The University of Michigan is preparing to welcome back faculty, staff and students for a fall semester unlike any other, creating never-before-seen challenges and opportunities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Record compiled a special section of things to know as the semester gets underway.

Schools, colleges share goals and hopes for 2020-21 school year

The 19 schools and colleges on the Ann Arbor campus, as well as UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint, share a goal they have, initiative they’d like to address for 2020-21, or how they’re planning to meet the challenge of this pandemic-driven year.

Q&A: SACUA Chair Colleen Conway considers the coming year

Colleen Conway, who recently began her 2020-21 term as chair of the nine-member Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs, as well as the 74-member Senate Assembly and the Faculty Senate, answers questions about topics that the central faculty governance system will address this year, as well as its role in the university decision-making process

Programs to help employees thrive in the workplace

Here are some of the ways U-M faculty and staff can pursue their goals and seek support outside of the cubicle, and hear from professionals about how health and well-being can be an integral part of the workplace.