All Sessions

If you are a new(er) student employee within University Unions, this is a mandatory session to learn about the organization, how your work interplays with other departments within the unit, and focus on customer service experiences.

The University of Michigan Department of Biostatistics is pleased to host Tianxi Cai, PhD (Harvard University), recipient of the 2025 Jeremy Taylor Outstanding Research Mentor Award, for a featured academic seminar on Thursday, January 22 at 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Cai is an internationally recognized leader in statistical learning, risk prediction, and the integration of electronic health records with genomic and clinical data. Her lecture will draw on her pioneering work in translational data science and precision medicine, reflecting both her methodological impact and her deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of statistical scientists.
A reception will follow the seminar. The reception is open only to those who attend the lecture.

Toward Durable AI in Healthcare: Generalizable Learning from Imperfect EHR Data
Electronic Health Record (EHR) data offers a promising foundation for real-world evidence, yet its utility is often severely limited by the reality of fragmented, imperfect data and significant heterogeneity across health systems. These inherent data flaws create major bottlenecks in generating evidence efficiently, often resulting in fragile models that are highly susceptible to data shift and rapid aging. Consequently, the challenge lies not just in accessing data, but in efficiently transforming these messy, disparate sources into reliable, enduring AI solutions.
This presentation outlines a comprehensive strategy to overcome these limitations and derive robust clinical insights from imperfect data. We will discuss how representation learning can address data sparsity and fragmentation by extracting stable latent features from incomplete patient histories. To tackle system heterogeneity and ensure model longevity, we introduce robust transfer learning frameworks designed to immunize algorithms against distributional shifts. Furthermore, we demonstrate how leveraging knowledge networks can bridge gaps in fragmented data by grounding models in broader biomedical context. Complementing these structural approaches, we touch upon the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) to identify clinical outcomes not directly available in structured fields, solving the problem of unobserved endpoints. By integrating these diverse methodologies, we aim to establish a blueprint for efficiently building AI ecosystems that remain reliable and durable despite the complexities of real-world healthcare data.

Join MiSciWriters for in-person and virtual workshops designed to develop science communication skills!

No science communication or editing experience required.
We are always welcoming new editors, translators, and/or illustrators. If you'd like to join MiSciWriters, fill out our membership form here.

What if a set of photos could completely transform how you
understand your purpose, the experiences of others, and the value of humanity?
With over 5 billion pictures taken globally every day, Photovoice uses this
powerful medium to foster deeper connections and understanding between
participants. In this 90-minute interactive session, you’ll use photographs to
reflect, share your story, and engage in meaningful dialogue with others.
Whether you're looking to explore your own journey or connect with diverse
perspectives, this innovative experience is designed for everyone. No
photography skills are needed—just bring your curiosity and an open mind! Come
capture more than just a moment—discover the stories behind the images!
Join us for a vegetarian dinner and a unique style
of conversation each fourth Thursday of the month. At Photovoice
dinners, you will share simple phone photographs of your own making to express
your thoughts on meaningful topics like religion, politics, and belonging. A
facilitator will guide your table through the process of sharing, asking
questions, and understanding everyone's experiences. Receive more information
about the monthly topics by signing up here.

Looking for ways to get involved on campus this semester? Come meet student organizations at the UMSI Winter Student Org Fair! You’ll have the chance to ask questions and hear about opportunities for professional development, social events, and project teams this semester.

Join us in the Leinweber Dow Room on Thursday, January 22nd from 6:00-7:30 PM.

We can’t wait to see you there!

An effective personal statement lives at the heart of your medical or professional health school application. Your personal statement allows you to tell your story to an admissions committee and share who you are and why you make a wonderful addition to a medical or health professions program. This workshop focuses on how you can get started writing a winning statement. You will learn how to focus on the passions, values, relationships, community service, clinical work, and other life experiences which led to your interest in health care. This workshop is designed to get you writing and reflecting on the story you want to tell on your application. Come to the workshop ready for getting started on an early draft.

