English -- About Us -- Introduction
Message from the Dean
Welcome to the University of Michigan and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute. Officially founded in 2006, this unique school represents a strategic global partnership between the University of Michigan (UM) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). These two distinguished universities from the United States and China are fully committed to building a world-class institute for engineering education in one of the most dynamic cities in the world ¨C Shanghai, China.

Taking full advantage of the resources from its two parent universities, the Joint Institute¡¯s primary mission is to develop innovative and highly reputable education and research programs in various engineering fields, with the eventual goal of expansion into other academic disciplines. We are fortunate enough to have an outstanding pool of faculty from both the University of
Michigan and Shanghai Jiao Tong University to teach courses and conduct their research. The Joint Institute also recruits top caliber faculty from around the world, contributing to its global education objective. The quality, breadth and depth of the Joint Institute¡¯s intellectual resources offer our students an enriching and unique learning environment.

The Joint Institute inherits many great traditions from its two parent institutions (the University of Michigan was founded in 1817, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 1896). Designed in collaboration by professors from both schools, the Joint Institute¡¯s curricula blend the best aspects of each school¡¯s educational system, making dual degree programs like the 2+2 program highly feasible. All courses are taught in English with the exception of some humanities and social studies courses. Our goal is to prepare our students for a challenging and bright future career and for them to become truly global leaders in the fields they choose.

¡°Making a Difference¡± is the spirit and objective of the Joint Institute. We seek to make innovative and effective changes to the university management structure and educational model, as well as issues of globalized curriculum design and academic research opportunities. Every day, we become more aware of how profound our position is as a bridge for collaboration ¡ª for our students, our faculty, and the world we serve.
 
  Jun Ni
  Dean, UM-SJTU Joint Institute