Michigan’s commitment through crisis

March 27, 2020

Dear Friends of Michigan:

We are all sharing a world that is very different than it was just several weeks ago, and it’s changing by the day. I write from a state that is under a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order from the governor and a campus that is unusually quiet, as the traditional bustle of spring we all know and love has been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Underlying the apparent stillness, however, is a fierce resolve — one that you are also accustomed to at Michigan — and a level of activity that demonstrates our enduring commitment as a public research university. We have moved quickly to address the rapidly progressing pandemic through the foundational pillars of our mission: education, research, service, and patient care.

Our students continue to learn remotely and pursue their degrees, taught by faculty who have risen to the challenge of moving their classes to online and alternative platforms in a matter of days. Throughout all of the difficulties, U-M students and their families have demonstrated tremendous resilience. University housing and other essential support services remain open and staffed for those who need to stay here, but 90 percent of our undergraduate residence hall occupants have left campus.

Our researchers deftly ramped down lab operations in a fashion that ensures we can be up and running with minimal losses when it’s safe once again for people to convene in groups. Our faculty and students are finding innovative new ways to collect and analyze data and continue their research and scholarship remotely.

To no surprise, the U-M community has stepped up in inspiring ways. Pharmacy interns have volunteered to use their talents to make hand sanitizer for our hospitals, and we’ve developed online resources to ensure our classes continue and to allow employees to stay safe while they keep working. Many U-M researchers have stepped up to study critical aspects of COVID-19 disease mechanisms and treatment, and faculty in areas including medicine and public health have provided expertise, data, and projections to elected leaders, helping our society to be smarter and better able to slow the pandemic.

Michigan Medicine has been preparing for weeks to provide world-class care for those affected by COVID-19, opening a special unit for patients, launching in-house testing for the coronavirus, and implementing protections for our health professionals. That preparation is being tested daily, as we treat an increasing number of confirmed patients in our hospitals with a still-limited inventory of protective equipment and necessary supplies.

As I reflect on these extraordinary weeks, I recognize that you — our alumni, donors, parents, and friends — have helped us prepare for this challenging time. Your ongoing connection to and support of our great university, through the years and across many miles, helped make us who we are today and prepare us to meet this enormous challenge.  Thanks to you, our ability to provide expertise, discover treatments and cures, continue educating, and help those who are most vulnerable matches our Michigan resolve.

While we are well-positioned, we all know that we are facing uncharted territory and uncertainty about what the future may bring. Many of you have asked how you can help, reminding us once again that even in times of crisis, you are all truly Leaders and Best. If you’d like to contribute to our efforts, there are two funds to immediately help those affected most by the pandemic:

  • The COVID-19 Philanthropic Fund at Michigan Medicine helps address the health system’s most pressing needs, from personal protective equipment, to testing, to tailoring patient rooms for the special needs of COVID-19 patients.
  • The Student Emergency Assistance Funds for our Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses help our most vulnerable students affected by this or any other crisis with resources such as housing, transportation, nutrition or tuition assistance to help through emergency situations.

Through all of this, I’m especially grateful to you, our Michigan Family, for your ongoing encouragement and your heart-warming offers of support. Together, we are rising to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and providing education, research, and patient care to the people of Michigan and beyond.

Please take care of yourselves and your families in these difficult times. Keep track of what Michigan is doing and stay in touch with your friends and classmates all across this Michigan of ours.   I look forward to seeing you all back here on campus or when I visit your communities in the years ahead.

Thank you, stay healthy, and Go Blue!

Mark S. Schlissel, M.D., Ph.D.

President

P.S. U-M experts continue to serve as a trusted resource of quality guidance and information. You might find it helpful to follow and share these resources:

President Schlissel sent this message to U-M alumni, supporters and parents whose contact information is on record with the university.