Established in 2007, the Forum on Contemporary Issues in Society (FOCIS) is a special initiative designed to focus the university’s problem-solving resources on an eclectic range of topics important to the campus community and beyond. FOCIS lectures and related events bring together the institution’s teaching, research and service missions to advance the frontiers of knowledge, promote informed debate and encourage responsible citizenship in an increasingly fast-paced, interconnected and complex world. Click here to see former FOCIS events and programs.
 

African Democracy Through the study of African democracies, FOCIS seeks to help create a deeper understanding of politics in Africa, exploring theories of civil conflict, democratization and democratic institutions.	Business, Industry and Economics No industry, business or household can escape the ripple effect economic disturbances – for better or worse.
Globalization and Contemporary Politics FOCIS provides a platform for dialogue that underscores major conceptual and theoretical issues generated by current and recent world politics.	Sustainability The concept of sustainability implies a just and responsible interaction with nature, enabling us to meet the current needs of human society without harming ourselves, the environment or biological diversity for future generations.
Former Heads of State FOCIS enlightens, inspires and entertains attendees by providing a unique framework for understanding the world’s current political landscape through the profound insights of some of the most prominent political figures of our time.	Children and Families FOCIS will initiate broad dialogue on matters relating to the sound development of children, youth and families to promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities.
Health Disparities According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young people from racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States suffer disproportionately from a number of preventable diseases and health problems.	Public Education For over 150 years, public schools have been a cornerstone of American democracy. For a democracy to work, its people must be able to read, write and understand their responsibilities and rights as citizens.
City of Detroit FOCIS programs drive discussion on some of the critical issues that face Detroit and uphold the University’s longstanding commitment as an intellectual force in our communities. They create forums for the exchange of ideas, provide concrete data behind pertinent economic and demographical conditions and offer a historical framework to the current challenges afflicting our city.