Enrollment

Takeaways from the Oct. 15 Conversation with the Chancellor

lblouin — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:59:47 +0000

Takeaways from the Oct. 15 Conversation with the Chancellor lblouin Mon, 10/21/2024 - 08:59

The past few years have been a historically tough time for higher education, but last week’s Conversation with the Chancellor event was full of good news for ��-Dearborn. Enrollment is up. This year’s budget features a small surplus. The university’s capital campaign is off to a solid start. And the university is taking important steps on new initiatives, like broadening its DEI efforts. If you weren’t able to attend the event, we’ve recapped some of the big takeaways below. Or you can watch the full Conversation with the Chancellor.

There’s a lot of good news on enrollment and the university budget

In the past few years, demographic challenges and the pandemic have made it a historically challenging time for higher education, with enrollments declining at hundreds of institutions across the country. ��-Dearborn actually fared better than most universities over the past few years. In 2023, the university even welcomed its largest first-year class. But in 2024, it’s unequivocally good news on enrollment. This year’s incoming class of full-time, first-year students is up 4.7%. Transfer and graduate student enrollment is also up. And for Grasso, the brightest of the bright spots are the 9% increase in the four-year graduation rate over the past three years and the 2% increase in the six-year graduation rate compared to 2023. “Our students are taking more courses, which means that they’re going to graduate faster, which means everything is going in the right direction,” Grasso said.

This encouraging enrollment picture is translating into a healthier university budget. Grasso noted that universities can, and often do, grow enrollment while still losing money because of generous subsidies to student tuition. But at ��-Dearborn, we’ve also increased our net tuition revenue. In fact, for the first time in several years, the university has a small budget surplus.

The capital campaign is off to a solid start

Speaking of money, the university is in the midst of its latest capital campaign, which has been dubbed “Look to Michigan” to highlight the state's potential to solve big-picture societal problems and the vital role higher education plays in that. ��-Dearborn has yet to publicly announce its fundraising goal for the campaign, but Grasso shared that we’ve already raised about $25 million. The public launch of the campaign is Oct. 25 and the university will be hosting a major fundraising event at the newly renovated Michigan Central Station in May 2025.

What ‘institutional neutrality’ means for ��-Dearborn

Grasso also discussed a proposed institutional neutrality bylaw, which the U-M Board of Regents was reviewing at the time of the Oct. 15 Conversation event and ultimately approved at their Oct. 17 meeting. The new policy means the U-M president, members of the president’s leadership team (which includes the Dearborn and Flint chancellors), deans, directors, department chairs and others authorized to speak for the university or an academic unit will not, on behalf of the institution, make public statements on social or political issues that are not directly connected to internal university functions. Grasso noted that his office already has a similar set of principles that inform his public statements, though it has not applied to deans and other university leaders. You can read more about the new institutional neutrality bylaw in this article from The Record. Relatedly, ��-Dearborn recently updated its expressive activities policy, which governs its approaches to things like protests, demonstrations and free speech on campus.

The future of DEI at ��-Dearborn

One of Grasso’s big priorities for 2024-25 is getting the Office of Holistic Excellence off to a good start. Created in early 2024, the office is spearheading diversity, equity and inclusion-related efforts at the university, but Grasso noted its vision is much broader than the traditional scope of DEI. While the university will continue efforts to improve student, staff and faculty demographic diversity on campus, he also wants to focus on measurable initiatives that enable students from diverse backgrounds to develop their full potential and make the university a richer place. “There is a narrative that seems to be on campus that we’re walking away from DEI. Nothing could be further from the truth. We’re doubling down on the essence and foundations of DEI,” Grasso said. “[We want to] understand what individuals are bringing not just by their demographic characteristics, but by their life experiences, their perspectives. This is why this is a more holistic approach.” You can read more about Grasso’s views on DEI in our recent article, “Can we still find a path to civil discourse?”

Other highlights

The Renick University Center’s first floor renovation remains on track to be completed by early next year.
Grasso announced that the Facilities team is putting together a plan for installing natural plantings around the campus parking lots so the front door to the university isn’t a “sea of cars.” You can read more about ideas to improve the front entrance of campus on the comprehensive campus plan.
Could the university’s budget surplus translate into a mid-academic-year bonus? Grasso teased such a possibility (to spontaneous applause). He promised additional details later this year.

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Story by Lou Blouin

Administration & Governance

Enrollment

Inclusion or Diversity

University-wide

Chancellor

Off

Mon, 10/21/2024 - 12:59

Couldn’t make last week’s town hall with Chancellor Domenico Grasso? We have a recap of some of Grasso’s takes on enrollment, the budget, the current capital campaign, institutional neutrality and ��-Dearborn's new Office of Holistic Excellence.

Vice Chancellor for External Relations Ken Kettenbeil (left) talks with Chancellor Domenico Grasso in Kochoff Hall on Oct. 15, 2024.

First-year enrollment is highest in university history

stuxbury — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:05:59 +0000

First-year enrollment is highest in university history stuxbury Wed, 09/27/2023 - 15:05

Fall 2023 enrollment highlights:

Largest first-year class enrollment in history
Transfer student numbers are up 7%, a second year of growth
Credit hours are up, meaning more full-time students
The incoming class GPA remained 3.7 and the class is more diverse
Graduate enrollment numbers are down
Overall enrollment down 2% from last year
Strategic Enrollment Management Plan and state investment driving undergraduate increases
Four-year graduation rates increased 5% over last year’s 3% increase, which is contributing to fewer students on campus

More first-year undergraduate students enrolled at ��-Dearborn this fall than any other year in the university’s 64-year history.

Up 15% over last fall, the newest Dearborn Wolverine class came in at 1,157 students. The previous First Time In Any College (FTIAC) enrollment record was 1,107 in Fall 2017.

Course loads up, state support making a difference

The percentage of undergraduate students taking full course loads — which often leads to a more focused graduation path — is 79% in 2023, compared to 76% in 2022. In addition, the four-year graduation rate for FTIAC students saw an increase of nearly 5% over the prior year’s increase of 3%, and the transfer three-year completion went up nearly 4%.

“Our historic first-year enrollment is the result of hard work on behalf of the entire enrollment management team, and faculty and staff across campus. Enrollment and student success are priorities for all of us and we all play a part in the student experience,” said Chancellor Domenico Grasso. “Our shift to block tuition rates and other student success initiatives are having a positive impact not only on enrollment, but graduation rates as well.”

Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Melissa Stone said she can point to a few reasons for the record FTIAC enrollment. One is the university’s more targeted marketing approach. “It’s been three years since we implemented customized communication to prospective students so we share information that is most relevant to their needs. The students we began building relationships with in their sophomore year of high school are now entering college,” Stone said. “This is an example of a longer-term strategic enrollment plan initiative that is now yielding results.” The customized communication is one facet of the university’s comprehensive Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, which provides a process and framework for enrollment success.

Stone said the State of Michigan’s Michigan Achievement Scholarship also played a role in the increased number of students. The scholarship offers up to $5,500 per year, for up to five years, to Michigan high school graduates attending a Michigan public university. Stone said more than 60% of first-year ��-Dearborn students received this award.

State organizations also continue to support access to higher education. For example, a new statewide Michigan Assured Admission Pact, which was announced last week by the Michigan Association of State Universities, will help streamline the college admissions process. Beginning in Fall 2024, 10 participating MAAP universities, including ��-Dearborn, will admit in-state high school graduates who have earned a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.

