Sessions For: College of Literature, Science & Arts

1 session on May 1, 2026
An interdisciplinary research group focused on the role of critical theory in the academy today and the question of how we study culture in our current political climate.
1 session on May 3, 2026

The Political Ecology Workshop (PEW) is an interdisciplinary space for scholars at all career stages with interests in political ecology and related critical approaches to the study of environment-society interactions. PEW brings together a range of divisions across campus, including Anthropology, History, Environment and Sustainability, Political Science, Sociology, and all Area Studies departments and programs. We have founded a collaborative, multidisciplinary community with a shared investment questioning how environments and societies are co-produced and the ways in which power and inequality impact the dynamics and understandings of this co-production. We have run PEW as an RIW for two years and all the workshops have been possible from our committed participants from diverse fields. This year, we intend to develop our membership further by inviting scholars from broader fields and promoting PEW on listservs across campus.

PEW supports graduate student development, including for earlier-stage students seeking interdisciplinary conversations as they develop environment-society research projects and later-stage students seeking to incorporate political ecology into their work. PEW emphasizes dedicated time for graduate students to receive feedback on their work and facilitates faculty-student mentorship. It allows students to access a range of critical environmental studies perspectives they might not have encountered through coursework or departmental activities, and to grow from the feedback and insight of faculty and peers who share this commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and professional development.


3 sessions available from May 5, 2026 to June 9, 2026
In-person workshop sessions to learn about Prompt Writing.
1 session on May 5, 2026
2 sessions available from May 6, 2026 to June 4, 2026
In-person workshop about NotebookLM


1 session on May 6, 2026
Celebrate the close of the academic year with the Bowman Center
Bowman Center Faculty Gathering
May 6, 2026
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
@ Union Rec (545 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104)

As the semester comes to an end, we invite you to join us for an afternoon of community, conversation, and celebration. This informal gathering offers a chance to reconnect, reflect on the past year, and continue building the relationships that sustain and strengthen our shared work.
Faculty—and their families—are warmly welcome to attend.
*Food and beverages will be served*
Let’s mark the end of the semester with intention, appreciation, and a shared sense of possibility for what’s ahead.
We hope you’ll join us!
1 session on May 7, 2026
Welcome to the Arabic Placement Test
About the test
The test takes approximately three hours in length, and it is composed of three portions:
a. The writing portion is completed via Zoom and it is worth a total of 100 points.
b. The reading portion is completed online through Canvas site, and it is worth a total of 48 points.
c. Right after finishing with the reading portion, each student will have a follow-up interview with a proctor. The interviews last approximately 15 minutes and it is worth a total of 20 points.
Important: The interview portion will be weighted most heavily as it will be used to validate performance on the first two portions of the test. The final result/score/rating will thus be based on the student’s performance on the interview above all. Rating of performance on the writing or reading portions is secondary.
How is the result calculated?
Students who receive 60% or above will be placed in Arabic 401 and thus placed out of the LSA Language Requirement.
Where can I view my results?
Placement results are posted within 7 business days after taking the test. You will not be notified of your score automatically.
You may view your placements via: Wolverine Access > Student Business > Academic Records > View Placement Exam Results.

