Connecting the Dots Conference

Register Now

Early registration is now open for the 21st annual U-M Connecting the Dots conference, offering six helpful, free Zoom webinars focused on well-being, personal growth, and support for the U-M community. Two 75- to 90-minute webinars (generally, 60-minute presentations followed by 15-30 minutes of Q & A) are scheduled each day and include topics for everyone, including:

Emphasizing ethical use of technology
Resources for supporting aging loved ones
Exploring your strengths and saboteurs
The importance of Mattering with Author Jennifer Wallace
The facts about menopause
What to know about Social Security

Register for the 2026 Connecting the Dots Virtual Conference

All U-M faculty, staff, students, and retirees are encouraged to register for as many sessions as they’d like. Select the presentation titles for more details and links to Zoom registration forms.

October 27 at 10:00 a.m. | The Human Opportunity in an AI Driven World

Tuesday, October 27, 10:00 a.m. | The Human Opportunity in an AI Driven World

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.

Register for “The Human Opportunity in an AI Driven World.”
This session is scheduled for 75 to 90 minutes.

October 27 at 2:00 p.m. | Caring for Your Aging Relatives

Tuesday, October 27, 2:00 p.m. | Caring for Your Aging Relatives

Presenters: Charity Woods, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Michigan Medicine and Jessica Bible, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Michigan Medicine

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.

Register for “Caring for Your Aging Relatives”
This session is scheduled for 75 to 90 minutes.

October 28 at 10:00 a.m. | Strengths and Saboteurs

Wednesday, October 28, 10:00 a.m. | Strengths and Saboteurs

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.

Register for “Strengths and Saboteurs"
Pre-Webinar Preparation: For a more personalized experience, complete BOTH assessments - VIA Strengths (Available on the MHealthy Portal) and Positive Intelligence Saboteurs. Each one takes about 10 minutes to complete.
This session is scheduled for 75 to 90 minutes.

October 28 at 2:00 p.m. | Mattering, a Fireside Chat with Author Jennifer Breheny Wallace

Wednesday, October 28, 2:00 p.m. | Mattering

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.

Register for “Mattering”
This session is scheduled for 75 to 90 minutes.

October 29 at 10:00 a.m. | Navigating Menopause Together

Thursday, October 29, 10:00 a.m. | Navigating Menopause Together

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.

Register for “Navigating Menopause Together”
This session is scheduled for 75 to 90 minutes.

October 29 at 2:00 p.m. | Social Security: We are With You Through Life’s Journey

Thursday, October 29, 2:00 p.m. | Social Security: We are With You Through Life’s Journey

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.

Register for "Social Security: We are With You Through Life’s Journey”
Pre-Webinar Preparation: Make sure you have created your free access to your own personal account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Using your account, please print and review your statement to help you identify information specific to you.
This session is scheduled for 75 to 90 minutes.

A Brief CTD History

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 made it possible for thousands more in the U-M community to virtually attend practical and helpful information sessions each year.

Six Zoom webinars were held on October 28, 29, and 30, 2025. These sessions were presented at no charge to U-M staff, faculty, students, and retirees, with over 3,000 live webinar views!

Child and Family Care