The UM School of Information is launching a multi-disciplinary project-based course in India for Summer 2014.
Students from all UM graduate programs are encouraged to apply to round out project teams.
Interested students should add themselves to the
UMSI Global Information Engagement Program (GIEP) listserv(
umsi.giep.interest@umich.edu) via the UM Online Directory. Attendance to the Information Session is highly encouraged.
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Global Information Engagement Program: India
Information Session
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Ehrlicher Room (3100 North Quad)
Light refreshments will be served.
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Deadline for Student Team Applications: October 15, 2013 (application information forthcoming)
The need for innovative information tools is a global challenge.
As part of the Global Information Engagement Program, students (in project teams) will spend 6 to 12 weeks in India during Summer 2014, studying and implementing a feasible and sustainable solution to an information challenge suggested by a partner organization. This could take the form of a strategic report, a technological tool, or an information system design depending on the specific challenge being addressed. Student teams also have the option to initiate/propose a project during Fall 2013.
Students will engage in cultural aspects of India and coursework that prepares them for success as a global information professional. Students will prepare for their time in India by studying the identified information challenge and developing a framework for engagement during the Winter 2014 term in the form of a series of preparatory sessions.
The objective of GIEP is to use information and technology skills to deal with a contemporary social concern. Students will go through a competitive process in selecting the problems they intend to work on in summer.
Course Enrollment and Credit: Students are required to participate in a range of pre-departure activities during Winter 2014 term, starting in March. Students will receive 6 credits for pre-departure activities and the in-country experience through enrollment in SI 681 in Winter 2014.
Upon return to Michigan, students can elect to enroll in independent study to further their project, or engage in research for publication or conference presentations.
Program highlights:
- High impact project opportunities with a range of organizations in the private and public sectors in India
- Opportunity to innovate with an experience in which students get to own a project and manage it with the guidance of industry experts, users, and UMSI faculty
- Development of a range of unique skills in a project that hits the ground running and takes students through various organizational and functional roles of a global information professional
- In-depth cultural experience in a country with a rapidly growing economy and technology sector
- Best Project Award which will include a monetary prize and assistance with commercialization where applicable
Participants: Program design and capacity allows for approximately 15-18 University of Michigan students primarily from the School of Information to travel to India. Student teams are able to and encouraged to recruit graduate students from other UM programs to round out skill sets.
Student cost/expense: If selected to participate, student will be expected to cover personal expenses. The School will cover transportation to India, lodging in India, and will provide support for in-country travel and meals required for project success.
Project selection:
- Students can select to apply for a developed project posted by an organization (projects will be posted on Ctools) OR propose a team-initiated project with a partner in India.
- If students are self-initiating a project with a partner instead of choosing from one of the existing projects, significant commitment from the partner group will need to be demonstrated.
- Student are required to self-organize into teams of two to four using the Ctools site; multiple groups can apply to work on a project posted by a single project, but in such a case only one group per project will be selected
- Once selected, students teams will need to provide a work plan in agreement with their partner in India completed by December 1, 2013
Project matching: The program allows for approximately 15-18 student participants. Student teams will be matched to projects based on application, skill set, and interest. Team-initiated projects will be thoroughly vetted by GIEP leadership before acceptance. The application process is competitive and there are no guarantees for selection into the program. More details on the application process will be available on the project Ctools site to be posted shortly.
Student eligibility:
- Students must be currently enrolled in the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Students must be in good academic standing
- Students must apply to participate by the application deadline of October 15, 2013 (via MCompass)
- Students must be in possession of a valid Passport by December 1, 2013
Student selection:
- Students will be selected based on overall quality of application, project selection fit, and ability to commit to participate
- Students must be able to demonstrate the ability to work in a team setting, under tight-deadlines, and demonstrate adaptability in a range of situations
- Previous international experience desired, but not required
Kelly A. Kowatch, Program Manager
University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI)3360 North Quad |105 South State Street | Ann Arbor, MI 48109
