Spotlight: Election 2020 Newsletter |
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As we collectively look to the election in the weeks ahead, we all recognize that these are fractious, uncertain times for the United States, and indeed for the entire world. Voting has already begun for the 2020 election, and everywhere we see both hope and worry about what the coming days and weeks will bring. We know that the election results may not be known even after November 3, as many states, including Michigan, continue counting ballots in what is predicted to be a record election for voter turnout.
Many campus leaders have been working to guide our community through the weeks to come with input from students, faculty, staff, and campus communities. The Democracy & Debate Theme Semester, in collaboration with academic partners across the whole of campus and the Ginsberg Center and Student Life, has organized a number of events with faculty experts, engagement opportunities, and resources to help us all navigate this season.
From now through the end of this election season, we'll write to the campus each Sunday to highlight opportunities offered in the week to come. In these newsletters, you'll find an overview of the week's upcoming events, self-paced learning materials, engagement opportunities, wellness resources, and faculty teaching resources.
As co-chairs of the Steering Committee for the Democracy & Debate Theme Semester, we encourage you to participate in our democratic process, vote if you are eligible, and engage in free speech and dialogue that are crucial elements of our democracy.
Sincerely,
Michael S. Barr
Joan and Sanford Weill Dean, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
Cynthia Wilbanks,
Vice President for Government Relations
Co-Chairs, Steering Committee, Democracy & Debate Theme Semester
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Date: November
Brief Description: The Office of Multi-Ethnic student affairs (MESA) and the Native American Student Association (NASA) collaborate with campus partners to bring a wide range of events that celebrate Native American culture with the University of Michigan campus community. Various virtual events will celebrate the heritage, history, art, and traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout the end of October and November.
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Brief Description: In hopes of creating a robust list of activities and events for the U-M community to participate in, we’re asking students who have participated in, or are currently participating in, any form of international education (study abroad, exchange student, volunteering/interning/working abroad) to submit a proposal for the following video ideas, but not limited to complete this google form indicating interest in creating a video, or curating a list of international music, books, and movies.
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Date: Friday October 23 at 8 pm EDT
Brief Description: This conversation brings together collaborators of the ambitious Institute for the Humanities-led project, In-Between the World and Dreams: Amanda Krugliak, Arts Curator UM Institute for the Humanities and Lead Curator; Ozi Uduma, Assistant Curator for Global Contemporary Art at UMMA; Neil Alan Barclay, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History; and Ibrahim Mahama, internationally known Ghanaian artist and Director of the Savannah Center for the Arts in Tamale, Ghana.
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Date: Saturday October 24, 12 pm - 4:30 pm EDT
Brief Description: Building Power is a Black-led conference based around countering white supremacy through community organizing, direct action, and in everyday life. Our intention for this year's Building Power Against White Supremacy Conference is to co-create a space for participants to learn how voting and the many spaces outside of electoral politics offer incredible possibility for liberatory transformation.
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Dates: Monday October 26, from 5:30 - 6:30 pm EDT
Brief Description: Healthcare Delivery in Emerging Markets is a 3-credit course taught by Professor Paul Clyde at Ross that will take place during W2021. Students in this course can expect to work as teams on the real-life challenges facing organizations in low and middle-income countries. The teams will gather and analyze data then develop and present their recommendations to the organizations. Traditionally, this course has included travel during the winter break, and as you can imagine it will look a bit different this year. Course eligibility: U-M graduate students with relevant background.
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Date: Tuesday October 29 at 1 pm EDT
Brief Description: The International Institute Fellowships & Grants is presenting the first Foreign Language & Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship Info Session. FLAS is a great opportunity for students at all academic levels to apply for funding to study less commonly taught languages along with area/regional studies. This federal fellowship is through the US Department of Education and provides tuition support and a stipend for both Summer and Academic Year fellowships.
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Date: Sunday November 1st and Sunday November 15
Brief Description: The English Language Institute (ELI) have made student to students events to create community, culture, and communication for International Students at U-M.
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Jeopardy w/ American Culture on Sunday November 1, 2020 at 9 am EDT
- In honor of Election Day coming this Tuesday, we will host a game based on the popular TV quiz show Jeopardy with questions about American culture. Join us as we learn more about the history and culture of the United States!
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Cookie Wars on Sunday November 15, 2020 at 9 am EDT
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Come join us for our final event where we host a cookie decorating contest. Cookie decorating supplies will be provided to participants who are on campus and can pick them up (Not required!).
