An Unprecedented Gathering of Leaders from
Many of the World’s Most Prestigious Universities

Monday, June 26, 2017
Panel Discussion:1:30–3:30 PM
Reception: 3:30–4:30 PM
Ross School of Business — Robertson Auditorium

This colloquium explores the future public missions of the university – the university’s complex dual role, in former U-M President Harold Shapiro’s phrase, as "servant and critic of society."

Many questions drive the conversation: How can universities best engage with the many public interests, concerns and controversies that are inevitably part of their work? What should society expect from universities, and how should institutions respond to those expectations? Is the compact between the research university and society today under unprecedented stress? And what must be done to strengthen and renew this crucial relationship?

President Mark Schlissel will host and President Emerita Ruth Simmons of Brown University will moderate a free public discussion of this "evolving bargain" among the leaders of some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world, the members of the Board of the Tanner Lectures on Human Values.

Panel Participants

» Leszek Borysiewicz, Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge

» Nick Brown, Principal, Linacre College, University of Oxford

» Nicholas B. Dirks, Chancellor, University of California, Berkeley

» Christopher L. Eisgruber, President, Princeton University

» Drew Gilpin Faust, President, Harvard University

» David Ibbetson, President, Clare Hall, University of Cambridge

» David W. Pershing, President, University of Utah

» Louise Richardson, Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford

» Peter Salovey, President, Yale University

» Marc Tessier-Lavigne, President, Stanford University

All faculty, staff and students are invited to attend. Staff members should consult their supervisors in advance about release time. Supervisors are asked to make every effort, where possible, to provide such time for interested staff to participate.

Organized by Presidential Bicentennial Professors Susan E. Alcock and Paul N. Courant

"The Evolving Bargain Between Research Universities and Society" is one of three President’s Bicentennial Colloquia that will deeply explore topics related to the future of the University of Michigan during its bicentennial year.