Investigating student safety at MSU
Questions still remain after the heartbreaking loss and shocking discovery of Brendan Santoโs body in the Red Cedar River in East Lansing. Local 4 Investigator Karen Drew has uncovered new details in the case, and traveled to Michigan Stateโs campus to get answers.
![University of Michigan: โNoticeable uptickโ of COVID cases on Ann Arbor campus](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/EzJT6JHt0vv3pbxseQG-_gFgb50=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TFX5LY65ZZGBNOSTX4XZDHDZKQ.jpg)
University of Michigan: โNoticeable uptickโ of COVID cases on Ann Arbor campus
University of Michigan asks students to test for COVID-19 before going home for holidaysANN ARBOR โ Cases of COVID-19 are trending upward again at the University of Michigan. In an update on Tuesday, U-M officials reported a โnoticeable uptick in COVID-19 cases among U-M affiliates, including undergraduate students, graduate students and non-students.โSchool officials noted that the trend is in line with a general increase of cases in Washtenaw County. Students at the university now account for 15% of the total cases in the county. The number of positive cases more than doubled last week with 157 positive tests compared to 60 the week prior. A total of 26 students are currently in isolation to prevent the spread of COVID, compared to March 24 when 8 students were in quarantine.
![U-M students, parents rally for in-person graduation](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/dx2z93Hf2P7GF9llnFRA03gnCi4=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/03-06-2021/t_72c04f80903d439b9fb90689c70e0e8f_name_image.jpg)
U-M students, parents rally for in-person graduation
Parents and students gathered in Ann Arbor Saturday to preserve a big milestone at the University of Michigan. READ: โWeโre coming no matter whatโ: Parents, students rally at U-M in Ann Arbor for an in-person graduationA rally was held to push U-M officials to hold an in-person graduation. The attendees of the rally chanted โBig House, big day, in-person graduation all the way,โ in front of Michigan Union on State Street. RELATED: Some University of Michigan students and parents push for in-person commencementOther Big Ten universities -- including Michigan State University and Purdue University -- have announced they will do some sort of an in-person graduation, which is why these parents and students believe Michigan can find a way. However, some parents and students think the university can come up with a plan to do it now while the students are still on campus.
![โWeโre coming no matter whatโ: Parents, students rally at U-M in Ann Arbor for an in-person graduation](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/EIFbnUQjgL673du8EqIkff6cgi4=/1600x1200/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RSZ7WDET2ZC6LJIE6KQELVQB4U.jpg)
โWeโre coming no matter whatโ: Parents, students rally at U-M in Ann Arbor for an in-person graduation
Parents and students rally outside the Michigan Union on March 6, 2021, calling for an in-person Spring Commencement. ANN ARBOR โ A group of University of Michigan parents and students gathered outside the Michigan Union on Saturday afternoon calling for the school to offer an in-person graduation. AdU-M parent and rally organizer Tammy Dahlstrom holds a sign on S. State Street in Ann Arbor on March 6, 2021. Thereโs no real reason why we canโt do it.โDahlstrom said the group wants one graduation ceremony at Michigan Stadium, which could be smaller than normal years. Senior Claire DiFranco (right) rallies for an in-person gradution at University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus on March 6, 2021.
![U-M locks hundreds of undergrads out of school buildings for not following COVID testing protocols](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/2awcQqokKMpdYUUtZUwIfa7wkgM=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WR5ZKPOTC5CCHN6P2EH4SET6N4.jpg)
U-M locks hundreds of undergrads out of school buildings for not following COVID testing protocols
FILE: Students walk across the University of Michigan campus January 17, 2003 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)ANN ARBOR โ The University of Michigan has deactivated Mcard access to non-residential buildings for 375 undergraduate students after they failed to comply with the schoolโs mandatory COVID testing requirements. Undergraduate students who reside on or visit campus have been required to undergo weekly COVID testing through the Community Sampling and Tracking Program since the beginning of the semester. Students can also submit a request for an exemption from being included in the mandatory testing cohort. According to the team, roughly 98% of undergraduate students living in residence halls have complied with the required testing program.
![U-M undergraduate library reopens after venomous spider scare](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/dCSWtB_5DgukFzy6J3965zdGtSU=/1280x850/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XZTHDPPF4BAV7ICMJM72EEHNN4.jpg)
U-M undergraduate library reopens after venomous spider scare
Recluse spiders usually stay in mechanical spaces, tunnels and other hideaways. โ meredith kahn (@m_kahn) February 22, 2021I'm kinda surprised/amazed/confused that the news of the poisonous spiders in/under the U-M library has gotten so much traction. Recluse spiders live in our basements and garages and gardens? โ Rebecca Welzenbach (@Rwelzenb) February 23, 2021According to associate professor of Biological Sciences at U-M Dearborn, Anne Danielson-Francois, Ph.D., Mediterranean recluse spiders are even more reclusive than the feared brown recluse spider. As for the brown recluse spider, she said she has never found one in the field in Southeast Michigan.
