University of Michigan-Flint
Encyclopedia
The University of Michigan–Flint (commonly referred to as UM–Flint, U of M–Flint or simply Michigan Flint) is a public university
located in Flint, Michigan
in the United States
. It is one of three University of Michigan
campuses.
in Flint
. Three years later, the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan
funded a study exploring possibilities for higher education in Flint.
In June 1944 Franklin D. Roosevelt
signed the G.I. Bill into law. The demand for higher education increased with the return of soldiers after World War II
, and was a major factor in the establishment of a branch of the University of Michigan in the city of Flint.
During February 1947 the Regents of the University of Michigan approved a higher education needs assessment for Flint. In 1949, two Social Science professors at Ann Arbor
, Arthur E. Lean and Franklin Killian, recommended a liberal arts college for Flint. C.S. Mott then offered $1 million for a four-year college in Flint. Later, in 1951, the Committee of Flint Citizens requested the Regents establish a four-year college in Flint. In January 1955 Governor Williams signed a $37,000 appropriation bill to cover preliminary expenses for the college; the Mott Foundation provided $1.2 million. Harlan Hatcher, Everett Cummings, and C.S. Mott broke ground for UM-Flint shortly thereafter.
After the 1952-1954 debate between the UM-Flint College Committee and the Flint Board of Education as to whether the UM Flint College should be a four-year liberal arts college or a two-year senior college, Hatcher and the Regents accepted the two-year senior college proposal. Later, in February 1956, David M. French was named the first dean of the Flint College of the University of Michigan. C.S. Mott would donate a second gift of $1 million for the construction of a new library during March 1959.
From 1963-1964, studies were commissioned to examine the possibility of turning the Flint College into a four-year institution. Then, from March to July 1965, the Michigan State Board of Education recommended a four-year college in Flint and the phasing out of UM’s involvement. Public outcry and C.S. Mott's threatening to withdraw millions in pledged support resulted in the state approving a four-year University of Michigan campus in Flint. This led to the Flint campus becoming the first campus in the University of Michigan System to be formed outside of the city of Ann Arbor.
Later, in the Spring of 1970, the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools granted accreditation to the Flint College of the University of Michigan. The Regents of the University of Michigan approved the name change to The University of Michigan–Flint in April 1971. During September 1972, sixteen temporary buildings were erected to ease campus overcrowding, pressuring the Regents to move UM-Flint to its current location along the Flint River
.
Later, in October 1994, the Frances Willson Thompson Library opened. President Bill Clinton
visited campus on November 1994. The William S. White Building was officially dedicated in 2002.
In April 2005, the campus went through its first intensive major fund-raising drive. The Capital Campaign brought in $40 million in donations.
approved the request of the Flint Campus to explore the feasibility of student housing. After several assessments, study, and, upon seeing the probable progression of growth of the campus, student housing was approved. On July 16, 2007 the first-ever student dormitory, the First Street Residence Hall, opened for students.
In Spring 2008, the student body voted to adopt the nickname The Victors
, after the fight song
of The University of Michigan. However, the term is almost never used among students.
The Student Athletic Association, with the assistance of the Club Sports Coordinator, help promote the sports teams on campus. These teams include:
in U.S. News & World Report's: 2009 America's Best Colleges report.
The Princeton Review
has included UM–Flint in the "Best in the Midwest" category in their publication 2011 Best Colleges: Region by Region.
The Part-Time MBA Program is ranked 41st in the United States (overall) and 9th in the Midwest (by region).
The Princeton Review has also included UM–Flint's School of Management in their The Best 301 Business Schools: 2010 Edition.
The Flint campus of the University of Michigan is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business - International, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, the Council on Social Work Education, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and the National Association of Schools of Music The university is currently seeking accreditation from ABET for their new mechanical engineering program.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The campus offers over 100 undergraduate majors and concentrations and over 25 graduate areas and concentrations for advanced studies.
Typical class sizes have a 14 to 1 student/faculty ratio. According to a 2008 student satisfaction survey, the overall level of satisfaction is significantly higher than the national average for other four-year public universities in the United States.
is a student-run campus newspaper. In 2008, the Michigan Press Association's "Better College Newspaper Contest" awarded The Michigan Times with nine awards in a statewide competition. This achievement was surpassed in 2009 by winning 23 awards. The newspaper is printed weekly and is available free-of-cost on the campus, at other area colleges, in the surrounding downtown area and elsewhere in the Greater Flint area.