More students attending full time, graduating sooner

In overall Fall 2023 numbers, ��-Dearborn’s enrollment is down 2% when counting the number of students, but up 1% in credit hours. Stone said the slight enrollment decline is in part due to a piece of good news: students are graduating sooner. “It’s great to report that more students are attending college full time and graduating at faster rates. That is what we are here to help them do,” Stone said. “As positive as this news is, it is a reason why overall enrollment decreased a couple percentage points.”

Fall 2023 student enrollment is 8,037 students (6,071 undergraduates, 1,966 graduate-level), compared to 8,224 in Fall 2022. The incoming class saw a 1% increase in students of color. The total student population increased from 29% to 31% students of color.

Contributing to the overall enrollment decline is a decrease in graduate-level student enrollment, Stone said. Comparing domestic in-state graduate-level enrollment to pre-pandemic levels (Fall 2019), new graduate student enrollment is down 32% and down 45% among domestic out-of-state students, Stone said. Data from research centers like the National Student Clearinghouse has shown shrinking graduate enrollment is a national trend. Stone said factors may include steady employment rates, a labor shortage and experts forecasting a recession by early 2024.

On the international graduate enrollment side, Stone expected to see some decline after Fall 2022’s record numbers, which were attributed to a pent-up pandemic-related demand. When compared to pre-pandemic numbers (Fall 2019), however, Stone said international graduate enrollment increased 19%. In addition, the two-year graduation rate for masters-level graduate students saw an increase of 22% over the prior year, a direct result of more full-time international graduate students who graduate on time, but this also impacts overall enrollment.

Stone said the university is addressing the graduate enrollment challenge by seeking feedback from industry partners to further learn about educational needs, assessing current programs and restructuring a top-level leadership position. Showing the university’s commitment to graduate-level education, Vice Provost for Research Armen Zakarian was appointed the dean of Graduate Studies earlier this month. Zakarian will provide support for the development and implementation of new graduate academic programs and the revision of existing programs.

Investments in student support continue

Stone emphasized that the university continues to invest in undergraduate programs and resources. The university offers resource-connecting initiatives like the Wolverine Mentor Collective and Learn4ward, and scholarships like the Dearborn Comeback and the Go Blue Guarantee. Dearborn Support offers assistance with non-academic needs to keep students on the path to graduation.

The university’s record first-year enrollment is something to celebrate, but Stone — and nearly everyone paying attention to higher education trends — wonders: will the boost in first-year student enrollment across the state continue?

According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, the number of high school graduates in Michigan is expected to decline by 11.4% from 2022 to 2037. However, with only about half of students in Michigan pursuing college (52.8% in 2022), there is room for growth. And Fall 2023 FTIAC numbers show that with state investment, students are interested in enhancing their knowledge and skillset.

“I’m proud of the work done at ��-Dearborn and throughout the state to better connect students with ways to make college accessible. The people on this campus know how access to education can change the trajectory of a student’s life,” Stone said. “We have strong students who are here to succeed, and wonderful faculty and staff who are giving their all to help these students reach their dreams.”

Get more information on ��-Dearborn’s Fall 2023 enrollment and trends.

Article by Sarah Tuxbury.

Enrollment

University-wide

Graduate Studies

New Student Engagement

Undergraduate Admissions

Off

Wed, 09/27/2023 - 19:05

��-Dearborn welcomes a record-breaking incoming class. Also, Fall 2023 numbers show an increase in transfers, a decrease in graduate students and the impact of state support.

Photos of students walking on campus during the Fall 2023 semester. Fall 2023 shows record enrollment for first-year students. Photos by Michigan Photography

What’s next when it comes to recruitment and retention

stuxbury — Mon, 15 May 2023 18:18:10 +0000

What’s next when it comes to recruitment and retention stuxbury Mon, 05/15/2023 - 14:18

College professors, support staff and campus administration know that students are more than a number — they are leaders, learners, researchers and mentors. But to make sure ��-Dearborn stays competitive and offers a quality education, meeting enrollment each semester is a necessary reality to manage a balanced budget.

“In higher education circles, there is understandable concern around the enrollment cliff,” said Vice Provost of Strategic Enrollment Management Melissa Stone. “I want to let people know that while there are challenges to address, the campus is well positioned to manage through these.” Stone said a draft SEM Plan, released in February 2023, was an important first step in developing a holistic understanding of ��-Dearborn’s enrollment environment and developing strategies that are goal-oriented, actionable, measurable and aligned with ��-Dearborn’s Go BluePrint for Success Strategic Plan.

“We appreciate the campus feedback to date and we’re excited to move into the next phase and continue to work collaboratively across campus to execute the plan,” said Stone. “This living document brings faculty, staff and administrators onto the same page and unites our current and future efforts around recruitment, retention and student success.”

The plan has been updated in response to feedback from the campus community over recent months. A new SEM Plan Executive Summary has also been finalized and provides a broad overview of the plan. The plan will be executed, with guidance by the SEM Executive Committee, in conjunction with existing committees and governance. Stone said the campus is encouraged to stay engaged, as achieving enrollment goals requires everyone’s commitment to executing impactful change.

Stone recently discussed some of the key initiatives in the plan, the different student population needs and some initiatives moving forward. Urana Pridemore, director of undergraduate enrollment, and Trista Wdziekonski, executive director, graduate enrollment management, also provided comments for this story.

First-year students need to know what makes ��-Dearborn different.

Looking at ��-Dearborn’s numbers over a 10-year span, first-year student enrollment has remained relatively stable. But the number of students who are college ready and seeing the value of a college degree will continue to challenge the university’s first-year recruitment.

Stone said prospective first-year students want to see for themselves what sets ��-Dearborn apart. The best way to do that is to showcase that they are earning a Michigan degree and having impactful experiences — like practice-based learning courses (classes with active engagement and industry-based learning outcomes) and undergraduate research opportunities. Sharing success stories from current students or recent graduates that highlight why they should choose ��-Dearborn over competitors is an important message and a key component of the plan.

A critical strategy in the SEM Plan is developing, in conjunction with colleges and faculty, enhanced and customized campus experiences — like tours and events — that highlight PBL, research and the more personalized and supportive experience students receive on our campus.

The plan also emphasizes the importance of developing a 21st century non-residential experience, as defined in the strategic plan, while still highlighting other campus experiences students can leverage at ��-Ann Arbor, such as offering free season football tickets to the incoming first-year class. These are key components to showing students they can have a more engaging classroom experience while still accessing other exciting extracurricular activities, Stone said.

The plan also calls for engaging with high school students earlier and specifically identifies programs that have a unique dual enrollment initiative, like one with Detroit Public Schools that’s in the works. Under that initiative, students will be able to earn an undergraduate certificate while in high school.

The plan also highlights a new college-ready program with Dearborn Heights School District No. 7 that begins to work with students as they enter high school. “These are just the beginning of what we envision as new exciting partnerships we will be developing with even more high schools across our region,” Stone said.

Transfer students want seamless admission pathways.

At one time, 50% of ��-Dearborn’s new undergraduates each year were transfer students. Over the last decade, that number has dropped significantly, with only 35% this past year.

Urana Pridemore, director of undergraduate enrollment, pointed to a couple reasons for this change — and then shared some ways the SEM Plan addresses each.

Pridemore said community colleges where ��-Dearborn students typically transfer from have seen declining enrollment — for example, Wayne County Community College went from 55,705 students during the 2017-18 academic year to 25,582 students in 2021-22.

