University updates policy on institutional data

The University of Michigan has updated its Institutional Data Stewardship Policy (SPG 601.12 — online at spg.umich.edu/policy/601.12) to strengthen the institution’s commitment to the effective and strategic management of institutional data. The revised policy features a streamlined definition of institutional data that clearly distinguishes it from research data, and replaces the original policy goals with guiding principles that emphasize data as a strategic asset — promoting integrity, consistency, reliability and ethical stewardship. Developed with input from campus stakeholders, this comprehensive update responds to recent advances in data science and technology, as well as evolving privacy and ethical standards. It also reflects the significant progress made in revitalizing U-M’s Data Governance program over the last five years, including updates to data stewardship roles and the establishment of a Data Governance Advisory Committee. Originally published in 1994, SPG 601.12 has served as a cornerstone for data governance at U-M. The latest revisions ensure the policy remains relevant in today’s rapidly changing technology landscape and continues to guide data stewardship practices in service to the university’s missions.

U-M transitioning from shortcode to PCard for restaurant purchases

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, restaurant purchases will shift from shortcode to PCard. The change will expand dining options, streamline payment processes, and strengthen internal controls. Departments can begin using PCards now with current university-wide restaurant partners and with other restaurants outside the university’s contracted suppliers. Under the new model, U-M will discontinue shortcode ordering with restaurants that have a university-wide contract to provide dine-in, carry-out, and drop-off delivery services in the Ann Arbor area. Beginning Jan. 1, units should use PCards and Travel Cards for all restaurant purchases. Restaurants with a university-wide contract have been notified of this change. For more information and an FAQ on this change.

International Institute announces leadership appointments

The University of Michigan International Institute, together with its 16 centers and programs, has announced its leadership appointments. The II welcomes both newly appointed and continuing directors who will guide the institute’s academic, research and outreach initiatives. At the institute level, Johannes von Moltke, the Rudolf Arnheim Collegiate Professor of German Studies and Film, Television and Media, and professor of Germanic languages and literatures in LSA, will continue to serve as interim director through Dec. 31. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Youngju Ryu, professor of Asian languages and cultures in LSA, will assume the role of director of the International Institute. View a full list of leadership appointments.

Healthy Minds Study: College student depression, anxiety decline

For the third year in a row, college students are reporting lower rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and suicidal thoughts, according to new findings from the nation’s largest study of student mental health. The 2024-2025 Healthy Minds Study, based on responses from more than 84,000 students across 135 colleges and universities, shows severe depression symptoms have dropped to 18% — down from 23% in 2022. Suicidal ideation has fallen to 11%, down from 15% in 2022. “These sustained reductions tell me this is not a blip,” said Justin Heinze, associate professor of health behavior and health equity at the School of Public Health and co-principal investigator of the study. The study, funded by organizational partnerships and participating universities and colleges, provides comprehensive data that helps institutions identify student mental health priorities, benchmark performance against peers, and evaluate existing programs while informing new services and advocacy efforts. Learn more about the study.

U-M researchers study atmosphere of potentially habitable planet

University of Michigan researchers in an international team revealed that a rocky planet in a distant star’s “habitable zone” may have an atmosphere. Potentially, this means it could have the requisite ingredients for supporting life as we know it. In two separate studies published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, researchers have shed new light on an Earth-sized exoplanet 40 light-years away where liquid water might exist on its surface. That would only be possible if an atmosphere is present on this planet, dubbed TRAPPIST-1 e. Still, there’s enough uncertainty that some mystery still shrouds this exoplanet, a planet outside our solar system. “We are seeing two possible explanations. The most exciting possibility is that TRAPPIST-1 e could have a so-called secondary atmosphere containing heavy gases like nitrogen. But our initial observations cannot yet rule out a bare rock with no atmosphere,” said Ryan MacDonald, who worked on the studies as a NASA Sagan Fellow in the U-M Department of Astronomy. Still, scientists are now one step closer to cracking the case conclusively thanks to the world’s largest telescope in space, the JWST. The JWST mission is led by NASA with support from the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.

— Compiled by Jeff Bleiler, The University Record