SUBJECT: September Updates from the Office of the Provost

Dear Colleagues,

I hope the start of the academic year has been energizing and that you’ve had a chance to settle into the rhythm of classes, meetings, events, and all that makes campus life so vibrant. There is certainly no shortage of activity around campus, and it has been wonderful to see our students, faculty, and staff back in action and reconnecting with one another.

This message highlights some of the important updates, upcoming events, and opportunities to help keep you connected and informed throughout the semester.

Fall 2026 Key Dates

• Open House (Prospective Students): Saturday, September 26th 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
• Fall Career Fair: Friday, October 9th 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m.
• Thanksgiving week (no classes): Saturday, Nov 21 – Sunday, Nov 29
• Study days: Tue/Wed, Dec 8–9 & Sat/Sun, Dec 12–13
• Final exams: Thu/Fri, Dec 10–11 & Mon–Wed, Dec 14–16
• Fall commencement: Saturday, December 19

Provost’s Faculty & Staff Book Showcase
The Office of the Provost is excited to continue the Provost’s Faculty & Staff Book Showcase, a celebration and recognition of the achievements of our community who have published professional books in the preceding academic year. The Showcase will feature faculty/staff from a range of disciplines, celebrating their advancements in knowledge, research, and creative activity. The goal of the Showcase is to expose the university community to the breadth of research and increase student awareness of the importance of these endeavors. For more information on what types of work are eligible and to submit a book for consideration, check out the Provost Faculty Book & Staff Showcase website. Please submit your work for the fall semester by October 16th.

SAVE THE DATE: Engagement Incubator Thursday, Dec. 3rd 4:00 - 5:30pm
Mark your calendars for the second annual Engagement Incubator, hosted by the Office of Community Engaged Learning and Global Engagement! The Engagement Incubator is a space for faculty to meet with community partners and build collaborations for engaged coursework and research projects. Any faculty and community partnerships and projects that grow from this event will be given priority in the 2027 OCEL Seed Grant cycle and 2027 SURE applications. 

Community partners include: LAHC, Brilliant Detroit, Transportation Riders United, City of Dearborn - Department of Economic Development, and more. RSVP for faculty will be sent out in October.

Explore Intellectual Empathy with Dr. Maureen Linker
Join Dr. Maureen Linker for an interactive talk on Intellectual Empathy, an approach that helps us better understand and respect perspectives shaped by different experiences and social positions. This session will offer practical insights for fostering meaningful dialogue, stronger relationships, and productive conversations in the classroom and workplace.

Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Michigan Room, Fairlane Center North

Sponsored by the Office of Holistic Excellence. Sign up today to participate!

In-Person Digital Accessibility Day Event
he Office of Digital Education will host an in-person “Digital Accessibility Day” event on Monday, October 26, 2026. There will be presentations throughout the day by accessibility experts from The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Michigan-Flint, and Michigan State University!  Chris Casey and Chen Wang from UM-Dearborn will also be available throughout the day for drop-in support.

In order to make this event as open as possible, registration will not be required.  Feel free to come to as many sessions as you are interested in, whether that is just one or all of them!

As this is an in-person event, the sessions will not be recorded.

Event Details:

Date: Monday October 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: University of Michigan-Dearborn - James C. Renick University Center

Kochoff C - Presentation & Learning Space

1227 - Drop-In Accessibility Support & Networking

Lunch will not be provided, though there is a break in the schedule from 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided throughout the event.

Add this event to your calendar.

Thank you for the many ways you contribute to making our campus a welcoming, supportive, and thriving community. Your hard work and dedication are what keep us moving forward, and I am excited for the opportunities and accomplishments that lie ahead this year.

Respectfully, 

Ghassan Kridli
Interim Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs