By Rebecca Wyatt Thomas, OU Web Writer

The Oakland University Board of Trustees approved five new degree programs at its June 6 formal session. One of the programs is a doctoral program, the rest are bachelor’s degree programs. They will fulfill a need expressed by students and industry leaders.

The approved doctoral program in Computer Science and Informatics in the School of Engineering and Computer Science will provide students with a specific area of study that can be adapted to those who come from other majors like nursing and media.

The SECS and the College of Arts and Sciences presented the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Biology. The program is in line with the other two cross-disciplinary programs approved in recent years, including Engineering Physics and Engineering Chemistry. Students within the program can select from concentrations in areas such as Bioinformatics; Computational Biology; and Electronic Devices, Signal Analysis and Bio-sensors, fields that are increasingly in demand within the industrial sector.

The School of Health Science’s new Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Sciences was also approved. The program will offer a new option to those with two-year degrees looking for more education, as well as a new option for students entering the field. Some courses from the program will be offered at Macomb Community College and students would be able to dual enroll at the college and at OU.

The College of Arts and Sciences’ Music, Theatre and Dance Department presented information on two new Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees it plans to offer students. Currently, the department offers a Bachelor of Arts to its graduates. MTD Chair Jackie Wiggins said the new degree would require a different level of artistry from the students and is more attractive to those looking to hire them out in the working world.

The programs can all begin immediately.

In other board action:

• The board approved Julie Voelck as the dean of Kresge Library. Voelck served in the capacity of interim dean since April 2004. Prior to that she served as Associate Dean of the library for 10 years.
• A repair to the underground utility tunnel east of Varner Hall was approved. The repair includes replacing bowing concrete on the ceiling of the tunnel. Repairs to a culvert located on the north side Meadow Brook Drive between Hamlin Hall and the Student Apartments was also approved. The dirt below the culvert was washed away and the culvert has started to collapse. The project will repair the erosion and the culvert, preventing any further damage to the area or road.
• The board welcomed new members Monica Emerson and Ganesh Reddy. The new board members replaced trustees Rex Schlaybugh, Jr. and David Doyle, whose terms had expired. OU President Gary Russi presented resolutions honoring Schlaybaugh and Doyle for their contributions to the university through their service.
• Vice President of Student Affairs Mary Beth Snyder presented resolutions honoring outgoing student liaisons Jim Gammicchia and Frederick DeNault. New student liaisons Samir Hanna and Aaron Kochenderfer begin their service at the next Board of Trustees meeting.

For more information on the Board of Trustees, visit the Board of Trustees Web site.