{"id":540,"date":"2026-06-29T10:26:30","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T14:26:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.web.umflint.edu\/provost\/?page_id=540"},"modified":"2026-07-13T12:08:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T16:08:13","slug":"newsletter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"The Pulse Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover fb-cover-text-box wp-duotone-black-and-white\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;min-height:100%;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/themes\/flintblock\/assets\/images\/sidewalk-art.jpg\" style=\"object-position:50% 95%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 95%\"\/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-90 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient has-blue-gradient-gradient-background\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-15d3db16 wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-xx-large-font-size wp-elements-7200152aeb18c5863d8f2cb8aba5519d\">The Pulse Newsletter<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><nav class=\"is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-bd946717 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Sidebar Navigation\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Open menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-open\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.openMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 7.5h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><path d=\"M4 15h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container\"  id=\"modal-2\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--has-modal-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--is-menu-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\"\n\t\t\t\ttabindex=\"-1\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-close\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-dialog\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"state.ariaModal\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.ariaLabel\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--role=\"state.roleAttribute\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button aria-label=\"Close menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-close\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.closeMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"m13.06 12 6.47-6.47-1.06-1.06L12 10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-2-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Home<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/academic-affairs\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Academic Affairs<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/leadership-searches\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Leadership Searches<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/communications\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Communications<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Current Newsletter<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/faculty-staff-awards\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Faculty &amp; Staff Awards<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/jack-thompson\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Jack W. Thompson, M.D. Distinguished Visiting Professorship<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/academic-events\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Academic Events<\/span><\/a><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null, &quot;previousFocus&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/resources\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Resources<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"Resources submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/resources\/interfolio\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Interfolio Resources and Training<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/policies\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Policies<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/contact-us\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Contact Us<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">May 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">In this edition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#provost\">Message from the Provost<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#unit-featured\">Academic Unit Featured Stories<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#vice-provost\">Vice Provost for Engaged Learning and Teaching Innovation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#Assessment\">From the Desk of the Vice Provost for Academic Strategy and Effectiveness<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#visiting\">Update on the ADA Title II Digital Accessibility rule<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#Graduate-Programs-Updates\">Graduate Programs Updates<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#ode\">ODE Corner<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#faculty-spotlight\">Faculty Spotlight | Kim Saks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#staff\">Staff Spotlight | Kerstin Flynn<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#research\">Office of Research<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#library\">Frances Willson Thompson Library Updates<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#Faculty-Resources\">Faculty Resources<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/newsletter\/#important\">Important Dates, Events and Deadlines<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"555\" height=\"370\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Welcome-to-the-pulse_2024.png\" alt=\"Welcome to the Pulse\" class=\"wp-image-266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Welcome-to-the-pulse_2024.png 555w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Welcome-to-the-pulse_2024-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 555px) 100vw, 555px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-brand-blue-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-brand-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 id=\"provost\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-maize-color has-text-color has-link-color has-sentinel-font-family has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-33a7be9bddb03eb8296850ebc5ef370f\">Message from Provost Abby Parrill-Baker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"370\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Abby-Parrill-Baker.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait of a woman with brown hair and glasses in a dark blazer and blue top\" class=\"wp-image-20\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.8222456881379796;width:275px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Abby-Parrill-Baker.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Abby-Parrill-Baker-247x300.jpg 247w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 370px) 100vw, 370px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-51d19ab55ca403b0c4b2cae5a90f2e12 wp-block-paragraph\">Dear Colleagues and Students,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d37005c5829241b7c690a2f482265aa5 wp-block-paragraph\">As we approach the close of my first year as your provost, I am investing time for self-reflection and goal-setting. While I believe we have accomplished a lot together this year, I always look for opportunities to continuously improve. If you have continuous improvement recommendations for me I would be happy to receive and reflect on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b951060c2ba340fb0d195738fed22afd wp-block-paragraph\">As we enter the annual performance reporting and evaluation period, I encourage each of you to engage in self-reflection and identify your own opportunities for continuous improvement. The shared vision we developed together during this year\u2019s strategic planning process can serve as a guide, particularly our aspiration to become a place \u201cwhere every student receives personalized support\u201d. For example, faculty might reflect on the typical amount of time between a student\u2019s assignment submission and their receipt of personalized feedback and grades, then set a goal to shorten that turnaround time. As a faculty member, my personal goal was to ensure that students never waited more than a week for my feedback. That often required some creativity to ensure that goal was achievable, such as the time I used a deadline registration process to spread the submission and grading of 300 writing assignments to three different points of the term. Staff that work directly with students might consider whether improvements can be made in email response times or other aspects of their personalized student support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1a2c3b6e5292f49e7ec6edeede514dd1 wp-block-paragraph\">As my first year here at UM-Flint draws to a close, I am excited about our work together in the coming year and hope you are also.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-cc8254adfc5d5529e0b9ee4e7d1b1a47 wp-block-paragraph\">Regards,<br><br>Abby Parrill-Baker<br>Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-brand-maize-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--0);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--0)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-brand-maize-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 id=\"unit-featured\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-sentinel-font-family has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-695053ca72c839e727b3905da96f3fb5\">Academic Unit Featured Stories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3d0f34e270be5e3ce34a580a4b56de77 wp-block-paragraph\">Recent news, stories, and recognitions from across UM-Flint\u2019s colleges and schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-e63b4eef7ac1b613c00d4e1ee8938a61\">College of Arts, Sciences &amp; Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-96f9aeaa392983fd3ec1c9f6e659b53f\">\n<li class=\"has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f0d3b1ce9c41c2acabf7527eb9fe3b2d\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/case\/2026\/04\/21\/um-flint-students-discovered-careers-in-election-leadership-and-local-government\/\">UM-Flint students discovered careers in election leadership and local government<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12781f55b2d66698fdc738bf318a7b19\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/case\/2026\/04\/01\/material-memory-and-broadcast-ash-arder-at-the-whitney-biennial\/\">Material, memory, and broadcast: Ash Arder at the Whitney Biennial<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-eedad5e006c3ff9b04c9a102d5f2b277\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.umflint.edu\/2026\/03\/02\/how-one-um-flint-alum-found-real-purpose-in-nepal\/\">How one UM-Flint alum found real purpose in Nepal<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-0c04007050ed1fdafdbe8cdc21d2d1fd\">College of Health Sciences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.umflint.edu\/2026\/05\/05\/um-flints-womack-recognized-as-community-contributor-of-the-year-for-advocacy-and-collaboration\/?