University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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earning THE UNIVERSITY CONNECTS TO THE WORLD THROUGH FATHOM. COM Always on the cutting edge of technology, the University introduced an exciting new precedent in 2002 that may pave the way toward future learning processes: a totally online course offering. Fathom.com hosted English professor Ralph Williams ' facilitation of the University ' s first-ever ' e-course, ' entitled The Shakespeare You Never Knew: The First History Plays. The course examined three Henry VI plays as well as Richard III. It drew inspiration from the Royal Shakespeare Company ' s 2001 appearances in Ann Arbor. Not only did I get to read Ralph Williams ' thoughts on the connections between the words ' God ' and ' dog ' in the history plays, but I also got to watch video interviews with RSC actors and staff, attested third-year history student Megan Marod. Quickly, a second e-course was constructed for the winter term of 2002. A conglomerate of professors united to teach Daily Life in the Eastern Roman Empire: Trade, Travel and Transformation. Susan Alcock, David Potter, and Sharon Herbert, from the classical studies department, and Terry Wilfong from the near eastern studies department collaborated to compile the information. While this idea was certainly trendy, students reading the fine print soon discovered that these courses generated no applicable credit to a degree. In fact, the primary audience was not necessarily the students. We want to continue our connection with alumni throughout their lives, explained associate provost for technology affairs James L. Hilton. For the modest fee of $45, students and alumni alike had the opportunity to observe some fascinating interpretations from the University ' s top authorities in the fields. Fathom.com boasted the authentication of its information as especially appealing; other contributions to the site came from Columbia University, the Cambridge University Press, the London School of Economics and Political Science, the British Library, the New York Public Library, and the University of Chicago, among an ever-growing list. Information was sorted both by subject and by contributing institution. Plenty of free knowledge was offered in addition to these e-courses, which were self-paced and could be completed in less than four weeks. From cultural anthropology to a virtual football trainer, the University ' s provision of online information succeeded in its intention: to keep both students and alumni mentally stimulated. The Fathom.com venture was an inclusive, bold new way for the University to pursue spreading its wealth of knowledge. BY ERIC RAJALA FATHOM tlu Uf iiia laiilBg ACADEMICS 83

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A family of alumni and life-long Wolverine fans watch the football game together. Through Fathom.com, the University hoped to allow the alumni and others to experience the University through academics and not just football. S. Thomas photo ' WE WANT TO CONTINUE OUR CONNECTION WITH ALUMNI THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES. ' HZ Micmci ANENSIAN

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A pile of job information flyers befuddles junior biology major Eileen Sagini during a career fair. While some job fair booths included alumni or guest speakers, many simply involved booths with various pamphlets. S. Tedjasukmana photo A informational magazine stand brightens the Career Center Often the job advertising overwhelmed the informational content of the various pb and graduate magazines. Y. Qranata photo Getting a headstart on the LSAT. a student relaxes while waiting for an appointment at the Career Center. The office offered many informational services from internships to job placement, Y. Qranata photo MiCHIGANENSIAN