President Mark Schissel commended incoming University of Michigan students for persevering through the COVID-19 pandemic’s challenges and encouraged them to be open to new ideas.

In his welcome to students and their families — those arriving for the first time and those who started last year at the height of the pandemic — during the Aug. 29 Fall Convocation at Michigan Stadium, Schlissel also noted how wonderful it is to be back in person to open the school year.

“We’ve missed your energy and your ideas, and we’re really thrilled to have you back home, here on campus,” he said.

Schlissel said both the students and the university have had to make many adjustments over the past several months, from learning remotely to aggressively exploring new technologies.

 “This semester you’ll be able to take advantage of what we’ve learned,” he said. “We know that different ways of learning can enhance the in-person, residential experience, that the status quo should rightfully be challenged — even at a leading university that’s more than 200 years old.”

Schlissel said the university took stock of what worked and what didn’t, and also listened to students who said being on campus with their classmates and instructors is important.

“It’s the authentic college experience that’s irreplaceable and just can’t be replicated online,” he said. “We have volumes of data that support this — some of it published by your professors. Interacting with others makes learning and research better.”

Schlissel said faculty and staff have reimagined the residential experience to make it better. For instance, “flipped classrooms” reserve in-person time for discussions and problem-solving, with lectures moved online to allow students to go at their own pace.

Schlissel called on students to be open to considering different ideas.

 “Disagreement is healthy, but shutting down or turning off those with whom you disagree only increases polarization and conflict on campus and in our broader society,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to share your own beliefs, but resist the temptation to ostracize others for theirs.”

U-M’s incoming class includes students from around the world. Adele Brumfield, vice provost for enrollment management, said the class includes more than 100 students from the Upper Peninsula, as well students from all 50 states and six territories, and from 75 different countries. For the 2021 first-year entering class, there were 83,029 applications, 16,235 admits and 7,529 matriculations, according to data on the Office of Undergraduate Admissions’ website. 

The event that took place this year at Michigan Stadium traditionally has been called the New Student Convocation and held in Crisler Arena. Because of the pandemic’s impact on the 2020-21 school year, the event was renamed the Fall Convocation and included students from the classes of 2024 and 2025.

Provost Susan Collins, a professor of public policy and economics, said the world has undergone profound change over the past year, with concerns about health, racism, inequality and climate change becoming paramount.

“These are serious concerns and you will play pivotal roles in finding ways to address them. This may seem a heavy responsibility,” she said. “But here’s the good news: There is tremendous need for new ideas, fresh approaches and creative solutions. Your Michigan education will help you develop strength in thinking imaginatively and inventing new ways to do things.” 

Collins said one exciting aspect of life at the university is that many ideas and opinions can be found, discussed and debated here.

“Our success as a community, and yours as individuals, requires an environment in which each of us can grow and thrive,” she said. “Trust is a cornerstone of this environment. It is when we are confident that we can ask difficult questions, admit our doubts, make mistakes, and disagree while retaining respect and friendship, that we are truly able to learn.”

Brumfield, who was appointed to her position in May and began Aug. 2, noted she has something in common with the newest members of the U-M family.

“Like so many of you, I just arrived in Ann Arbor and am finding my way around our beautiful campus,” she said. “We’ll be discovering the level of excellence that is infused throughout the University of Michigan together.”

Brumfield said each student has taken a different path to bring them to this moment in time. She told them their resilience will serve them well throughout their lives.

“I see those of you who took up the causes of activism and social justice — both here on campus and back in your hometowns — to make your voice heard in support of what you believe,” she said. “I see those of you who are continuing the Wolverine family tradition and are eager to build your own legacy. 

“And I see those of you who were like me when I went to college — the first in your family to attend. While I know what is ahead as a college student can feel daunting, never forget that the University of Michigan believes in you, chose you, and is here for you. I see the potential for greatness among you.”

Vice President for Student Life Martino Harmon said the reason for the day’s event was to welcome students to their new home. He encouraged them to seize opportunities, meet new people and step outside of their comfort zones.

“You are the leaders and best. So, we expect you to act like it,” he said. “Lead with integrity. Lead with kindness. Being competitive does not preclude being collaborative and cooperative. In fact, it requires it.”

Above all, Harmon said, students should be sure to make the most out of their time at U-M.

“No single alumnus, of the over half million living alumni of the University of Michigan, has had the exact same experience as any other,” he said. “Because our university is a very special and constantly evolving place … so make it yours.”

Robert Sellers, vice provost for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, said this year marks the completion of the university’s initial five-year strategic DEI plan — but the university’s commitment to DEI is far from over.  

“We have made tremendous progress over the past five years. Yet, we still have a ways to go before we are the university we can be,” Sellers said.

 “Thus, I am happy to report that we will continue into the future our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through a new five-year strategic plan that we are dubbing DEI 2.0. You and your classmates will play a crucial role in shaping and implementing this next phase of our journey.”

He also encouraged students to engage with people who are different.

“At times your attempts to engage with someone who is different than you may feel awkward and unsuccessful,” Sellers said. “But, do not let that deter you. It takes skills to learn to effectively interact across difference. And like all skills, you must practice them in order to develop them. I promise you that it is worth it.”