Greetings everyone,
I hope you are all enjoying a restful and energizing summer. It is hard to believe that we are just a few weeks away from the start of the new academic year—and the return of Michigan Football. The buzz and anticipation of the season ahead are already in the air.
This time of year is a wonderful reminder of how much the Michigan Technology Community contributes to the mission of our university. From enabling world-changing research to safeguarding our digital spaces and supporting the academic journey of every student, your work powers the heart of this institution.
As we prepare to welcome thousands of students to campus, it is important to remember that the excitement of a new beginning also brings increased cybersecurity risks. Before our students even arrive, many are already being targeted by scammers impersonating U-M officials, offering fake jobs, or advertising fraudulent football tickets. I encourage you to read the latest update from Safe Computing on how to spot these threats and protect our community. Please share this information with those in your unit who support students. Together, we can help them start their Michigan experience as victors, not victims.
Cybersecurity is not only about protecting individuals—it is also central to protecting the groundbreaking research happening at our university. Earlier this month, President Grasso sent an important message to our community titled “How We Keep Research Secure.” It was a powerful reminder that our strength as a research institution depends not just on innovation, but on integrity. I encourage you to explore the new U-M Research Security website, which outlines important policies, training, and best practices. Our IT professionals are critical partners in this work, and I want to thank all of you who help ensure the security and accountability of our research enterprise.
One of the things I love most about our Michigan Technology Community is how often you come together to learn, collaborate, and inspire one another. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending the opening of our first-ever AI Dev Day, hosted by the ITS Emerging Technology team. The energy in the room was incredible. Colleagues from across the university gathered to share how artificial intelligence is transforming their work, and to explore what might come next. It was a reminder of the extraordinary talent within our community and the power of creating spaces where that talent can connect and grow.
I also want to highlight another great opportunity coming up: the upcoming Mcity Test Facility Tours on August 14 and September 9. Organized by members of our community, these tours will offer a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation’s premier test sites for connected and autonomous vehicles. I hope you will consider attending. Events like these help broaden our understanding of the technology landscape and foster cross-disciplinary learning that strengthens us all. You can learn more about the tour on the Michigan Technology Community Events page.
This is the kind of vibrant, engaged, and forward-thinking community I am so proud to be part of. Thank you for everything you are doing to support U-M this summer and beyond.
As we prepare for the arrival of students and the start of a new academic year, I hope you will continue to take care of yourselves and one another. If I can be of assistance or support in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am grateful for all that you do.
With gratitude,
Ravi
Ravi Pendse PhD
Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
University of Michigan
rpendse@umich.edu