��-Dearborn's top partner, Henry Ford College, experienced a less significant drop (from 19,004 to 16,524) during the same time period. This still impacts the transfer pipeline and requires the university to focus more intentionally on transfer recruitment to rebuild transfer enrollment knowing there are fewer students, Pridemore said.

To reach the students who do want to transfer, the SEM Plan calls for simplifying the process and building on community college transfer partnerships that have been recently created or are in the works. One example is Henry Ford College and ��-Dearborn’s Learn4ward to a Michigan Degree, a program that takes the guesswork out of transferring and helps alleviate concerns over college acceptance, transfer credits and tuition costs. Learn4ward is a part of Destination Dearborn, ��-Dearborn’s overarching initiative for transfer students from two-year colleges that provides enhanced academic advising, increased financial aid, career-ready resources and more.

The plan also calls for better aligning staff. Recognizing that transfers have unique needs, the SEM Plan includes a strategy to institute staff focused specifically on transfer recruitment to help the university regain the transfer pipeline.

Domestic graduate student recruitment will expand — and recommendations from two key working groups addressing international student needs are forthcoming.

Trista Wdziekonski, executive director of graduate enrollment management, said that while international graduate student numbers reached record highs in 2022-23, much of this was due to pent up demand caused by pandemic-related influence. She noted, “As the world adjusts to our new post-pandemic normal and international students consider all their options, we are seeing how markets and the global economy are shifting and if this rebound can be sustained on our campus. We must continue to be welcoming and meet the needs of this important segment of our graduate enrollment.” To help with this, an International Student Services work group led by Office of International Affairs Director Francisco Lopez has been charged with identifying gaps in international student support services and exploring solutions for how we can address them in the future.

Directly related, a Housing and Transportation Workgroup, co-led by Business Affairs Lead Business Officer Marc Brigolin and Wdziekonski, is currently considering how to better systematically support roommate and affordable housing connections. They are also addressing transportation issues that arise when students do not have vehicles in a limited public transportation setting. Providing housing and accessible transportation options helps with recruitment, builds a better community for all students and creates a stronger connection to ��-Dearborn overall.

Stone said volatility will always play a part in international student recruitment, so the plan calls for more intentional efforts around domestic graduate student recruitment and enrollment. This includes considering strategies for rebuilding the graduate pipeline in southeast Michigan and meeting the needs of local industries. The plan also identifies an opportunity to leverage ��-Dearborn’s online graduate programs and certificates outside of the state. Assessing graduate pricing and discount strategies is another strategy.

To keep students on a graduation path, they may need to be connected with support services.

The most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress scores demonstrated a national decline in performance in mathematics and reading. Due to factors that include a pandemic-related learning gap, more students are coming out of high school without the education needed to be college ready. The SEM Plan identifies this as an area to continue to monitor and assess. Looking at overall state data last year, only 28% of students were considered college-ready based on SAT scores.

Stone said many of the initiatives launched from the strategic plan’s student experience and success efforts were designed to keep our students on a path to graduation and help students gain better access to academic, financial and personal support. “The campus is dedicated to student success — but we will likely continue to see an ever greater need. It will be necessary to continually assess to ensure we are advocates for our students and their needs to help them reach their goals while also working toward the university’s goals.”

A new initiative in the works is ensuring space on campus reflects student needs and gives them easy access to critical support and experiences. A working group led by Dean of Students Amy Finley and Executive Director of Facilities Operations Carol Glick is helping to re-imagine the space in the Renick University Center and Mardigian Library to develop best-in-class service around academic, administrative and high-impact practices to support recruitment and retention.

Other ways the campus community can help with recruitment and retention? Share good things that are happening at ��-Dearborn with friends and family, ask students if they need help when they appear to have difficulty finding an office or classroom, connect students to the right office if your office doesn’t house the services they are seeking, and submit an Early Warning Program form if a student is struggling in class. The Early Warning System, which is included in the SEM Plan, is designed for faculty to communicate with Academic Advising and the Office of Academic Success so struggling students get help before it impacts their college experience.

In closing, let’s share some good news.

Looking to Fall 2023, Stone said ��-Dearborn is seeing positive trends regarding applications and deposits — particularly, we’re up in undergraduate admits and deposits over this time last year. Stone said this is good news, and if these trends continue will result in a strong undergraduate enrollment number.

In addition, Stone said it will take multiple years and sustained campus commitment to new and innovative strategies to meet our Strategic Enrollment KPIs — but she said her team, and the campus community as a whole, are up to the challenge. “The SEM plan is meant to help us align time and resources by developing a shared vision of the most impactful initiatives to support the success of current and future students, and I look forward to collaborating across campus to help execute the plan to meet our enrollment goals,” she said.

Want to know more? Visit the SEM Plan website. Have feedback or questions? Reach out to em-strategic@umich.edu. Look for future updates in the Enrollment Management Newsletter that will be issued a couple of times each semester and will provide updates and progress on the SEM plan.

Accessibility or Affordability

Admissions

Enrollment

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Mon, 05/15/2023 - 18:17

Enrollment Management leaders share a few key initiatives and takeaways from the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan — and an update about the trends they are seeing regarding fall enrollment.

A cross-campus team is reimagining spaces in two key buildings

lblouin — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 17:18:29 +0000

A cross-campus team is reimagining spaces in two key buildings lblouin Mon, 01/23/2023 - 12:18

If you had visited the student organization space on the second floor of the University Center on an average day in 2018, Dean of Students Amy Finley expects the head count would have been “about two.” It’s not that we didn’t have lots of energetic students planning events, activities and service projects. They were just doing it elsewhere. The problem was the space. Tightly packed with gray cubicles and a few work tables, the student organization area looked more like the drab setting from the movie “Office Space” than a place where students could get together, discuss ideas, laugh and organize. Not surprisingly, when Finley and her team began rethinking how to better tailor some areas in the UC to student needs, this space was at the top of the renovation list. Based on student feedback, the student organization space was reborn in summer 2022 as the Wolverine Commons — a student lounge with an open floor plan, cozy and flexible seating, and lots of places to spread out. Visit during lunchtime today and Finley says you’d see the average headcount has surged to about 50 students.

The Wolverine Commons example provides insight into a key socio-architectural truth: Our spaces can either be a hindrance to how we work, live and communicate or they can facilitate exactly what we want. The tricky part for planners and designers is that our needs often change more quickly than our spaces. Indeed, how we work, study and communicate has changed radically in just the past three years due to the pandemic experience. To cite an obvious example: We have more hybrid classes, so students and faculty are coming to campus less frequently — as are staff, who are more likely to have hybrid work schedules. This creates new opportunities to redesign our rooms, buildings and offices to best match today’s needs. (By the way, this is also a hot topic for our Future of Work working group, which we hope to cover later this semester.)

Updating spaces at a university is a nearly continual effort, but two of our most important communal campus buildings are about to get a big rethink. In order to better serve the needs of today’s students, faculty and staff, a new cross-campus team is leading an effort to revamp key spaces in the Renick University Center and Mardigian Library, as well as the outdoor space between the two buildings. As a first step, a design firm is helping organize focus groups to collect up-to-date information about what students, faculty and staff need and want. They’ll then organize that feedback into a phased renovation plan that includes options for improvements ranging from “minor to major.” “You’re always trying to make the most of student tuition dollars, so ideally, we want to identify things that will make a big impact without a lot of cost,” says Executive Director for Facilities Operations Carol Glick. “For example, if you look at some of the recent changes we’ve made to outdoor spaces, Adirondack chairs and outdoor games do not take a big capital investment, but they can make a big difference in terms of quality of campus life. Moreover, we want to identify different phases of projects, so that as funds become available, including for capital projects, we have a blueprint for how we would want to proceed.”

