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January 31, 2023
The Briefing
News for friends of the
Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan
Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Message from the dean

Interim Dean Watkins-Hayes portrait

Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes on ways you can engage with the events, research, and more at Weill Hall.
Read the message »

  Stephanie Chang at campaign rally

Chang wins Staebler award

The Ford School's Alumni Board has given State Senator Stephanie Chang (MPP/MSW '14) the prestigious Neil Staebler Distinguished Service Award, the school's top award for alumni public service. She will be honored on March 6 during a special Policy Talks @ the Ford School event on environmental justice. More »

 
   


Top news

Liz Gerber, Paula Lantz and Shobita Parthasarathy portraits

Back to class

Three Ford School faculty — Gerber, Lantz, and Parthasarathy — have launched open online courses on the future of mobility, data analytics in the public sector using R, and justice and equity in technology policy. Earning a course certificate is free for members of the U-M community through Michigan Online. Auditing the course is free for all learners. More »

Congressional Black Caucus event picture

The value of a public policy education

At an event co-sponsored by Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) chair U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty, Ford School interim dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes spoke to a group of Hill staffers, CBC fellows, and other prospective students. More »

Photo of Weill Hall

Alumni board election results

The Ford School welcomes the newly-elected 2023 alumni board and thanks outgoing members for their service.
More »

Picture of the Port of Monroe

Michigan maritime

Political scientist Elisabeth Gerber cultivated a multi-year partnership with the Port of Monroe for student applied research projects, leading to new state investment and the port's rebirth as a hub of economic activity. More »

MAR
15

Giving Blueday!
One day to support what you love about the Ford School. Your gift, no matter the size, will make a difference.

MAR
28

5th annual Vandenberg Lecture
Join Ambassador Julianne Smith, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, in conversation with Associate Dean John Ciorciari.

View all events

   
 
 

 

Christopher Wray event photo

The Ford School hosted FBI director Christopher Wray in conversation with Associate Dean John Ciorciari and other faculty experts. Covered widely in the media, the event covered domestic terror threats, TikTok, civil liberties, and more. Watch »

Picture of a computer with Zoom window on it

The Center for Local, State and Urban Policy co-hosted a panel of experts who reviewed how Michigan's new commission-drawn redistricting maps played out in the 2022 midterms and lessons for other states. Watch »

More videos   |   More photos

 
   
 



Research and Engagement

Old San Jaun picture

Puerto Ricans weigh in

In partnership with the University of Puerto Rico, political scientist Mara Ostfeld created the Public Opinion Lab to build local research infrastructure and give citizens a voice in the policymaking process. More »

Betsey Stevenson headshot

Stevenson recognized with top U-M award for public engagement

Renowned labor economist Betsey Stevenson's rigorous research and analysis has helped shape policies related to women's labor market experiences and forces that shape the modern family.
More »

Deli in New York City

Ghosts of deinstitutionalization

In an essay for Vital City New York, professor David Thacher explores NYC Mayor Eric Adams's recent proposal to use the police to address the mental health crisis in the city. More »

Pro Choice Rally

Wins and caveats for abortion policy

Public health expert Paula Lantz recognizes the limitations of direct democracy as a policy strategy for reproductive rights and calls for federal protections, in The Milbank Quarterly. More »




Racial Justice in Practice workshops in February and March

Alumni near and far can join the Center for Racial Justice for these upcoming workshops:

  • Feb. 2-3 for a racial equity impact assessment with Niketa Brar (MPP ‘15) (in person)
  • Feb. 17 about decolonizing development with Farah Mahesri (in person)
  • Feb. 23 on changemaking from the inside with Gabrielle Wyatt (virtual)
  • March 9 on creative practices for authentic community building with
    Holly Bass (virtual)

Register here

Weill Hall

Calling all alums

Help a Fordie perfect their interview skills. Volunteer to conduct a mock interview with a student. Sign up today!

Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy - University of Michigan
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Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
University of Michigan
Joan and Sanford Weill Hall
735 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109‑3091
(734) 764-3490
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