Michigan Technology Community Broadens Its Horizon for Greater Collaboration
Michigan Technology Community, or MTech, is transforming its approach to engage the entire technology community at the University of Michigan. This expansion aims to enhance avenues for collaboration, professional growth, and digital advancement. Formerly known as Michigan IT, MTech now represents the collective expertise of more than 3,000 faculty and staff involved in technology-related activities.
The community members include individuals who code, manage systems, or simply have a keen interest in technology. They come together to share knowledge, attend events, and participate in mentorship programs, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.
Initiated in 2012 through a concerted effort to establish a vision for IT services aligned with the university’s mission, MTech operates under the sponsorship of the Office of the Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. As Ravi Pendse, the vice president for information technology and CIO, stated, “By coming together as one community and welcoming new voices, we strengthen the technology environment that supports our university’s teaching, research and service missions.” He emphasized the community’s dedication to collaboration, innovation, and the empowerment of every member.
The expansion responds to technology’s growing influence in teaching, research, and university operations. Aubrey Morse, chair of the MTech Steering Committee, explained, “This change within MTech enables us to reach out to more faculty, researchers, clinicians and administrators — anyone whose work is connected to or interested in tech initiatives — and invite them into the community.”
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One of the key features of this transformation is the upcoming 12th annual symposium, MTech Connect 2025, which will be held on December 9 at the Central Campus Classroom Building. Registration for this event opens on November 4, offering attendees a comprehensive look at the latest technological advancements within the university setting.
Jennifer Herron, chair of the Connect 2025 Planning Committee, noted the impact of the event on career development: “As we endeavor to empower career growth at this year’s event, it’s inspiring to watch our community converge — sharing insights, building new skills and uplifting one another throughout their professional journeys.” The keynote speaker, Charles Severance, a clinical professor of information at the School of Information, will address the topic of “Massively Open Online Courses (MOOCs) — Past, Present, and Future.”
Outside the symposium, MTech supports a network of over 100 activities and events each year, available both in-person and online. The Hacks with Friends initiative invites cross-functional teams to tackle real-world tech challenges over two days, producing tools, projects, or proposals that address issues such as campus apps, data integration, and digital security.
The MTech Mentor Program remains a crucial element of professional development, having connected over 500 participants across campuses to share expertise, expand their networks, and foster career growth. Additionally, MTech’s 28 Communities of Practice, including groups focused on Cloud, Digital Asset Collaboration, and Constituent Relationship Management, enable members to engage with peers, address challenges, and implement innovative solutions.
For regular updates, the monthly MTech Newsletter covers articles on events, professional development, safe computing, policies, and services. It also features the introduction of AI tools like NotebookLM and Gemini. Meanwhile, the MTech Slack workspace acts as a virtual hub for real-time updates and community interaction.
