University of Michigan

History

The University of Michigan (U-M, UM, UMich, or U of M) was established in 1817 in Detroit, as the Catholepistemiad, or the University of Michigania, about 20 years before the Michigan Territory became a state. The school was moved to Ann Arbor in 1837 onto 40 acres (16 ha) of what is now known as Central Campus. The first classes in Ann Arbor were held in 1841, with six freshmen and a sophomore, taught by two professors. Eleven students graduated in the first commencement in 1845.

Campus

The University of Michigan's campus is divided into four main areas: the North, Central, Medical, and South campuses. The Central and South Campus areas are contiguous, while the North Campus area is separated from them, primarily by the Huron River. There is also leased space in buildings scattered throughout the city, many occupied by organizations affiliated with the University of Michigan Health System.

Academics

The University of Michigan is a large, four-year, residential research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The four-year, full-time undergraduate program comprises the majority of enrollments and emphasizes instruction in the arts, sciences, and professions with a high level of coexistence between graduate and undergraduate programs. The university has "very high" research activity and the comprehensive graduate program offers doctoral degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields as well as professional degrees in medicine, law, and dentistry.

Student life

There are over 1,600 student organizations at the University of Michigan, including the Michigan Marching Band, the University of Michigan Dearborn Club, and the Michigan State University Club. The Michigan Union and Michigan League are student activity centers located on Central Campus; Pierpont Commons is on North Campus.

Athletics

The University of Michigan's sports teams are called the Wolverines. They participate in the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) and in the Big Ten Conference in all sports except women's water polo, which is a member of the Collegiate Water Polo Association.

Notable alumni

The University of Michigan boasts many distinguished alumni, including former U.S. president Gerald Ford, Google co-founder Larry Page, actor James Earl Jones, and Madonna.