The 21st annual U-M Connecting the Dots conference was held October 27, 28, and 29, 2026. Six Zoom webinars were presented to the U-M community, with nearly 3000 live webinar views! Connecting the Dots is offered at no charge to all U-M faculty, staff, students and retirees.
Open these session panels to view the Zoom recordings and other resources.
Presenter: Robert Jones, Assistant Vice President of Emerging Technology and Support Services, U-M ITS
From the presenter: We are entering an era unlike anything humanity has experienced before, one that may represent the largest and most consequential change in human history. In this presentation, I’ll share my perspective on what makes this moment different and why our greatest opportunity is not simply technological, but human.
I’ll offer practical tools to help you separate signal from noise, make sense of the pace and scale of change, and focus on what matters most. I’ll also explore the larger questions and themes humanity must consider, including purpose, trust, adaptability, and human agency, so we can prepare for this new era and play an active role in shaping it.
Presenters: Charity Woods, LMSW, and Jessica Bible, LMSW, Senior Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Michigan Medicine, U-M
About 59 million adults in the U.S. (or about 25% of us) serve as family caregivers for an adult relative. This session is designed to help as you delve into caregiving, and it will cover practical information that you can easily and readily use in your day-to-day life. Led by two experienced social workers, we will provide you with a solid foundation from which to enter the caregiving world.
Presenter: Peggy Sheagren, Assistant Vice President for Strategy, Planning & Operations, University Human Resources
Why is it that some days we feel we can conquer the world, while other days we're left feeling powerless and drained? In this session, you will learn about two assessment tools—one, designed to help you uncover your unique and most powerful character strengths, and the other to help you become more aware of the unproductive noise that can hinder your best self from showing up. As part of this session, you'll be provided with a short workbook designed to help you assemble a plan for better leveraging your character strengths and managing what might be getting in your way.
Pre-Webinar Preparation: For a more personalized experience, complete BOTH assessments - VIA Strengths (Available on the MHealthy Portal for benefits-eligible employees, and on the VIA website for the general public) and Positive Intelligence Saboteurs. Each one takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Presenters: Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Journalist and New York Times Best Selling Author with Dr. Robert Ernst, Chief Health Officer, U-M
Journalist and author Jennifer Breheny Wallace joins Dr. Robert Ernst, Chief Health Officer at the University of Michigan, for a conversation about mattering—our fundamental need to feel valued and to know that we add value. Drawing on research and real-world stories, Wallace explores how strengthening our sense of mattering can deepen connection, build resilience, and restore a sense of purpose. She'll explore how to create a culture of mattering across campus—for faculty, staff, and students—and how to carry that sense of being valued and adding value beyond campus, into our homes, relationships, and communities.
Presenters: Natalie Saunders, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and Shubham Kalwani, DO, Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine & Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Michigan Medicine and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner
This session focuses on perimenopause and menopause and serves as an opportunity to learn more about how to navigate this important life transition. The educational session will increase participant knowledge and awareness of menopause and facilitate engagement and support within the community.
Presenter: Erin Thompson, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration
Attend this session on Social Security to learn how your various benefits will work for you in retirement. You will learn about online services, the benefit programs available to you, tips on planning and important timelines.
See the Zoom Recording of Social Security: With You Through Life's Journey
Create access to your own personal Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount
Disclaimer: this information is true as of October 29, 2026.
2025 marked the 20th Connecting the Dots conference. The conference began in the early aughts, produced by the U-M Work-Life Resource Center (now U-M Child and Family Care) as a one-day in-person event for 300 people. In 2020, the conference pivoted to Zoom sessions. This has made it possible for thousands more in the U-M community to virtually attend practical and helpful information sessions each year.