By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

During its April 5 formal session, the Oakland University Board of Trustees approved three new graduate-level degree programs — Master of Science in Safety Management, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education — and additional renovations to South Foundation Hall, one of OU’s oldest and most heavily used buildings.

Last year, the board approved renovations to the first floor of South Foundation Hall, which included upgraded instructional technology, wall repair and painting, acoustical enhancements, ceiling repairs, improved classroom lighting, additional electrical circuits and new classroom furniture. The board’s approval for the second floor renovation will include $865,000 in upgrades to match the technology standards set by the first floor and improve the look of the building. It also includes repairs to the buildings lone elevator and minor improvements to the first floor.

The board also approved three new graduate-level majors. The School of Health Sciences’ Master of Science in Safety Management will provide an interdisciplinary program for students to learn about safety in the workplace with a business frame of mind. The program will incorporate five courses from the occupational safety and health courses and five from the School of Business Administration’s MBA program. DaimlerChrysler is providing monetary support to develop the courses.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) will address the need for more nursing educators to help teach students and get them in the workforce to fill the nursing shortage. The program will receive funding from the Kellogg Foundation to help launch it, and the School of Nursing has applied for other federal grants for support.

The College of Arts and Sciences also presented a new doctoral program, Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education, which will be OU’s first Ph.D. program in the humanities. The program essentially will help students learn how to teach music instructors.

The board also approved:

• Kathleen Hill and Tim Doig as the Matilda R. and Alfred G. Wilson Award recipients and LaTorya Ellison as the Human Relations Award recipient;
• the revised OU Student Congress Constitution;
• board members for the Public School Academies;
• the replacement of the cooling system for Dodge Hall Data Center.

The next Board of Trustees meeting is Wednesday, May 3, at 2 p.m. in Elliott Hall Auditorium. For more information, visit the Board of Trustees Web site.