The Research Administration Advisory Council (RAAC) Communications Subcommittee conducts periodic Virtual Networking Sessions, which are geared toward anyone who works, or is interested, in research administration at U-M. Many of the sessions have a specific topic with guests and subject matter experts, and some sessions are meant to serve as open networking opportunities.

The Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) has partnered with four internship provider organizations that maintain portfolios of placements around the world, offering the chance for undergraduate students to participate in quality International Internships over the summer. This info session will go into detail about the program for one of these providers, Sage Corps.
Sage Corps Internships sends college students to work with startups. Students can work full-time alongside CEOs, CMOs, and CTOs to build real solutions to real problems. They provide opportunities for specializations including, but not limited to, business strategy, data analytics, graphic design, marketing, software development, and UI/UX design.
These internships combine a full-time internship with an integrated academic seminar (earning 3-6 total credits) to provide professional exploration and specific skills development over the course of 8 weeks during the summer. You’ll learn to contextualize real-world experience while learning about local business culture, intercultural communication, professional development, and linkages between local and global industry trends.
Sound interesting? Come join us virtually to learn more!

Teaching English abroad can be a cost-effective way to spend a year (or two!) immersing yourself in another culture after graduation. There are many ways to go about teaching English abroad, so we invite you to join us for a session that will cover topics including things to know about teaching English abroad, opportunities to do so, and how to prepare for the experience while still a student at U-M!

This event is co-sponsored by the International Center & the English Language Institute (ELI)

We offer therapy dog visits with Gus, a Cavapoo registered with Therapaws, where you can pet, cuddle, and get general stress relief!

Take a break, de-stress, and boost your social well-being with Gus and pals! He is paw-sitively excited to meet you! 🐶

We are excited to announce the Non- and Post-Traditional Student Community Group (NPTCG) Winter 2026 Kickoff Event happening on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 6 PM to 8 PM, in the LSA Multipurpose Room (LSA 1040)!
This special, kid-friendly event is designed to create a welcoming and supportive space for non-traditional students (those 24-years or older; returning to education after a significant break; part-time students; those balancing education with other significant life responsibilities such as being a parent/guardian/caretaker; nontraditional completion of high school education; military veteran; or was in the foster-care system 13-years old or older, experiencing home insecurity or family structure) and post-traditional students (those who might have started their academic journey later in life) while they pursue their education at U-M.
If you identity with any one of these identities, this event is a great chance to:
Enjoy free food and swag 🎉
Meet and connect with fellow non- and post-traditional students
Learn about the NPTCG and resources available to support your journey at U-M
Join in on fun activities that celebrate our unique community
Whether you are a current NPTCG member or if this is your first semester at LSA and looking for a community to call your own, we are here for you. So, no matter your path to U-M, we want to build a space that supports your success and offers you a place to belong. You are also welcome to bring guests to this event, such as partners, kids, or family members! We hope you’ll join us for a night of fun and connection!

Join us for the 2026 Student Life Professional Development Conference - Anchored in Purpose: Evolving Work, Steadfast Mission! This conference is dedicated to recentering ourselves in the midst of increasing change in complexity at work, enabling future opportunities for us and our students, growing our community to meet the ever evolving needs of higher education, and expanding our reach to ensure maximum impact. Participants will engage in dynamic discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at creating a resilient, equitable, and inclusive future.
Our Pre-Conference (Monday, January 26, 2026) includes half or full day Sessions and Workshops. The Conference Day (Tuesday, January 27, 2026) includes 50 Minute Breakout Sessions, Lunch, and 75 Minute Extended Sessions in the afternoon.
This year's conference encompasses four focus areas:
Strengthening Our Roots: Professional skill building (core skills, best practices)
Growing Our Community: Networking, collaboration, and building inclusive spaces
Anchored in Purpose: Leadership, mission-driven work, and ethical decision making
Expanding Our Reach: Innovative approaches, emerging student needs, and new programs
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 9, 2026.
There is a $25 charge for Student Life staff and graduate students to attend the conference and a $50 charge for non Student Life staff per day.

