MICDE Catalyst Grants support five new computational science projects
Research teams at the University of Michigan will share more than $370,000 in awards to explore high-impact projects with novel advancement in computational science across a breadth of research areas. The Michigan Institute for Computational Discovery and Engineering, a unit within the Office of the Vice President for Research, recently awarded funding to five research teams as part of its Catalyst Grants program. The program, launched in 2017, has funded a wide spectrum of cutting-edge research that combines science, engineering, mathematics and computer science. “This year’s cohort of MICDE Catalyst Grants range from quantum computing for engineering science, AI (artificial intelligence) for the physics of cancer, and computational advances in hazards engineering, through mathematical advances in data science, and bioengineering,” said MICDE Director Krishna Garikpati, professor of mathematics and mechanical engineering. For more details on the 2021 MICDE Catalyst Grants, visit micde.umich.edu/catalyst/.
Campus bus system lifts capacity limits; other measures remain
Based on guidance from university public health officials, passenger capacity limits have been removed from the campus bus system. The removal of capacity limits is in line with TheRide, which is working under guidance from the Washtenaw County Health Department. Passengers will also again be allowed to board and alight from both the front and rear doors. Preventative measures that will remain in place include: face coverings are required; transit routes designed for passenger trips to be completed in approximately 15 minutes or less; moveable shields installed as a barrier between passengers and drivers; drivers will take advantage of stops to open doors for increased ventilation; increased air filtration and open windows for all buses; cleaning and disinfection protocols for frequently touched surfaces inside the bus.
Google Drive update to affect links to non-Google files
Google is releasing an update to Drive files on Sept. 13 that will change links used to share non-Google files — such as those in Word, Excel, JPG and PDF formats — that were created before November 2017. The update will primarily affect faculty, staff and teams who have links to non-Google files on public websites. Google file types such as Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms will not be affected. Access to files will not change for those who have already viewed them or who have direct access, but the update may cause owners of affected files to receive new file access requests. U-M community members have begun receiving notices from Google about the update, which includes additional information about the affected files. Information and Technology Services suggests that those receiving Google’s email notification should follow the instructions Google provides to view their affected Google Drive files. For more information and links to support information.
Virtual campuswide New Faculty Orientation set for Aug. 25
A campuswide New Faculty Orientation, designed to introduce all new faculty to the University of Michigan, will take place virtually from 9-11:45 a.m. Aug. 25, via Zoom. Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, the orientation is designed to help new faculty members prepare for their first year at U-M. The program will begin with welcoming remarks by President Mark Schlissel, Provost Susan M. Collins and Vice President for Research Rebecca Cunningham. It also will include a CRLT Players performance of “Act for Equity,” followed by breakout sessions in which faculty will have the opportunity to discuss the performance with one another. To view the agenda or to register, visit crlt.umich.edu/campus-wide-new-faculty-orientation. Email questions to Kayla Lang at [email protected].
Research seed grants available to advance anti-racism scholarship
The National Center for Institutional Diversity’s Anti-Racism Collaborative is seeking research grant proposals that broaden understandings of anti-racism and anti-racist action. Grants ranging from $5,000-$20,000 will support innovative diversity scholarship designed to inform and support social action. The NCID sees opportunities to translate the present momentum around anti-racism into sustainable precedents for action, and actively seeks proposals that advance knowledge about: the types of experiences, encounters, programs and interventions that contribute to anti-racist action; strategies and models for organizing that demonstrate effectiveness in anti-racist movements; ways that anti-racism is embodied, performed or represented in the visual and performing arts; documentation of anti-racist efforts and their effectiveness across social contexts. The application deadline is Aug. 16. Learn more.
Volunteers sought to help at Welcome to Michigan events
The Division of Student Life and the Office of Enrollment Management are putting out a call for volunteers to help with the Welcome to Michigan program, a campuswide collection of events that help new U-M students successfully transition into the university community. Hundreds of volunteers from the campus community are needed to help make this program possible. The 2021 program, co-led by Student Life’s Center for Campus Involvement and OEM’s Office of New Student Programs, has expanded beyond first-year student activities to offer additional events designed specifically for second-year students and new students’ parents and families. Welcome to Michigan 2021 will offer many events and resources that go beyond the first week of class. Student Life and OEM are requesting support from across campus to ensure the program can provide both incoming and returning students an outstanding Michigan experience. Volunteer shifts are available during regular business hours, evenings and weekends. View volunteer opportunities and sign up through Sessions @ Michigan.
University issues statement regarding federal judge’s DACA ruling
After a U.S. district judge recently ruled the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is unlawful, U-M says it “is proud to welcome and support the educational aspirations of all students, regardless of immigration status.” The ruling does not affect those with DACA status or who need to renew existing benefits. President Mark Schlissel and hundreds of university, corporate and civic leaders signed a letter to Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sen. Chuck Schumer to “urge the Senate to come together and immediately provide a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and DACA-eligible individuals through the passage of the bipartisan DREAM Act.” DACA support resources, as well as information for students needing assistance connecting with support resources related to DACA or undocumented status, are available at undocumented.umich.edu/support-services/. Read the full university statement at publicaffairs.vpcomm.umich.edu/statement-on-daca-ruling/.
New UM-Dearborn office coordinates campus academic resources
UM-Dearborn has launched the Office of Academic Success, bringing together the academic resources around campus and coordinates them under one office. Additionally, the office is developing new collaborative programming geared toward students and faculty for the coming academic year. For students, there’s Tutoring Services, Supplemental Instruction, the Science Learning Center, the Math Learning Center, and the Writing Center. For faculty and staff, the office will closely work with the Hub for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Digital Education, and other areas of Faculty and Institutional Support. Learn more about the new office.
UM-Flint recognized as veteran-friendly school
UM-Flint has been recognized for its excellence in serving student veterans this summer by being named to three different lists: The Military Times 2021 “Best for Vets: Colleges” list ranked UM-Flint 41 out of more than 360 universities and colleges; U.S. Veterans Magazine recognized UM-Flint as a Top Veteran-Friendly School; and the campus retained its gold-level ranking as a veteran-friendly institution with the Military Veterans Affairs Agency. UM-Flint has been a gold-level status each year since the program started in 2015. Learn more about UM-Flint’s recognition.
— Compiled by James Iseler, The University Record