What improvements the plan will include depends a lot on feedback from the campus community, but Finley and Jean Song, the new director of the Mardigian Library, say some needs are already apparent. In the library, Song says access to power is a big issue. “We have an older building that has electrical outlets that were basically designed to be able to vacuum the space,” Song says. “We’ve jury-rigged a lot of things to make power more available where people need it, but our students and faculty would definitely benefit from a space that’s designed for the ways people want to power their devices.” Another observation: With the rising ubiquity of Zoom and hybrid classes, Song has noticed people doing something that would have once been taboo in a library: talking openly on their phones. “How much sound leakage is now considered OK? If I’m taking a hybrid class and I’m doing it in the library for whatever reason, is it OK to just be blaring it off my device? So our norms and behaviors are changing, and we don’t really have spaces that are set up for these new needs.” Song says Zoom rooms could really help address this challenge. Another area on her radar: specially tailored spaces that serve students with unique needs. For example, she thinks a family study area, where children could play or do homework alongside a caregiver, could be a huge help for multitasking students.

Next door in the University Center, the revamp is already underway. In addition to the Wolverine Commons renovation, Enrollment Services is staffing a new One Stop in the UC, a sort of in-person triage center for handling common student questions. In 2021, Finley's team also launched the new Campus Involvement Hub, where students can do everything from check out board games to get information about student organizations. They’ll also be creating a vision for the outdoor space between the buildings — as well as the “prime real estate” of the UC’s east-facing first-floor corridor.

As mentioned above, the team will be collecting lots of feedback to make sure the improvements best match the current needs of students, faculty and staff. They’ve already been dialoguing with student government, and starting this month, they’ll be sending out surveys and holding focus groups with all three key constituencies, as well as prospective students. They also plan to hold meetings specifically with library and UC staff, to better tune workspaces to today’s needs. After that, the design firm will put together different options, eventually yielding an exciting new adaptation plan for some of our most well-trafficked spaces.

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Want to help with the UC-Library renovation project? The team would love to hear your ideas for how we can make these spaces better. Please fill out the faculty-staff survey. Story by Lou Blouin

Enrollment

Student Success

University-wide

Facilities Operations

Facilities Planning

Mardigian Library

Off

Mon, 01/23/2023 - 17:18

Times change, and our spaces often have a hard time keeping up with us. The Mardigian Library and Renick University Center could soon be seeing important transformations to adapt to the needs of today’s students, faculty and staff.

Be prepared to see more changes like the Wolverine Commons, a lounge area on the second floor of the Renick University Center that reinvented a relatively unused space. Photo by Sarah Tuxbury

New Student Convocation officially marks the beginning of a collegiate journey

rudmehta — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 23:02:15 +0000

New Student Convocation officially marks the beginning of a collegiate journey rudmehta Sat, 11/05/2022 - 19:02

More than 2,300 ��-Dearborn students were hailed at the 16th Annual New Student Convocation. The new faces to campus were from around the world, representing five continents; their ages spanned generations, 16 to 77.

They came together Sept. 4 as first-time Wolverines in the Fieldhouse.

“Today’s ceremony marks the official beginning of your lives as Michigan students within the Michigan family. And it is particularly special for me because we are beginning this journey together,” said Chancellor Domenico Grasso, who became the sixth ��-Dearborn chancellor on Aug. 1. “Being a proud Michigan alum, I’m returning home. And, like me, you couldn't have picked a better place to call home.”

From the maize and blue floral arrangements to the staging area with ��-seal stamped podium, students and their families were surrounded by pomp and circumstance.

And that's thanks to the many staff members who worked behind the scenes prior to the ceremony. For almost a week nearly 30 people had a hand in transforming the game-time space into a location for a proper wolverine welcome.

And their work was noticed by the many in attendance at Convocation. ��-Dearborn parent Elizabeth O’Connor—whose stepson Brandon O'Connor and son Alexander Thornton are in the fall 2018 freshman class—had her phone out to snap photos and send text messages to family to include them in on the day’s festivities.

O'Connor said she was impressed with what she saw and heard at Convocation and felt confident about their college choice.

“The ceremony, the speakers and the space — everything was very nice today,” she said. "I'm glad I was able be here today to learn more about ��-Dearborn and how this campus will prepare them for what the future brings."

But before the Michigan family could sing The Victors, someone had to set the stage. Here are a few of the people who make New Student Convocation happen.

Senior Marc Casey, Fieldhouse recreational assistant, and a crew of students placed thousands of carpet squares—he estimates 3,000—on the floor to add a feeling of warmth to the space and protect the wooden basketball court.

The 30-foot tall blue draperies are hung by staff lowering a mechanical bar and attaching the curtains; the staging is made of six separate pieces that workers set up and then crawl underneath to lock in place.

A day after the carpet squares and stage were set up, Larry Arpi, left, and Winston Cannon in Maintenance Services secure the maize rugs on the stage; the staff said the large rugs had enough time to rest and flatten.

These chairs appeared overnight thanks to the night facilities crew. To make sure the chairs were in a straight line, the crew used duct tape and string on the carpet squares. They then zip-tied the chairs together for even spacing and to assure compliance with fire codes.

The seal-stamped podium, which weighs 200 pounds, is taken from its protective case and lifted onto the stage. “When we bring it out and wheel it around, people look at us like we’ve got the Stanley Cup,” said Rob Sharkus in Maintenance Services.

Maintenance Services' Mike Gibson set up the podium’s lighting and motorized adjustable mechanism. After he was done, Television Engineer Greg Taylor hooked up the sound system.

Getting close to the end of set up, staff members work on finishing touches like stage skirting, stair dusting and vacuuming.

Done every three years, Larry Arpi takes time to paint the two stage stairways to touch-up any visible wear.

Custodial staff member Agnes Arzola does a final vacuum to get ready for the new class of Wolverines to come to New Student Convocation.

Facilities Operations

Student Life

Undergraduate Admissions

University Unions & Events

Off

Fri, 09/07/2018 - 05:00

Nearly 30 people had a hand in physically transforming the Fieldhouse game-time space into a location for a warm Wolverine welcome.

A look at Fall 2022 enrollment

stuxbury — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 23:57:19 +0000

A look at Fall 2022 enrollment stuxbury Mon, 09/26/2022 - 19:57

The Fall 2022 numbers are in. New student enrollment is up, and so are ��-Dearborn’s graduation rates.

The university saw its top new student enrollment gains among master-level students (+20% compared to Fall 2021), with campus’ largest incoming international student class to date. In addition, ��-Dearborn’s overall international population is the highest recorded in campus history with more than 1000.

On the undergraduate side, ��-Dearborn saw a 6.6% growth in transfers — the first increase since 2017.

“We are seeing that we’re a popular choice among new students who see the benefits of commuting, flexibility and a Michigan degree,” said Vice Provost of Enrollment Management Melissa Stone. “Not only do they see the value in a ��-Dearborn education, they also see the benefit of completing their degrees and doing it within four years.”

With improved completion rates, there are some strong trends in enrollment that campus leadership is excited to continue to build upon in the coming years. As Chancellor Domenico Grasso reported to the U-M Board of Regents last week, the four-year graduation rate for First Time In Any College (FTIAC) students saw an increase of 3% over the prior year, and the transfer three-year completion went up 3.7%.