The Forum for Research in Medieval Studies (FoRMS), first formed as a
Rackham Interdisciplinary Workshop (RIW) in Fall 2010, serves as a structure
for the Medieval Lunch series and a reading group for graduate students. In its geographical, historical, and disciplinary scope, FoRMS aims to
provide an important forum for graduate students and faculty to discuss their
work as contributions to the broad field of “medieval studies.” At FoRMS
sponsored lunches throughout the semester, graduate students can present their
ongoing research and receive feedback from other members of the FoRMS
community. FoRMS also sponsors interdisciplinary reading groups and other
social events, which are organized on a more ad-hoc basis.

UNCOVER INSIGHTS AND UNLEASH INNOVATION WITH DATA ANALYTICS.
Comprehending large data sets, evaluating data with a critical eye, and utilizing data to make informed decisions are ALL skills that are essential to thrive in the tech industry. Every winter, Business+Tech hosts the Data Download and Datathon Competition, in partnership with tech consulting firms Deloitte and PwC, for participants to practice analyzing a real-world problem.

Datathon Competition | February 1 – February 6, 2026
During this virtual and in-person week-long hackathon style competition, interdisciplinary student teams use data as the primary basis for developing creative solutions to a real-world problem. Once the problem statement and data set are released at the kickoff, teams of 5-6 students have a week to analyze, propose, and persuade a panel of judges.
Data Download | January 26 – January 28, 20263 workshops geared toward advancing your data analytics skills through a +tech lens. These sessions help prepare students to excel in the Datathon Competition and win the $3,000 grand prize. Session topics include: PowerExcel, Data Cleaning with R, and Python & AI.

Comprehending large data sets, evaluating data with a critical eye, and utilizing data to make informed decisions are ALL skills that are essential to thrive in the tech industry. Every January, Business+Tech hosts the Data Download and Datathon Competition, in partnership with tech consulting firms Deloitte and PwC, for participants to practice analyzing a real-world problem.

Each semester, ELI presents a series of free interactive, participatory workshops focusing on specific English writing and speaking skills that graduate and undergraduate students need to succeed in their academic and professional careers. Workshops are facilitated by ELI Lecturer Meredith Bricker.
Sign up here for any of the six Winter 2026 workshops listed below.

Organizational Excellence organizes and facilitates Empowering Blue, a program where the U-M community can learn about ideas and best practices for continuous improvement. Our mission is to empower the U-M community to take action by sharing ideas and best practices to make their work better and easier.

How do you keep your research projects moving forward without missing important details? Do you wish you had an easier way to tackle large projects step by step? This Rackham Graduate School workshop gives you clear strategies and practical skills for organizing and managing your academic projects. Learn tools for tracking progress, identifying risks, and setting clear goals. Try out technology that helps you deliver results on time and within budget. Build a project charter to guide your work and map out your team, timelines, and challenges.


This workshop is open to all master’s students, doctoral students, and postdocs at the University of Michigan.

If you have any questions, please reach out to rackhampdeworkshops@umich.edu.

Leadership program for Club Officers!

You are invited to join your fellow UMSI students, staff, and faculty for a night of ice skating at Yost Ice Arena. This will be a FREE event - including free ice skate rentals. Come join us for a night of fun on the ice! Families welcome!

Waiver
Please print, sign, and bring the participation waiver. One waiver must be signed per person. We will have some extra copies at the event for those who need it.
Parking and Transportation
Personal vehicles can be parked anywhere near the arena in the parking lot. Parking is free during the event. Please see the parking and entrance map for details.
For those looking to use the University's free busing, we recommend taking either the Commuter North or Commuter South routes and getting off at the Intramural Sports Building on Hoover Ave. It is a short walk southeast from there.
Skates and On-Ice Policy
Skates are free and available for use during the event. The skates run true to regular shoe size and should only be worn on either the rubberized areas or the ice (especially not the metal stands). No food or beverage is allowed on the ice.

