Oakland University and Macomb Community College have formed a partnership to provide Macomb County residents with the educational preparation necessary to obtain one of the 11,000 high-paying, engineering and technical positions expected to dominate Michigan's job market over the next few years.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 18 formally opened Macomb's new 53,400-square-feet Engineering and Technology Center at the University Center, on the College's Center Campus in Clinton Township. Students attending the center can complete the last two years of coursework leading to bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering or computer science.

The Engineering and Technology Center is the second phase of Macomb's University Center, a national model for educational partnerships since its opening in 1991. Macomb maintains the facility and provides support services at the University Center, while nine partner institutions offer coursework leading to more than 30 bachelor's and master's degrees. Oakland University was one of the founding partners at the University Center, but this new endeavor marks the first time it has offered undergraduate engineering and computer science courses off campus.

"By offering engineering and computer science courses at Macomb's University Center we are able to provide more Macomb County students the opportunity to attend courses without having as far to travel," said Gary D. Russi, president, Oakland University. "We are pleased that our relationship with the University Center continues to grow and enables Macomb residents the opportunity for a more obtainable degree."

Oakland University engineering faculty were involved in the design of the state-of-the-art building, which contains 11 general classrooms, four distance-learning classrooms and nine engineering labs.

The partnership between Oakland and Macomb, however, extends beyond the brick and mortar of a new building. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, an articulation agreement between the two schools was signed that guarantees a smooth transfer from Macomb's Pre-Engineering Associate of Science Degree Program into Oakland's Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Program.

"It's a perfect fit. Our students want access to the advanced educational opportunities that lead to the best jobs," said Al Lorenzo, College president. "And, there is no doubt that engineering and technical expertise is in great demand in the new economy. There is also no doubt that Oakland University is a respected leader in providing business and industry with that expertise."

First semester junior-level courses will begin a the Engineering and Technology Center this fall. Interested students should contact Oakland University's School of Engineering and Computer Science at (248) 370-2201.

The University Center is a unique institution developed by Macomb Community College to meet the educational needs of county residents by providing advanced degree education through "partner" colleges and universities. Since opening in the fall of 1991 with 900 students, University Center enrollment has grown to more than 2,000 students.

Macomb Community College is one of the nation's leading community colleges, serving more than 30,000 students and reaching more than 350,000 persons annually through cultural and community service programs.

Oakland University is a comprehensive state-supported institution of higher education located in Oakland County, Michigan. The university has 109 bachelor's degree programs and 63 graduate and degree and certificate programs. Dedicated to preparing learners for the 21st century workplace and society, Oakland University is organized into the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business Administration, Education and Human Services, Engineering and Computer Science, Health Sciences, Nursing and the Honors College.