The campus is featured in parts of Michael Moore
's 1989 debut film Roger & Me
. The school has also been referenced in cartoonist Jef Mallett
's nationally syndicated comic strip, Frazz
. Mallett is a Michigan native, having worked for local newspaper the Flint Journal
earlier in his career.
Public university
A public university is a university that is predominantly funded by public means through a national or subnational government, as opposed to private universities. A national university may or may not be considered a public university, depending on regions...
located in Flint, Michigan
Flint, Michigan
Flint is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and is located along the Flint River, northwest of Detroit. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the 2010 population to be placed at 102,434, making Flint the seventh largest city in Michigan. It is the county seat of Genesee County which lies in the...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It is one of three University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
campuses.
Origins
The thought of establishing a part of the University of Michigan in the city of Flint started in the year 1837 when Sarah Miles wrote a letter to her family stating, “A branch of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor is to be established in Flint at some future day.” In May 1944 the Flint Board of Education requested that the University of Michigan open a satellite campusSatellite campus
A satellite campus or branch campus is a campus of a college or university that is physically detached from the main university or college area, and is often smaller than the main campus of an institution....
in Flint
Flint, Michigan
Flint is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and is located along the Flint River, northwest of Detroit. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the 2010 population to be placed at 102,434, making Flint the seventh largest city in Michigan. It is the county seat of Genesee County which lies in the...
. Three years later, the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan
Board of Regents of the University of Michigan
The Board of Regents of the University of Michigan is the legal corporation that controls the University of Michigan, comprising the campuses at Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn. The Board of Regents was created by the Organic Act of March 18, 1837 that established the modern University of Michigan...
funded a study exploring possibilities for higher education in Flint.
In June 1944 Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
signed the G.I. Bill into law. The demand for higher education increased with the return of soldiers after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, and was a major factor in the establishment of a branch of the University of Michigan in the city of Flint.
During February 1947 the Regents of the University of Michigan approved a higher education needs assessment for Flint. In 1949, two Social Science professors at Ann Arbor
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
, Arthur E. Lean and Franklin Killian, recommended a liberal arts college for Flint. C.S. Mott then offered $1 million for a four-year college in Flint. Later, in 1951, the Committee of Flint Citizens requested the Regents establish a four-year college in Flint. In January 1955 Governor Williams signed a $37,000 appropriation bill to cover preliminary expenses for the college; the Mott Foundation provided $1.2 million. Harlan Hatcher, Everett Cummings, and C.S. Mott broke ground for UM-Flint shortly thereafter.
After the 1952-1954 debate between the UM-Flint College Committee and the Flint Board of Education as to whether the UM Flint College should be a four-year liberal arts college or a two-year senior college, Hatcher and the Regents accepted the two-year senior college proposal. Later, in February 1956, David M. French was named the first dean of the Flint College of the University of Michigan. C.S. Mott would donate a second gift of $1 million for the construction of a new library during March 1959.
From 1963-1964, studies were commissioned to examine the possibility of turning the Flint College into a four-year institution. Then, from March to July 1965, the Michigan State Board of Education recommended a four-year college in Flint and the phasing out of UM’s involvement. Public outcry and C.S. Mott's threatening to withdraw millions in pledged support resulted in the state approving a four-year University of Michigan campus in Flint. This led to the Flint campus becoming the first campus in the University of Michigan System to be formed outside of the city of Ann Arbor.
Later, in the Spring of 1970, the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools granted accreditation to the Flint College of the University of Michigan. The Regents of the University of Michigan approved the name change to The University of Michigan–Flint in April 1971. During September 1972, sixteen temporary buildings were erected to ease campus overcrowding, pressuring the Regents to move UM-Flint to its current location along the Flint River
Flint River (Michigan)
The Flint River is a river in the Flint/Tri-Cities region of Michigan in the United States. It flows through the city of Flint and the counties of Genesee, Lapeer and Saginaw.- Course :...
.
Further developments
During January 1982 UM's physical therapy program moved from Ann Arbor to Flint. Charlie Nelms was named UM-Flint’s fourth chancellor in August 1994.Later, in October 1994, the Frances Willson Thompson Library opened. President Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
visited campus on November 1994. The William S. White Building was officially dedicated in 2002.
In April 2005, the campus went through its first intensive major fund-raising drive. The Capital Campaign brought in $40 million in donations.