This is a zoom training that covers the fundamentals of Business Objects and the steps to navigate in Business Objects to perform basic, intermediate and advanced tasks in BO. Please bring your own laptop and power adapter to in-person training.
Please Note: There is a minimum of 10 registrations for each class (you can find the number of seats available out of 40). If the minimum number of seats is not reached we will email you in advance.

This workshop series helps graduate students and
postdoctoral fellows build the professional skills needed to succeed in
today’s competitive job market. With a focus on biomedical and life
sciences, and biomedical engineering, you will gain the strategies and
confidence to pursue careers in academia, industry, or beyond. Through
interactive sessions that blend presentations with hands-on activities,
you will practice proven approaches to job applications, networking,
interviewing, and career planning, so you can stand out to employers and
take the next step with confidence.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this series, you will be able to:
Craft strong application materials that showcase your research expertise and transferable skills using the W.H.O. method.Build connections and network effectively with a strong elevator pitch and an optimized LinkedIn profile (Headline-About-Experience format).Succeed in interviews by applying the S.T.A.R. method and approach salary negotiations confidently.Design a strategic job search with S.M.A.R.T. goals and plan long-term career growth through an Individual Development Plan.

Ginsberg’s Community Engagement @ Michigan Series for faculty and staff addresses critical topics in community-engaged teaching and learning, research, scholarship, and program/project development. Through seminars and events, this faculty and professional development series supports faculty, staff, administrators, post-docs, and graduate students at U-M who are interested in learning about or further developing community-driven practice. Participants engage with strategies and approaches to develop and sustain community partnerships for research & teaching, prepare students to work with communities, emphasize civic learning across disciplines, develop and refine course-based and program curriculum, and more.
Offered in Fall and Winter terms. Open to Faculty, Admin/Staff, and Postdocs. Some sessions open to Graduate Students. See workshop descriptions for details.

A series of workshops, panels, and presentations to help the Michigan Public Health community grow in their leadership skills and abilities.

This workshop is open to all graduate students seeking guidance on cover letters and resumes for positions beyond tenure track roles. It also meets the needs of those applying for internships, including those applying to the Rackham Doctoral Intern Fellowship Program. The process of synthesizing your academic experiences into strong application materials for jobs and internships beyond academia can be challenging but rewarding. This workshop is a hands-on opportunity for graduate students to learn how to effectively develop a resume using the foundation that they have laid with information from their CVs. Additionally, this session will include tips for writing compelling, tailored cover letters and thinking strategically about how these two documents complement each other.

This workshop is designed for master's students, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows. For faculty and staff, please contact rackhampdeworkshops@umich.edu to see if we can accommodate your attendance. Brought to you by the University Career Center, in partnership with Rackham Graduate School.

Does coming back from break feel tough and stressful? Join our Transitioning Back after Break wellness group to learn some strategies to cope, hear from other students and get some free lunch!


This FREE in-person educational wellness group is for students only and will include an interactive presentation facilitated by staff from the Eisenberg Family Depression Center and is a collaborative service with U-M Engineering's C.A.R.E. Center and the Newnan Academic Advising Center.

Registration is not required for in-person wellness groups, but is recommended so there is enough lunch for all attendees.

Have some socks or gloves that are wearing out? Attend this workshop and learn to darn them! Bring your clean knit item with a thin spot or small hole, all other materials provided. No experience necessary. Open to all U-M faculty and staff.