![U-M to begin offering free COVID testing to Ann Arbor residents living near campus](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/_Dssszh1x5heUScrFyc8KVZQmcc=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/Z6NENECBDJCJNOEF2RJEAQTYPY.jpg)
U-M to begin offering free COVID testing to Ann Arbor residents living near campus
University officials have confirmed that some outbreaks of the virus on campus include the new, highly contagious COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant. Testing offered to the local community is limited to those living within three blocks from campus. If you do not live right next to campus but would like to be tested, visit Washtenaw Countyโs COVID testing website to find a free clinic near you. AdAdditionally, free testing is now offered weekly at Pioneer High School. The university-run saliva-based testing will be offered to U-M students, faculty, staff and Ann Arbor residents living geographically close to the university on the following days and times:Information on U-M's community testing program from Feb. 3-28, 2021.
![U-M names new director of Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/HWXXY7sw54Hg1UZTCyx6m23LTz8=/1211x807/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/6MIE3AXYCNEMTNZ3HWKUEZ67LY.jpg)
U-M names new director of Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum
ANN ARBOR โ The University of Michigan announced that Anthony J. Kolenic will return to Ann Arbor to become the director of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Kolenic will start his five-year appointment on March 1 and will oversee 40 staff and partners at U-M who maintain and support more than 840 acres at the Matthaei-Nichols properties. Program manager of Matthaei-Nichols, David Betz, has been serving as interim director since Grese retired and will continue until Kolenicโs start date. โMBGNA is vital to the universityโs mission and serves as a catalyst for sustainability and inclusive community engagement and education,โ Kolenic said in a statement. Prior to joining U-M, he taught from 2006 to 2012 at Michigan State Universityโs Center for the Integrative Studies of Arts and Humanities.
![Michigan State says on-campus students average 2.5 percentage points higher grade](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/Opck1Qd2rY-LxuEQBf4mj8kPxfw=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RDCYEBQD7RENJE4JYJ6BFD5X3E.jpg)
Michigan State says on-campus students average 2.5 percentage points higher grade
EAST LANSING, Mich. โ Undergraduates at Michigan State University will be required to live on campus a second year as part of efforts to help students toward graduating. An analysis by Michigan Stateโs Office of Institutional Research shows undergraduates who live on the East Lansing campus their first two years have graduation rates about 2.5 percentage points higher than those who live on campus only their first year. The difference is nearly 10 percentage points for some underserved student groups, the school said. Incoming students currently are required to spend their first academic year, which is made up of their first two semesters, on campus. Students who transfer to Michigan State will be required to live on campus unless they meet the exception criteria.
![Oakland University puts โBioButtonโ to use to help prevent COVID spread](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/YXE0hgv6ZDsCVaEbx7OdPFvrKUM=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-24-2020/t_e39b33eb9ba14b6e9ecacedda28bdef3_name_image.jpg)
Oakland University puts โBioButtonโ to use to help prevent COVID spread
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. โ To help protect its campus from coronavirus, Oakland University is offering a wearable device to students and staff that tracks the wearerโs temperature, heart rate and more. The BioButton, created by BioIntelliSense, will combine vital sign information and screening questions to clear users for regular activities. โOU is joining the battle by looking outside of the box for creative and new problem-solving opportunities,โ said Dr. David Stone, with OU. More information on the BioButton can be found here. For a complete overview of the BioButton technology, visit the Grizzlies Protect Grizzlies web section.
![University of Michigan alumโs LEGO Ann Arbor campus goes viral](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/-W0UQngDrdqjRtwfcEedaq3vDlU=/1600x1200/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/6DX47GVC5BGYDLE2ME7KJO5EKQ.jpeg)
University of Michigan alumโs LEGO Ann Arbor campus goes viral
ANN ARBOR โ University of Michigan alumnus and current employee, Adam Mael, has been a fan of LEGO since he can remember. A couple hours later the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan reached out and asked if they could share the pictures on their social media pages. Mael estimates that 30,000-32,000 pieces of LEGO make up the model, which measures roughly 3.5 by 3.5 feet. He estimates he has up to 200,000 LEGO pieces in his collection. He said if the times were different, he would be showing it at the Ann Arbor District Libraryโs Annual LEGO Contest.
