By Katie Land, news editor
By maintaining a pace of continual improvement and growth, Oakland University continues to be defined by its quality academic offerings and unique programs, as well as its dedicated faculty, students and supporters. The commitment of the campus community and the support of the local community have played an integral role in the successes OU saw in 2010.
The
2010 Year in Review publication showcases a variety of stories such as these:
Officials approved three new degree programs in 2010. The new Master’s of Science in Mechatronics, Master of Arts in Communication and Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies programs illustrate the versatile academic opportunities that make OU one of the leading public universities in the state.
University leaders broke ground on the new 160,000-squarefoot Human Health Building that will house the School of Nursing and the School of Health Sciences. These efforts are designed to address shortages in the health care industry and increase Oakland’s economic impact in the region.
Oakland officials also announced plans for the Oakland University William Beaumont Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, while the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine prepares to welcome its charter class next August.
With these unique opportunities, it is no surprise that Oakland has continued to grow steadily. In the fall 2010 semester, enrollment increased for the 13th year in a row, with more than 19,000 students in attendance for the first time ever.
Amidst a challenging economic year, OU continued to be one of the state’s most affordable universities. The tuition increase for the 2010-11 academic year was kept under 5.8 percent, and OU maintained the no-fees pricing policy, which is the only of its kind among Michigan’s universities. By boosting financial aid resources by $4.8 million, the university provided a 53 percent discount to more than half of all undergraduate students.
Building on strategic partnerships is important to the university as well, especially with the concurrent enrollment programs now in place at Oakland, St. Clair and Macomb community colleges. Through a generous donation by philanthropists Gabe Anton and Stuart Frankel, a new facility in Mount Clemens will allow the university to expand programs and services in Macomb.
The Macomb-OU INCubator in Sterling Heights was awarded two federal grants totaling $841,000 to make building and technology improvements and assist companies in venturing from automotive to other industries.
A new venture was announced with Creating the Future II, a partnership of community and business leaders that have joined together with university faculty and staff to address state economic, health, energy, business and other issues.
Presented with a series of national and statewide challenges, Oakland University sailed through 2010 with its dedication to enhancing academic offerings, building local partnerships, anchoring the community and investing in the future. The articles below serve to paint a picture of a university dedicated to excellence in education and the community.
To read more about Oakland's successes in 2010, view the
Year in Review website.
