In support of the University of Michigan in delivering on its mission while protecting the health and safety of our community, the “level 2” Michigan Ambassador position will assist with proactive outreach in the community to communicate and remind students about public health best practices. Individuals in this position will have a visible presence in the community that promotes health and safety and will work to address concerns via peer and community-based interventions, elevating concerns to appropriate other resources as needed. To join this team and receive a Michigan Ambassador pin, T-shirt and face covering, you will need to complete five training modules ranging in topics from COVID-19 to de-escalation, bystander intervention and canvassing.
Laura Blake Jones, Ph.D., Dean of Students
“The success of this program will require a communitywide effort with everyone — particularly students — taking an active role in encouraging others to practice the appropriate safety measures,” said Laura Blake Jones, dean of students.
On August 26th, Community Relations team members Mike Rein and Mark Rivett teamed up with Bryan Baker from DPSS for a Michigan Ambassador shift. In many cases, the presence of ambassadors wearing Michigan Ambassador shirts reminded members of the campus to wear a mask.
The Economic Growth Institute was funded by American Center for Mobility and Ralph Wilson Foundation to research the emerging workforce skills and related gaps for connected and automated vehicles (CAVs). This research report explores the workforce supporting CAVs in Southeast Michigan, specifically looking at the development and evolution of middle-skill jobs. Middle-skill jobs are classified as jobs that require more skills and experience than a high school education provides, but less than a four-year degree. Within the CAV sector technicians comprise the majority of middle-skill jobs, and the bulk of this research report explores the workforce supporting CAVs in Southeast Michigan.
Cynthia H. Wilbanks, who has served as the University of Michigan’s vice president for government relations for 22 years, will retire at year’s end. She shared the news with colleagues this week.
Wilbanks, a U-M alumna, directs the university’s government relations efforts at the local, state and federal levels. She also serves as special adviser to President Mark Schlissel on the development and growth of the University Research Corridor as well as non-research based external economic development activities.
Cynthia H. Wilbanks: Vice President for the Office of Government Relation
“It’s been an incredible privilege to work with the leadership of U-M, across the institution and across the state, to expand and promote the impact of this university on the people of our great state,” Wilbanks said.
“It has also been an honor to work with so many others in higher education and with those in local, state and federal government to expand the reach of U-M and to help improve the lives of state residents.”
Her responsibilities as vice president include planning and developing the institution’s response to proposed legislation, developing and maintaining effective relationships with governmental agencies and officials, and analyzing and assessing legislative, administrative and regulatory activities as they pertain to university programs, activities and operations. State outreach activities, and the Economic Growth Institute also report to her.
