Responding to the Cherry Commission recommendations designed to increase the percentage of residents with college credentials while building a workforce with the talent and skills necessary for success in the 21st century, Macomb and Oakland in August 2005 announced that the two institutions were stepping up their more-than-two-decade collaboration by introducing a joint admission, concurrent enrollment program by fall 2006. The program, Macomb 2 Oakland, has begun to accept students.

Unique in Michigan, Macomb 2 Oakland offers:

• Joint admission through one application available from Oakland University's Web site
• Concurrent enrollment at OU and Macomb, offering the flexibility to take courses at one or both institutions at the same time
• Maximized financial aid at both institutions by combining credit for concurrently enrolled students
• Expanded course selection
• Coordinated advising and course planning
• Timely completion of associate and bachelor’s degrees
• Access to the on-campus resources of both institutions, including Oakland University housing

“Macomb 2 Oakland takes the concept of the seamless transfer from community college to university to an unprecedented level,” said Donald Ritzenhein, interim provost, Macomb Community College. “Together with Oakland University, we have created a unique partnership that offers our students the benefits of integrated programs, resources and processes as if they were dealing with a single educational institution.”

“Our concurrent enrollment program with Macomb Community College is a vital component of OU at Macomb, Oakland University’s initiative to greatly expand the opportunities for baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate education available in Macomb County,” said Oakland University Interim Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Academic Administration David J. Downing. “We are excited about the potential of this program and look forward to expanding upon it.”

The Macomb 2 Oakland integrated degree path is designed to reduce false starts to bachelor’s degree completion, help move students toward degree attainment more quickly and ease educational debt loads. With research showing greatly increased degree-completion rates for students who first complete associate degrees, students in the new program are able first to earn their associate degree, which also gives them the opportunity to leverage the credential in the labor marketplace while completing their bachelor’s degree.

To support growth of the Macomb 2 Oakland program and increase options for students to complete college coursework within the county, Macomb is building the third phase of the Macomb University Center. The 40,000 square-foot classroom building addition is scheduled to open by fall 2007. Since pioneering the now nationally replicated University Center concept in 1988, more than 2,900 students currently attend the Macomb University Center to complete bachelor’s degrees and earn master’s degrees. A portion of the current University Center is being renovated to serve as headquarters for Oakland University’s programs in Macomb County.

For more information about Macomb 2 Oakland, contact Macomb Community College at (586) 445-7999 or Oakland University at (586) 263-6242.