UMSI Graduate Orientation 2026 Registration Form

The UMSI Common Reading Experience offers incoming students a chance to pause during the excitement of orientation and come together in conversation around themes central to UMSI: the history of the University of Michigan, social good, technology, and the ways these areas intersect.

As part of orientation, you are invited to read a chapter from Undermining Racial Justice by Matthew Johnson, then join fellow students from across all UMSI tracks for an informal discussion. This will be a low-pressure opportunity to meet classmates, share reflections, make connections to the reading, and enjoy coffee, drinks, and bagels together.

Open to all incoming UMSI students.

Start your UMSI journey by getting to know the Academic Programs and Student Life (APSL) team! In this session, you’ll learn how APSL can help you navigate your academic and student experience, connect with campus resources, engage with the UMSI community, and make the most of your time at UMSI. You’ll also meet the staff who are here to support you and participate in an exercise designed to help you identify timely resources throughout your time as a UMSI student.

Join this interactive session to better understand the organizational culture and community we are trying to build at UMSI and within the broader field of information, of which you are now a part. 

During this session, we will: 

• Explain some of the initiatives and events that are shaping what organizational culture and community mean at UMSI.

• Explore some of the identities you bring to the school, as well as new facets you’d like to develop, and how Organizational Culture and Community can help you find a sense of belonging and community. 

• Discuss the importance of these concepts in your academic and professional journey.

By participating, you'll help foster a more collaborative, welcoming, and inclusive environment at UMSI. You’ll also get the chance to think deliberately about how some of your foundational needs and aspirations can be met during your time here. No previous experience or background knowledge is required—everyone is welcome!

Join current MSI and MHI students for a casual walking tour of campus and downtown Ann Arbor, ending with ice cream at Blank Slate Creamery! It’s a great way to learn your way around, meet other UMSI students, and start the semester with a few familiar faces. Keep an eye on the UMSI Students Slack channels for additional details. 

Individuals choosing to have ice cream will need to purchase it, but all are welcome!

Locations:

Meet at: The Diag, 913 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

End at: Blank Slate Creamery, 300 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

This session will begin with a welcome from UMSI leadership, followed by an opportunity to connect with faculty and students in your chosen pathway over lunch. Start in Room 1125/1240!

Join us as we stream the 2020 film, "Coded Bias," a documentary of MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini uncovering the presence of racial and gender bias in artificial intelligence technologies and facial recognition software. After the movie, stay for a discussion on its relation to the field of information and the importance of awareness in technological developments. Concessions will be provided! Timeline for the evening is as follows:

• 5:30 PM: Doors open for concessions and check in 

• 6:00 PM: Remarks begin, proceeded by Coded Bias movie stream (movie run time 1 hour 26 min) 

• 8:00 PM: Post movie discussion. Faculty guest: Kishonna Gray.

Content notes: "Coded Bias" addresses complex themes including systemic racism, discrimination, surveillance, and social justice struggles. It includes real-life examples and narratives that some may find emotionally charged or personally challenging.

Join current and incoming MHI students for light refreshments, board/card games, and socializing after the UMSI BBQ. A group will meet outside the Hadley Family Recreation Center to walk over to the Arb together at 5:35 PM.

Wrap up orientation activities with SIMA over board games, card games, video games, and some casual competition! Come with friends or stop by solo to meet current and incoming MSI students after the UMSI BBQ. No game-night expertise is required - just come ready to play, hang out, and unwind.

Meeting details will be shared in the UMSI Students Slack channel.

Kick off the semester with SIMA at a backyard gathering featuring music, refreshments, games, and plenty of time to meet new people. Afterward, we’ll keep the night going together at a few Ann Arbor favorites. Come for the backyard hangout, join us later in the evening, or stay for both! Look for location, timing, and meeting updates in the UMSI Students Slack channel. 

Join HISO for a fun night of music, refreshments, and community at The Circ Bar! Whether you are ready to take the mic or to simply unwind and socialize, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow MHI students before the semester gets busy. See the UMSI events slack for updates.