Program Overview

Introduction to the Sport Management Immersion (SMI) Program

The Sport Management Immersion (SMI) Program is a unique winter term admissions program for incoming first-year students. A winter term start gives sport management students the opportunity to explore professional or personal opportunities before beginning their undergraduate studies, and then participate in an exclusive summer experience during their first year on campus.

Program Structure

A small cohort of SMI students will take classes together during winter and spring terms of their first year. The class schedule follows an academic model specifically developed to fulfill Michigan SM core requirements, and students have guaranteed enrollment in SMI-specific sections.

Exclusive Spring Travel Course

An exclusive spring travel course, offered only to the SMI cohort, will immerse students in the business of sport through day trips to sports properties and urban entertainment districts in the Midwest, led by sport management faculty.

SMI Program Benefits

• Exclusive Sport Business Travel Experience: SMI students will embark upon an exclusive spring travel experience led by SM faculty that includes day trips to sports properties and urban entertainment districts in the region. Transportation costs will be covered by the school; students needing financial assistance for meals or other incidentals while on travel may apply for a school grant.
• Gap Semester: SMI students will take a gap semester in the fall and start their college classes in winter term. Students can use this time to pursue a job, travel, volunteer experience, etc. before classes begin.
• Learning Community: SMI students will be part of a small cohort that takes classes together. SMI students will have guaranteed course enrollment during winter and spring terms.
• Immersive Core Classes: SMI students will fulfill core requirements for the Sport Management Program through immersive, experiential courses, including:
  • Winter 2026:
    • SM 100: Sport Management Seminar
    • SM 101: Public & Small Group Comm
    • SM 111: Historic & Sociologic Issues in Sport
    • 1-2 LSA classes
  • Spring 2026:
    • SM 203: Intro to Sport Management
    • SM 217: Business Communications
    • SM 246: Marketing Principles
    • SMI Travel Experience
• Graduate on Time: In September 2026, SMI students will join the SM Fall 2025 cohort, fully on track to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sport management in the typical four-year period.

Eligibility and Application

• The January 2026 cohort of the SMI Program is specifically for first-year students who were previously waitlisted for and then accepted into the University of Michigan Movement Sport Management Program.
• Unfortunately, transfer students are not eligible for the SMI Program.
• To be considered, students must officially confirm their interest through Enrollment Connect by May 7, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible for the Sport Management Immersion (SMI) Program?: The January 2026 cohort of the SMI Program is specifically for first-year students who were previously waitlisted for and then accepted into the University of Michigan Movement Sport Management Program. Unfortunately, transfer students are not eligible for the SMI Program.
2. What differentiates SMI from the SM fall admissions cohort?: SMI students will take a gap semester the fall prior to their January enrollment. During that time, students have the freedom to pursue a job, travel, volunteer, or engage in other experiences before classes begin.
3. What can I do during my gap semester?: Students can use this time to pursue a job, travel, volunteer experience, etc. before classes begin. Students shall not enroll in any classes elsewhere at any point prior to enrollment at the University of Michigan in January 2026.
4. Is it possible to enroll with my classmates who will begin in August? Or can I defer my admission to the following fall or January?: No. This special program is for a January 2026 start only.
5. Am I eligible to receive financial aid for the SMI program?: For more information on whether you're eligible for financial aid, please refer to the university's financial aid policies.
6. What are my housing options for SMI?: While it's possible that you can live on campus in Winter 2026, there's no guarantee that residence hall space is available.
7. When is Spring Term 2026?: Spring term runs from the beginning of May to the end of June.
8. If I delay enrollment until Winter 2026, when will I graduate?: It will depend on how you pursue your coursework while enrolled in the SMI Program. Upon successful completion of winter and spring terms, SMI students will join the SM Fall 2025 cohort in Fall 2026 fully on track to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sport management in the typical four-year period.
9. Should I attend summer orientation?: No. Formal orientation for SMI students starting January 2026 will be offered in December 2025.
10. Should I visit campus before I enroll in January?: Prospective students are encouraged to visit campus ahead of enrollment, if they are able.
11. Will I be able to join a fraternity or sorority during my first semester on campus?: First-year students may be eligible to join fraternities and sororities.
12. Are there resources for religious observance?: Yes, there are resources available for religious observance, including an on-site reflection room and meal options that cater to different dietary needs.

Conclusion

The Sport Management Immersion (SMI) Program offers a unique opportunity for incoming first-year students to explore professional or personal opportunities before beginning their undergraduate studies, and then participate in an exclusive summer experience during their first year on campus. With its immersive core classes, exclusive sport business travel experience, and guaranteed course enrollment, the SMI Program provides students with a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.