Hey folks, here is what I am teaching at ConVocation this year:

Seeking the Svartálfar https://convocation2026.sched.com/event/2CHEV/seeking-the-svartalfar Friday February 20, 2026 8:30pm - 10:00pm EST Conference Room F Description: The Svartálfar, Dark Elves, are vættir, spirits, shrouded in mystery. Sometimes confused with or lumped into the Dvergar, the Dwarves, They have come into modern times as Their own distinct group of vættir. Come, learn more about Them and how to grow good relationships with Them!

Basics of Heathen Souls: Sálættr https://convocation2026.sched.com/event/2CHEY/basics-of-heathen-souls-salaettr Saturday February 21, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm EST Conference Room B Description: This workshop explores the basics of Heathen Souls as they exist in community, called a Sálættr, or soul tribe/clan. Each soul is understood as a Being unto Itself in community with each other in ways that makes each one of us unique. This workshops explores what each soul is, how each soul makes up the Sálættr, and how we are, in and between ourselves, a community. Bring your questions, comments, and reflections!

Basics of Seiðr https://convocation2026.sched.com/event/2CHEb/basics-of-seidr Sunday February 22, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EST Conference Room B Description: Seiðr at its core is magic done with vættir, spirits, to affect change in Urðr or Wyrd, the interconnected tapestry or carving of creation. Involved with seiðr is a complex of magical actions, rituals, and varieties of vættir that can be involved with its performance and uses. This workshop covers the basics of this system of magic, how to do seiðr as safe as possible, and ways to explore with seiðr for yourself.Bring your experiences and questions.

"Revel until dawn"

A convocation of eagles.

Heat haze and distance made it difficult photography. There were at least 5 Wedgetail Eagles and 3 Little Eagles gathered around the corpse of a kangaroo. The one on the corpse was the last to leave. These were taken on the Savannah Way, heading to Burketown. Wedgetails are Australia's largest eagle, with a wingspan of just over 2 meters.

For all bunnydoll shippers, that happens to be artist: In my country, Ragatha's voice actress (Fernanda Baronne) also voiced Mavis from Hotel Transylvania. It made me wonder, could some of you, talented people, draw the zing scene for bunnydoll? If I was skilled enough, I'd do it. Whatever, pretty please?

by Stacy Gittleman

Ten minutes before U-M President Santa Ono was about to speak, Momblanco said one of the keffiyeh-clad young women left. When she came back, she smiled at her seated friend and signaled a thumbs-up.

When Ono took the stage, Momblanco said the screaming and shouting began.

“At that point, someone behind me yelled ‘Death to Jews,’” Momblanco recalled. “That is when some girls and parents near me began to cry and leave. My husband and I left in fear and headed downstairs to try to find my daughter. We both began to cry when we saw each other and left the auditorium. That was the first time I saw security or police, and they were all outside. There were also other protesters filming us on the front steps.”

Audience members were warned not to disrupt the Honors Convocation ceremony, yet they did anyway without consequence.

Students and parents fear that this is just a warmup for commencement ceremonies. There is chatter on Jewish parent Facebook and WhatsApp groups that stronger measures need to be taken or else they may consider not attending graduation events.

Many are hoping Ono’s administration can dial things back down by establishing new ramped-up anti-disruption policies in time for graduation.

U-M President Responds

In a campus community announcement, Ono on March 27stated that while he recognizes the importance of maintaining the campus as a bastion of free speech and expression, at the same time, the administration is surveying the community as it unveils its proposed Disruptive Activity Policy.

Ono stated: “No one has the right to infringe on the exercise of others’ speech and activities by disrupting the normal celebrations, activities and operations of the university.”

Ono continued: “Under the draft Disruptive Activity Policy, students accused of a violation would receive written notice and, after an opportunity to meet with a U-M official, may accept responsibility and an assigned sanction, or choose to participate in a hearing. Sanctions would include a formal reprimand up to and including suspension or expulsion, according to the draft policy.”

It is not clear when the policy will be finalized or enacted.