Public comments sought on Regents’ Bylaw about institutional neutrality
The Board of Regents is seeking public comment on a proposed addition to the Regents’ Bylaws that addresses institutional neutrality at the University of Michigan. The proposal grew out of a recommendation in a September report by the Committee on the University of Michigan Principles on Diversity of Thought and Freedom of Expression. That advisory committee was formed in March to recommend how U-M should put into practice the statement of Principles on Diversity of Thought and Freedom of Expression that the regents approved in January. The proposed bylaw is posted for public comment prior to coming before the regents for consideration. Those wishing to submit comments can email them to [email protected]. Read the proposed bylaw at myumi.ch/egJdj. The Report of the Advisory Committee on the University of Michigan Principles on Diversity of Thought & Freedom of Expression is online at myumi.ch/9gnbb, and the Principles on Diversity of Thought and Freedom of Expression are online at myumi.ch/zXgjM.
Board of Regents to meet at on UM-Flint campus Oct. 17
The Board of Regents is scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Riverfront Center on the UM-Flint campus. Members of the public also will be able to watch a livestream of the meeting at umich.edu/watch/, but those wishing to make comments during the meeting must attend in person. An agenda will be posted at noon Oct. 14 at regents.umich.edu/meetings/agendas/. Those wishing to sign up to speak at the meeting, or who wish to submit written or video comments must do so between 9 a.m. Oct. 10 and 5 p.m. Oct. 14. To sign up or learn more about the public comments policy, go to regents.umich.edu/meetings/public-comments/. People with disabilities who need assistance should contact the Office of the Vice President and Secretary of the University in advance at 734-763-8194. For more information, go to regents.umich.edu.
OVPR seeking Public Engagement Faculty Fellowship applications
The Office of the Vice President for Research is accepting applications for the Public Engagement Faculty Fellowship, which works in partnership with campus units to foster public engagement by U-M faculty. The deadline is Dec. 1. The fellowship is designed for faculty who are interested in integrating public engagement more fully into their scholarly identity and work. Faculty members from the Ann Arbor, Dearborn or Flint campuses with all levels of experience with engagement, as well as interests in any form of public engagement, are welcome to apply. The fellowship is open to tenured and tenure-track faculty, research faculty, curatorial faculty, librarians, lecturers and clinical faculty. A series of virtual informational office hours are scheduled for Oct. 24 and 25, and Nov. 25 and 26. For more information about the fellowship and to apply, go to research.umich.edu/public-engagement-faculty-fellowship/application/.
2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report now available
The 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report has been released and is available online at dpss.umich.edu/content/crime-safety-data/annual-security-fire-safety-report/. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Division of Public Safety and Security publishes the Annual Security and Safety Report to the university community each year. The report includes updated crime and fire statistics on the Ann Arbor campus and adjoining properties for 2021, 2022 and 2023. It also provides important information, such as policies and procedures put in place to improve safety and key resources available on campus.
Study looks at home medical test use by older adults
With a fresh wave of free COVID-19 rapid tests now shipping to households nationwide, and many other types of at-home medical tests now available on store shelves and websites, a study looks at what older adults think about this newfound ability to get answers to medical questions without leaving home. The study, based on data from a survey of people between the ages of 50 and 80, asked about their experiences with and views about many types of at-home tests. It included questions about tests for cancer, infections, allergies, genetic traits and more — for both tests that give immediate results and those that get mailed in. In general, 48% of older adults had bought at least one of these tests in the past, not counting free COVID-19 tests and other free tests, according to findings published in the journal Inquiry and based on data from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. Almost all — 91% — of those who had bought a test said they’d do it again in future. Nearly 80% of them saw at-home tests as more convenient than a conventional medical test, 60% called them trustworthy and 75% said they give good value for the money. However, the data reveal some major disparities by education, income, race/ethnicity and gender. Such gaps may increase disparities in early detection of disease or risk, say the authors, who are current and former members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation where the poll is based. Read more about this study.
— Compiled by James Iseler, The University Record
