A Year of Possibility

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

From Vision to Action

Hi all,

Welcome back to a new semester and a new year! I’m not much for resolutions, but I’m not above trying to make improvements in my life. Who knows? I might even get my house back this year.

2026 will certainly hold exciting developments for UMSI. One in particular I wanted to share is an update on our ongoing collaboration with the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit (UMCI). First announced by the Board of Regents in 2021 and slated for completion in 2027, UMCI positions UMSI as an anchor partner in shaping educational opportunities that support statewide job creation, economic growth, and the future of learning through a world-class hub for research, education, and entrepreneurship in Michigan’s largest city.

Up to this point, I have been working closely with UMCI, partner programs, and colleagues across U-M’s schools and colleges to envision what a broader student experience in Detroit might look like. While many possibilities remain under consideration, a residential degree program has emerged as a particularly promising area of focus. With this in mind, and after extensive discussion and planning, we are exploring a proposal that will create a Detroit-based version of our MSI degree, with a tentative launch in fall 2028.

This decision opens the door to an exciting next phase of work, and MSI director Tawanna Dillahunt has agreed to join me this semester to further develop the program proposal details. As plans take shape, we will involve additional colleagues to define program elements that draw on the expertise of our faculty and staff and to create a strong and engaging experience for students.

From new hybrid course formats to curriculum innovations, deeper interdisciplinary collaboration, and stronger support for reskilling and upskilling the workforce, UMCI presents meaningful ways to broaden our impact and expand how we teach and engage learners. These efforts are strengthened by UMCI’s growing relationships with Detroit organizations and businesses, which build on our long-standing strength in engaged learning and create additional real-world learning opportunities for students.

At its core, this partnership enables us to advance our mission and extend our reach in ways that reflect our shared values. It will take focus and collaboration in the year ahead, and I am excited about what we can build together.

Best,

Cliff

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

University of Michigan School of Information

Advancing Alternative Learning

UMSI’s Alternative Learning Initiatives Committee is working to bring greater clarity, alignment, and strategy to the School’s non-degree learning portfolio. Led by Mark Newman, the committee is evaluating current offerings, benchmarking peer institutions, and identifying opportunities that broaden access and support learners at every stage.

Fueling Student Growth

A new era of applied learning is taking shape at UMSI through industry partnerships that connect students to emerging challenges in design and technology. Led by James Rampton, a recent collaboration with General Motors is expanding hands-on learning opportunities, giving students access to industry tools, professional mentorship, and real-world contexts that prepare them for the future of information-driven design.

Building Connections IRL

UMSI’s Engaged Learning Office plays a critical role in bridging academic theory and professional practice. By embedding real-world, client-based projects into coursework, the office connects students with external partners while helping them build practical skills, professional confidence, and portfolios that support career readiness.

Celebrating First-Gen Voices

Each year, UMSI joins institutions nationwide in celebrating First-Generation College Student Week. Through a series of gatherings, workshops, and community-building events, First-Gen Week highlighted the experiences, strengths, and achievements of first-generation students while reinforcing a year-round commitment to support and belonging.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES & EVENTS

January 14: Creating the Future of Medicine for 175 Years
January 19: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium
January 24: The Evolution of Campus: A Cartographic Celebration of U-M's History