Parents and Families

Meet the University of Michigan’s 15th President: Dr. Santa J. Ono

Dear Parents and Families,

For more than 200 years, the University of Michigan has been a leader in research, learning and teaching. Today, the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents voted Dr. Santa J. Ono, an accomplished biomedical researcher and president and vice-chancellor of the University of British Columbia, as the 15th president of the University of Michigan.

Dr. Ono, who previously served as the president of the University of Cincinnati and senior vice-provost and deputy to the provost at Emory University, will officially step into the U-M role effective Oct. 13. To learn more about today’s exciting announcement, we encourage you to visit the president-elect announcement page.

Throughout his career as an educator, researcher and university administrator, Dr. Ono has distinguished himself as a thoughtful innovator, an adept communicator and a leader with a proven track record of meeting the most pressing challenges facing higher education.

We recognize the immense trust you and your Wolverine place in us to educate, support and empower those who choose to Go Blue. During the university’s comprehensive national search for our next leader, we heard from many members of our community, including our Wolverines’ parents, families and loved ones. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and expectations—and for being a part of this process.


Important dates to remember

You may want to pencil in some of these important upcoming academic dates and events to help support and encourage your Wolverine during their spring/summer academic studies.


A look ahead: Changes coming in 2023-24 academic calendar

The summer months provide time to rest, rejuvenate and, for some, plan. Wondering when your Wolverine will need to head back to Ann Arbor for fall 2023 classes? Or when you might expect them to travel back home during a university break?

Discover key dates in the upcoming 2023-24 academic year, including the addition of a longer break between terms to give your Wolverine more time to rest. 


Humanizing research, undergraduate research program empowers young academics

For more than 30 years, the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, or UROP, has paired first- and second-year undergraduate students with research mentors—U-M faculty and graduate student researchers, and community partners and organizations.

Learn how UROP can help your Wolverine get hands-on research experience working beyond lecture halls and classrooms.


Celebrating the Class of 2023, the newest members of our alumni network

Cheers. Tears. New beginnings. The university recently welcomed our graduating Wolverines’ parents, families, guardians and supporters to campus to celebrate the achievements of our newest alumni members: the Class of 2023.


Ensure your Wolverine’s health is covered: Medicaid eligibility renewal deadlines begin June 2023

If your Wolverine currently uses Medicaid, they will be required to renew their coverage beginning in June 2023—or risk losing it. Help ensure your student’s health is covered by sharing renewal deadlines and where they can go for help.  


Helping your Wolverine feel their best 

Living, learning and working at U-M can be both exhilarating and challenging at times for your Wolverine. The Family Matters editorial team is sharing a few of the ways that the University of Michigan is helping your Wolverine feel their best.


Share your vision for the university’s next decade

President Santa J. Ono’s arrival in Ann Arbor brought a fresh energy to campus. Now, he’s working across our three campuses, including Michigan Medicine, to create a sharpened, collective vision for the University of Michigan. 

Our parents, families and supporters of current Wolverines are an important part of our Michigan community—and we want you to help us create a bold future. Share your thoughts on what is most important to see at our university, on our campus, in our community in 2034. 


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