Graduate Studies

College of Arts, Sciences, & Letters Virtual Graduate Open House (10.7.25)

Anonymous — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:18:12 +0000

College of Arts, Sciences, & Letters Virtual Graduate Open House (10.7.25) Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 11:18

Want to learn more about our programs and the experience you’ll have as a graduate student? Join us for our graduate open house to learn more about our programs and the admission process, and you'll have an opportunity to live chat with faculty and staff.

2025-10-07T18:00:00-0400 to2025-10-07T19:00:00-0400

United States

Office of Graduate Studies

313-583-6321

umd-graduatestudies@umich.edu

College of Business Virtual Graduate Open House (10.21.25)

Anonymous — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:18:12 +0000

College of Business Virtual Graduate Open House (10.21.25) Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 11:18

2025-10-21T12:00:00-0400 to2025-10-21T13:00:00-0400

United States

Office of Graduate Studies

313-583-6321

umd-graduatestudies@umich.edu

Graduate students

College of Education, Health, and Human Services Virtual Open House (2.10.26)

Anonymous — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:18:11 +0000

College of Education, Health, and Human Services Virtual Open House (2.10.26) Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 10:18

Want to learn more about our programs and the experience you’ll have as a graduate student? Join us for a virtual graduate open house to learn more about our programs and the admission process. You'll have an opportunity to live chat with faculty and staff to have all of your questions answered.

2026-02-10T18:00:00-0500 to2026-02-10T19:00:00-0500

United States

Office of Graduate Studies

313-583-6321

umd-graduatestudies@umich.edu

College of Education, Health, and Human Services Virtual Open House (10.21.25)

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:36:23 +0000

College of Education, Health, and Human Services Virtual Open House (10.21.25) Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 08/04/2025 - 14:36

2025-10-21T18:00:00-0400 to2025-10-21T19:00:00-0400

United States

Office of Graduate Studies

313-583-6321

umd-graduatestudies@umich.edu

51��Ƶ-Dearborn Graduate Open House (9.30.25)

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:36:12 +0000

51��Ƶ-Dearborn Graduate Open House (9.30.25) Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 08/04/2025 - 13:36

Come see our beautiful campus and get information about the University of Michigan-Dearborn and your graduate program(s) of choice. Stay for as little or as long as you need. There will be an overview presentation at 5:30 pm and opportunities to speak with faculty, program administrators, and students/alums. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.

2025-09-30T16:30:00-0400 to2025-09-30T19:00:00-0400

United States

Office of Graduate Studies

313-583-6321

umd-graduatestudies@umich.edu

Alumni

College of Engineering and Computer Science

‘51��Ƶ-Dearborn is a respected institution . . . I feel very lucky to study here’

stuxbury — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 18:08:09 +0000

‘51��Ƶ-Dearborn is a respected institution . . . I feel very lucky to study here’ stuxbury Sun, 02/02/2025 - 13:08

Sambathchatovong Na is 51��Ƶ-Dearborn’s first Fulbright Scholar studying in a doctoral program. This point of pride can be added to other experiences he’s had. Na, who goes by the first name Vong, is a volunteer researcher with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, commonly known as UNESCO, through their Asia-Pacific Regional Center of the CultureLink Network. Na has also heard President Barack Obama speak — and shook his hand.

Na, who has a reserved, humble nature, appreciates the experiences that he’s had. He sees them as milestones on his path to help others.“President Obama spoke about how we need to work together to effectively solve problems and he encouraged us to not sit back, but to get involved,” says Na, a cybersecurity professional who was selected as a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative fellow in 2015. This is a still-active program created by the Obama administration that aims to build leadership capabilities and cross-border cooperation for solving global challenges. “I want to be a part of advancing cybersecurity technology — which changes second by second — while also helping shape how it is used through public policy.”

Na is learning to do this through his latest endeavors — studying in the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Computer Information Systems doctoral program as a Fulbright Scholar, with CIS Professor Di Ma as his advisor. Ma is a cybersecurity and information assurance expert.

Na wants to strengthen his country’s education and legislation in the always-evolving industry by seeing how other nations fight hackers and enforce the safety measures in ways that work for the citizens.“Cambodia, my country, has not passed cybersecurity laws to protect our infrastructure yet. It’s in the process. I’m hoping, with my combined experiences, that I’m a person who can assist with this,” he says. “I am very appreciative that I am here to earn my degree and Dr. Ma is helping me meet my research goals.” His goals include drafting a cybersecurity framework for Cambodia that balances government and citizen needs when it comes to security and privacy, along with appropriate enforcement. Na also hopes that his degree will assist him in contributing to Cambodia’s foreign policy direction in cyber diplomacy.

Na has worked in the cybersecurity field in Cambodia for nearly a decade, both in the private and public sector. He established information technology security and IT governance departments for a bank in his country, Na has served as a cybersecurity-advising official for Cambodia's deputy prime minister cabinet. And Na teaches at two universities — American University of Phnom Penh and Royal University of Phnom Penh — to develop the next generation of Cambodia's cybersecurity experts and grow interest in the field.

“I started with an interest in the technology aspect, but the more we learn and things change — like AI and data-science mining — the more I’ve become interested in the public policy surrounding it,” he says, noting that the U.S. is a good place to study because there are many U.S. protection laws related to cybersecurity.

When applying for the Fulbright award, Na had his sights set on 51��Ƶ-Dearborn after reading about the university’s faculty expertise in the computer science field and seeing the number of research publications. “I looked for the best programs in the United States. 51��Ƶ-Dearborn is a respected institution in my field with professors who have published research in prestigious journals and have connections to industry. I feel very lucky to study here,” he says.

Na earned his undergraduate degree from Royal University of Phnom Penh and a master’s degree in cybersecurity from the University of Southampton in England, where he attended as a Chevening Scholar, which is a fully funded award to study in the United Kingdom.

“I had dreams to study in other countries for programming skills, networking and learning how other countries do things so I can help my country build a framework for cybersecurity. The resources for education in cybersecurity are limited in Cambodia, so I kept looking for ways to go out and bring what I learn back with me so I can teach others,” Na says. “It’s hard to study abroad when you don’t have the money. I kept applying even when I didn’t have success at first. You don’t give up on your dreams.”

Na’s parents must have known about their son’s commitment and drive from the beginning — as evidenced by his name. “My first name, ‘Sambathachatovong,’ is three words put together,” Na says. “‘Sambath’ symbolizes a richness or a wealth. ‘Chato’ is because I am the fourth born. ‘Vong,’ which is short for ‘Vong Trokaul', is for family tree. It’s about working together to bring about a richness. It doesn’t need to be about money, it can be about knowledge or community.”

Now in his second semester at 51��Ƶ-Dearborn, Na says he has met friends, enjoys the campus and has the best of all worlds by being a part of the U-M system. “Both campuses are beautiful and provide very good, but different, things. Going to Ann Arbor is great for being in a busy place and meeting up with friends. Staying in Dearborn is nice because it is peaceful and welcoming and your professors and colleagues look out for you.”

In addition to traveling to Ann Arbor — Na first took the train, which is walking distance from campus, but now has a car — he’s planning to see other parts of Michigan. He especially wants to travel to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to see its forests, rock formations and waterfalls.

Na shares his fun Michigan adventures and plans with his family and friends in Cambodia and looks forward to the day when he can share his completed research work too.“I’ve been building layers of education for many years to help me become a qualified person to help advise my country,” he says. “I am grateful for all of my experiences, but my time at 51��Ƶ-Dearborn is especially important. Earning my PhD here is a big step forward when it comes to reaching my goals.”

Story by Sarah Tuxbury

Graduate Research

International

Off

Sun, 02/02/2025 - 18:07

Meet Sambathchatovong Na, 51��Ƶ-Dearborn’s first doctoral Fulbright Scholar. He’s a cybersecurity professional from Cambodia who’s in CECS’ computer information systems program.

Sambathchatovong Na, who goes by Vong, is 51��Ƶ-Dearborn's first doctoral Fulbright student. Photo by Annie Barker

First-year enrollment is highest in university history

stuxbury — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:05:59 +0000

First-year enrollment is highest in university history stuxbury Wed, 09/27/2023 - 15:05

Fall 2023 enrollment highlights:

Largest first-year class enrollment in history
Transfer student numbers are up 7%, a second year of growth
Credit hours are up, meaning more full-time students
The incoming class GPA remained 3.7 and the class is more diverse
Graduate enrollment numbers are down
Overall enrollment down 2% from last year
Strategic Enrollment Management Plan and state investment driving undergraduate increases
Four-year graduation rates increased 5% over last year’s 3% increase, which is contributing to fewer students on campus

More first-year undergraduate students enrolled at 51��Ƶ-Dearborn this fall than any other year in the university’s 64-year history.

Up 15% over last fall, the newest Dearborn Wolverine class came in at 1,157 students. The previous First Time In Any College (FTIAC) enrollment record was 1,107 in Fall 2017.

Course loads up, state support making a difference

The percentage of undergraduate students taking full course loads — which often leads to a more focused graduation path — is 79% in 2023, compared to 76% in 2022. In addition, the four-year graduation rate for FTIAC students saw an increase of nearly 5% over the prior year’s increase of 3%, and the transfer three-year completion went up nearly 4%.

“Our historic first-year enrollment is the result of hard work on behalf of the entire enrollment management team, and faculty and staff across campus. Enrollment and student success are priorities for all of us and we all play a part in the student experience,” said Chancellor Domenico Grasso. “Our shift to block tuition rates and other student success initiatives are having a positive impact not only on enrollment, but graduation rates as well.”

Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Melissa Stone said she can point to a few reasons for the record FTIAC enrollment. One is the university’s more targeted marketing approach. “It’s been three years since we implemented customized communication to prospective students so we share information that is most relevant to their needs. The students we began building relationships with in their sophomore year of high school are now entering college,” Stone said. “This is an example of a longer-term strategic enrollment plan initiative that is now yielding results.” The customized communication is one facet of the university’s comprehensive Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, which provides a process and framework for enrollment success.

Stone said the State of Michigan’s Michigan Achievement Scholarship also played a role in the increased number of students. The scholarship offers up to $5,500 per year, for up to five years, to Michigan high school graduates attending a Michigan public university. Stone said more than 60% of first-year 51��Ƶ-Dearborn students received this award.

State organizations also continue to support access to higher education. For example, a new statewide Michigan Assured Admission Pact, which was announced last week by the Michigan Association of State Universities, will help streamline the college admissions process. Beginning in Fall 2024, 10 participating MAAP universities, including 51��Ƶ-Dearborn, will admit in-state high school graduates who have earned a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.

More students attending full time, graduating sooner

In overall Fall 2023 numbers, 51��Ƶ-Dearborn’s enrollment is down 2% when counting the number of students, but up 1% in credit hours. Stone said the slight enrollment decline is in part due to a piece of good news: students are graduating sooner. “It’s great to report that more students are attending college full time and graduating at faster rates. That is what we are here to help them do,” Stone said. “As positive as this news is, it is a reason why overall enrollment decreased a couple percentage points.”

Fall 2023 student enrollment is 8,037 students (6,071 undergraduates, 1,966 graduate-level), compared to 8,224 in Fall 2022. The incoming class saw a 1% increase in students of color. The total student population increased from 29% to 31% students of color.

Contributing to the overall enrollment decline is a decrease in graduate-level student enrollment, Stone said. Comparing domestic in-state graduate-level enrollment to pre-pandemic levels (Fall 2019), new graduate student enrollment is down 32% and down 45% among domestic out-of-state students, Stone said. Data from research centers like the National Student Clearinghouse has shown shrinking graduate enrollment is a national trend. Stone said factors may include steady employment rates, a labor shortage and experts forecasting a recession by early 2024.