![University of Michigan Museum of Natural History reopens to students, faculty, staff](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/KeSAHgJCI01mDibO6DsPHapHnkE=/1280x720/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/J6EK2YE3CJCPXB5T73TEZMA2P4.jpg)
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History reopens to students, faculty, staff
If you work or study at the University of Michigan and are a valid Mcard holder then youโre in luck. The U-M Museum of Natural History just reopened to students, faculty and staff with special hours on Fridays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Swipe your valid Mcard at the host desk. Wear a face mask anywhere on the University of Michigan campus including indoors and outside. The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is in the Biological Sciences Building at 1105 N. University Ave.โ Like what youโre reading?
![Eastern Michigan University extends winter break to prevent COVID-19 spread](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/V12pyPVfiYhZi7NOr7fQGLQoL6g=/960x500/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/J4O6LFWI7RGUZGTH5RAABMKOIU.jpg)
Eastern Michigan University extends winter break to prevent COVID-19 spread
YPSILANTI โ Eastern Michigan University has announced two revisions to its academic calendar for the Winter 2021 semester to address the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This move extends the winter break between semesters, which begins on Dec. 24. There will be no winter break in 2021; the University will hold classes that week. EMU has already taken measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on campus, including delaying student move-in to dorms and increasing the number of online classes this fall. Nearby in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan issued an emergency two-week stay-in-place order for all undergraduate students due to a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases.
![U-M president: Social gatherings โmain cause of recent COVID-19 spread on campus'](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/QKXUrO3RAa_7JMA5rpWzWzKke_Q=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/6QR4AQHFYRCJXCNQIP3JI6HVQU.jpg)
U-M president: Social gatherings โmain cause of recent COVID-19 spread on campus'
ANN ARBOR โ In a statement issued Tuesday following the announcement that all undergraduate students at the University of Michigan must stay-in-place for 14 days, university President Mark Schlissel said that the majority of COVID-19 cases on campus were linked to social gatherings. โMost of the cases on our campus can be traced back to small- and medium-size gatherings without appropriate face coverings and social distancing,โ Schlissel said in the statement. According to school and county health authorities, the measure was taken since most students in the residence hall skipped mandatory COVID-19 testing. The emergency order comes just as U-M rolled out its voluntary asymptomatic saliva-based testing program for all members of its community. As things stand, opponent Minnesota has already announced that it will have several players unavailable on Saturday due to COVID-19.
University of Michigan architecture students, faculty create socially distanced courtyard
ANN ARBOR โ On a typical fall day, art and architecture students are seen socializing and studying in the University of Michiganโs Art and Architecture Building courtyard. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we gather, so students and staff at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning found a creative way to transform the popular space. (E.Bronson/Michigan Photography)The students and faculty designed the tables with support from Taubman Collegeโs Digital Fabrication Lab and woodshop. Some classes are taught using the tables, which also offer an informal gathering space for groups wanting to socially distance. The outcome is informal, economical and droll.โStudents and faculty at Taubman College and the Stamps School can book the tables through Oct. 29.
![U-M police: Bicycle theft increasing in Ann Arbor](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/qdjGSFM2wmZmepDf56IpCWwZGZw=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/J5RKHQB37NHPJKBOGDPAIOVRBM.jpg)
U-M police: Bicycle theft increasing in Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR โ The University of Michigan Department of Public Safety & Security has reported a rise in bicycle theft on campus since the end of August. While investigations into several thefts are ongoing, DPSS released this list of precautions bike owners can take moving forward:Register your bicycle . Registering your bike (or personal electronics such as a laptop) with DPSS can help deter theft and assist in the recovery of stolen property. Report suspicious behavior near campus bike racks by contacting DPSS at (734) 763-1131 or 911. For more information, visit DPSS' Bicycle Safety and Security page.
![University of Michigan Faculty Senate reverses no-confidence decision](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/QKXUrO3RAa_7JMA5rpWzWzKke_Q=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/6QR4AQHFYRCJXCNQIP3JI6HVQU.jpg)
University of Michigan Faculty Senate reverses no-confidence decision
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Faculty leaders at the University of Michigan have reversed a statement made last week regarding a motion of no-confidence in U-M President Mark Schlissel. After reviewing votes taken during a meeting last week, members of the Faculty Senate now say that the motion should have passed. During a Wednesday, Sept. 16 meeting, the motion was said to have failed because it did not receive a majority of votes in favor. GEO ended its strike on Thursday, Sept. 17, after a deal was struck between it and the university. The faculty senate has around 4,300 members, some of whom were not able to make the Sept. 16 meeting.
