Academic events
Hosting the Traditions of UM-Flint
Signature university events are an important part of Academic Affairs. From major events like the Convocation and Commencement Ceremonies, to new activities like the Common Read, Academic Affairs honors the traditions of UM-Flint through the important milestones each year.
Academic Convocation
Academic Convocation is held the Thursday before the start of the Fall Semester each year at UM-Flint. This hallowed tradition is the official start of the academic year, and it is where faculty and staff are recognized for their achievements in scholarly endeavors and service to the institution.
Commencement
The highlight of every academic year is the bi-annual Commencement Ceremonies. Typically held each December and April, Commencement is the culmination of a student’s educational journey at UM-Flint.
The Maize and Blue Award
The Maize and Blue award is the university’s highest undergraduate award and is presented to no more than 13 graduates at the May and December Commencement ceremonies. A special recognition is extended to Maize and Blue Award winners at each ceremony along with the presentation of a commencement stole and pin. The award is also noted on each recipient’s transcript and diploma. The commencement student speaker is selected from the group of Maize and Blue recipients. August graduates are eligible for the award the December after they finish degree requirements.
Common Read
The Common Read Project is faculty-led, in collaboration with academic and student affairs. The charge of the committee is to select a book that inspires intellectual curiosity, prepares students for the challenging reading that is part of a university education, and contributes to the university as a community of ideas, inquiry, and discussion. Faculty are encouraged to assign the book in their courses and to guide discussion of the text. The committee also develops programming around the book’s themes. The committee invites the author to campus for a major presentation and other discussions. Faculty, staff and students are all invited to read and discuss the book and attend events.
Critical Issues in Education
The Frances Willson Thompson Critical Issues in Education is one of the signature events of the University of Michigan-Flint. For more than four decades, the campus and community have gathered to hear world-renowned speakers share their words of wisdom with the collective conscience.
Frances Willson Thompson is the namesake for the Forum, but Critical Issues is truly bigger than any one individual. It is a community treasure. It is a chance for all of us to interact with the leading thinkers and experts of our times. To have national conversations on our campus in the heart of our community is an important, valuable experience.
The boldfaced names that have spoken with us are the individuals who are part of the highest echelons of power and prestige both in this country and around the world. Nobel prize winners. Cabinet members. Cultural icons. Scientific trailblazers. All have shared their insight on myriad issues we face as a society. And what better place to have those conversations than in a university setting where the exchange of ideas is essential to the academic experience?
We have looked back at the rich history of the Critical Issues Forum, recalling the many speakers and topics, discovering interesting new facts and stories about the event from over the years.