Greetings everyone,
I hope you are enjoying the beginning of summer and finding opportunities to spend time outdoors, connect with those around you, and recharge.
Although the pace of campus may feel different during the summer months, this remains an active time for technology professionals across the University of Michigan. Teams throughout our campuses and Michigan Medicine are maintaining essential services, advancing projects, and preparing for the arrival of students in August. Much of this work takes place behind the scenes, but it touches nearly every part of the university experience.
Earlier this month, AI Dev Day 2026 brought technology professionals from across U-M together to explore how artificial intelligence can be used to build, automate, and improve the systems that support the university. The event created space for practical conversations grounded in the experiences of people doing this work every day.
Thank you to everyone who participated, presented, organized sessions, or shared their expertise. AI is developing rapidly, and none of us has every answer. Opportunities to experiment responsibly and exchange lessons will help us make better decisions about where these technologies can provide real value. It is inspiring to see colleagues across the university approach this work with curiosity and a clear focus on the people we serve.
Another opportunity to come together is approaching. The MTech Communities of Practice Summer Social will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on June 29 in the Michigan League Courtyard Garden. The gathering will celebrate the contributions of our Communities of Practice and offer an informal setting to meet colleagues, exchange ideas, and learn more about these groups.
Whether you are already active in a Community of Practice or are simply curious about becoming involved, I encourage you to attend. These groups offer valuable spaces to ask questions, share expertise, and learn from colleagues facing similar opportunities or challenges. Relationships built through MTech help ideas move across organizational boundaries and strengthen our work throughout the university.
As we look toward another academic year, I want to thank you for the care and dedication you bring to your work. The preparations underway now will help students, faculty, staff, and researchers begin the fall semester with the tools and services they need. Your contributions make an enormous difference, even when those who benefit may never see everything happening behind the scenes.
I wish you a safe and restorative summer. Please make time to care for yourselves and check in with those around you. If you have ideas about how we can continue strengthening the Michigan Technology Community, I welcome you to contact me at [email protected]. I always value hearing from you.
Thank you for everything you do for the University of Michigan and for one another.
With gratitude,
Ravi
Ravi Pendse PhD
Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
University of Michigan
[email protected]