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Date: Monday November 2, at 11:00 am EDT
Brief Description: The International Institute will be holding an informational webinar on the Master in International and Regional Studies (MIRS) program for prospective students. MIRS combines an interdisciplinary curriculum, deep regional/thematic expertise, rigorous methodological training, and international experiences to enable students to situate global issues and challenges in their cultural, historical, geographical, political, and socioeconomic contexts and to approach them in diverse ways. This session will discuss topics related to the program structure, funding and financial aid, specialization tracks, dual-degree opportunities, and admissions requirements for students interested in applying for the Fall 2021 term. RSVP required to atted: http://myumi.ch/v2jDR
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Date: Tuesday November 3rd, at 11 am EST
Brief Description: Align your chakras with a Yoga workshop – all from the comfort of your own home. Each workshop is offered twice – one for each timezone (Australia and Americas/Europe) so that we can cater to institutions across the globe.
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Date: Friday November 6, 3 - 4:15 pm EDT
Brief Description: The Intercultural Leadership Seminar (ILS) is designed for international and U.S. students who want to learn how to be more effective in a global environment. ILS includes brief lectures, discussion, experiential activities, and small group work. A certificate of completion will available to students who attend all three sessions, with the first session being in September.
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Date: November 13 & November 19
Brief Description: At our Taste of Culture events, the International Center celebrates the culture and traditions of various holidays around the world. On Friday, November 13 join for a Diwali celebration and on Thursday, November 19 join for a Thanksgiving celebration.
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Date: November 13 -14, 2020
Brief Description: The Generation Mental Health Campus Chapter at the University of Michigan is excited to announce the first annual conference, Global Mental Health: Today and Tomorrow. The conference will feature keynotes, panels and design thinking workshops led by experts in the field; mentoring sessions where students can access personalized advice for progressing in their careers; and a student project showcase providing students the opportunity to present about their community work and/or research to a global audience.
Early bird student tickets cost just $5 if students buy them before October 4.
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Brief Description: The International Student Advisor (ISA) and Graduate Student Liaison will serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor’s F-1 and J-1 program, be responsible for outreach to graduate students and to graduate student organizations, and provide case management for the International Center’s International Student/Scholar Services team. This is a full time, limited term (3 year) position with the possibility of extension. Application closes October 22nd.
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The new COVID-19 Emergency Funding Application is now available. Students can apply for support to address unexpected COVID-19-related costs such as medical expenses, travel costs, or computing/technology expenses required to study remotely. A FAQ page about this funding can be found by clicking the link above, go to section, "Cost & Aid" and check the question, "Can I access CARES Act Emergency Funding?" to learn more.
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Please contact the SSW Office of Student Services (ssw.finaid@umich.edu) if you are in financial hardship due to COVID-19. OSS staff will assist you to find funding to support you.
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If you are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 or any other unforeseen situation, the Dean of Students Office stands ready to assist you. Students must contact the Dean of Students Office by phone (734-764-7420) or email (deanofstudents@umich.edu).
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CEW+ is able to offer small emergency grants to current U-M Ann Arbor graduate students. These grants are for unexpected financial emergencies that threaten to derail degree progress including funding issues that are a result of COVID-19.
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Fall Term 2020 FAQs for New & Continuing Students |
The International Center has recently added these Fall 2020 FAQs to the International Center's COVID-19 Updates page. The webpage will be updated with new information as it becomes available. If you have other questions and concerns, please email the International Center at icenter@umich.edu.
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"This document was initially directed at ways for how to turn fieldwork that was initially planned as using face-to-face methods into a more ‘hands-off’ mode. However, people have added useful material about ‘born digital’ research (content already generated on the internet by online interactions), which provides an alternative source of social research materials if researchers decide to go down that path."
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This three session video workshop will focus on understanding anxiety, learning strategies to manage anxiety, and developing a plan to apply the strategies on a daily basis wherever you are during the Pandemic. |
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SSW has listed resources and information on this web page related to tuition costs, financial aid, employment, health insurance and general questions and support. |
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Global Impact: News Story of the Week |
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*All news stories presented are likely to include bias. Please be aware of this as you read the article. If interested, we encourage you to read further about the topic at your own discretion. |
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"Nigerians have been protesting for years against police brutality, so why did this October's protests gain international attention and support at a scale never seen before?
Over the last two weeks, an outpouring of support for Nigerian protesters has played out on Twitter, with various hashtags, but predominantly #EndSARS.
Sars stands for the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
Accusations of Sars officers robbing, attacking and even killing people go back years but a new wave of protest started at the beginning of October..."
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Email ssw.oga@umich.edu if you have any questions.
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