The University of Michigan Regents Meeting held on December 1, 2024, focused on critical issues affecting both staff and students, highlighting ongoing negotiations for fair compensation and the potential for an election day holiday to boost voter turnout.

During the meeting, a representative from Michigan Medicine emphasized the need for fair pay and adequate paid time off (PTO) for healthcare workers. The speaker, Kimberly, articulated the struggles faced by staff, including burnout and financial constraints, while Michigan Medicine continues to expand its facilities. She urged President Ono and the Board of Regents to expedite negotiations for a fair resolution by the end of 2024, stressing that the well-being of the workforce is essential for the institution's future success.

In a separate discussion, alumnus Tyler Fiorito presented data supporting the idea of an election day holiday. He noted that while an election day holiday alone does not guarantee increased voter turnout, it can be effective when combined with voter engagement events. Fiorito shared results from a poll indicating that 88% of students and faculty favored the holiday. He referenced studies from other countries that showed a correlation between festive events on election day and higher voter participation. Fiorito called for collaboration to create a proposal that would enhance voter engagement in Michigan.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing the needs of both healthcare workers and students, with calls for action from university leadership to ensure fair treatment and increased civic participation. The discussions reflect broader concerns about the sustainability of Michigan Medicine's workforce and the engagement of students in the democratic process.