all the needs of our residents. Supporting our residents has meant continually adapting our physical space and our strategies as our community grows and changes. It’s been both a challenge and a privilege to grow in step with our residents, always striving to create a space that genuinely supports their experience and sense of belonging.

Do you have a favorite memory or moment that captures the spirit of the Connector during its first ten years?

It’s honestly hard to pick just one favorite memory—there have been so many moments that capture its unique spirit. But if I had to highlight a few, it’s always those simple moments that stand out to me. For example, I love overhearing a student stumble upon the Connector for the first time and then take a picture with someone featured on our wall who inspires them. 

In addition, our large events, when the space is full of residents, parents, and families all enjoying what the Connector represents—a place for belonging, connection, community and support. I’ll never forget during move-in when a parent shared that they wished something like the Connector had existed when they were a student here.

And then there are the quieter times—reminiscing with staff about all the laughter and fun we’ve experienced in the space, or even those quirky community moments, like the year a duck raised her babies right outside our doors. We adopted her as our own, named her Clara, and cared for her as a little Connector community member.

Whether it’s creating intentional programs, sharing small wins, or embracing unexpected communities (of any species!). The Connector has always been about finding belonging—physically and emotionally—for everyone who walks through our doors.

How has the Connector impacted residents’ sense of belonging and community within Michigan Housing?

The Connector has played a pivotal role in shaping a sense of belonging and community for residents within Michigan Housing. Its accessible, central campus location allows students to connect organically—not just with staff and resources, but also with one another. This ease of access helps break down common barriers, encouraging students to drop in for support, guidance or simply a place to pause and recharge.

Connector Community Assistant (CCA) student staff play a vital role by hosting weekly community-building programs that bring residents together in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Whether it’s a board game night, movie night or a casual study break, these activities offer students easy opportunities to meet new people, build friendships and establish a sense of home away from home. 

Our tradition of serving fresh-popped popcorn may sound simple, but it has become an iconic part of the Connector’s identity. It’s a small, intentional gesture that can draw students in, spark conversations and create a friendly, approachable atmosphere.

Student staff show off purple bags of popcorn at The Connector’s 10th anniversary celebration.

Your team has grown significantly since the beginning. What roles or services have been added, and how have those additions shaped what residents experience today?

Over the past decade, the Community Connections and Engagement team has grown significantly, both in size and in the ways we serve our residents and staff. While the Connector is still our home base, our impact reaches far beyond its walls and across the residential experience at Michigan.

A part of this evolution has been the expansion of our MHousing Accommodations portfolio, which allows us to better support students with a wide variety of needs—ensuring that Michigan Housing remains accessible, welcoming and responsive to everyone who calls it home.

A big part of the past decade has been adding new student roles, like Multicultural Lounge Community Assistants (MLCAs) and Connector Community Assistants (CCAs), which allow us to provide more intentional support and outreach—both within the Connector and throughout the multicultural lounges across campus. These team members create welcoming environments, lead community-building events, and help residents engage with Michigan’s diverse cultural communities.

At the same time, we have strengthened and expanded the work of our Diversity Peer Educators (DPEs). These student staff members are instrumental in facilitating thoughtful conversations, leading programming focused on engagement and helping to shape an inclusive climate within our residential halls. Their expanded role means more opportunities for residents to participate in dialogue, learn from one another, and feel truly at home.

Beyond student staff, we’ve launched campaigns like “You Belong Here” to reinforce Michigan Housing as a true home-away-from-home. Through these expanded roles, strengthened outreach, and new partnerships, today’s residents experience a more supportive, connected, and inclusive community—one that honors the legacy of our multicultural lounge program and continues to evolve.

What feedback have you received directly from residents about what the Connector has meant for them?

Student feedback is essential to everything we do—it allows us to continuously adapt to the evolving needs of our residents. Many students have told us that the Connector stands out as a flexible space, offering the perfect environment for both focused study and lively group gatherings. Whether someone wants to settle in for a long study session or just catch up with friends, they feel comfortable and welcome here.

