In 2010, Oakland University was included in the Michigan FY 2010-11 capital outlay budget bill, which provides $383 million in state funding to support nearly $1 billion in university, college and state infrastructure projects.

Oakland has been allocated $30 million to help finance a $74.6 million engineering center. As the new home for the School of Engineering and Computer Science, this 127,000-square-foot facility will feature state-of-the-art classrooms and research space. The new building will serve as the heart of the Engineering and Computer Science community at Oakland University.

The building was listed as the top priority in the university's 2011 Five-Year Capital Outlay Plan, and will enhance Oakland University's support of global competitiveness of U.S. alternative energy, health care and biomedical, automotive, defense and other high-tech industries.

"We are extremely grateful that funding for the Engineering Center is included in the capital outlay bill, as we believe it will help expand our highly skilled workforce, advance research and foster technological innovation that will fuel the development of a 21st century economy in Michigan," Oakland University President Gary Russi said.

"The allocation of this funding demonstrates that the state not only sees the wisdom in investing in higher education, but also acknowledges the exceptional work being done by the Michigan's universities and colleges."

In 2011, the School of Engineering and Computer Science approved plans through the architectural firm, SmithGroupJJR. Groundbreaking is expected to take place later in 2012.