ĢƵ

ĢƵ Logo

Faculty, Staff and Administrators

Tools and Resources

Workplace Tools

Titans Together
Wellness and Well-being

Faculty/Staff Announcements from Campus Connection

Open All | Close All

  • April 30: Spotlight on Excellence to recognize ĢƵ community, May 12

    Thursday April 30, 2026

    Titan community, we look forward to seeing you at this year’s Spotlight on Excellence Celebration set for Tuesday, May 12, from 2:30-4:30 p.m., in the Student Union Ballroom on the McNichols Campus.

    The Spotlight on Excellence Celebration is a yearly event to recognize UDM employee milestones, achievements and honors.

    Retirees will be honored as well as employees who have achieved milestones for their years of service. Promotion and tenure achievements and faculty recognition, Jesuit Community Faculty Stipend, Commitment to Excellence and Mission Leadership awardees will also be announced.

    If you plan to attend, please RSVP as soon as possible.

    We look forward to seeing you on May 12 to honor those being recognized and celebrate all our wonderful UDM colleagues!

    A grouping of three photos of attendees/awardees at Spotlight for Excellence Celebration

  • April 30: Tuesday summer food truck series begins May 5

    Thursday April 30, 2026

    Looking to mix up your lunch routine on McNichols Campus? Stop by Food Truck Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Sacred Heart Square.

    The schedule is always expanding, but as of now:

    • May 5 – Pablo’s Tacos
    • May 19 – Unique Eats
    • June 30 – Sassy Z’s
    • July 14 – Buck N Dink’s BBQ
    • August 11 – Detroit Panzerotti

  • April 30: Faculty and staff needed for reimagined PTV, Aug. 26-27

    Thursday April 30, 2026

    Interested in being part of an exciting new approach to the engagement portion of Prologues, Transitions and Viewpoint (PTV) — the orientation program for incoming first-year students on the McNichols Campus?

    We are reimagining the engagement portion using the “Immersion Day” model developed by University Ministry. While service remains an important component of PTV, the new approach will include community engagement elements to introduce students to Detroit and the amazing organizations and creative ideas used to address particular challenges.

    We are seeking faculty and staff willing to assist on one or both mornings of PTV, August 26 and/or 27.

    Faculty and staff who participate may use Mission Leave to get paid for their involvement. Learn more about Mission Leave.

    A planning meeting will be held between May 5 and May 15 to explain the new approach and begin developing plans. If you are interested in attending, please share your availability during that time frame.

    If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Fr. Tim Hipskind at hipskijt@udmercy.edu or 313-993-2003.

  • April 30: Volunteers needed for 2026 Commencement, May 9

    Thursday April 30, 2026

    Three photographs of students at Commencement 2025

    The ĢƵ Commencement Planning Committee is seeking dependable student and employee volunteers to help make 2026 Commencement Day a special event for graduates and their families.

    Two McNichols Campus Commencement ceremonies, as well as Baccalaureate Mass, will take place on Saturday, May 9 on the McNichols Campus.

    Please see sign-up below for volunteer opportunities and available time slots. Whether you have availability for one shift or for multiple shifts, your help is greatly appreciated! Breakfast and lunch are provided to all volunteers.

    Volunteer Meeting
    All volunteers are required to attend a mandatory meeting on Tuesday, May 5 at 1 p.m. via Teams. For more information, please contactAlysa Jackson (ouelleal@udmercy.edu).

    Dress Code
    Employee volunteers are asked to dress in business casual and/or ĢƵ gear. A volunteer name badge will be provided at check-in, which is located in the Athletics Office in Calihan Hall.

    Thank you for supporting graduating Titans on this special and exciting day!

  • April 28: Donations needed for Little Red Food Pantry

    Tuesday April 28, 2026

    An image of a red box with food items inside it titled Little Free Pantry.At ĢƵ, caring for the whole person is central to our mission.

    Financial Aid Office’s Little Red Food Pantry, located in the Student Union, supports our Titan family by providing quick, accessible food options for students who need something to get through the day.

    The pantry is primarily stocked with snacks and grab-and-go items, with some meal options available, to help students stay energized and focused between classes.

    How You Can Help

    • Donate nonperishable snacks and easy, grab-and-go items
    • Help ensure students have access to quick nourishment during busy days
    • Contribute anytime — your support makes an immediate impact

    Drop-Off Locations

    • Financial Aid Office
    • Pantry location in the Student Union

    Every donation helps make sure no Titan has to navigate their day hungry.

