In this talk, Bass will discuss the ideas behind We Hold These Truths, how she transformed UMMA’s iconic Apse into an environment, and the role art plays in helping communities consider these varied histories. Drawing on her practice across performan...
As part of the University of Michigan's Democracy Week, join the Ford School for a bipartisan conversation with the Michigan leadership team of the Democracy Defense Foundation on election security, public trust, and democratic participation.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham come together at U-M for a conversation about political differences, democratic dialogue, and what it takes to move forward when we don't see eye to eye.
The 2026 ASPIRE participants presented their research findings, marking the culmination of their experience in the eight-week summer program. ASPIRE (Applied Social Policy Internship and Research Experience) is an eight-week summer internship program...
Ambassador Kamissa Camara delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan International Institute's International Studies Graduation Ceremony on Thursday evening April 30, 2026, at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor.
CLOSUP was established in 2001 to create a bridge between the University of Michigan and Michigan's communities. We are celebrating 25 years of CLOSUP, featuring voices of past and current directors, students, and partners.
The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan has once again earned a top-five ranking among schools of public affairs in the United States, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Lauren Parker (MPP '26) describes the structure and tone of Ford School leadership coaching sessions—sometimes led by the student, sometimes guided by the coach. She explains that you can bring questions, talk through what’s on your mind, or lean on ...
Abu Hasan Sajili (MPP/MA '26) shares a standout moment from his five leadership coaching sessions at the University of Michigan’s Ford School. Guided by his coach, he reframed leadership as asking strong questions and inviting others in—an approach t...
Lauren shares how leadership coaching at the University of Michigan’s Ford School creates space to pause and talk through strengths, leadership traits, and challenges with someone who brings deep expertise. She reflects on how that process helps stud...
Abu Hasan Sajili (MPP/MA '26) explains why leadership coaching helped connect academic learning with real-world leadership. He reflects on developing his identity as a policy leader and how coaching offers guidance—not answers—so students can build c...
Michigan State Senators Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) discuss working together in the Michigan Senate in this latest "Conversations Across Differences" discussion. Feb, 2026.
At a time when many of us are concerned about the strength of democracy in the U.S. and around the world, CLOSUP's research tells us that democracy remains strongest at the local level. Every day, in jurisdictions across the state, local officials in...
Ford School Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes and Wynton Marsalis in conversation reflecting on America at 250, the role of music in our culture and society, and the ways that artists help shape our future.
As a part of our Stacked Deck series, Kristin Seefeldt, faculty director of Poverty Solutions, discusses the complexities of defining poverty, and some realities we as a society need to reckon with in order to truly address inequities in access to op...
A busy life shouldn't push your goals aside. You've been working to create change. It's time to take it to the next level at the University of Michigan's Ford School of Public Policy, the Online Master of Public Affairs is here to advance your career...