“We continue to implement the priorities derived from and identified during our strategic planning process. Our focus on enrollment is reflective of this important work,” Grasso said. “I recognize and thank our dedicated faculty and staff team for their hard work during this post-pandemic period. These results are reflective of a team effort.”

One strategic change was a transition to a block-rate tuition model, where undergraduate students who take 12 credits or more per semester pay the same flat rate. This encourages full-time enrollment and faster completion. Undergraduate students taking full course loads — which often leads to a more focused graduation path — was 76.3% in 2022, compared to 75.1% in 2021 and 74.5% in 2020.

Not only does this benefit students, it also helps Michigan create a prepared 21st century workforce and stay economically competitive. To close the current skills gap and prepare residents of the state for jobs today and in the future, the governor’s office is leading an initiative to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree from 49% today to 60% by 2030.

“College education reaches beyond just preparing one individual — it is a transformative experience that impacts families and entire communities,” Stone said. “The university will continue developing innovative ways to support highly qualified, talented and motivated students to succeed in a 21st century workforce.”

The university continues to attract students in the southeast Michigan region, with strong representation from Wayne (4,657 students), Oakland (954 students), Macomb (353 students) and Washtenaw (478 students) counties.

But even with all the good news, total enrollment is slightly down (1%) compared to last year. Fall 2022 ��-Dearborn enrollment is 8,224 students (6,117 undergraduates, 2,107 graduate-level), compared to 8,331 in 2021.

There are several reasons why there weren’t overall enrollment gains even with a larger Fall 2022 class. Stone noted that the university is still rebuilding from smaller prior year classes, especially in the transfer pipeline. There also is a new trend of high school students delaying starting college, as reflected with a 79% increase in deferrals compared to last year.

There’s also the above-mentioned Fall 2022 data that shows more ��-Dearborn students are finishing faster. “Graduating our students quicker is a good thing — yes, it decreases enrollment, but it shows that we are successful in our mission,” Stone said.

��-Dearborn’s retention rates are stable and the focus continues to be on implementing innovative strategies to further enhance college readiness and student success.

Provost Gabriella Scarlatta said that an important part of making a ��-Dearborn education accessible and navigable is providing support to students once they arrive. “The university is prioritizing support services such as college preparation and resource guidance, identified in our strategic plan,” she said.

To help students realize their graduation goals in a timely fashion, the university offers resource-connecting initiatives like the Wolverine Mentor Collective, and scholarships like the Dearborn Comeback and the Go Blue Guarantee. Last year 1200 students took advantage of the Go Blue Guarantee, a free tuition program for high-achieving students in families earning $65,000 or less. This year, 374 more Go Blue Scholars joined the Dearborn Wolverine community. ��-Dearborn also provides extensive financial aid support to students outside of the program.

“Chancellor Grasso asked that we ensure our financial aid model focuses our institutional funds on those students who need it the most,” Stone said. “We are dedicated to access and affordability. We’ve since adopted a need-first financial aid model to make a ��-Dearborn education more affordable for traditionally underserved populations.”

Another way to keep focused on access — but ensure that there’s the needed educational foundation — is by creating cohesive pipelines with two-year colleges.

Stone said the university recently launched its Destination Dearborn program, which provides enhanced resources and support to incoming community college students in order to prepare them early in their academic journey for their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.

“Many students gain experiences in community colleges that prepare them with foundational skills needed to succeed at ��-Dearborn and attain their dream jobs,” Stone said. “By developing intentional partnerships with these colleges, we can engage with students early and guide them on their pathway to earning a University of Michigan-Dearborn degree.”

Scarlatta said students attend ��-Dearborn to seize opportunities for a better life and the campus has faculty and staff giving their all to help these students reach their goals.

“We know this education can change the trajectory of our students’ lives,” she said. “We will continue to work toward positive outcomes. Our campus provides a plethora of academic support, from our learning centers, to advising, tutoring and supplemental instruction. Moreover, this year, we are collectively focusing on students’ mental health in order to help them prosper in the classroom and in life.”

Get more information on ��-Dearborn’s Fall 2022 enrollment and trends.

Article by Sarah Tuxbury.

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Mon, 09/26/2022 - 23:55

��-Dearborn welcomed a higher percentage of new students to campus this semester, along with a record number of international students.

After years of effort, why aren’t engineering programs more diverse?

lblouin — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:22:05 +0000

After years of effort, why aren’t engineering programs more diverse? lblouin Mon, 06/27/2022 - 10:22

Associate Professor of Bioengineering Amanda Esquivel has lost count of the number of middle schools she’s been to over the years in an effort to get young people excited about STEM subjects. She finds that right-sizing an activity is definitely key to a school visit. On the one hand, the demo or experiment has to be big enough to get students interested. On the other, it has to be small enough that it’s manageable to pack up and set up without too much fuss. Recently, however, a pandemic hiatus from her typical rhythm of school outreach got her thinking, what if she flipped the script? What if instead of coming to them, she brought students to an actual engineering lab on campus to experience the real thing, not some backpack-sized approximation?

Last month, Esquivel gave it a shot — and got her colleagues in on it too. In early May, about 40 students from Detroit’s U Prep art and design high school and its STEM high school came to campus for an entire school day. They got to hang out with the ��-Dearborn rocket and racing teams, picking their brains about how the student clubs work and the complex things they get to design and build. Human-centered design engineering faculty DeLean Tolbert Smith and Sarah Nesbitt led an activity where students got to deconstruct and then redesign a pair of eyeglasses. And then they headed into the labs. Esquivel got eight different engineering faculty to open up their labs so students could get their hands on actual instruments, see how math and science skills are used to solve real-world problems, and chat about how undergraduate and graduate students contribute to research. In Esquivel’s own lab, where she studies sports-related injuries, she outfitted the students with wearable sensors and had them use formulas and the data they collected to calculate jump height. “It’s great when you go to their schools and talk, maybe show a video of the lab, and do an activity,” she says. “But it really can't compare to inviting them to our campus and showing them in-person the high-tech equipment we use — or letting them actually touch it.” Coming to campus, she says, they simply got a much better look at what engineering students actually do. Better yet, the students seemed to think it was all pretty cool.

U Prep students get their hands on some real-deal equipment in one of the new labs in our Engineering Lab Building. Photo by Sarah Tuxbury

Hosting the U Prep students, who were mostly African American, is indicative of how ��-Dearborn engineering faculty, and the college in general, are upping their outreach game when it comes to demographic groups that have been historically underrepresented in engineering. Part of the reason is that at most universities, including ��-Dearborn, gains have been slow and steady more than transformative, says Tolbert Smith, whose research focuses on STEM’s equity gaps and improving access to STEM education. Here at ��-Dearborn, for instance, women now make up around 24 percent of engineering students, which CECS Dean Ghassan Kridli notes has increased steadily over the past decade and is above the national average of 18 percent. But it still lags our overall enrollment demographics: at ��-Dearborn, women make up just under half of full-time students. Among Black students, there’s even more ground to make up. “We’re also ahead of the national average, which is closer to 3 percent, and we’re at 4.5 percent,” Kridli says. “But it doesn’t represent the composition of our area. Almost 70 percent of our students are from Wayne County, and Wayne County is about 38 percent African American. So there’s a big opportunity for us to be doing much better.”