Important information about the test
* Please note that only students who are participating in the Spring/Summer orientations are eligible to take the online placement test. If you are an existing UM student, please sign up to take the in-person placement test that is taking place in August.
* Placements are valid for only one year. If you fail to register in the course that you are placed in, you will be required to retake the test.
* Retaking the placement test is only permitted after the placement results expire.
* Students who are currently taking an Arabic course will not be allowed to take the placement test.
* The test assesses students’ proficiency in Standard Arabic (fuSHa), NOT colloquial Arabic.
* If you speak an Arabic dialect but you do not know how to read or write or have little knowledge in Standard Arabic (fuSHa), feel free to register in Arabic 101.
* Students who know some Arabic because they came from an Arabic-speaking household or have studied Arabic before, must take the Arabic proficiency test in order to determine their placement.
* Students who have taken Arabic at other institutions and wish to continue their Arabic study at UM must take the placement test to determine their level. Credits for Arabic study undertaken at another institution prior to joining UM or in a summer program while attending UM, transfer in as generic departmental credits and students must take the placement test to determine credit equivalencies to UM courses.
* If you place in or beyond the 401 level, you will have satisfied the LSA language requirement.
* Students are encouraged to take a placement test as early as possible in their studies in order to determine the level they should enroll in, or if they test out of the language requirement. This is extremely important to avoid delays in graduation and complications with placement.
* Arabic 101, 121, 201, 221, 401, 501 or 504 are offered ONLY in the Fall semester, and Arabic 102, 122, 202, 222, 402, 511 are ONLY offered in the Winter semester.
* Arabic 103 (the equivalent of Arabic 101 & 102, combined) AND Arabic 203 (the equivalent of Arabic 201 & 202, combined) are offered in the Spring-Summer terms.
UM’s Arabic curriculum is a dual register curriculum in which students learn to speak and understand the Levantine dialect (the dialect of Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon) in addition to developing the four language skills of Standard Arabic (fuSHa).
If you have questions regarding the placement test, please contact the Arabic program director at, mesarabicprogram@umich.edu
1 session on May 12, 2026
This is a bundle of three of our workshops, designed for LSA staff who are beginning to explore AI on campus
1 session on May 14, 2026
Welcome to the Arabic Placement Test
About the test
The test takes approximately three hours in length, and it is composed of three portions:
a. The writing portion is completed via Zoom and it is worth a total of 100 points.
b. The reading portion is completed online through Canvas site, and it is worth a total of 48 points.
c. Right after finishing with the reading portion, each student will have a follow-up interview with a proctor. The interviews last approximately 15 minutes and it is worth a total of 20 points.
Important: The interview portion will be weighted most heavily as it will be used to validate performance on the first two portions of the test. The final result/score/rating will thus be based on the student’s performance on the interview above all. Rating of performance on the writing or reading portions is secondary.
How is the result calculated?
Students who receive 60% or above will be placed in Arabic 401 and thus placed out of the LSA Language Requirement.
Where can I view my results?
Placement results are posted within 7 business days after taking the test. You will not be notified of your score automatically.
You may view your placements via: Wolverine Access > Student Business > Academic Records > View Placement Exam Results.

Important information about the test
* Please note that only students who are participating in the Spring/Summer orientations are eligible to take the online placement test. If you are an existing UM student, please sign up to take the in-person placement test that is taking place in August.
* Placements are valid for only one year. If you fail to register in the course that you are placed in, you will be required to retake the test.
* Retaking the placement test is only permitted after the placement results expire.
* Students who are currently taking an Arabic course will not be allowed to take the placement test.
* The test assesses students’ proficiency in Standard Arabic (fuSHa), NOT colloquial Arabic.
* If you speak an Arabic dialect but you do not know how to read or write or have little knowledge in Standard Arabic (fuSHa), feel free to register in Arabic 101.
* Students who know some Arabic because they came from an Arabic-speaking household or have studied Arabic before, must take the Arabic proficiency test in order to determine their placement.
* Students who have taken Arabic at other institutions and wish to continue their Arabic study at UM must take the placement test to determine their level. Credits for Arabic study undertaken at another institution prior to joining UM or in a summer program while attending UM, transfer in as generic departmental credits and students must take the placement test to determine credit equivalencies to UM courses.
* If you place in or beyond the 401 level, you will have satisfied the LSA language requirement.
* Students are encouraged to take a placement test as early as possible in their studies in order to determine the level they should enroll in, or if they test out of the language requirement. This is extremely important to avoid delays in graduation and complications with placement.
* Arabic 101, 121, 201, 221, 401, 501 or 504 are offered ONLY in the Fall semester, and Arabic 102, 122, 202, 222, 402, 511 are ONLY offered in the Winter semester.
* Arabic 103 (the equivalent of Arabic 101 & 102, combined) AND Arabic 203 (the equivalent of Arabic 201 & 202, combined) are offered in the Spring-Summer terms.
UM’s Arabic curriculum is a dual register curriculum in which students learn to speak and understand the Levantine dialect (the dialect of Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon) in addition to developing the four language skills of Standard Arabic (fuSHa).
If you have questions regarding the placement test, please contact the Arabic program director at, mesarabicprogram@umich.edu
1 session on May 21, 2026
Welcome to the Arabic Placement Test
About the test
The test takes approximately three hours in length, and it is composed of three portions:
a. The writing portion is completed via Zoom and it is worth a total of 100 points.
b. The reading portion is completed online through Canvas site, and it is worth a total of 48 points.
c. Right after finishing with the reading portion, each student will have a follow-up interview with a proctor. The interviews last approximately 15 minutes and it is worth a total of 20 points.
Important: The interview portion will be weighted most heavily as it will be used to validate performance on the first two portions of the test. The final result/score/rating will thus be based on the student’s performance on the interview above all. Rating of performance on the writing or reading portions is secondary.
How is the result calculated?
Students who receive 60% or above will be placed in Arabic 401 and thus placed out of the LSA Language Requirement.
Where can I view my results?
Placement results are posted within 7 business days after taking the test. You will not be notified of your score automatically.
You may view your placements via: Wolverine Access > Student Business > Academic Records > View Placement Exam Results.

