Sent to: Michigan Engineering faculty and staff on April 30, 2025
Dear colleagues:
This evening, we’ll be celebrating 800+ Michigan Engineering graduate students at the College’s graduate student commencement ceremony in Crisler Center. And this weekend, more than 2,100 Engineering and LSA Computer Science undergrads will be walking across the commencement stage. I applaud their personal achievements, but I also recognize the important role that our staff members have played in enabling transformative experiences at Michigan. Thank you for the many ways you support our students, faculty and each other throughout the year.
I look forward to engaging with many of you at the Staff Town Hall on May 7, where we’ll talk more about the impacts of federal and University guidance, and other questions you may have. Know that we remain focused on keeping our missions of teaching, research, and service at the center of our decision-making, alongside our commitment to creating an environment where our students, faculty, and staff feel connected, supported, and valued. I will continue to listen, respond and provide guidance as we learn more. You can find previous community messages and updates on the Michigan Engineering Intranet and in EnginUpdate.
Also next month, we’ll have a chance to welcome our new neighbors on North Campus! The U-M School of Information (UMSI) begins its move into the Leinweber Computer Science and Information Building in mid-May. UMSI’s main operations and graduate programs will be housed in the new building, with undergraduate operations continuing on Central Campus. The Computer Science and Engineering Division is also moving some operations into Leinweber over the course of May and June, including all student-facing undergrad advising and outreach, many faculty and grad student offices, research labs, and a maker lab.
As we wrap up the semester, I wish to thank you for your partnership, feedback, and dedication to our missions over the past year. I hope to see you at the Staff Excellence Awards on May 21 (be sure to RSVP by May 14)!
Go Blue!
Karen A. Thole, Ph.D.
Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering