2 weeks Ago
ANN ARBOR, MI — As promised, the University of Michigan is taking steps to increase investments in student-facing programs, while redirecting resources previously used on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. The university announced major changes last month, including the closing of its DEI Office and discontinuation of its DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan.
RELATED: University of Michigan curbs DEI initiatives amid Trump threats At the time, university officials said they planned to shift resources to other offices that were focused on student access and opportunity. Making good on that promise, university officials announced a series of investments on Tuesday, April 22, including the expansion of its Wolverine Pathways program to five new sites. The Go Blue Guarantee program will also be expanded, covering the full-cost of tuition, housing and fees for an increased number of eligible students.
In addition, a new campuswide program, modeled after the LSA disability navigator pilot program , will begin this fall, providing personalized assistance to faculty and staff navigating the university’s accommodation process. Several existing programs, including the Center for Educational Outreach, M-Connect, First Gen Gateway and Success Connects, will also be expanded. “With these new and expanded programs, we are following through on our commitment and are reallocating funds in a way we believe will be more impactful,” UM President Santa Ono said in a statement.
Advisory groups coordinated by Student Life will also make recommendations and plan for expanded mental health resources, programs and services for students with disabilities, as well as other programs that strengthen community and belonging in the 2025-26 academic year. A new vice provost for access and opportunity will oversee and track the effectiveness of each aspect of the effort, officials said. “Like many universities across the nation, we are navigating a social and political shift that is reshaping conversations about higher education,” Ono and vice presidents Laurie McCauley and Martino Harmon wrote in a joint statement .
“While we recognize the toll this era of uncertainty is taking on many of our colleagues, students and friends, we also believe this moment provides an opportunity to recommit to our core mission.” About the investments: Wolverine Pathways: The program was designed to confront barriers that limit college and career aspirations of highly-motivated students from under-resourced communities. Since its inception in 2016, it has provided free college prep instruction for 1,554 students in grades seven through 12 in Detroit, Southfield, Ypsilanti and Grand Rapids.
Tuesday, university officials announced that the program would begin serving communities in rural Michigan, including in the Upper Peninsula. Specific locations and additional details will be announced in the coming months. The Go Blue Guarantee: The university announced Tuesday it will begin covering the full cost of attendance, including housing and fees, beginning in Fall 2025 for eligible undergraduate students who qualify for free tuition through the guarantee, commit to a career in nursing or education as they attend the School of Nursing or the Marsal Family School of Education.
Eligible students who received the Go Blue Guarantee as undergraduates and are accepted into a master’s program at the School of Social Work will receive a new “Graduate Guarantee,” covering all tuition, housing and fees. The investments are meant to support students and address the critical shortage of nurses, teachers and social workers across the state and nation. University officials said they are collaborating with chancellors at UM Dearborn and UM Flint to develop similar programs that are best-suited to their respective campuses.
“Our commitment to supporting people from all backgrounds and perspectives remains steadfast; and, moving forward, we will continue to improve our programs in ways that empower individuals to achieve their greatest potential,” Ono, McCauley and Harmon wrote in a joint statement. “As we navigate these challenging times, please know that we see you, we hear you and we are dedicated to listening and moving forward together with compassion and care.” Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free “ 3@3 Ann Arbor ” daily newsletter.
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