_gl=1*wcjrnd*_gcl_au*MjA5MTQ0ODE2My4xNzgyMTUyNjU4*_ga*Nzc4ODI0MTg2LjE3NzM0MDk4NDA.*_ga_64H0Z0BJSB*czE3ODIzOTQ4MDgkbzEwMCRnMSR0MTc4MjM5NTY4NiRqNDEkbDAkaDA.\">UM-Flint\u2019s Womack recognized as community contributor of the year for advocacy and collaboration<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.umflint.edu\/2026\/05\/03\/trio-of-college-of-health-sciences-graduates-earn-um-flints-top-academic-award\/\">Trio of College of Health Sciences graduates earn UM-Flint\u2019s top academic award<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.umflint.edu\/2026\/06\/09\/ukrainian-delegation-visits-um-flint-to-strengthen-occupational-therapy-education-partnership\/\">Rehabilitation for Ukraine: Momentum Wheels for Humanity (Rehab4U)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-2482cbcdebd39d770d5ca8054091b39d\">College of Health Sciences and College of Innovation &amp; Technology Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/chs\/2026\/05\/11\/play-without-limits-innovation-without-barriers-%f0%9f%92%99\/\">Play Beyond Boundaries<\/a>: a collaborative initiative focused on creating adaptive ride-on cars for children with different mobility needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-ae3dbaae070ab31df3a08f3e52df0aa0\">College of Innovation &amp; Technology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.umflint.edu\/2026\/04\/16\/student-finds-free-tuition-academic-exploration-at-um-flint-after-layoff\/\">Student finds free tuition, academic exploration at UM-Flint after layoff<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-76a0248583044a20ccaebd695f0dac22\">School of Management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.umflint.edu\/2026\/03\/25\/um-flint-students-provide-the-community-with-economic-stability-one-tax-filing-at-a-time\/\">UM-Flint students provide the community with economic stability, one tax filing at a time<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-c605f10fdf98b17c4fd2f38db4db20f7\">School of Nursing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.umflint.edu\/2026\/04\/28\/um-flint-nursing-student-mack-reflects-on-altruistic-kidney-donation\/\">UM-Flint nursing student Mack reflects on altruistic kidney donation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.umflint.edu\/2026\/04\/15\/beyond-borders-um-flint-alumni-embrace-global-service\/\">Beyond borders: UM-Flint alumni embrace global service<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DW1bE5hj77t\/?img_index=1\">Denise Cooper and Denise Campbell inducted into the National Academies of Practice Nursing Academy as Distinguished Fellows<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-brand-blue-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-brand-blue-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"370\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Sapna-V-Thwaite-VPAA.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait of a woman with dark hair in a red jacket\" class=\"wp-image-268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Sapna-V-Thwaite-VPAA.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Sapna-V-Thwaite-VPAA-247x300.jpg 247w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 370px) 100vw, 370px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 id=\"vice-provost\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">From the Vice Provost for Engaged Learning and Teaching Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we wrap up the 2025\u201326 academic year, I want to highlight some of our office\u2019s accomplishments and provide updates on current initiatives. Over the past year, the VP ELTI office has focused on strengthening faculty support and fostering campus-wide engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a90dccff wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\" data-leading-icon=\"document\"><a data-leading-icon=\"document\" class=\"wp-block-button__link has-brand-maize-background-color has-background wp-element-button fb-button-has-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vSidLGJ2NvFl7lYGEYewukUVqqOvhFPrR5WQ6bWNZAYISscoOFdXp5QDHQjivtsZCaKmFzjDH9k4aMV\/pub\"><svg class=\"fb-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M15.5 7.5h-7V9h7V7.5zm-7 3.5h7v1.5h-7V11zm7 3.5h-7V16h7v-1.5z\"><\/path><path d=\"M17 4H7c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h10c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2V6c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm.5 14c0 .3-.2.5-.5.5H7c-.3 0-.5-.2-.5-.5V6c0-.3.2-.5.5-.5h10c.3 0 .5.2.5.5v12z\"><\/path><\/svg>Updates from the Desk of the VP ELTI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-brand-blue-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-brand-blue-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"370\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Stephen-Turner-.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait of a man with dark hair in a suit\" class=\"wp-image-404\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Stephen-Turner-.