Important information about the test
* Please note that only students who are participating in the Spring/Summer orientations are eligible to take the online placement test. If you are an existing UM student, please sign up to take the in-person placement test that is taking place in August.
* Placements are valid for only one year. If you fail to register in the course that you are placed in, you will be required to retake the test.
* Retaking the placement test is only permitted after the placement results expire.
* Students who are currently taking an Arabic course will not be allowed to take the placement test.
* The test assesses students’ proficiency in Standard Arabic (fuSHa), NOT colloquial Arabic.
* If you speak an Arabic dialect but you do not know how to read or write or have little knowledge in Standard Arabic (fuSHa), feel free to register in Arabic 101.
* Students who know some Arabic because they came from an Arabic-speaking household or have studied Arabic before, must take the Arabic proficiency test in order to determine their placement.
* Students who have taken Arabic at other institutions and wish to continue their Arabic study at UM must take the placement test to determine their level. Credits for Arabic study undertaken at another institution prior to joining UM or in a summer program while attending UM, transfer in as generic departmental credits and students must take the placement test to determine credit equivalencies to UM courses.
* If you place in or beyond the 401 level, you will have satisfied the LSA language requirement.
* Students are encouraged to take a placement test as early as possible in their studies in order to determine the level they should enroll in, or if they test out of the language requirement. This is extremely important to avoid delays in graduation and complications with placement.
* Arabic 101, 121, 201, 221, 401, 501 or 504 are offered ONLY in the Fall semester, and Arabic 102, 122, 202, 222, 402, 511 are ONLY offered in the Winter semester.
* Arabic 103 (the equivalent of Arabic 101 & 102, combined) AND Arabic 203 (the equivalent of Arabic 201 & 202, combined) are offered in the Spring-Summer terms.
UM’s Arabic curriculum is a dual register curriculum in which students learn to speak and understand the Levantine dialect (the dialect of Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon) in addition to developing the four language skills of Standard Arabic (fuSHa).
If you have questions regarding the placement test, please contact the Arabic program director at, mesarabicprogram@umich.edu
1 session on May 28, 2026
Welcome to the Arabic Placement Test
About the test
The test takes approximately three hours in length, and it is composed of three portions:
a. The writing portion is completed via Zoom and it is worth a total of 100 points.
b. The reading portion is completed online through Canvas site, and it is worth a total of 48 points.
c. Right after finishing with the reading portion, each student will have a follow-up interview with a proctor. The interviews last approximately 15 minutes and it is worth a total of 20 points.
Important: The interview portion will be weighted most heavily as it will be used to validate performance on the first two portions of the test. The final result/score/rating will thus be based on the student’s performance on the interview above all. Rating of performance on the writing or reading portions is secondary.
How is the result calculated?
Students who receive 60% or above will be placed in Arabic 401 and thus placed out of the LSA Language Requirement.
Where can I view my results?
Placement results are posted within 7 business days after taking the test. You will not be notified of your score automatically.
You may view your placements via: Wolverine Access > Student Business > Academic Records > View Placement Exam Results.