On the international graduate enrollment side, Stone expected to see some decline after Fall 2022’s record numbers, which were attributed to a pent-up pandemic-related demand. When compared to pre-pandemic numbers (Fall 2019), however, Stone said international graduate enrollment increased 19%. In addition, the two-year graduation rate for masters-level graduate students saw an increase of 22% over the prior year, a direct result of more full-time international graduate students who graduate on time, but this also impacts overall enrollment.

Stone said the university is addressing the graduate enrollment challenge by seeking feedback from industry partners to further learn about educational needs, assessing current programs and restructuring a top-level leadership position. Showing the university’s commitment to graduate-level education, Vice Provost for Research Armen Zakarian was appointed the dean of Graduate Studies earlier this month. Zakarian will provide support for the development and implementation of new graduate academic programs and the revision of existing programs.

Investments in student support continue

Stone emphasized that the university continues to invest in undergraduate programs and resources. The university offers resource-connecting initiatives like the Wolverine Mentor Collective and Learn4ward, and scholarships like the Dearborn Comeback and the Go Blue Guarantee. Dearborn Support offers assistance with non-academic needs to keep students on the path to graduation.

The university’s record first-year enrollment is something to celebrate, but Stone — and nearly everyone paying attention to higher education trends — wonders: will the boost in first-year student enrollment across the state continue?

According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, the number of high school graduates in Michigan is expected to decline by 11.4% from 2022 to 2037. However, with only about half of students in Michigan pursuing college (52.8% in 2022), there is room for growth. And Fall 2023 FTIAC numbers show that with state investment, students are interested in enhancing their knowledge and skillset.

“I’m proud of the work done at 51��Ƶ-Dearborn and throughout the state to better connect students with ways to make college accessible. The people on this campus know how access to education can change the trajectory of a student’s life,” Stone said. “We have strong students who are here to succeed, and wonderful faculty and staff who are giving their all to help these students reach their dreams.”

Get more information on 51��Ƶ-Dearborn’s Fall 2023 enrollment and trends.

Article by Sarah Tuxbury.

Enrollment

University-wide

New Student Engagement

Undergraduate Admissions

Off

Wed, 09/27/2023 - 19:05

51��Ƶ-Dearborn welcomes a record-breaking incoming class. Also, Fall 2023 numbers show an increase in transfers, a decrease in graduate students and the impact of state support.

Photos of students walking on campus during the Fall 2023 semester. Fall 2023 shows record enrollment for first-year students. Photos by Michigan Photography

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Thank you, 51��Ƶ-Dearborn!

stuxbury — Mon, 01 May 2023 15:41:40 +0000

Thank you, 51��Ƶ-Dearborn! stuxbury Mon, 05/01/2023 - 11:41

I barely knew anyone when I arrived here from India in August 2021 to prepare for the first semester of my master’s program in Automotive Systems Engineering. Leaving my family and friends behind and moving to a new country to study and grow was practically restarting my life from scratch. I did have the support of my family and loved ones that kept me going, and I am fortunate enough to have had it from day one.

To my fellow international students: I commend your bravery and resolve to move so far away from home and be determined to grow your career exactly the way you want. I also commend your faith that you can create a home wherever you go.

To incoming international students: I want to tell you that it gets easier with time. I still remember spending my first week or so understanding just how “cheap” or “expensive” things are based on dollar amounts and using my absolute willpower not to convert currencies. Pro tip: Don’t convert dollars to your money. Ever. The sooner you start living like an American, at least in my opinion, the easier it will be to integrate yourself into the American culture and way of life. As long as your focus is clear, the results will show in whatever you pursue — even simple things like grocery shopping, figuring out utilities and getting around town to explore.

With every new experience, you learn and grow more confident — which makes you want to learn and explore more. One of my favorite memories was taking a road trip with friends where we covered six states in just a week. I also went to Mackinac Island and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Both were very beautiful. I’m also proud to have earned the (M)Talent honor, maintaining a high GPA and landing a job in the automotive industry where I’m working on driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles.