Growth and retention
The University of Michigan–Flint is currently the fastest growing public university in the state of Michigan. Since 2005, international student enrollment has increased over 200 percent, with students hailing from over 37 different countries.On campus housing
In November 2004, the Board of Regents of the University of MichiganBoard of Regents of the University of Michigan
The Board of Regents of the University of Michigan is the legal corporation that controls the University of Michigan, comprising the campuses at Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn. The Board of Regents was created by the Organic Act of March 18, 1837 that established the modern University of Michigan...
approved the request of the Flint Campus to explore the feasibility of student housing. After several assessments, study, and, upon seeing the probable progression of growth of the campus, student housing was approved. On July 16, 2007 the first-ever student dormitory, the First Street Residence Hall, opened for students.
Off campus housing
In Fall 2009, a new dormitory opened in the building that was once the Hyatt Regency. This dorm is open to all college students in Flint. The majority of the students living in the dorm, however, attend the University of Michigan–Flint. This dorm, named 'Riverfront Housing,' features many amenities such as a movie theater and full size pool tables.Groups and activities
The University is home to many fraternities and sororities. The following Greek organizations have chapters on campus:| Sororities | Fraternities |
|---|---|
|
Theta Chi Theta Chi Fraternity is an international college fraternity. It was founded on April 10, 1856 as the Theta Chi Society, at Norwich University, Norwich, Vermont, U.S., and was the 21st of the 71 North-American Interfraternity Conference men's fraternities.-Founding and early years at Norwich:Theta... Alpha Phi Alpha Alpha Phi Alpha is the first Inter-Collegiate Black Greek Letter fraternity. It was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Its founders are known as the "Seven Jewels". Alpha Phi Alpha developed a model that was used by the many Black Greek Letter Organizations ... Omega Psi Phi Omega Psi Phi is a fraternity and is the first African-American national fraternal organization to be founded at a historically black college. Omega Psi Phi was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.. The founders were three Howard University juniors, Edgar Amos... Kappa Sigma Kappa Sigma , commonly nicknamed Kappa Sig, is an international fraternity with currently 282 active chapters and colonies in North America. Kappa Sigma has initiated more than 240,000 men on college campuses throughout the United States and Canada. Today, the Fraternity has over 175,000 living... Phi Kappa Tau Phi Kappa Tau is a U.S. national collegiate fraternity.-History:Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity was founded in the Union Literary Society Hall of Miami University's Old Main Building in Oxford, Ohio on March 17, 1906... (Colony) |
Athletics
UM–Flint does not presently offer varsity intercollegiate athletics, but there are a number of intramural sports and sports clubs available to students.In Spring 2008, the student body voted to adopt the nickname The Victors
The Victors
"The Victors" is the fight song of the University of Michigan . It was composed by UM student Louis Elbel in 1898 following the last-minute football victory over the University of Chicago that clinched a league championship...
, after the fight song
Fight song
A fight song is primarily an American and Canadian sports term, referring to a song associated with a team. In both professional and amateur sports, fight songs are a popular way for fans to cheer for their team...
of The University of Michigan. However, the term is almost never used among students.
The Student Athletic Association, with the assistance of the Club Sports Coordinator, help promote the sports teams on campus. These teams include:
- UM-Flint Wrestling
- UM-Flint Golf
- UM-Flint Hockey
- UM-Flint Basketball
- UM-Flint Soccer
- UM-Flint Volleyball
- UM-Flint Disc Golf
- UM-Flint Tennis
- UM-Flint Cheerleading
- UM-Flint Bowling
- UM-Flint Water Ski
- UM-Flint Flat Track Roller Derby
- UM-Flint Football
Rankings and accreditation
The University of Michigan–Flint is rated as one of the best master's-level public universities in the MidwestMidwestern United States
The Midwestern United States is one of the four U.S. geographic regions defined by the United States Census Bureau, providing an official definition of the American Midwest....
in U.S. News & World Report's: 2009 America's Best Colleges report.
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review is an American-based standardized test preparation and admissions consulting company. The Princeton Review operates in 41 states and 22 countries across the globe. It offers test preparation for standardized aptitude tests such as the SAT and advice regarding college...
has included UM–Flint in the "Best in the Midwest" category in their publication 2011 Best Colleges: Region by Region.
| College/school founding | |
|---|---|
| College/school | Year founded |
| College of Arts and Sciences | 1955 |
| School of Management | 1975 |
| School of Health Professions and Studies | 1982 |
| School of Education and Human Services | 1997 |
The Part-Time MBA Program is ranked 41st in the United States (overall) and 9th in the Midwest (by region).