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Stephen-Turner--247x300.jpg 247w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 370px) 100vw, 370px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 id=\"Assessment\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">From the Desk of Vice Provost for Academic Strategy and Effectiveness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019m pleased to share updates on several initiatives underway through the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Strategy and Effectiveness, including the Higher Learning CommissionQuality Initiative, the annual assessment reporting cycle, and the Non-Attendance Reporting Task Force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a90dccff wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\" data-leading-icon=\"document\"><a data-leading-icon=\"document\" class=\"wp-block-button__link has-brand-maize-background-color has-background wp-element-button fb-button-has-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vRC8WLVH7ynGxDOKS0EZKghXvjCvjgqSR08ech43uSNQIYBIzUH06F7YBfbh5BZ1fHjVEdjc_o0jNj6\/pub\"><svg class=\"fb-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M15.5 7.5h-7V9h7V7.5zm-7 3.5h7v1.5h-7V11zm7 3.5h-7V16h7v-1.5z\"><\/path><path d=\"M17 4H7c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h10c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2V6c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm.5 14c0 .3-.2.5-.5.5H7c-.3 0-.5-.2-.5-.5V6c0-.3.2-.5.5-.5h10c.3 0 .5.2.5.5v12z\"><\/path><\/svg>Read the VP for Assessment and Accreditation Updates<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-brand-blue-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-brand-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 id=\"visiting\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-maize-color has-text-color has-link-color has-sentinel-font-family has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-722ecfdd475de434c75706c598f66f25\">Update on the ADA Title II Digital Accessibility Rule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bfeb27d4f488f7b33138f71f9d3aea3b wp-block-paragraph\">As previously communicated in the email <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/recent-email-news\/title-ii-update\/\">email sent from Information Technology Services on April 20<\/a>, The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.federalregister.gov\/documents\/2026\/04\/20\/2026-07663\/extension-of-compliance-dates-for-nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-web\">one-year extension<\/a> of the compliance deadline for the ADA Title II digital accessibility rule. Regulations that were previously scheduled to take effect on April 24, 2026, are now scheduled to take effect on April 26, 2027. While this new date offers more flexibility, our commitment to accessibility remains unchanged. Departments and instructors should continue to take proactive steps to ensure their digital content is accessible, usable, and welcoming for all learners. Resources remain available to campus on the <a href=\"https:\/\/umflint.edu\/accessibility\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UM-Flint digital accessibility website<\/a>, including access to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/guides\/\">accessibility guides<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/events.umflint.edu\/its\">workshops<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLIube2z9XdrYvHXJJ-OPAMqU7HVe7awyu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recorded trainings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-be997de69e54a7a9d78ae89fc0fe18df wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Additional Digital Accessibility Resources<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-be1f0e76e49ec624acde54fcec71b4e3\">\n<li class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4fb98f99ba4b695be7be248f3bd8156e\">Register for an <a href=\"https:\/\/umflintpd.pdx.catalog.canvaslms.com\/?category%5Bid%5D=31309&amp;category%5Bname%5D=Office%20of%20Online%20and%20Digital%20Education&amp;sort=date\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ODE-led accessibility workshop<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4c1b2f6ce2df3f640c336a183fe392b7\">Enroll in the <a href=\"https:\/\/canvas.flint.umich.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Making Learning Accessible<\/a> course in Canvas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a3cfd5633ac1f94f599fef6b6db47656\">Apply for the Summer 2026 Digital Accessibility Stipend&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-030813d0b0dd8baf4ef54b0f2366a25a\">Access guidance for using tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/help.siteimprove.com\/support\/solutions\/articles\/80000448534-introduction-to-the-siteimprove-platform\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/help.siteimprove.com\/support\/solutions\/articles\/80000448534-introduction-to-the-siteimprove-platform\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Siteimprove<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/resources\/panorama\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Panorama<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/resources\/grackle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Grackle<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8e4e3e62a79adf9c372111ec79ed9ea4\">Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rethinking PDF\u2019s: Building a Better Learning Environment<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d4f0245969e3f3f1f92c07617fdde541\">Use <a href=\"https:\/\/teamdynamix.umich.edu\/TDClient\/101\/Portal\/KB\/ArticleDet?ID=14883\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Maizey Image Describer<\/a> to generate accessible image descriptions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d6f1cc3efe008032b2f38436a74f96ff wp-block-paragraph\">If you have questions or would like additional support, please reach out to <a href=\"mailto:flint.accessibility@umich.