One piece of feedback we hear time and again is about our fresh popcorn—it’s become something of a tradition, and students absolutely love it! It might sound a little corny (pun intended), but these small, intentional touches go a long way in making the Connector approachable and inviting. The popcorn often sparks impromptu conversations—not just about classes, but about getting involved in leadership roles, joining upcoming events, or learning more about the support available to them.

Ultimately, residents tell us the Connector is much more than just a physical space; it’s a community hub where they can relax, connect, and feel a real sense of belonging. That ongoing dialogue with our residents is what keeps us moving forward and ensures the Connector continues to meet their needs in meaningful ways.

Staff use the photobooth at The Connector’s 10th anniversary celebration.

What excites you most about the next 10 years of the Connector?

What excites me most about the next 10 years of the Connector is actually the fact that I can’t predict exactly what’s to come. Over the past decade, we’ve seen the Connector evolve in ways we never could have imagined, from changing up spaces and programs based on student feedback to witnessing the way events and even chance encounters bring people together. 

I’m energized by all the fun, laughter and creativity that will continue to flourish here with our residents. Every year, we’ve seen new ideas and traditions take shape—whether it’s a big event that brings the whole community together, or those small, unexpected moments that make lasting memories, like adopting Claira the duck, or watching a student discover an inspiring story on our walls for the first time.

What excites me most is seeing the Connector deepen its ties to the rich legacy of the multicultural lounge program—becoming a space where everyone’s backgrounds and stories are celebrated. I’m hopeful for the future knowing we’ll continue to adapt, support our residents and create a welcoming community for whatever comes next.

What advice would you give to students today on how to make the most of spaces like the Connector and the multicultural lounges across campus?

Be open to opportunities and new experiences, and where you might find them. Your time at Michigan is what you make of it, so attend the event that sounds cool even if you don’t have someone to go with you and ask for help even if you are nervous. We hear from many students who wished they knew of our resources earlier in their time here, so get to know the support available to you on campus.

At the end of the day, you are here to learn; but learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. 

Spaces like the Connector and the multicultural lounges are great ways to learn about yourself and others that you won’t find in a textbook or on an exam. They are where connections with new people and memories are made. So get involved with leadership opportunities on the Multicultural Council, come to the Connector every Tuesday for popcorn and meet new people. You are more than welcome because you belong here.

Vice President of Student Life, Dr. Martino Harmon, arrives at The Connector’s 10th anniversary celebration.

When you reflect on the past decade seeing the evolution of the Connector, what makes you most proud?

When I look back on the past decade and see how the Connector has evolved, what makes me most proud is the strong, vibrant community we’ve built together—one that’s deeply rooted in the values and history of Michigan Housing. Using the foundation of the Connector itself, the legacy of the multicultural lounge program, and the strong history of Michigan Housing, I’ve been able to assemble an incredible team who are just as committed to supporting students and building belonging in this space.

I’m proud of how we’ve continually listened to residents, adapted to their needs, and created a space that’s more than just a physical hub—it’s a true home base where students feel seen and supported. I think about all the moments, big and small, when the Connector has brought people together: a resident taking a photo with someone who inspires them on our wall, huge events packed with energy, and even adopting Claira the duck as an honorary member of our community!

But even beyond the fun and connections, I’m most proud of how our work honors the rich history of Michigan’s multicultural lounges and ensures that the Connector will continue to serve students for years to come. My greatest hope is that I’ve helped create a space and a team with the resilience and heart to thrive long after I’ve moved on, continuing to adapt, grow, and be a welcoming center of community for generations of Wolverines. That’s the legacy I treasure the most.

And finally, if you had to describe the Connector in just three words, what would they be?

If I had to describe the Connector in just three words, I’d personally choose three C’s—Celebration, Collaboration, and Community. We use the Connector as our guidepost for everything we do, and I think those words really reflect the spirit and purpose of the space.

But I also thought it was important to turn this question over to the community we serve, because their perspectives bring the Connector to life. Some of the great ideas they shared were:

I love that these phrases capture the many different ways people experience the Connector—whether it’s as a place to connect, relax, learn, or just enjoy some popcorn! Ultimately, it’s the people who use the space who give it meaning, and I’m always inspired by how they describe it.

Students at The Connector 10th anniversary celebration.

This article is originally posted on the University of Michigan Student Life Staff Site. Requires login credentials to view on site.