Working for U‑M

  • The U-M campus hosts more than 1,000 performances each year.
  • The famous peony garden in full bloom at Nichols Arboretum.
  • An outdoor theatrical performance of “Shakespeare in the Arb.”

Working at a large public research institution like the University of Michigan can feel both invigorating and overwhelming at first. There is never a dull moment and always something new to do or learn. The best way to get to know campus is to get out and explore it when you can (view campus map). Immerse yourself. Eat lunch on the Diag, at Pierpont Commons or the Michigan League. Don’t forget to take time to check out some of the museums, exhibits, events and lectures (see highlight box below). It will help you better appreciate U-M’s rich and interesting environment and take pride in how your work supports its many amazing efforts. Before you know it, campus will start to feel like your home away from home.

OVPC’s Role at U-M

The Office of the Vice President for Communications reports up through the Office of the President and is the primary public affairs, news and marketing point of contact to advance the university’s mission.

“The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.”

This mission is accomplished through a complex but cooperative structure including a Board of Regents, the president and the appointed executive officers. In addition, activity and control is decentralized through the 19 schools and colleges in Ann Arbor, five schools and colleges at Flint and four colleges on the Dearborn campus.

Board of Regents

The University of Michigan is governed by an elected Board of Regents, and OVPC also helps communicate regental actions. The board holds a public meeting once a month and it is useful to sit in and observe one early in your career.

Officers
Regents Meetings Schedule

Executive Officers

Other executive officers serve the president in leading the university’s fundraising, government relations, legal counsel, student affairs, operation of Michigan Medicine and Athletics. A list of executive officers and their duties is found here.

Schools and Colleges

There are 19 schools and colleges throughout the Ann Arbor campus. Each has their own lead communications group that regularly collaborates with OVPC.

Getting to Know U-M

Here are some useful links to help you get to know the university better:

University of Michigan Annual Report
University of Michigan Gateway
Facts & Figures
Michigan Almanac
MCommunity

There are many fun activities you can do to better get to know U-M and your unit: