“There simply is no university better suited to advance the highest ideals of what a public research university should be.” – President Mark S. Schlissel
The University of Michigan’s presidential initiatives align with our institutional mission of continuous excellence, engagement, and public impact by helping to address societal challenges and enriching lives in our community and beyond. While the COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges this year, initiatives such as Poverty Solutions, Sustainability, Precision Health, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion continued to help address the needs of our community and provide resources to navigate unprecedented times. With more than 300 posts published through U-M social media channels highlighting the presidential initiatives, UMSocial and Public Engagement are committed to elevating the vital work being conducted at U-M.
Here are some highlights from the year:
POVERTY SOLUTIONS
Poverty Solutions launched its first virtual series, “The Poverty Narrative: A Midwest Perspective,” dedicated to a deeper understanding of poverty in the US, specifically in the midwest. The series featured experts discussing poverty issues and exploring strategies for translating complex research and engaging with communities.
Anyone interested in improving the narrative around poverty in the US is invited to join leading academic researchers & journalists from across the country for #PovertySolutions' upcoming virtual conference, “The Poverty Narrative: A Midwest Perspective.” https://t.co/hkRPakoL7u pic.twitter.com/34WxCSHLhx
— University of Michigan (@UMich) June 7, 2020
The Fall Speaker Series invited a wide range of guests to discuss strategies to combat poverty, including state officials leading Michigan’s COVID-19 response, mayors from across the country, and leading scholars and authors.
From state officials leading Michigan’s #COVID19 response and mayors from across the country to leading scholars and authors, this Fall’s #PovertySolutions Speaker Series invites a wide range of guests to discuss strategies to combat poverty. https://t.co/33NjwNczzU pic.twitter.com/sjtdTiIqIA
— University of Michigan (@UMich) September 19, 2020
SUSTAINABILITY
With the success of the university’s campuswide efforts to move toward zero waste, U-M placed first in the large-campus division, a new category this year.
Thank you to all who participated in the #RecycleMania2020 competition! We were proud to take home the win for zero waste! #PlanetBlue https://t.co/Xp224GJf97 pic.twitter.com/QVCni9wCgn
— University of Michigan (@UMich) May 20, 2020
The Virtual Earthfest celebration highlighted various virtual opportunities to learn more about sustainability on campus and within the community.
Join us September 14-18 for the 25th annual Earthfest! Virtual events and activities include an environmental justice talk, meet-and-greets with student organizations, a carbon neutrality panel, chef demo, scavenger hunt, and more! Learn more and sign up: https://t.co/56A7qXETr4 pic.twitter.com/xEiQw4uIwK
— University of Michigan (@UMich) September 3, 2020
PRECISION HEALTH
The Precision Health Virtual Symposium featured speakers and researchers exploring the latest research in the multidisciplinary field of precision health.
Missed the #UMPrecisionHealth Virtual Symposium last month? Watch videos from the keynote speakers and researchers on YouTube as they explore the latest research in the multidisciplinary field of precision health. https://t.co/7pc75cCndA pic.twitter.com/z1TOWjMTGn
— University of Michigan (@UMich) October 18, 2020
Efforts to encouraged researchers to index their COVID-19 research.
#UMPrecisionHealth researchers working on research related to #COVID19 are encouraged to index their research to increase awareness and collaboration among U-M researchers during the pandemic. Learn More: https://t.co/B9hrOkzE9t pic.twitter.com/I1cJExHOYx
— University of Michigan (@UMich) April 9, 2020
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Ryan Perry, U-M junior, and Jumanah Saadeh, U-M graduate student, discuss being a part of the Student Advisory Planning Group that plans the DEI Summit, and what intersectionality means to them and incorporating intersectionality into advocacy work.
The 2020 DEI Summit, “Arts + Social Change: Building an Anti-Racist World through the Arts,” highlighted the intersection of art and social justice and encouraged people to use their voices and talents as mechanisms for change.