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">flint.accessibility@umich.edu<\/a> for assistance with tools and services. Thank you for your continued work to ensure that UM-Flint maintains progress toward a more accessible university for all members of our community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"370\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Chris_Lewis.jpg\" alt=\"Man in a blue suit with glasses\" class=\"wp-image-546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Chris_Lewis.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Chris_Lewis-247x300.jpg 247w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 370px) 100vw, 370px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 id=\"Graduate-Programs-Updates\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Graduate Programs Updates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporting graduate students does not always require new programs or major initiatives. Small, intentional actions by faculty and staff can have an immediate and meaningful impact on graduate student success, persistence, and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a90dccff wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\" data-leading-icon=\"document\"><a data-leading-icon=\"document\" class=\"wp-block-button__link has-brand-maize-background-color has-background wp-element-button fb-button-has-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vQsRnebMxpCMwUfCAD-2owvQPatx2-OltCeBSrrWJG1ffZilzPHg_nj1iFC4sn-cf_pchIHd0DqKH4r\/pub?urp=gmail_link\"><svg class=\"fb-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M15.5 7.5h-7V9h7V7.5zm-7 3.5h7v1.5h-7V11zm7 3.5h-7V16h7v-1.5z\"><\/path><path d=\"M17 4H7c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h10c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2V6c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm.5 14c0 .3-.2.5-.5.5H7c-.3 0-.5-.2-.5-.5V6c0-.3.2-.5.5-.5h10c.3 0 .5.2.5.5v12z\"><\/path><\/svg>Read more about Supporting Graduate Students<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-brand-blue-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-brand-blue-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/FLINT_ODE_stack-768x534-1.png\" alt=\"UM-Flint Online and DIgital Education logo\" class=\"wp-image-547\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4382098221231137;width:334px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/FLINT_ODE_stack-768x534-1.png 768w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/FLINT_ODE_stack-768x534-1-300x209.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 id=\"ode\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">The ODE Corner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Office of Online and Digital Education provides comprehensive support to instructors and academic units in the development and delivery of online courses and programs at UM-Flint. Find the latest information for online teaching and learning resources, upcoming events, training opportunities and more. In this issue, learn about the resources to help you meet new digital accessibility requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a90dccff wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\" data-leading-icon=\"document\"><a data-leading-icon=\"document\" class=\"wp-block-button__link has-brand-maize-background-color has-background wp-element-button fb-button-has-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/1\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vTRDTFPlzOVN9hjdDiXvFwkZjLuWsfnPPzrjLRz1VHCW60Xgtz6ZPT5ovNJewcxJs_7JLSru30phpdL\/pub\"><svg class=\"fb-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M15.5 7.5h-7V9h7V7.5zm-7 3.5h7v1.5h-7V11zm7 3.5h-7V16h7v-1.5z\"><\/path><path d=\"M17 4H7c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h10c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2V6c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm.5 14c0 .3-.2.5-.5.5H7c-.3 0-.5-.2-.5-.5V6c0-.3.2-.5.5-.5h10c.3 0 .5.2.5.5v12z\"><\/path><\/svg>Find the latest information from ODE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-brand-blue-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-brand-blue-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"370\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Kim-Saks-um-flint.jpg\" alt=\"Woman with blue and purple hair and black and white glasses\" class=\"wp-image-553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Kim-Saks-um-flint.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Kim-Saks-um-flint-247x300.jpg 247w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 370px) 100vw, 370px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 id=\"faculty-spotlight\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Faculty Spotlight | Kim Saks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This edition\u2019s Faculty Spotlight features Kim Saks, who empowers students to think critically about law, policy, and the world around them through impactful scholarship, community engagement, and a commitment to meaningful dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a90dccff wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\" data-leading-icon=\"document\"><a data-leading-icon=\"document\" class=\"wp-block-button__link has-brand-maize-background-color has-background wp-element-button