Dear students, staff and faculty,

Beginnings are such important times – times to remember our traditions, to reaffirm our values, and to renew our aspirations.

So let us begin again, in pursuit of our mission as one of the world’s great universities, dedicated to discovery and excellence, and committed to lifting the distinct, ineffable potential of each individual.

Let us recognize that while we have a proud history of open inquiry and spirited debate, people have also long looked to the University of Michigan for solutions, and they still do so today.

For we are a university of values and it is those enduring values – of integrity, respect, inclusion, equity, diversity and innovation – that are at the heart of everything we do as a community.

Protest is part of democracy and something we embrace and celebrate. However, one person’s right to protest must not infringe on the rights of others, endanger our community or disrupt the operations of the university.

As we face a truly consequential election as well as other potentially contentious issues, we must reaffirm our values with the choices we make each day. Guided by the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Principles on Diversity of Thought and Freedom of Expression, we must strive to “meet conflict and controversy with understanding and reason, refuting our opponents rather than revoking invitations or refusing them a platform, contesting their ideas instead of attacking their character.”

Through Vision 2034, which we launched this spring, we have pledged to transform the University of Michigan into the defining public university, leveraging our interdisciplinarity and excellence to educate learners, advance society and make groundbreaking discoveries that impact the greatest challenges facing humanity.

Each of us has an important part to play in making that vision a reality. For this reason, and to educate and engage the next generation of outstanding citizens, public servants and national leaders, we are embarking upon the Year of Democracy, Civic Empowerment and Global Engagement, a series which will highlight Michigan expertise and include speakers, performances, and funding opportunities to explore the critical challenges facing our nation and our world today. Stay tuned to hear more about exciting opportunities and ways to get engaged in the theme year. 

We will also be lifting up other key impact areas from Vision 2034 – life-changing education, human health and well-being, climate action, sustainability and environmental justice – as well as other important areas such as arts and creative expression, research and discovery, artificial intelligence and economic development.

In this upcoming semester, every member of the U-M community will have the opportunity to learn, to grow and to lead. And each of us has the responsibility to listen respectfully, to walk with humility, and to achieve with integrity.

Let us go forward together, united in purpose, committed to scholarship and service, and daring to exceed our dreams.

Welcome home, and Go Blue!

Santa J. Ono
President