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MID MICHIGAN     

2015 WINTER ISSUE
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MICHIGAN IMPACT

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Mark S. Schlissel, M.D., Ph.D.

Dear Friends,

As a public institution, one of the University of Michigan’s highest priorities is to contribute to sustainable economic prosperity throughout our state.

Our university’s research and teaching are making important contributions in all regions of the state, as you can see from the stories and photos in this edition of Michigan Impact. We are working now to further enhance our impact by leveraging the breadth of excellence across our 19 schools and colleges. U-M has a virtually unmatched ability to tackle society’s biggest challenges with a powerful combination: some of the world’s most talented faculty scholars, gifted and highly motivated students, and leading academic programs.

Our passion for contributing to the people and communities we serve is a deeply held value of our university. Students, faculty, and staff embrace U-M’s public ethos – with a belief that our best work is that which has a positive impact on the world around us. Our projects and initiatives across the state often lead to strong connections that improve economic growth and promote the public good.

I am committed to enhancing those benefits for people and communities in Michigan. The Business Leaders for Michigan’s most recent report on higher education predicts that 70 percent of jobs in our state will require education beyond high school by 2020. At U-M, we are poised to help lead the state’s revitalization as the Michigan economy continues to shift toward the knowledge and service sectors.

The new state budget recommendation released recently by Gov. Rick Snyder includes a 2 percent overall increase in funding for the state's 15 public universities. For U-M, the recommended funding increases are 1.9 percent for the Ann Arbor campus, 1.7 percent for the Dearborn campus and 2.5 percent for the Flint campus.

The proposal maintains the momentum of restoring investment in public higher education in Michigan during a challenging budget year, and I look forward to working with state leaders throughout the budget process.

We are also dedicated to providing financial aid that meets the need of every Michigan resident admitted to our university. One of the things that has most impressed me about U-M’s commitment to college affordability is this: Michigan is the only public university in the state to cover 100 percent of demonstrated financial need of in-state students.

Over the past several years we have kept tuition increases as low as possible and significantly increased financial aid to our students. For many Michigan students with financial need, it costs less to attend Michigan now than it did five years ago!

We strive to continue the university’s excellence, affordability and impact in all we do. I appreciate your support of the University of Michigan, and I hope you enjoy this edition of Michigan Impact.


Sincerely,
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Mark Schlissel, M.D., Ph.D.
President
 
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