fb-button-has-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vSSfcapGcn7Vp9py1WcfIq_4Rk9eSXjnU68uZwk6vIwFyrfofdAtT_hO2P-o4n59B8Gg77W3-4-uHNs\/pub\"><svg class=\"fb-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M15.5 7.5h-7V9h7V7.5zm-7 3.5h7v1.5h-7V11zm7 3.5h-7V16h7v-1.5z\"><\/path><path d=\"M17 4H7c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h10c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2V6c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm.5 14c0 .3-.2.5-.5.5H7c-.3 0-.5-.2-.5-.5V6c0-.3.2-.5.5-.5h10c.3 0 .5.2.5.5v12z\"><\/path><\/svg>Read more about Kim Saks<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-brand-blue-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-brand-blue-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"370\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Kerstin-Flynn_um-flint.jpg\" alt=\"African American woman with curled hair and glasses\" class=\"wp-image-555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Kerstin-Flynn_um-flint.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Kerstin-Flynn_um-flint-247x300.jpg 247w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 370px) 100vw, 370px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 id=\"staff\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Staff Spotlight | Kerstin Flynn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This edition\u2019s Staff Spotlight features Kerstin Flynn, who channels her strong connection to UM-Flint and a passion for collaboration and student success to bring energy and collaborative spirit to her role in Public Health and Health Sciences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a90dccff wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\" data-leading-icon=\"document\"><a data-leading-icon=\"document\" class=\"wp-block-button__link has-brand-maize-background-color has-background wp-element-button fb-button-has-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vRXv0Dzmwo4SEQcB35GBc_GgnQv-FHMM0O-xq9IekAn5NYo9GMg4pA9WJhrHM91F7_0bM0GbabVh0UG\/pub\"><svg class=\"fb-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M15.5 7.5h-7V9h7V7.5zm-7 3.5h7v1.5h-7V11zm7 3.5h-7V16h7v-1.5z\"><\/path><path d=\"M17 4H7c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h10c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2V6c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm.5 14c0 .3-.2.5-.5.5H7c-.3 0-.5-.2-.5-.5V6c0-.3.2-.5.5-.5h10c.3 0 .5.2.5.5v12z\"><\/path><\/svg>Read more about Kerstin Flynn<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-brand-blue-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-brand-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 id=\"research\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-maize-color has-text-color has-link-color has-sentinel-font-family has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-07ee6da9eaed81cc47f0f4ca36c34011\">The Office of Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42954829ef098b8cc68a903a51a887f8 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ash Arder<\/strong>, associate professor of art at the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, received funding in support of her grant application entitled <em>Rock City: Interactive Sculpture Garden,<\/em> through <a href=\"https:\/\/research.umich.edu\/arts-research-incubation-acceleration-aria\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arts Research: Incubation &amp; Acceleration<\/a> program. It is a joint effort conceived and funded through a collaboration between the Arts Initiative and the Office of the Vice President of Research, which seeks to expand the capacity and available support for arts-centered research across campus. This program\u2019s goal is to deepen, expand, and elevate faculty-led research in the arts by funding projects that demonstrate sustained engagement with questions and ideas generated through artmaking\/creative practice, as well as other forms of scholarship. All internal funding opportunities available at U-M campuses curated on InfoReady are searchable through the <a href=\"https:\/\/researchcommons.umich.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research Commons<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"370\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Frances-Willson-Thompson-Library.jpg\" alt=\"Female student sitting on the library floor reading a book\" class=\"wp-image-556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Frances-Willson-Thompson-Library.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/Frances-Willson-Thompson-Library-247x300.jpg 247w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 370px) 100vw, 370px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 id=\"library\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Frances Willson Thompson Library Updates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The summer months are a time for rest and relaxation for many of our faculty, however if you are taking breaks from all that R&amp;R to work on research or maybe rethinking a course for next year,the library is here to support you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a90dccff wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\" data-leading-icon=\"document\"><a data-leading-icon=\"document\" class=\"wp-block-button__link has-brand-maize-background-color has-background wp-element-button fb-button-has-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vSjgGgvKJufL7uWVFVaKhvAA8ndBJSkM2uBWRdmxC-E2qThiq5FNTwt_EdXzbmNHjqe22nSMUqfnNiw\/pub\"><svg class=\"fb-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M15.5 7.5h-7V9h7V7.5zm-7 3.5h7v1.5h-7V11zm7 