Tolbert Smith notes this is hardly a challenge that’s unique to ��-Dearborn. “Honestly, I think people across the nation who work in this area are a little frustrated, because we’ve been putting a lot of resources into diversity, and we’re not seeing the outcomes that we thought we would given all the money that’s being spent,” she says. “And this is broadly across academia and industry. It’s not that there’s been no impact, it just hasn’t been a mass change. So people are trying to figure out, what is it we’re doing that’s working, and what do we need to alter about our approach?” Within higher education, Tolbert Smith says efforts over the past decade have commonly centered on two themes: scholarships and outreach. The logic of the latter is that because of historical biases in engineering fields, many women, Black and Latino students may simply not envision engineering as a possibility for their own lives. By introducing students to STEM at an early age, and showing them all the cool things engineers do, we can expand the horizon of possibilities they start dreaming about. Or so the argument goes. But Tolbert Smith says an emerging body of research is showing that while this may be a necessary condition for transforming enrollment in STEM programs, it’s not proving to be a sufficient one. To really start taking larger bites out of these enrollment gaps, we need to do more. More importantly, we need to know what additional actions are actually going to be effective.

Tolbert Smith says, here again, recent research can point us to some next steps. For example, one of the big factors in whether students decide to enter and stick with an academic program is whether they feel like they belong there. And this, Tolbert Smith, hints at ways engineering departments can change their cultures to actively value students from diverse backgrounds. For example, in just about any intro engineering class, faculty are likely going to talk with students, either formally or informally, about careers in the field. “But if we’re only introducing them to fields that have historical biases towards men, that might not resonate with a female student, and she might start to feel like ‘if this is what engineering is, then this is not a direction I want to go.’” Another example: Tolbert Smith says a few years ago, when ��-Ann Arbor noticed declining female enrollment in its engineering programs, they created sections of courses that dealt, in part, with social issues. Women disproportionately chose those sections over the traditional ones.

Tolbert Smith says another aspect of belonging is faculty validating a more diverse set of engineering experiences that students are bringing to the table. Robotics teams, for example, have become the dominant form of pre-engineering experience among high school students, and college faculty are often directly engaged with these kinds of programs as advisers and coaches. As such, there’s familiarity with that paradigm. But let’s say a student’s interest in engineering was ignited by a less formal experience, like, building custom, small-engine mini bikes (a big thing in Detroit), or building or fixing things with a parent or grandparent. Tolbert Smith says that’s a totally valid pre-engineering experience that’s going to help a student develop a lot of knowledge and skills, but a faculty member may not always recognize it as such or know how to value it because it’s outside the scope of their own experience. Similarly, Kridli says the new emphasis on project-based learning in the college offers an opportunity to build class curriculum that comes directly from a student’s own experiences. “Through course projects, we could actually give the students agency to design solutions for problems that come right of their own neighborhoods or communities — rather than academic problems that come out of a textbook,” Kridli says. Conversely, Tolbert Smith says faculty can tune into things that may trip a student up on their engineering journey. For example, she recently had a young woman student who was nervous about using some of the big tools in the MSEL machine shop. “So I reached out to Shawn Simone, the MSEL Assistant Director, and he offered to work directly with her. Shawn’s extra attention gave her a path to overcome her fear.”

"Honestly, I think people across the nation who work in this area are a little frustrated, because we’ve been putting a lot of resources into diversity, and we’re not seeing the outcomes that we thought we would given all the money that’s being spent. It’s not that there’s been no impact, it just hasn’t been a mass change. So people are trying to figure out, what is it we’re doing that’s working, and what do we need to alter about our approach?"

In addition to making students feel like they belong in engineering, we may also need to be reaching them at an earlier age. Many outreach programs have focused on high school students, but Kridli says, in some ways, that’s a bit late. Reaching them in middle school isn’t just about getting to students at an age when they’re starting to develop their long-term interests, though that’s part of it. It’s also a practical matter of academic preparation. In terms of math, engineering programs use calculus as the foundation for their courses. And typically, seventh grade or so is when students get started on a sequence of math courses that will determine where they’ll end up by the end of their senior year. If a student who has an interest in engineering isn’t enrolled in the proper math course in 7th grade, they might only make it to trigonometry by 12th grade, which leaves them with a lot of ground to make up once they get to college. Because of this, Kridli says making sure kids who are still years away from college are on the right track is crucial. Similarly, Tolbert Smith sees a lot of opportunity to forge tight, mutually supportive relationships with specific majority minority schools in the area, similar to how ��-Dearborn’s Education department has developed trusted partnerships with area districts and administrators when it comes to practicums and student teacher placements. "We have a shared interest: Teachers want to make sure their students can achieve everything they want to, and once they get to college, we obviously want them to succeed too," she says. "So I think one thing we can start with is simply asking teachers and schools what it is they need to better prepare their students for college and get actively involved in helping them do it.”

Tolbert Smith says one of the other missing ingredients is “intentionality,” particularly when it comes to recruitment of Black students. Both she and Kridli believe that one of the reasons we’ve had more success boosting enrollment among women students compared to Black students is that our strategy has been more organized, more goal-oriented, and has been in place for a longer period of time. “Years ago, when Dean England came in, he set a specific goal to hire more women faculty, and I believe that’s one of the reasons why I’m here,” Tolbert Smith says. “The college was even given an award by the main campus for their work in this area. They set a goal, they changed the way they recruited, they changed the interview and screening process to deal with bias, and we got results. So I think we could follow that same playbook when it comes to Black students: We could set some goals, and then be really intentional about the steps we’re taking to reach those goals.” Kridli also notes that as the college has hired more women faculty, they’ve seen a proportional increase in the number of women students.

In general, Kridli says one of the big realizations of the past several years is that successful recruitment of students from underrepresented groups can’t be conceived as a single point of contact, like a scholarship or an outreach event that hopefully ignites someone’s engineering journey. Rather, it’s more like a long drawn-out chain of events, built over years, with each link in the chain being critical to the outcome. For sure, outreach will always be crucial, because it’s often the thing that introduces a student to STEM. But if the student isn’t then getting the proper academic counseling in middle school, and therefore not getting into the right math class; or if their math teacher feels like they need some exciting new classroom approaches; or if a student gets to college and they don’t feel like their instructors get their experience, or their classes don’t leave them feeling invested, then the chain could break and their pathway to a career in engineering breaks down with it. Kridli says the college is now investing in all of these areas. For example, in a few weeks, a group of eight faculty are heading to Massachusetts for some training on approaches to project-based learning. Faculty teams from the Mechanical Engineering and Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering departments are collaborating on a grant focused on culture changes within these departments. And Kridli says the college is building out a strategy for how to work more closely with middle and high schools, their academic counseling staff, and even parents, so that students can get on the right track at this crucial time in their lives.

Humility will also be part of building a college that looks more like the region. Kridli says that if this were an easy challenge to solve, then someone would have done it and we could simply follow their lead. Instead, we have to be innovators. Tolbert Smith’s guess is that many of the new actions we’re now taking — even if they prove to be effective strategies — could still take a decade or more to really pay off. “I think we’re reaching a moment where we’re facing the facts that because of racism, because of unequal resources, because places that pay higher taxes get better schools, there are going to be challenges — and we have to commit to being a part of addressing that,” she says. “Of course, these are broader problems in society. But if we truly want students who live in communities where these gaps exist, I do think, as a public institution, we have to be willing to do this work. And I am hopeful that if we put in an intentional effort, we can see enrollment and graduation rates improve amongst communities of color in CECS.”

###

Story by Lou Blouin. Graphic by Violet Dashi.

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Mon, 06/27/2022 - 14:22

Leaders in ��-Dearborn’s College of Engineering and Computer Science talk about why universities aren’t gaining more ground when it comes to recruitment of women and Black students — and some new approaches that could finally transform the college.