![U-M to ramp up asymptomatic, saliva-based COVID-19 testing in October](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/_Dssszh1x5heUScrFyc8KVZQmcc=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/Z6NENECBDJCJNOEF2RJEAQTYPY.jpg)
U-M to ramp up asymptomatic, saliva-based COVID-19 testing in October
ANN ARBOR โ October will mark a new phase in testing on University of Michiganโs campus as the school works to keep outbreaks of COVID-19 at bay. The university has partnered with local startup LynxDx for saliva-based โsurveillance testing.' Up to 6,000 tests are set to be conducted per week on asymptomatic individuals as part of the U-M COVID-19 Community Sampling and Tracking Program. LynxDx, a prostate cancer diagnostics lab spinoff founded by U-M professors and scientists, pivoted its work to address the global coronavirus pandemic. โPlease sign up for this free COVID-19 testing program,โ U-M President Mark Schlissel implored during his weekly campus community update on Sept. 18.
![University of Michigan governing board backs President Mark Schlissel](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/GBvFCypY1fLVi657RsnhfEsygcw=/1600x1038/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XLL7HWQEHZBMDNHERD6PIL2H6Y.jpg)
University of Michigan governing board backs President Mark Schlissel
ANN ARBOR โ The governing board at the University of Michigan expressed support Thursday for President Mark Schlissel, two days after he acknowledged that trust in his leadership had slipped on campus. โPeople are concerned and frightened,โ Denise Ilitch, chairwoman of the Board of Regents, said, reading from a statement at a meeting. We know the University of Michigan needs to communicate better and do better. โOur board supports Mark Schlissel and the administration as they continue to lead our university through these tremendous challenges,โ Ilitch said. โWe know that the president and the administration will continue to listen and adapt through these challenges, honor our common values and advance the mission of the university."
![Niche names University of Michigan No. 1 public university in United States](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/Q2-Ir2bHrY_YmLfYBN_GpnE7w2w=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/4ERCICLOXJGVLLWM5V2DPPX3BU.jpg)
Niche names University of Michigan No. 1 public university in United States
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Another year, another top ranking for the University of Michigan. Just as the fall semester starts, Niche has released its rankings for 2021, and the University of Michigan is at the top of the list of public universities. The U-M received an A+ for factors including academics, athletics, professors, party scene, student life and value. It received an A for diversity, campus, campus food and location. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor2.
![Study suggests colleges would need to frequently test all students for COVID-19 to reopen safely](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/xbnnw_asfh15A9-i9S6Kb3UHSXU=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/07-31-2020/t_2ca7d0dafd5344f3b8cc09698717363a_name_image.jpg)
Study suggests colleges would need to frequently test all students for COVID-19 to reopen safely
DETROIT A new study is looking at what it would take for colleges to reopen safely. The findings suggest frequently testing all of the students would be necessary to keep classes on campus and the coronavirus (COVID-19) under control. In the hypothetical study, all were living on campus and none had immunity to COVID-19. Testing students every two days would cost about $470 per student, per semester. Testing every two days, even with a lower-quality test, still prevented more hypothetical infections than weekly testing with a more expensive test.
![University of Michigan leaders will announce formal decision on fall semester in June](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/iKMJEagg28Iq8hX-p3VMHdBdqUs=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/5VI43FUGAND5BJA2JCWUNTWFB4.jpg)
University of Michigan leaders will announce formal decision on fall semester in June
ANN ARBOR, Mich. On May 28, leaders of the University of Michigan announced that they will make a decision regarding the universitys fall semester by the end of June. With recent announcements by Michigan State University, Davenport University and Madonna University, colleges and universities around Michigan are having to decide if they will resume in-person classes in the fall. Schlissel said that residents in Michigan have done a good job in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in reality, I think this pandemic is going to be with us at least through the coming academic year, he said. According to Taylor, Student Life has been engaging with student advisory boards and leaders to ensure student voices are heard and incorporated into fall planning.
![Davenport University gives students options by offering classes on campus and online for fall](https://www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/2xPGdoVUmw9yP5mptEiVaeSLKW4=/1280x720/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/5BEOKE6MYFCGDGFJ5LHRCVKXW4.jpg)
Davenport University gives students options by offering classes on campus and online for fall
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Davenport University announced Monday that it is preparing to host students both on campus and online in the fall. Our students need to be able to pursue their dreams and Davenport remains committed to helping them achieve those dreams, said Dr. Richard J. Pappas, president of Davenport University. Davenport was the first university in Michigan to offer classes online. Davenport kept its classes running online through the spring and summer semesters. In an internal Davenport survey, nearly 80% of students reported the transition to online was better than expected.