A Critical Moment for Connection: Letter from Board Chair Mike Solomon

Earlier this summer, I began my term as Board Chair of the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS). I am deeply appreciative of the CGS membership for placing their confidence in me. I can still remember my first CGS Annual Meeting—approximately a decade ago in Washington, D.C. I was energized by new connections to colleagues from other institutions. The challenges I was facing as a graduate leader were like the ones they, too, were navigating. I especially remember a session about graduate student mentoring that provided me with several helpful takeaways. It was my first introduction to the value of CGS as a forum, catalyst, and advocate.

Fast forward to today, and the pivotal role CGS plays in supporting its member institutions and their academic leaders has only increased in significance. My priority as Board Chair is to support the CGS membership and staff as they engage with each other and together work to advance the cause of graduate education at all levels—with students, with faculty, with institutional leaders, and with legislators and agency administrators. From local economic development to the discoveries driving new cures, new technologies, and new ways of thinking, investing in graduate education is central to the future of our society.

That CGS meeting in Washington, D.C., that I attended more than 10 years ago represents a very different time and place from the one we will participate in later this year. Our national and global contexts have changed, just as many of the challenges that we now share also differ. What remains constant is the vital role that CGS plays in advocating for our principles and priorities, convening networks that drive innovation and focusing attention on the numerous ways graduate education impacts the lives of students and the public.

We are all aware that this is a challenging time for higher education; it is therefore a critical moment for CGS to carry forward the interests of its members. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me during my term to share your perspectives and insights.

Sincerely,

Mike Solomon

Chair, Board of Directors

Council of Graduate Schools

Dr. Solomon is the Dean of Rackham School of Graduate Studies at the University of Michigan.