No application
Just show up and explore.
Open to all U-M students
Welcome to
Michigan Collegiate DECA
Preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to be career ready.
All majors welcome
Not just business students.
Monthly meetings
Low time commitment.
Why DECA @ UMICH
Professional growth that still feels like college.
Build practical confidence
Practice presenting, thinking on your feet, and solving real business problems in a supportive environment.
Compete on your terms
Choose from dozens of events, work individually or with a partner, and prepare at a pace that fits your schedule.
Meet people beyond class
Join students across majors for meetings, travel, conferences, and social events without an exclusive recruiting process.
A welcome from our president
“We brought DECA back to Michigan to give students a familiar and welcoming business club experience—one where you do not need a perfect résumé or prior experience, but simply the willingness to meet driven peers, compete in case competitions, and sharpen your public speaking skills to prepare for a variety of careers.”
Carson MacMillan
Meet the team
2026–27 Executive Board
Our student leaders keep the chapter welcoming, organized, and connected to Michigan Collegiate DECA.
President & Founder
Carson MacMillan
Sophomore · Business Administration
Vice President
Katie Nahhas
Sophomore · Psychology & EconomicsMinors in Spanish & Business
Student leadership opportunities
Apply for the E-Board.
Take on a defined leadership role and help build a welcoming, low-pressure business organization at Michigan. No previous DECA experience is required.
Applications now openDeadline
Wednesday, September 30
at 7:30 PM
Accepting applications2–3 hours/week
Vice President
Support the President, keep members informed, and help meetings and chapter operations run smoothly.
View full position +
What you’ll do
- Write chapter emails or GroupMe announcements as directed by the President.
- Plan and lead at least one chapter meeting each semester.
- Meet with the President every two to four weeks to discuss chapter strategy.
- Create and manage QR-code attendance for chapter meetings.
- Collect information and feedback from members and help the VP of Finance & Fundraising coordinate fundraising participation.
- Preside over chapter meetings when the President is absent, as provided in the constitution.
What we’re looking for
- Current University of Michigan student in any major.
- Dependable communicator who can follow through on recurring operational tasks.
- Comfortable leading a meeting and working closely with the President.
Accepting applications1–2 hours/week
Vice President of External Communications
Help students discover DECA and document the chapter experience through clear, consistent public-facing communications.
View full position +
What you’ll do
- Create and distribute the chapter’s primary recruitment flyer once each academic year.
- Publish approximately three to five social-media posts per semester promoting meetings, fundraisers, and the State Career Development Conference.
- Collect photos at meetings, competitions, fundraisers, and social events.
- Keep public-facing information accurate, timely, and consistent with chapter branding.
What we’re looking for
- Current University of Michigan student in any major.
- Clear written communication and an interest in social media, photography, or simple design.
- Reliable attendance and willingness to capture content during chapter events.
Accepting applications2–3 hours/week
Vice President of Finance & Fundraising
Plan the chapter’s finances, manage member payments, and lead fundraising that helps make chapter activities and conferences possible.
View full position +
What you’ll do
- Estimate yearly costs for meeting food, conference registration, travel, lodging, supplies, and recruitment materials.
- Prepare a semester budget and present it to the Executive Board.
- Track income, expenses, membership dues, and payment status in a shared spreadsheet.
- Coordinate member payments for dues, conferences, and other approved costs.
- Advise the President and Executive Board on which costs should be paid by the chapter or by individual members.
- Organize at least one fundraising event or effort per semester.
- Submit or help prepare funding requests, including Central Student Government grants when applicable.
- Maintain member fundraising-participation records when participation is required.
- Coordinate state and international conference registration payments with the President.
What we’re looking for
- Current University of Michigan student in any major.
- Organized, dependable, and comfortable working carefully with numbers.
- Available for chapter and e-board meetings throughout the academic year.
Selection processApply by September 30 at 7:30 PMOne-minute candidate speechMembership-wide secret ballot
How it works
Four simple steps. No recruiting maze.
DECA is designed to fit alongside classes, work, and other organizations.
1
Raise your hand
Complete the interest form and join our email list. There is no interview or application review.
2
Come to a meeting
Learn about events, meet members, and decide whether you want to participate.
3
Choose your event
Select a category that matches your interests and compete alone or with a partner.
4
Prepare your way
Use chapter resources and optional practice sessions—then compete when you are ready.
Typical commitment: one chapter meeting per month, plus optional preparation on your schedule.
The chapter experience
Compete together
Competition matters. So do the people, trips, and memories along the way.
01 / 08
Conference information
Compete through Michigan Collegiate DECA.
DECA @ UMICH is a collegiate chapter of the Michigan Association and attends its annual State Career Development Conference. The Michigan Association maintains the official and most current conference information.
Visit the Conferences tab on its website for current costs, registration deadlines, dates, schedules, policies, and the experiences offered at state and international conferences.
View conference information ↗State competitionCase studies · Prepared presentations · Workshops · Networking
Upcoming meetings
Mark your calendar.
Our next chapter meeting will include executive board elections, competitive event information, and the steps members need to complete dues and roster registration.
DECA @ UMICH Chapter Meeting
Sunday, October 11 · 5:30–6:30 PM · 2448 Mason Hall
Hear candidate speeches and vote by secret ballot, review competitive event formats, and learn how to complete dues and roster registration.
DECA @ UMICH Kickoff Meeting
Wednesday, September 16 · 7:30 PM · 3353 Mason Hall
Members met the chapter, learned how DECA works, and explored competitive events.
Monthly chapter meetings
Event selection, skill-building, member updates, and optional social events.
Prepare and compete
Optional practice sessions leading into Michigan’s collegiate competition season.
International conference
Qualified members may continue to DECA’s international conference and celebrate the year.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know.
Do I need to apply?+
No. DECA @ UMICH is open to all University of Michigan students. Complete the interest form, attend a meeting, and decide whether it feels right for you.
Do I need prior DECA or business experience?+
Not at all. We teach the competition format and help you prepare. You can join with zero experience and choose an event that fits your interests.
How much time does DECA take?+
Our chapter meets about once per month. Competition preparation is flexible and largely self-directed, so you can scale your involvement around classes and other commitments.
Is DECA only for Ross students?+
No. Students from every U-M school, college, year, and major are welcome. DECA events span marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, hospitality, management, and more.
Do I have to compete?+
Competition is encouraged because it is the heart of the DECA experience, but you choose your event, partner, preparation style, and how far you want to take it.
What does membership cost?+
Dues and conference costs will be shared before registration. Completing the interest form does not commit you to paying or attending anything.
Interested in joining?
Start with one simple form.
We will send chapter updates, meeting details, and next steps. This is not an application and does not commit you to membership.
✓ No résumé✓ No interview✓ No obligation