Jeff Sorensen (AB ’12) and Tim Pituch (BS ’12) were months from graduating when they hit what could be called a quarter-life crisis. “I didn’t know what meaningful work was going to be for me, or what direction I was going—I felt directionless,” Sorensen reflected.

Beginning biology students throughout the country could soon use preserved chipmunks, squirrels, mice and other specimens in natural history museums to form and test hypotheses in an unusual, hands-on teaching module developed by scientists and educators at the University of Michigan.

Around 30 students from six schools across the University of Michigan gathered in the +Impact Studio at the Ross School of Business on Nov. 21, to take insights from Michigan Ross faculty and create ideas on how to reduce inequalities around the world.

Whether in high school or college, most of us have experienced the frustration of group work. There often is at least one student who doesn’t pull her weight, leaving the rest to pick up the slack. Then there is that person who takes over. He doesn’t allow anyone else to be heard.

Meet Packy, a furry, fun boy—or maybe a girl—who looks a bit like a fox, or is it a wolf, or maybe a wolverine? This cute little character is not any one creature but a hybrid mascot, if you will, intentionally created to be many things to represent diversity and choice. And the little charmer whose face is popping up across campus comes with a message that volunteerism is important and can be fun and fulfilling.

In September 2014, two University of Michigan professors received a phone call that would set them on a race to save more than a half century of African music.

At a time when the reality of climate change has become the focus of national debate—often a political hot potato—research showing that 98% of students in a large introductory biology course believe it is a genuine problem would seem to be good news.

The University of Michigan will host a Presidential Debate on Oct. 15, 2020, the Commission on Presidential Debates announced today. The debate, which will take place in the university’s Crisler Center, will be the second in a series of three Presidential Debates next year prior to the November election.

Valeria Bertacco has been appointed vice provost for engaged learning. She is currently an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, professor of electrical engineering and computer science, and associate dean for physical sciences and engineering in the Rackham Graduate School. Her three-year appointment, approved Oct. 17 by the Board of Regents, is effective Oct. 21.