University of Michigan Candidates Met at Forum

Five Board of Regents hopefuls discussed key campus issues during an event held at the Ruthven Building.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Administration

University of Michigan Candidates Met at Forum

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Should university board candidates prioritize national political party positions over local institutional issues?

The University of Michigan Faculty Senate hosted a forum for five candidates seeking election to the Board of Regents. Candidates debated topics including administrative transparency, campus free speech, and university finances.

Why it matters

The Board of Regents plays a critical role in governance by setting tuition rates and approving university expenditures. Voters will elect two candidates from the group of five to represent the university in the November election.

Five candidates are competing for two open seats on the Board of Regents, which oversees university budgets and tuition. Paul Brown has served as a regent for eight years.

The players

Paul Brown

He is a candidate for the Board of Regents who has already served eight years in the position.

Amir Makled

He is one of the five individuals seeking a seat on the University of Michigan Board of Regents.

Lena Epstein

She is participating in the campaign to secure one of two open seats on the Board of Regents.

Michael Schostak

He is a candidate for the Board of Regents who participated in the recent faculty-hosted forum.

Kyle Maas

He is running for a position on the university governing board along with four other candidates.

The details

Moderated by the chair of the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs, the event allowed candidates to address presubmitted questions regarding their platforms. Discussion also touched on ongoing legal challenges involving the university admissions process and a previously purchased data center site in Ypsilanti Township.

September 24, 2026: The candidates forum took place at the Alexander G. Ruthven Building.
November 3, 2026: Voters will elect two of the five candidates to the Board of Regents.

Culture Shift

The forum reflects broader debates surrounding the University of Michigan's holistic admissions approach, which is currently the subject of a lawsuit. Candidates are forced to balance this legal environment against their fiscal responsibilities for the university.

The outcome of this election will directly influence tuition costs and university spending priorities for residents of Ann Arbor. Students and faculty may also see changes in administrative transparency and campus policy based on the new regents' platforms.

The takeaway

The election of two regents will determine the direction of university governance regarding major financial and legal challenges. Prospective voters should evaluate how each candidate's stance on tuition and transparency aligns with their own expectations for the university.