  • April 28: Titan Taxi with Provost Pam Zarkowski

    Tuesday April 28, 2026

    Episode 17 of the Titan Taxi is now out featuring Provost and host Pam Zarkowski driving students around the McNichols Campus for the final drive of the 2025-26 academic school year. Click on the to watch the full episode!

  • April 28: Makingemailsaccessible (withoutoverthinkingit)

    Tuesday April 28, 2026

    Email is one of the easiest ways to connect with people—as long aseveryone can actually read and understand what you send.Accessible emails make sure your message works forallrecipients, including people using screen readers, mobiledevicesor assistive technology.

    The good news? A few thoughtful habits go a long way.

    Don’t put information inside images

    It might be tempting to design a beautiful graphic and send it as your email. However, doing socreatesmajor accessibilitybarriers,and many of your own colleagueswon’tbe able to read your message.

    If your key message lives inside a graphic, some recipients may never receive it. Why?

    • Screen readers can’t read text inside an image.
    • People with low vision may not be able to zoom in enough to discern the content.
    • People with colorblindness may not be able to distinguish the text from the background.

    Instead:

    • Put all essential information as actual text within the email
    • Use images to support or enhance your message—not replace it
    • Keep alt text short and meaningful for any images you include

    Images are great for adding personality and visual interest—but theyshouldn’tbe the only way your message is delivered.

    Quick check:If you removed every image, would your email still make sense?

    Addalttext toimages

    Alt text is a short description of an image.

    • Describe the purpose, not every detail
    • Keep it brief but meaningful
    • Example:Instead of “image,” write:“Students working together in a chemistry lab.”

    Why it matters: People using screen readers rely on alt text to understand images.

    Quickcheck:If the image disappeared, would your message still make sense?

    Use clear, simple structure
    • Use short sections with clear headings
    • Break up long paragraphs
    • Keep your message focused

    Why it matters: Screen readers often scan emails by headings. If everything is one big block of text,it’smuch harder to navigate.

    Usemeaningfullinks

    Avoid generic phrases like:

    • “Click here”
    • “Read more”

    Instead, describe the destination:

    • “View the event schedule”
    • “Download the camp packing list”

    Why it matters: Screen reader users often navigate by links alone. “Click here” gives them no context.

    Quickcheck: Ask yourself—would this link make sense out of context?

    Make your email easy on the eyes, choose Readable Fonts andColors
    • Use simple fonts (Arial, Calibri, etc.): Any text you use should be 12 point or larger for on‑screen readability and use sans-serif fonts, like Arial, Calibri or Verdana.Sans-serif fonts don’t have the little decorative lines on the ends of letters, making them easier for most people to read.
    • Keep text large enough (at least ~12–14px)
    • Ensure strong contrast (dark text on light background works best)

    Why it matters: Low contrast or tiny fonts make reading difficult for many people,not just those with visual impairments.

    Quickcheck:If youmustsquint,it’sprobably notaccessible.

    Don’t rely on color alone

    Ifyou’rehighlighting something important:

    • Don’trely only on color (likeplainred text)
    • Add text cues or symbols(like making it bold or italic)

    Example:Instead of just red text, write: “Important: Registration closes Friday.

    Why it matters: Some userscan’tdistinguish certain colors.

    Keep it mobile-friendly

    Most people read emails on their phones.

    • Use short paragraphs
    • Leave space between sections
    • Make buttons easy to tap

    Why it matters: Accessibility and mobile usability go hand in hand.

    Finalthought

    Accessible emails aren’t about perfection—they’re about intention.

    If your message is clear, well-structured and thoughtful, you’re already doing most of the work. These small choices help ensure that everyone—no matter how they access email—can read, understand and engage with what you send.

    Related Links

Thumbs Up

Wednesday April 29, 2026

President Emeritus and Distinguished University Professor Antoine M. Garibaldi will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the 158th Howard University Commencement on May 9. Howard University is the No.1 ranked historically black college and university (HBCU) in the United States. Read more about Howard honorary degree recipients.

  • Get assistance for providing students with online instruction

    Instruction for Online Class Delivery

    The is available to assist any ĢƵ faculty who would like assistance providing their students with online instruction. This assistance can be provided face-to-face or online. For more information, contact CETL at 313-578-0580.

    If you have specific questions you may contact:

Students of Concern

Anthology Toolsets

Anthology (Campus Labs)
  • - Evaluate teaching and learning
  • - Connect and manage your strategic planning efforts
  • - Manage course rosters, faculty evaluations, dashboard

Office of Mission Integration

The Office of Mission Integration is charged with nourishing employee conversations about the soul of the University.

MORE ON MISSION