Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Admitted MPP and residential MPA students: it’s the last call to register for Spring Preview! 📢 Get up to $500 for travel reimbursements. Don't miss out! We’re excited to show you the Ford School experience 💙 Register: myumi.ch/9pd3x

Don't miss the chance to visit us for Spring Preview on April 10! Meet our faculty, hear about current students’ experiences, and explore Ann Arbor. Get up to $500 for travel reimbursements. Register today: myumi.ch/9pd3x

Listen to what the world-renowned jazz musician, Wynton Marsalis, thinks about the connections between family history, jazz, and democracy. Watch the powerful conversation here: myumi.ch/jJAx1

In a new paper for STPP, Rebecca Coyne (MPP ’26) explains how the expanded access to online gambling is eroding the financial health of low-income Americans. Read more: myumi.ch/E8bng

The Weiser Diplomacy Center recently hosted a delegation of former ambassadors, ministers, and policy experts for Convocation 5.0! Convocation 5.0 is a trilateral policy forum in collaboration with the U.S.–Mexico Foundation and the Inter-American Dialogue.

Watch State Sen. Stephanie Chang (MPP '15) discuss how her colleague in the Michigan Senate, John Damoose, helped strengthen water affordability legislation despite partisan differences. 🚰 Watch the full "Conversations Across Differences": myumi.ch/3Rwpx

#FutureFordies, we can't wait for our new MPP and residential MPA students to join us for Spring Preview Day 2026 on April 10! Spring Preview gives our admitted graduate students a chance to meet the Ford School community 〽️ ➡️Register by April 1➡️ myumi.ch/9pd3x

In the news: Javed Ali comments on the war in Iran, including the capabilities of Iran’s military. Watch: myumi.ch/G2bqz

Brian Jacob and Sarah Cohodes discussed Michigan’s current education issues, such as retention and public funding, in a Bridge Michigan article. Read their comments: myumi.ch/P3Pmy

Save the date for Pamela Herd’s Kohn social policy lecture on 4/13! 🗓️ Herd will reflect on her research, showcasing how inequality intersects with health, aging, and policy, and the bureaucratic obstacles people encounter. Details: myumi.ch/jJ8Gm

Welcome, PPIA fellows! 🎉 〽️ For 45 years, we have proudly served as a host site for the Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute (JSI). We will be welcoming 18 undergraduates dedicated to public service this summer. Details: myumi.ch/pVegD

Congratulations to EPI Predoctoral Fellow alum, Jordy Berne (PhD ‘25)! 🎉 Jordy received the 2026 Jean Flanigan Outstanding Dissertation Award for his research on preschool, kindergarten, and third grade reading programs and laws. Read more here: myumi.ch/xwxw8

We are honored to welcome @SenGaryPeters as the keynote speaker for the #FordSchool26 Commencement! Senator Peters has served in public life for over three decades, from City Council to Congress, holding many positions in between. Learn more: myumi.ch/2rZD2 #mgograd

Watch State Senator John Damoose describe how voters and representatives have a responsibility to put collaboration over emotions—producing results, not anger. See the full "Conversations Across Differences": myumi.ch/3Rwpx

Join us on 3/24 for an update on the gun violence prevention movement with Rob Wilcox! He will discuss his work and the state of the gun violence prevention movement alongside Dr. Patrick Carter. Details: myumi.ch/3RxAP

What's the connection between music and democracy? During his conversation last month, composer Wynton Marsalis illustrated how the two are coming together to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary. Watch the full conversation here: myumi.ch/jJAx1

Fordies, it's almost time! 🎓 Save the date! Spring Commencement will be on Sunday, May 3rd, at Hill Auditorium! Learn more: myumi.ch/pVGR9 #fordschool26 #mgograd

On Giving Blueday, the Ford School community raised over $75,000 for our students! 〽️ Thank you to everyone who supported and showed the dedication of our strong community! 💙 More Giving Blueday gift details: myumi.ch/Z2dNZ

It’s #FordieFriday! Today, we’re highlighting course PubPol 683, Elections & Campaigns. Grant Bradley (MPP '27) shares his thoughts on the course and instructor Rusty Hills. Learn more about PubPol 683 and our other course offerings: myumi.ch/bVPW3

Abu Hasan Sajili (MPP/MA ’26) will speak at a Lightning Talk during the Center for Global Health Equity’s Institutional Global Health Summit on March 23. In his presentation, he will highlight his research experience and work in global health. Register: myumi.ch/W6XyR