EMU Today

To the Eastern Michigan University community,

What a fabulous Centennial Homecoming Celebration we are having this week! It’s been great to see the outpouring of excitement and school spirit among students, faculty, staff and alumni at our in-person and virtual events. Many events remain on the calendar for tonight, tomorrow and Saturday; you can find them on the homecoming link above. Students, don’t forget to vote for the Homecoming Court. In addition, I encourage everyone to show up to cheer on our Eagles’ football team as we take on Miami (Ohio) for the homecoming game at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

We have several items to share in this week’s update:

• COVID-19 Dashboard Continues to Show Low Campus Positivity Rates
• Eastern Earns High Rankings for Promoting Social Mobility
• Eastern Michigan University Professor Awarded Germany’s Highest Honor
• New Engineering Programs Recognized Nationally
• Free Flu Shots Scheduled at IHA Health Center @ EMU
• Eastern Presents Strong Showing at Motor Bella Auto Show

COVID-19 Dashboard Continues to Show Low Campus Positivity Rates

Campus positivity rates for COVID-19 remain considerably below the rates in the region and the levels at most of Michigan’s public universities. In the seven days ending Oct. 5, the University administered 646 COVID-19 tests that resulted in 5 positive cases, for a positivity rate of 0.77 percent. During this time, we confirmed a total of 18 positive cases among students and employees. Complete details can be found on the University's COVID-19 Dashboard.

These positive data are reflective of our comprehensive ÇOVID-19 mitigation strategy – a multi-layered effort that includes vaccinations, Get the Vax to Win prizes, regular on-campus testing, a disciplined contact tracing process, mandatory daily health screenings, and much more. We routinely update the EMU Safe website with the latest information and resources to support your safe experience on campus. 

Eastern Earns High Rankings for Promoting Social Mobility

U.S. News and World Report ranked Eastern Michigan University among the best universities in the country in the social mobility category. The distinction is based on the opportunities colleges offer disadvantaged students with federal Pell Grants.   

Eastern Michigan University Professor Awarded Germany’s Highest Honor

I was pleased to participate in a ceremony honoring German Professor Carla Damiano, who was awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany on Sept. 29. Dr. Damiano was recognized for her commitment to furthering German language and literature in the United States, supporting German students, and playing an active role in keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive.

New Engineering Programs Recognized Nationally

After only four years of being established, Eastern Michigan University's engineering programs are being recognized in the national rankings by U.S. News and World Report. This is the first time Eastern's engineering programs have entered the digital media company’s rankings. EMU first launched a mechanical engineering program in 2017; followed in 2018 with the addition of electrical and computer engineering. In early 2020, the University introduced a new civil engineering program.

Free Flu Shots Scheduled at IHA Health Center @ EMU

Next Wednesday, Oct. 13, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., you are invited to get a free flu shot at the IHA Health Center @ EMU. This is a walk-in clinic – advanced registration is not required. Students, faculty and staff should bring their insurance card and identification. Students who do not have an insurance card should bring their student ID. If you are unable to attend at that time, please visit the IHA Health Center @ EMU online site to schedule an appointment.

Eastern Presents Strong Showing at Motor Bella Auto Show

The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology had an impressive presence at the Motor Bella auto show that took place in Pontiac, Mich. last month. I had the pleasure of joining Dean Mohamad Qatu, Professor Samir Tout and several accomplished EMU students, as they demonstrated their cybersecurity research involving connected vehicles. Watch this video to learn more.

Final Comments

I hope you enjoy this information as much as I like sharing it. We have much to be proud of, thanks to the incredible work of our faculty, the commitment of our staff, and the outstanding students who, like me, call Eastern home. I hope you enjoy the rest of our Centennial Homecoming Celebration. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon. Go Eagles!

James Smith, Ph.D.