In an effort to grow enrollment among Black and women students, colleges have been trying lots of things to get high school students excited about STEM. But are we reaching them early enough? Photo: Alliance for Excellent Education via Flickr

Make your Destination Dearborn

stuxbury — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 03:23:17 +0000

Make your Destination Dearborn stuxbury Mon, 06/13/2022 - 23:23

The southeastern Michigan percentage for job growth is higher than the national average increase — with large gains in business, manufacturing and professional services.

With many high-wage career paths requiring knowledge and networks that are gained through earning a Bachelor’s degree — thanks to the lessons learned through internships, co-ops, course capstone projects, research work and more — people are continuing to look for bridges to strengthen their skills and career prospects.

��-Dearborn, with its strong industry connections and Block M name, knows how important these experiences — and access to these experiences — are. That’s where Destination Dearborn comes in.

Destination Dearborn is for undergraduate students who begin their higher ed careers at two-year colleges, but plan to continue toward a four-year degree.

��-Dearborn Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Melissa Stone said students often say they want to continue their education after earning an associates degree. But the process can be frustrating if the transition to earning a bachelor’s degree isn’t clear. Destination Dearborn is our renewed commitment to provide resources and support to students on what they’ll need for a bachelor’s degree at the beginning of their college career instead of waiting until their two-year degree is nearly complete.

“We want to remove obstacles and guide these students from the beginning so that they take the right classes early for their chosen major, which will save time and money,” Stone said. “We also want students to have the experiences in a two-year college — like making sure they have the foundational skills needed for their dream job — that will help them succeed at ��-Dearborn and beyond.”

A Partnership for Strengthening Education and the Region

For 60-plus years, ��-Dearborn and Henry Ford College (HFC) have provided the southeastern Michigan community with knowledge and skills needed for top-level careers.

The long-standing history and close proximity — the campuses were recently connected by a new walkway located near ��-Dearborn’s parking structure, further eliminates barriers between the two schools — makes HFC the ideal Destination Dearborn partner for the Destination Dearborn’s program launch.

“By leveraging the strengths of our two campuses, we are able to provide enhanced access opportunities to our southeast Michigan students,” said ��-Dearborn Undergraduate Enrollment Management Director Urana Pridemore.

Beginning with the Fall 2022 semester, Henry Ford College students who indicate on their admission application their plans to transfer to ��-Dearborn will be contacted in the Fall to determine interest in the program. In addition, current HFC students will have an opportunity to complete a “Declaration to Transfer" form to indicate their interest in a Dearborn Wolverine degree. This can be done up to completion of 30 HFC credits to ensure a beneficial and efficient degree plan.

Here’s how Destination Dearborn works:

Students interested in transferring will have a dedicated team to make sure every credit counts. They will receive specialized support in developing a clear degree plan. This guidance and aligned curriculum ensures all credits transfer toward your selected degree program.
There’s a seamless application process and guaranteed admission once an associates degree is completed, if a student meets program requirements.
Students become a part of University of Michigan-Dearborn’s campus before enrolling. They will have access to the campus’ recreational facilities, connect with key library resources and research support and get support with job, internship and co-curricular experiences.

In addition, Pridemore and Stone said that all students who participate in the program — which include developing and staying on track with their four-year degree plan, engaging with ��-Dearborn on events designed to support early engagement, and completing their associates within three years with a 2.75 cumulative GPA — will be eligible for ��-Dearborn’s top transfer student funding awards for up to four semesters.

Preparing Michigan for the Future

Between these enhanced transfer student financial aid awards and the ��-Dearborn’s Go Blue Guarantee, ��-Dearborn Chancellor Domenico Grasso says many of Destination Dearborn’s students have the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degree at a very low cost.

Continuing the community education mission ��-Dearborn has had for six-plus decades, Grasso said it’s important to help the state of Michigan reach its goal of creating a stronger economy by increasing the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree from 45% to 60% by 2030.

Grasso said the university will continue developing ways to support highly qualified, talented and motivated students to succeed in a 21st century workforce because college education reaches beyond just preparing one individual — it is a transformative experience that impacts families and communities.

In addition to this new program, ��-Dearborn also has several inclusive financial aid programs available to benefit transfers interested in completing their Bachelor’s degree, such as Focus on the Finish, that supports working adults who complete their associates under the State of Michigan Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect programs or our Dearborn Comeback for students who may have left without their degree and can receive funding to help complete their degree.

Article by Sarah Tuxbury.

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Destination Dearborn — a new program for transfer students from two-year colleges — guides prospective ��-Dearborn degree seekers through enhanced academic advising, increased financial aid, career-ready resources and more.

How ��-Dearborn’s new strategic plan is reshaping the university

lblouin — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 19:01:02 +0000

How ��-Dearborn’s new strategic plan is reshaping the university lblouin Mon, 11/22/2021 - 14:01

One of the welcomed new qualities of the conversation around ��-Dearborn’s strategic plan is that we no longer have to talk about it in the future tense. Core parts of the plan were finalized and released back in April, and though it may have flown somewhat under the radar due to the pandemic, implementation of many of the plan's core initiatives is now well underway. At a recent virtual strategic planning update, university leaders shared details on the progress of some current and future initiatives. We’ve summarized some of the takeaways from the event below in case you missed it. Or you can watch the full 90-minute update on the university YouTube channel.

Who is ��-Dearborn in 2021?

One of the outcomes you hope for in any strategic planning process is to give folks a clearer sense of an institution's contemporary identity and purpose. During the course of the strategic planning process, dozens of faculty, staff and students contributed to rich conversations around that topic, coalescing in an exciting new way to think about ��-Dearborn. Chancellor Grasso summarized it by sharing a short narrative statement that was unanimously approved by 18 members of senior leadership.

University of Michigan-Dearborn is a diverse and welcoming 21st-century commuter-based campus that opens the door to an accessible American dream for students of all socioeconomic levels, and is above all committed to the success of each individual student. Harkening back to the roots of our founding, we are a practice-based university that focuses on positively impacting Southeastern Michigan and beyond by creating and applying knowledge to address our most compelling problems. We do this by: connecting students with extramural opportunities to enhance their classroom studies and create opportunities for professional careers; supporting faculty with community and corporate engagement opportunities; and holistically driving economic vibrancy. Our faculty and programs differ from those of our progenitor in substance but not in quality. Our practice-based programs are of equal quality to programs in Ann Arbor. Finally but not least, ��-Dearborn is a unique, caring, close-knit community where we place the mission first but always take care of all of our people.

Student experience and success

��-Dearborn’s strategic plan is animated by four guiding principles: student experience and success; diversity, equity and inclusion; faculty and staff excellence; and economic sustainability. In the area of student experience and success, there have already been some important developments, one of the most exciting being a reorientation of the student aid strategy toward students with the greatest financial needs. For sure, the most headline grabbing part of that effort is an extension of the Go Blue Guarantee to the Dearborn campus, which provides free tuition to high achieving new and transfer students whose annual family incomes are under $65,000. But Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Melissa Stone says ��-Dearborn has also greatly expanded its aid for students who don’t meet the GPA or income requirements of the Go Blue Guarantee. In short, because need is a sliding scale, we’ve adjusted our aid to make sure anyone can afford an education at ��-Dearborn. If you want to see how that works, check out this really great breakdown of how ��-Dearborn’s new aid strategies are serving students with the most financial need.

