Ford School joins public affairs schools in Diversity Alliance
The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy has partnered with five other public affairs schools across the United States to launch the Public Affairs Diversity Alliance. Through the alliance, the schools commit to training, mentoring, and promoting diverse scholars and sustaining a pipeline of candidates for faculty positions in public affairs and policy. In the alliance, the Ford School is joined by American University School of Public Affairs, Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, Price School at the University of Southern California, and Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University.
Reminder: Use 2018 Flexible Spending Account balance by March 15
Employees who have funds remaining in their 2018 Flexible Spending Accounts are advised to incur eligible expenses and spend down any balance by March 15. The Internal Revenue Service considers an expense to be “incurred” at the time one receives the care, service or product. To check a 2018 FSA balance, employees should log into their accounts at payflex.com or use the PayFlex mobile app. According the IRS regulations, any unclaimed funds remaining in 2018 flexible spending accounts as of June 1 are forfeited and turned over to the university to help pay administrative fees.
Reminder: Nominations for international education award due Feb. 1
The Office of the President welcomes nominations for the President’s Award for Distinguished Service in International Education. The purpose of this award is to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary efforts of faculty and staff who advance international education for U-M students. Active faculty and staff members are eligible to be nominated. All active faculty, staff and students on all U-M campuses and in the U-M Health System are eligible to submit nominations. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 1. The award recipient will receive $1,000 in recognition of their accomplishments. For more information, visit myumi.ch/LrGQr.
Nominations sought for Awards for IPE Innovation and Excellence
The Michigan Center for Interprofessional Education has announced the first-ever call for nominations for Awards for IPE Innovation and Excellence. These awards have been established with support from the U-M health science deans to honor students and faculty who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, scholarship or teaching, with regard to implementing or developing innovative, effective and sustainable interprofessional education or interprofessional practice across the U-M health science schools and units. Nominations are due Feb. 22, and the awards will be presented at Health Professions Education Day April 2. For more information, visit myumi.ch/LBY07.
UM-Flint’s Safe Ride debuts app
The University of Michigan-Flint’s Department of Public Safety, in partnership with Student Government, has introduced a new mobile phone application called “TapRide,” available for download on the Apple Store or Google Play. Students can use this app to request rides across campus on demand. Safe Ride hours of operation and pick up and drop off locations are found on the DPS website at umflint.edu/saferide. Questions about the Safe Ride services can be directed to 810-762-3330.
Faculty Allies and Student Ally Diversity Grants open for applications
Applications are now open to all U-M graduate programs for 2019-20 Rackham Faculty Allies and Student Ally Diversity Grants. Developed to fund initiatives that help all graduate students — including those from groups underrepresented in higher education — to feel welcome and thrive in their studies at the University of Michigan, the Faculty Allies and Student Ally Diversity Grants aim to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within graduate programs across the U-M campus. They are open to faculty in Rackham and non-Rackham programs.The Faculty Allies Diversity Grant awards up to $12,000 for initiatives to improve program climates, aid student retention and completion, provide opportunities for academic and professional development, boost career outcomes and success for graduate students, and encourage engagement between students and alumni.This year, Rackham is also offering a small number of initial grants up to $20,000 to support highly creative, ambitious proposals. Applications are due February 15, 2019. To apply or find further information, please visit the Rackham website, myumi.ch/aGql0.
— Compiled by Safiya Merchant, The University Record