Developed for the Black Curatorial Institute (BCI)
Facilitator: Dr. Kelli Morgan

Wednesday, January 28, 2025
1:00 - 2:30 pm; Tribute Room (1322)

Practicing Equity is an interactive seminar designed for educators, artists, and cultural workers committed to building inclusive, community-centered teaching and research practices. The session integrates foundational texts from Black Feminist scholars and curators, alongside various community-centered exhibitions, to connect critical theory with actionable professional practice. Additionally, it outlines a methodology and approach to scholarship that reimagines possibilities for spaces of learning. Rooted in the Black Curatorial Institute’s Community Impact and Connection to Practice core pillars, this curriculum encourages participants to see teaching, research, and curatorial work as both an ethical responsibility and a transformative form of care.

This event is presented by the Eileen Lappin Weiser Center for the Learning Sciences in partnership with the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA). Light snacks will be provided.

Register to secure your spot.

The First-Gen Community Dinner is an opportunity for first-generation college students to connect with each other and learn more about the First-Gen Gateway. There will be a featured resource at this event that is dedicated to supporting first-generation students and staff will be available to answer any questions you might have.

Join WISE for a dinner party with a side of professional development. Our undergraduate WISE Mentors will lead a short, fun, and productive activity designed to jump start your career/internship search, followed by a delicious catered dinner to chill, eat, and make some new friends.
January will feature Qdoba and guided intention-setting for the year.

The SMTD Accessibility Initiative, through the Office for Faculty Development, is pleased to partner with the Disability Equity Office to present the Accessbility in Action workshop for SMTD faculty and staff.

We want to make our events accessible to all participants. CART captioning services will be provided for the panel conversation. If you anticipate needing additional accommodations to participate or would like help filling out the RSVP form, please email Cherice Chan at chericec@umich.edu.

The Interdisciplinary Science and Policy Initiative for Research Engagement (InSPIRE) is a student-run workshop for graduate students interested in engaging with science and technology policy issues.

Happy New Year! Catch up with fellow SMTD Dual Degree students and create your 2026 vision board. This event is open to all, and is meant to be a community building opportunity through the lens of Dual Degree student experiences at SMTD. Food and Beverages will be provided.

Engendering Respectful Communities (ERC) is a one session workshop that engages graduate students in meaningful dialogue about various forms of sexual misconduct they may encounter in both professional and social spaces, and provides resources for intervention or support in such circumstances.
The primary goal of the workshop is to address complexities experienced by graduate students as they engage in bystander intervention, so that participants gain an increase in awareness of barriers to action and familiarity with strategic planning to overcome them. The workshop also introduces participants to on-campus resources and provides knowledge on how sexual misconduct can unfold in graduate-specific settings.
The ERC workshop uses small-group circles intended to promote active reflection and space to build community. The procedure of circles is introduced at the beginning of the workshop in order to help participants get used to the process, which they do through a circle for introductions and value-sharing for the workshop space. These circles depict various, realistic scenarios related to sexual misconduct within the graduate community. The circle process allows circle members to process the monologues, reflect on complexities with identity and power dynamics within them, name potential barriers to intervention, and think of various ways in which they might respond if faced with similar situations. The circles provide a way to foster collective building of ideas, where participants learn from one another and all input is equally valued. Participants are encouraged to share but can always pass if desired, creating an environment where participation is open but not forced. Due to the participatory nature of the workshop, if you are to arrive more than 20 minutes late, we will ask you to re-register for another workshop session.
If you have any questions about or concerns with taking this workshop, or are in need of an exemption, please contact jhippe@umich.edu or fill out this form. We know some students come to campus having already experienced harm. If you have circumstances that make completing this course challenging, please reach out to the GROPWE team. SAPAC GROWE provides exemptions to the ERC workshop (where requirements are set in place) on a case by case basis. The Program Manager will communicate with students requesting exemptions via email and/or meet with students via zoom meetings to discuss their need for exemptions and provide any relevant and necessary resources.