Other things to watch in the student experience and success area:

The university launched a new online student service portal that connects students to advisors, financial aid, and other key university services from a single page. Enrollment Services is also staffing a new “One Stop” in the University Center for students who want in-person help.
The university has been expanding its use of Salesforce, our customer relationship management (CRM) software. This helps fine-tune student communications so they’re extra relevant and has a growing set of applications for both recruitment and retention.
Experience+ was launched in January 2021 to coordinate and enhance opportunities for student professional development, research, intercultural awareness and digital literacy.
A new peer-to-peer mentoring service has been heavily used by students. In its first semester, 137 upper-level students are mentoring 500 first- and second-year students, exchanging more than 9,000 messages.
Some areas of the University Center are getting a makeover to provide the spaces and services commuter students need most. Renovations include a new lounge area on the second floor for hanging out and studying between classes, as well as easier ways for students to access student life opportunities, like student organizations.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Work centered on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) touches nearly every aspect of university life. The DEI strategic planning working group produced over 60 recommendations in all, some of which are already being implemented. Initial steps include some notable changes to human resources practices and policy. The university is now requiring an unconscious bias mitigation training for anyone participating on search committees, and is being more intentional about the language used in job descriptions to attract a wider diversity of applicants. Other changes include offer letters that set expectations for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion and new Human Resources “equity reviews” of position compensation and job classifications.

Other initiatives in the works: An expansion of the MLK Day of Service and Learning, featuring an enhanced partnership with neighboring Henry Ford College; the creation of a new Chancellor’s DEI Fellowship; and the continued implementation of flexible and remote work opportunities that help promote diversity, equity and inclusion goals.

Faculty and staff excellence

Teams working on faculty-related issues haven’t wasted time diving into meaningful territory. One of the first initiatives focuses on broadening the criteria by which faculty are evaluated for tenure and promotions. In particular, this would include new ways of valuing community-based work, pedagogical research, and exceptional teaching or support for students, in addition to faculty contributions to their respective scholarly communities. Another big theme: promoting interdisciplinary research. On that front, campus has launched a new thematic research grant program, which provides funding for projects featuring researchers from at least two colleges. (The initial themes are sustainability, mobility and infrastructure, and diversity, equity and inclusion.) In addition, faculty have launched three interdisciplinary research groups so far, giving researchers from different disciplines a new platform for sharing ideas and partnering on bigger grants. Over the past year, the Office of Research has also expanded its support, including retaining a firm that specializes in helping faculty write and copyedit federal grants. Next up, the office hopes to build out its post-award support, which faculty have identified as a key need.

On the staff front, highlights include new professional development opportunities and leadership training.

Economic sustainability

When it comes to the university’s finances, one of the biggest changes is a new model called zero-based budgeting. As we’ve explained in past town hall recaps, this involves building a base budget for each campus unit based on exactly what it needs to accomplish its present mission, rather than, say, what its budget has been historically. This model, which emphasizes a balance between revenues and expenses at the unit level, provides an impetus for entrepreneurial projects. For example, if a college created revenue-generating research, it could also keep and invest that money within the college.

As you know, ��-Dearborn’s budget is powered mostly by tuition revenues, and it’s been a challenging time for universities across the country when it comes to enrollment. Pandemic-related issues and a significant decline in transfer students have been the main sources of recent enrollment declines at ��-Dearborn. The uncertainty of the pandemic has also made it difficult to pursue strategic enrollment management plans, but Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Melissa Stone says that work is now moving back to the front burner. Because enrollment declines in a particular year have multi-year impacts, Stone says the goal is to get back to 2017-2018 enrollment levels within a few years. The strategy will be centered around recruitment of multiple student populations, including international graduate students and students who’ve started but not finished a degree. The other key part of enrollment growth: boosting retention. Stone says the teams working on these issues will spend the next few months developing enrollment strategies, with a goal of having a fully developed Strategic Enrollment Management Plan ready to go by May 2022.

Another key piece of our economic sustainability is environmental sustainability. To reach the U-M system’s goal for carbon neutrality, meaningful investments will have to be made in energy efficiency and weaning our university off fossil fuels in the coming decades. To achieve those objectives, the university has so far created a campus Energy and Sustainability Team, developed a campuswide energy efficiency plan, and completed a lighting audit of most major buildings. Future plans include bringing Ann Arbor’s Planet Blue Ambassador program to the Dearborn campus, building an energy and sustainability website to track progress, and developing sustainability-focused teaching modules for faculty.

Finally, ��-Dearborn is now preparing for another major capital campaign, so stay tuned for details on that in the coming year.

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Still want to learn more about ��-Dearborn’s strategic plan? Check out the full 90-minute video of the Nov. 18 update or visit the strategic planning website.

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Mon, 11/22/2021 - 18:59

Changing times in higher education call for new approaches. We break down how ideas from our strategic planning process are creating a new chapter at ��-Dearborn.

One of the new lounge areas in the state-of-the-art Engineering Lab Building.

Got campus questions? This new service has answers.

stuxbury — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 17:41:50 +0000

Got campus questions? This new service has answers. stuxbury Mon, 08/23/2021 - 13:41

ESS student staff member Logan shows transfer student Hannah Letang how to sign up for study space.

College is a time to learn more about yourself, your interests and build a foundation for the future. To help students focus on that and simplify the business side of university life — from the admissions process to applying for graduation — ��-Dearborn leadership created a new centrally located one-stop service spot.

Located just steps inside the University Center’s main entrance, the Enrollment Student Services team will be available to answer questions people may have about their student accounts, course registration and financial aid. This “One Stop” also offers another way for the ��-Dearborn community to connect students with a variety of campus services and resources.

Enrollment Student Services (ESS) Director Julie Faust said this new approach will get students the answers they need quickly. And, when needed, students can speak more in depth with a staff member familiar with the topic they have questions about. It officially opens on Tuesday, Aug. 31, for Wolverine Welcome Day/Go Blue Bash and students are encouraged to stop by and vote on the official office name.

“We want to connect our students to what they need to know in a fast and friendly way — without them having to go to multiple offices for answers and as a student-focused unit, we want the students' help in naming this exciting new area designed to support them.”

Faust said students can look for the friendly face and maize and blue "Ask Me" button. This staff member will be happy to assist the student and answer their questions. If additional steps are needed to explore the inquiry further, the staff member will introduce the student to an on-site subject matter expert to resolve the issue.

In addition, the ESS staff will help interested students learn how to navigate My ��-Dearborn, the new student portal, so they know where to find important campus announcements, see tasks that they need to complete, schedule appointments, get answers to questions and access key university resources. The staff will be giving portal tutorials during Wolverine Welcome Day.

Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Melissa Stone said the My ��-Dearborn student portal coupled with the development of the shared services model are recent examples of student success-focused advancements at ��-Dearborn. “We have been busy streamlining processes and developing new technology tools all with the goal of improving the way that we serve our students.”

Services will be available both remotely and in person Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with occasional extended hours. As the academic year progresses, the plan is to offer “pop-up” One Stop services at the Fairlane Center and in other campus locations.

Faust said having a specific point of contact for students to go with their university business inquiries is a customer service game changer.

“It’s all about helping students on their journey in a friendly, insightful way so they want to come to us. In addition to it being efficient, it’s a customer service model that’s less reactive and more proactive because we’re here to answer questions and streamline information to avoid potential challenges. It’s about looking at the student experience holistically.”

For more information about the Enrollment Student Services, email ESS Director Julie Faust.

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Mon, 08/23/2021 - 17:39

Starting Aug. 31, Enrollment Student Services staff will be just steps inside the main University Center entrance to give a friendly hello and answer questions students may have about their accounts, course registration, financial aid and more.

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