Important information about the test
* Please note that only students who are participating in the Spring/Summer orientations are eligible to take the online placement test. If you are an existing UM student, please sign up to take the in-person placement test that is taking place in August.
* Placements are valid for only one year. If you fail to register in the course that you are placed in, you will be required to retake the test.
* Retaking the placement test is only permitted after the placement results expire.
* Students who are currently taking an Arabic course will not be allowed to take the placement test.
* The test assesses students’ proficiency in Standard Arabic (fuSHa), NOT colloquial Arabic.
* If you speak an Arabic dialect but you do not know how to read or write or have little knowledge in Standard Arabic (fuSHa), feel free to register in Arabic 101.
* Students who know some Arabic because they came from an Arabic-speaking household or have studied Arabic before, must take the Arabic proficiency test in order to determine their placement.
* Students who have taken Arabic at other institutions and wish to continue their Arabic study at UM must take the placement test to determine their level. Credits for Arabic study undertaken at another institution prior to joining UM or in a summer program while attending UM, transfer in as generic departmental credits and students must take the placement test to determine credit equivalencies to UM courses.
* If you place in or beyond the 401 level, you will have satisfied the LSA language requirement.
* Students are encouraged to take a placement test as early as possible in their studies in order to determine the level they should enroll in, or if they test out of the language requirement. This is extremely important to avoid delays in graduation and complications with placement.
* Arabic 101, 121, 201, 221, 401, 501 or 504 are offered ONLY in the Fall semester, and Arabic 102, 122, 202, 222, 402, 511 are ONLY offered in the Winter semester.
* Arabic 103 (the equivalent of Arabic 101 & 102, combined) AND Arabic 203 (the equivalent of Arabic 201 & 202, combined) are offered in the Spring-Summer terms.
UM’s Arabic curriculum is a dual register curriculum in which students learn to speak and understand the Levantine dialect (the dialect of Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon) in addition to developing the four language skills of Standard Arabic (fuSHa).
If you have questions regarding the placement test, please contact the Arabic program director at, mesarabicprogram@umich.edu
2 sessions available from June 10, 2026 to June 11, 2026
Workshops for staff to learn how to create and use Gemini Gems.
5 sessions available from June 19, 2026 to July 30, 2026
Join CGIS Advisor Juliana Mesa to learn more about the CGIS Spanish-taught programs offered in Winter 2027
Advanced Spanish and Culture in Granada, SpainAdvanced Spanish and Culture in Madrid, SpainAdvanced Spanish in Buenos Aires, ArgentinaLiberal Arts in Santiago, Chile
1 session on September 23, 2026
Award-winning author and filmmaker Etgar Keret will read from his book and discuss the art of storytelling using multimedia.


1 session on October 6, 2026
SAVE THE DATE - October 6th!



Curious about studying or interning abroad as an undergraduate at U-M?

Come explore everything CGIS (the Center for Global and Intercultural Study) has to offer and find the best program for you! No matter who you are, where you come from, or what you’re studying, a global experience is available to you during your time at Michigan.

Get your questions answered! Come chat with:
CGIS Program AdvisorsRecent U-M study abroad studentsFinancial Aid and the LSA Scholarships OfficeNewnan Academic AdvisorsOther on-campus offices
With over 120 CGIS programs in 40+ countries ranging from a few weeks to an academic year, there are many options to choose from.

If you want to learn more about how to satisfy your major/minor requirements abroad, how to afford study abroad, how to travel with other U-M students on a faculty-led trip, or want to know what to expect, be sure to add this event to your calendar and drop by!

CGIS Study Abroad Fair:
Thursday October 9th, 12-4pm
Rogel Ballroom Michigan Union


CGIS is part of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), but all UM-Ann Arbor undergraduates are welcome to apply to our programs.
1 session on April 8, 2027
Sarah Imhoff (she/her) is the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Chair in Jewish Studies and Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies and the Borns Jewish Studies Program at Indiana University. She writes about religion and the body with a particular interest in gender, sexuality, disability, and American religion, as well as maintaining a research specialty in religion and law. She is author of Masculinity and the Making of American Judaism (Indiana University Press, 2017) and The Lives of Jessie Sampter: Queer, Disabled, Zionist (Duke University Press, 2022). She is the founding co-editor of the journal American Religion.