3.5h-7V16h7v-1.5z\"><\/path><path d=\"M17 4H7c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h10c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2V6c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm.5 14c0 .3-.2.5-.5.5H7c-.3 0-.5-.2-.5-.5V6c0-.3.2-.5.5-.5h10c.3 0 .5.2.5.5v12z\"><\/path><\/svg>Explore the Library updates<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-brand-blue-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-brand-blue-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" id=\"Faculty-Resources\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"490\" height=\"105\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/office-of-online-and-digital-edu-logo.png\" alt=\"UM-Flint Office of Online and Digital Education\" class=\"wp-image-277\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4.6667563567873;width:485px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/office-of-online-and-digital-edu-logo.png 490w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/office-of-online-and-digital-edu-logo-300x64.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 490px) 100vw, 490px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a90dccff wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\" data-leading-icon=\"external\"><a data-leading-icon=\"external\" class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button fb-button-has-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ode\/\"><svg class=\"fb-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M19.5 4.5h-7V6h4.4l-5.7 5.7 1.1 1.1L18 7.1v4.4h1.5v-7z\"><\/path><path d=\"M4.5 8.5v11h11V13H14v5H6V10h5V8.5z\"><\/path><\/svg>ODE Resources<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"149\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/TCLT-logo-768x149-1.png\" alt=\"UM-Flint Thompson Center for Learning and Teaching\" class=\"wp-image-279\" style=\"aspect-ratio:5.1549218535782835\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/TCLT-logo-768x149-1.png 768w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/135\/2026\/06\/TCLT-logo-768x149-1-300x58.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\" data-leading-icon=\"external\"><a data-leading-icon=\"external\" class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button fb-button-has-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/publuu.com\/flip-book\/632306\/2124737\"><svg class=\"fb-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M19.5 4.5h-7V6h4.4l-5.7 5.7 1.1 1.1L18 7.1v4.4h1.5v-7z\"><\/path><path d=\"M4.5 8.5v11h11V13H14v5H6V10h5V8.5z\"><\/path><\/svg>NEW 2025-26 TCLT Faculty Resource Guide<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-brand-maize-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"important\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-sentinel-font-family has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-b53df9f1eea62382be09c7d7787d8a4f\">Important Dates, Events and Deadlines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-brand-maize-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-09012228e47ecee86ac76abf0bc98bb5\">\n<li class=\"has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1aa1098d90be4664a622adb160929623\"><strong>May 8 \u2013 June 5:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/events.umflint.edu\/arts\/events\/20695\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Art &amp; Design Student Exhibition at Greater Flint Arts Council<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3f4666235cdeef9e9fb6fa731f7b6a87\"><strong>May 16:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/events.umflint.edu\/arts\/events\/19968\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Theatre &amp; Dance Program Scholarships Auditions\/Interviews<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2e5c0cffda5846e495ac975c8d9b8a70\"><strong>July 7 \u2013 17: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/case\/summer-vocal-academy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Summer Vocal Academy of Music 2026<\/a>;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Closing Concert is Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b77554800718dfd629ba91bd44c6d28c\"><strong>July 20 \u2013 21:<\/strong> Future Nurse Summer Camp&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-841d9397361e86636c801f8fd5e681e6\"><strong>August 20:<\/strong> UM-Flint Convocation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1848957f219f526b8bcbdf0c56129c6f\"><strong>August 25:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/events.umflint.edu\/som\/events\/21271\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Third Annual Business Summit<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>May 2026 In this edition Message from Provost Abby Parrill-Baker Dear Colleagues and Students, As we approach the close of my first year as your provost, I am investing time for self-reflection and goal-setting. While I believe we have accomplished a lot together this year, I always look for opportunities to continuously improve. If you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-540","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/540","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/37"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=540"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/540\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1578,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/540\/revisions\/1578"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=540"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}