To all students: Even though there’s stress from exams and projects, you will fondly reflect on the fun instances in your story when you look back. I would change nothing if I had to go back and redo my chapter here in Dearborn, from living here to studying, to the classes I took, the friends I made and the opportunities I dove headfirst into. I didn’t know what the outcome would be — I was in it for the experience. Everything you decide to partake in is worth the effort. You can only gain as much from your student experience as the effort you put into it.

51��Ƶ-Dearborn has something for everyone. You need only try to find what resonates with you, be it clubs, organizations, academic and cultural programs, research opportunities and more. 51��Ƶ-Dearborn truly provides the potential to make your journey here unique.

This rollercoaster ride has been nothing short of an exhilarating one. I got jobs in the U.S., first on campus and then in the “real world.” And I collaborated and worked on a dozen projects and research over two years, trying out different programs to help me prepare for my career and more. As I leave my school behind, I remind myself that I am and will be a lifelong Wolverine.

To my friends, professors and staff: You’ve made a difference in my life. I bid adieu for now, but it will never be a goodbye. There will always be a “see you next time.” Go Blue! Go Dearborn!

Commencement

International

Off

Mon, 05/01/2023 - 15:41

Class of 2023 graduate Rudra Mehta, a Reporter editorial assistant, reflects on his experiences that he gained as an international student and Dearborn Wolverine.

Rudra Mehta earned his graduate degree on April 30.

College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters

'The future belongs to you'

stuxbury — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 18:37:38 +0000

'The future belongs to you' stuxbury Sun, 04/30/2023 - 14:37

Maize and blue pride filled the Fieldhouse. Families held rose bouquets. Young children clapped for their parents. And newly conferred graduates held up decorated graduation caps thanking those who helped them along their educational journey.

On Sunday, April 30, 1133 Dearborn Wolverines — along with their supporters — celebrated their 1151 earned degrees.

Among the people cheering for the newest 51��Ƶ-Dearborn alumni was keynote speaker Marc Howze, a 1986 graduate. The first in his family to go to college, Howze said 51��Ƶ-Dearborn changed his life. The education the Detroit native earned set him up to succeed in graduate programs at Duke University and U-M Law School. He’s traveled the world. And he holds a global leadership position at John Deere, which Fortune Magazine calls one of the world’s most admired companies.

The Commencement speaker then let the Class of 2023 in on a little secret: When Howze was in their mortarboards decades earlier, he didn’t know that all of the above accomplishments would be part of his story.

“On the outside, you look good. But on the inside, I know many of you are grappling with what the future holds for you." In the face of that anxiety, Howze had a message: "Not only does the future belong to you, you are prepared for the future.”

“Make no mistake about it, you have earned and received a world class education," said Howze, who is John Deere’s Office of the Chairman senior adviser. In this role, he provides counsel to the CEO and other leaders, which includes supporting advocacy efforts. "The University of Michigan-Dearborn has prepared you for what lies beyond these walls."

Read Howze's speech.

51��Ƶ-Dearborn hosted three commencement ceremonies on Sunday. The morning ceremony recognized graduate students, who earned masters, specialist and doctoral degrees. The 1 p.m. event lauded graduates of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters and the College of Education, Health, and Human Services. The 5 p.m. festivities honored the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Business.

See photos of the big day or watch the recorded ceremonies on YouTube and Facebook.

Graduation day started with high energy – even at the 9 a.m. ceremony, airhorn noises, whistles and name shouts could be heard throughout the Fieldhouse as students walked up to the stage.

That excitement was felt around the world too. Watching the livestream, Otaru Victoria from Nigeria commented, “We are so proud of you.” From India, Dattu Palde extended congratulations to all the graduates.

In the Fieldhouse, keynote speaker Howze spoke to an attentive audience and shared what he’s learned through his 40-plus years of educational and professional experiences. Among the wisdom given, Howze said there will be obstacles that may make the new Dearborn graduates consider giving up on their goals — and it’s important to be true to yourself and to keep going.

