Photo courtesy of Marc-Gregor Campredon, Office of University Development

A month into the semester, Michigan’s momentum is evident.

The start of fall semester has been invigorating. Across our community, there’s a shared determination to continue Michigan’s progress and pursue new opportunities. As I reminded our students, our campus is filled with great beginnings and unique origin stories. This semester, each of us has the opportunity to create a new origin story. That could mean forging a new friendship, taking a fresh approach to our work, or exploring a new hobby or artistic practice. This semester, I hope you will join me in crossing the boundaries of the familiar.

Open Inquiry

U-M’s culture is defined by the free exchange of ideas; by rigorous scholarship and scrutiny in every field and discipline; and through open inquiry and spirited debate between differing viewpoints.

To help new students engage early with the spirit of inquiry that unites academic disciplines, the Talking Maize & Blue project launched this fall. Led by Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Angela Dillard and Professor Paul Resnick, the online module introduces all incoming undergraduates to Michigan’s traditions of inquiry and dialogue. Learn more or try it yourself here.

Conversations to Celebrate

Dialogue also drives action. Our first ever university-wide Climate Week begins Sept. 27 and will host solution-based events and activities that promote a healthier planet. The 2025 iteration builds on the positive momentum of the sustainability movement, with events planned by Liesl Clark, Director of Climate Action Engagement, in partnership with Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action Shalanda Baker, and many others in our sustainability community.

Meanwhile, the inaugural Michigan Arts Festival features a monthlong celebration of music, film, performances and other activities starting Sept. 25. Organized by the U-M Arts Initiative, the festival is a collaborative effort reinforcing our broader, ongoing commitment to the arts as a transformative force in society.

Our Story

We all have an important role to play in the academic year ahead. It is not an exaggeration to say that the world is watching all of higher education right now – and Michigan in particular.

While we have their attention, we have a crucial opportunity: to show them why universities have been instrumental to the success of the societies they serve. We will keep doing this the Michigan way: by promoting curiosity in our students and discovery at the frontiers of science and technology. We will keep showing up in cities and small towns across the state, where we partner with communities to breathe life back into the Great Lakes and co-create symphonic performances for all to enjoy. And we will continue to elevate our faculty who, through their expertise, bring essential context and insight to topics of national interest.

As the semester gets underway, I am meeting with people from every part of the enterprise. I always expect an uncommon degree of grit from my colleagues, but this year I am staggered by the creativity – and the sheer tenacity – of so many on campus. You truly care about our mission, our students, and one another.

I am grateful to be here again to redefine what is possible in higher education alongside you.

If you would like to share a recent success, question, or concern, I can always be reached at [email protected] and enjoy hearing your feedback.

In anticipation of a rewarding year,

Laurie