In continuing efforts to embody the mission of the University of Michigan to serve the people of Michigan and the world, the U-M presidential initiatives in 2022 addressed societal issues that affect our campus, local, and global communities through research, engagement, and public impact. Through articles, podcasts, and social media posts, UMSocial and Public Engagement & Impact have elevated and emphasized many of these focus areas, including Sustainability, Poverty Solutions, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Firearm Injury Prevention, and more. While there were many achievements throughout the year, here are some of the top highlights this year:
Academic Innovation
The Center for Academic Innovation advances learning through research and innovation and works to create a more empowered society through its work. In 2022, the center launched new online courses and developed different opportunities for people entering the workforce to advance their career development, build strong resumes, and improve interview and networking skills. The center also partnered with Google to offer essential job training for individuals looking to enter the field of data science.
Arts Initiative
Throughout 2022, the Arts Initiative supported and sponsored the School of Music, Theatre & Dance in their production of Fiddler on the Roof. The Arts Initiative also created and began the first-ever Curator-in-Residence position in partnership with the University of Michigan Museum of Art, and awarded the inaugural Arts + the Curriculum grants which allow U-M faculty and staff to enhance the connection between teaching, learning, and the arts.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
As part of the mission of the university, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has continued its efforts to create a better campus climate for all. This year, the main efforts focused on the university’s commitment to DEI through campus conversations events that will aid in the transition from DEI 1.0 to DEI 2.0, as well as the hiring of the new Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer Tabby Chavous, PhD, and held the 2022 DEI Summit which allowed the university community to participate, experience, and engage with diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention
Within the first full year of the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, IFIP conducted research on a wide variety of topic areas in an effort to continue the mission of reducing and eliminating firearm injury. In 2022, the institute launched a new website, received funding from the National Institutes of Health, introduced its inaugural cohort of faculty members, and collaborated with Columbia University and the Rand Corporation to host the largest national conference related to firearm injury prevention. UMSocial and Public Engagement & Impact helped amplify these efforts and events through strategic social media messaging.
Poverty Solutions
In 2022, Poverty Solutions continued its efforts to prevent and alleviate poverty for individuals in our state and country. To help in this effort, researchers and faculty members focused on school discipline and homelessness, how land contracts affect Detroit residents, and studied ways to reduce child poverty. Members of Poverty Solutions also partnered with organizations such as the Detroit Phoenix Center to provide teens and young adults the chance to develop leadership skills and participate in service projects within their community. The initiative also held their 2022 Real-World Perspectives on Poverty Solutions speaker series where guest lecturers discussed topics related to municipal debt, racial and economic equity, financial reform, biodiversity, and more.
Precision Health
Advancing research and departmental collaboration remains a top priority of the Precision Health initiative as it nears its fifth anniversary. With this milestone fast approaching, Precision Health accomplished a wide range of work in 2022. Researchers and partners within the initiative focused on efforts such as MCURES—which is now utilized within the Michigan Medicine health system—,hosted the 10th annual Michigan Genomics Initiative Symposium, and provided research updates through lectures with the principal investigators.
Public Engagement
To recognize the efforts of faculty who are serving the public good through their research and expertise, the Public Engagement & Impact initiative highlighted a wide array of work in 2022 including elevating research from across the state in the Michigan Impact newsletter, amplifying conversations through the Michigan Minds podcast, and creating an inclusive environment for all through video and article features, all of which showcase the efforts of the university to the public.
Sustainability
Everyone plays a role in creating a sustainable environment for our campus and the global community. To further the involvement of students, faculty, and staff on campus, Planet Blue, U-M’s sustainability initiative, worked with UMSocial and Public Engagement to amplify content that showcases ways we can live sustainable lives. This year, efforts focused on promoting Earth Day through a Michigan Minds podcast series that highlighted faculty and staff sustainability leaders from across campus, communicating how Wolverine fans can do their part through Zero Waste at Michigan Stadium, and focused on student events Earthfest and Harvestfest to engage the community in a multitude of ways.