Howze came to campus in 1981, only three years after Dearborn Mayor Orville Hubbard, who was known for his segregationist policies, ended his role as mayor. As a Black student, Howze said he experienced racism during those college years and thought about dropping out. As he contemplated what to do, Howze went to his eastside Detroit church, where an older woman took $5 from her change purse and handed it to Howze. She said she wanted to help because she didn’t have the opportunity to go to school. Howze reflected, “At that moment, I realized I was the embodiment of the dreams of a generation. And here I was, about to throw away the opportunity of a lifetime because I felt uncomfortable."

Howze said he gathered himself armed with "faith, fortitude, intellect, hustle and tenacity." He said, "rather than leave, I got involved in the university community, student government, got involved with student activism. I met professors like Elaine Clark and the late Bernie Klein, who pushed me and inspired me and told me what was right about me and that I could make a difference."

By staying, Howze said he got a world-class education that gave him a strong foundation for his future success. Howze realized that he could be the future — and he’d work to make the people who didn’t agree reevaluate their biases and who resisted justice efforts a remnant of the past. As Howze shared his experience, the graduates in the audience erupted into applause and cheers for the internationally recognized leader, who continues to lead efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Undergraduate student speaker April Marvin, a 2023 CASL graduate, walked a different path than Howze, but she echoed the importance of action and voice. “Your voice is the catalyst to change, creating a movement, sharing your passions, and staking your claim on the future. Even if you are afraid, and even if your voice is quiet or shaky, it has immense power,” she said.

Marvin first attended college 20 years ago. She left due to personal struggles and obligations — but returned to prove to herself and her family, and in particular her grandparents, that she could succeed in an environment she found challenging. Not only did she accomplish her academic goals, she advocated for underrepresented groups by helping restart an organization for nontraditional students and helping organize a free professional clothing event so students with financial need could have outfits for interviews, internships, the office and more.

“We have learned…to celebrate the diversity and difference in everyone we encounter,” Marvin said. “If you take anything from 51��Ƶ-Dearborn today it should be that no matter where you are, who you are, or what surrounds you, that your voice can move mountains.”

But moving mountains is not a small feat, and that change can be intimidating and a little frightening. Graduate student speaker Hiba Qamar wanted the Class of 2023 to remember that there are times they will fail — because everyone does. But it’s what comes next that counts.

“Even in moments where you feel discouraged and fall, don’t ever quit. Sometimes failing at something is the best way for you to reset course and figure out what you’re doing next,” she said. “Looking back, taking risks is the reason I landed my dream job, got the opportunity to start grad school and found mentors that have been there to support and guide me in my career. Remember, the chances you take, the people you meet, and what you believe will define you.”

Chancellor Domenico Grasso congratulated students at the three ceremonies and presided over the moment where they turned their tassels from the right to the left: “This is the day that you have worked toward…you should be proud of your accomplishments," he said. After giving kudos to the graduates and recognizing their families and friends for supporting them, Grasso continued, "You will have a chance to make a positive change in the world. When that opportunity arises, please seize it…Go big, go proud and forever ‘Go Blue!’”

Speaking to the Class of 2023, Howze told the 51��Ƶ-Dearborn Wolverines to never wonder if they belong — they do. Not only that, the collegiate journey they experienced has prepared them. “The future is yours — even if you don’t exactly know what to do with it just yet,” he said. “As you stand gazing into a future of infinite possibilities, remember that your best days lay ahead. Remember to be a participant, not a passenger. Help to shape the future. Why? Because the future belongs to you.”

Photos by Michigan Photography/ Article by Sarah Tuxbury.

Commencement

Student Success

College of Business

College of Education, Health, and Human Services

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Off

Sun, 04/30/2023 - 18:37

51��Ƶ-Dearborn celebrated more than 1130 graduates — and the 1151 degrees conferred — during Sunday’s three commencement ceremonies.