Engineering and Computer Science Day geared for future students

By Dan Bodene, contributing writer

Prospective Oakland University students can see and hear about all the many academic and research opportunities in OU’s School of Engineering and Computer Science at SECS’s Engineering and Computer Science Day on Saturday, Jan. 22.

“Engineering and Computer Science Day is a wonderful opportunity for high school students and their families experience the campus firsthand,” said Dawn Aubry Slowik, OU associate director of Undergraduate Admissions. “This is also great opportunity for students who are transferring from another college to interact with faculty and to find out more about the resources available to them at OU.”

Darrin Hanna, Ph.D, associate professor of Engineering and an organizer of the event, added, “Students will get to see all kinds of cool projects and actual things going on at SECS. We want them to see what they can be a part of, and get involved with, right away when they come to Oakland.”

The event, dubbed as a “Gateway to Innovation and Technology,” will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Dodge Hall. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.

By attending the event, prospective students can see how:

• Aircraft can fly by themselves,
• Nano-images are created to see atoms,
• Alternative vehicle fuels are created,
• Super-strong fasteners are made,
• Robots move on their own,
• And how advances in engineering can help medical workers.

“We have 25 lab routes set up,” said Dr. Hanna. “We ask students if they’re interested in certain things – for example, cars or computers. From that, we put them into certain routes. A student can’t see everything, but they can get individual tours afterwards – they make an appointment and we bring them back.”

There also will be information on admissions requirements, scholarships and financial aid. A campus tour will be provided along with a complimentary lunch.

“When you think about the investment you make for a college education, it is important that you experience the university,” said Slowik. “Students should come to OU and ask questions of our currents students, alumni and the faculty. It is important to ask questions and get a real feel for campus life at Oakland.”

To sign up for Engineering and Computer Science Day, visit the tours and events website or call (800) OAK-UNIV.

For more information, contact OU’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions by calling (800) OAK-UNIV, by e-mailing to visit@oakland.edu or by visiting the Admissions website at oakland.edu/go.