UM-Dearborn opens maker space for students
The University of Michigan-Dearborn recently opened a dedicated maker space for students to design, build and test their creations. The Student and Professional Shop in the Manufacturing Systems Engineering Lab high bay, which opened Sept. 11, includes a 24-seat classroom, several 3-D printers, a metal fabrication shop and areas for welding, carpentry and industrial engineering. The renovated space provides a place for the campus community to demonstrate hands-on classroom learning and for students to test their designs through product creation. The shop will have a supervising technician present to answer questions and teach students how to use the machinery.
Economic Growth Institute receives economic development award
U-M’s Economic Growth Institute recently received the International Economic Development Council’s Excellence in Economic Development Award for its efforts in supporting small business. The institute was recognized for its successful implementation of innovative programs that have helped create more than 1,000 high-tech jobs throughout the state. Beyond job growth, companies served by the institute’s First Customer Program and Small Company Innovation Program have generated $204 million in new revenues from technology products, along with $266.1 million in new investments since 2014. The First Customer Program assists companies by identifying critical gaps in business development, marketing and sales. The Small Company Innovation Program provides 1-to-1 matching funds up to $40,000 to Michigan small businesses to help cover the cost of conducting a research project at any Michigan public university.
Senate Assembly resolution denounces recent racist attacks
In light of recent racially motivated attacks on U-M community members, the faculty’s Senate Assembly on Sept. 18 affirmed its commitment to “open and civil discourse, equity, inclusion and mutual respect extending to all members of all ethnic communities.” The Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs, the executive arm of U-M’s faculty governance system, recently approved a similar resolution that was in direct response to a recent incident where anti-Latinx graffiti was written on the Rock near Washtenaw Avenue and Hill Street. Senate Assembly, an elected body of faculty members from the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses, broadened the resolution after reported racist remarks directed toward African-American students at the West Quad residence hall. “We call on all members of the University of Michigan to unequivocally oppose and condemn all attempts to discriminate against, marginalize, or denigrate students, faculty and staff based on national origin or ethnic belonging,” the resolution says.
UM-Flint earns ‘veteran-friendly’ honor
For the third consecutive year, the University of Michigan-Flint has been recognized with gold-level status by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. The Michigan Veteran-Friendly School program awards bronze-, silver- or gold-level status to educational institutions for their commitment to providing on-campus, veteran-centric services to student veterans and dependents utilizing a GI Bill and other educational benefits. UM-Flint operates the Student Veterans Resource Center, which offers veterans assistance with admission, VA benefits, enrollment, advising and referrals. It also hosts social outings and space for student veterans to connect with their peers.
— Compiled by Safiya Merchant, The University Record