Join us in the Assembly Hall at Rackham Graduate School for an evening of powerful storytelling. Rackham graduate students will take the stage and tell stories that weave together their lived experience, scholarly work, and reflections on this year’s MLK Symposium theme.
2026 MLK Symposium Theme:
“Unbowed and Unbroken: The Enduring Struggle for Justice”
This year’s symposium explores the enduring pursuit of justice through the lens of perseverance, courage, and collective resolve. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s theological roots and his reflections on the Civil Rights Movement, the theme echoes his 1967 address, “Where Do We Go From Here?”, in which he reminded us that the journey toward justice is marked by both profound challenges and unwavering hope.
To be unbowed and unbroken is to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us while refusing to yield to injustice today. It is a commitment to move forward with defiant hope—confronting discrimination not with resignation, but with determination and belief in the possibility of meaningful change.
Through storytelling, reflection, and community, this event invites attendees to engage deeply with these ideas and consider how justice, resilience, and hope continue to shape our collective path forward.
Event Agenda
5:30 p.m. – Doors Open & Reception
6:00 p.m. – Program Begins
We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful evening of stories, dialogue, and connection.

Are you a current Ph.D. student considering a postdoc as your next step? In this workshop, a collaboration between the University Career Center, Rackham Professional Development and Engagement, and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, staff will cover all that you need to know about preparing to transition from a Ph.D. to a postdoc. We will cover the pros and cons of doing a postdoc, the different types of postdocs, how to prepare to search and interview, as well as how to prepare yourself for the professional transition.

Join us for a hands-on cooking class led by a chef! Start the new year by learning how to prepare delicious and healthy meals. In this class, we’ll make Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers paired with Curried Hummus (vegetarian meal). This class is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks! All supplies will be provided.

Come join us for the ILI Winter Retreat at the beautiful Matthaei Botanical Gardens! Through participating in facilitated discussions and activities, you will hear more about ILI plans for the semester, learn to better navigate unfamiliar norms, and have fun with your cohort! We'll also have some time for an activity in the Conservatory garden.

See below for some additional details:
-Sign up on this form by January 24th
-Wear something comfortable and active as you'll spend time both seated and walking around (we will spend our day indoors)
-You don't need to bring anything additional (water bottle recommended)
-Lunch provided
-Transportation options (indicate which you would like on this form). Each van pickup will also bring you back to the original location at the end of the day.
Drive yourself or carpool to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105) where there will be free parking for our event. Arrive by 10:00amVan pickup at Rackham Graduate School on Central Campus (915 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109) at 9:30amVan pickup at Pierpont Commons on North Campus (2101 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109) at 9:45am-There will be time to explore the Gardens!

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum invites you to explore your connection to nature and creativity.
Join us for "Art in the Arb", a special workshop series designed to welcome U-M students, staff, and faculty to Nichols Arboretum through a shared arts experience. Through these events, you'll be inspired by the beauty of nature and invited to explore your creativity, all while connecting with others.
No prior art experience is required; all levels are welcome. All materials are provided. Bring your curiosity and love for the outdoors!

The University Career Center (UCC) is partnering with JCPenney to offer career gear of up to 45% off items. Everything you need to finish your look for the 2026 Winter Job & Internship Fair, or interviews. Shop suits, dresses, coats, pants, and shoes—all at deeply discounted prices.
UMICH students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend this event. Bring your UM ID to check in and receive your 30% off coupon as you enter the door.
Students are welcome to drive themselves, or the Blue Bus option will be available.
Bus Schedule:
First pick-up time: 2:30 pm Student Activities Building (SAB) - 515 E. Jefferson Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Last drop-off time: 6:10 pm JCPenney (JCP)
(Runs every 20 min)
2:30PM SAB > Briarwood
2:50PM Briarwood > SAB
3:10PM SAB > Briarwood
3:30PM Briarwood > SAB
3:50PM SAB > Briarwood
4:10PM Briarwood > SAB
Break until 4:50pm
4:50PM SAB > Briarwood
5:10PM Briarwood > SAB
5:30PM SAB > Briarwood
6:10PM Briarwood > SAB