The Princeton Review has also included UM–Flint's School of Management in their The Best 301 Business Schools: 2010 Edition.
The Flint campus of the University of Michigan is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business - International, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, the Council on Social Work Education, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and the National Association of Schools of Music The university is currently seeking accreditation from ABET for their new mechanical engineering program.
Academics and admissions
| University rankings | |
|---|---|
| Ranking | # |
| US News & World Report (Regional) | 88 |
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The campus offers over 100 undergraduate majors and concentrations and over 25 graduate areas and concentrations for advanced studies.
Typical class sizes have a 14 to 1 student/faculty ratio. According to a 2008 student satisfaction survey, the overall level of satisfaction is significantly higher than the national average for other four-year public universities in the United States.
The Michigan Times
The Michigan TimesThe Michigan Times
The Michigan Times, the student newspaper of the Flint campus of the University of Michigan, was founded in 1956. It is the only official campus newspaper issued on campus and run entirely by the university students. It is casually referred to on and around campus as "The M-Times."Starting in the...
is a student-run campus newspaper. In 2008, the Michigan Press Association's "Better College Newspaper Contest" awarded The Michigan Times with nine awards in a statewide competition. This achievement was surpassed in 2009 by winning 23 awards. The newspaper is printed weekly and is available free-of-cost on the campus, at other area colleges, in the surrounding downtown area and elsewhere in the Greater Flint area.
Student government
The University of Michigan–Flint Student Government Council (UMFSGC) represents the voice of students and manages student funds on the campus. The UMFSGC is a member of the state-wide Association of Michigan Universities.National recognition
- 2000: The University of Michigan–Flint campus hosted Vice PresidentVice presidentA vice president is an officer in government or business who is below a president in rank. The name comes from the Latin vice meaning 'in place of'. In some countries, the vice president is called the deputy president...
and Democratic Presidential nominee Al GoreAl GoreAlbert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. served as the 45th Vice President of the United States , under President Bill Clinton. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for President in the 2000 U.S. presidential election....
, along with an outdoor performance by pop-rock group the Goo Goo DollsGoo Goo DollsThe Goo Goo Dolls are a Grammy-nominated American rock band formed in 1986 in Buffalo, New York, by vocalist and guitarist John Rzeznik and vocalist and bass guitarist Robby Takac. Since the end of 1994, Mike Malinin has been the band's drummer, a position previously held by George Tutuska...
. - 2004: University of Michigan–Flint campus hosted Democratic Presidential hopeful Howard DeanHoward DeanHoward Brush Dean III is an American politician and physician from Vermont. He served six terms as the 79th Governor of Vermont and ran unsuccessfully for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination. He was chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2005 to 2009. Although his U.S...
. - 2007: University of Michigan–Flint held the first annual outdoor MFuse concert. The headliner for this concert (voted on by school officials and students) was Grammy AwardGrammy AwardA Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
winning artist Common. - 2010: The campus was named the 2009 Green Generation Customer of the Year by Consumers Energy for purchasing more than 2 million kilowatt-hours of Michigan-based renewable energy for the past several years.
The campus is featured in parts of Michael Moore
Michael Moore
Michael Francis Moore is an American filmmaker, author, social critic and activist. He is the director and producer of Fahrenheit 9/11, which is the highest-grossing documentary of all time. His films Bowling for Columbine and Sicko also place in the top ten highest-grossing documentaries...
's 1989 debut film Roger & Me
Roger & Me
Roger & Me is a 1989 American documentary film directed by Michael Moore. Moore portrays the regional negative economic impact of General Motors CEO Roger Smith's summary action of closing several auto plants in Flint, Michigan, costing 30,000 people their jobs at the time and economically...
. The school has also been referenced in cartoonist Jef Mallett
Jef Mallett
Jef Mallett is the creator and artist of the comic strip Frazz. He attended nursing school for a period of time before leaving to pursue his artistic interests. He has a longtime interest in the thrill and excitement of bicycling...
's nationally syndicated comic strip, Frazz
Frazz
Frazz is a syndicated comic strip by Jef Mallett that, on the surface, is about school custodian Edwin "Frazz" Frazier and the school where he works, but which, according to Mallett, is really about discovery. The strip debuted on 2 April 2001....
. Mallett is a Michigan native, having worked for local newspaper the Flint Journal
Flint Journal
The Flint Journal is the largest newspaper published in Flint, Michigan. Published Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, it serves Genesee, Lapeer and Shiawassee Counties...
earlier in his career.