Skills Rebuilding / Professional Development

Owing to the current tough economic situation in Michigan, Oakland University is acutely aware of the needs of the displaced workforce. The University has taken the following initiatives in order to alleviate the challenges that are faced by the displaced workers:

1. All of the programs in engineering/computing, of the School of Engineering and Computer Science, have been approved by the Michigan Works for posting on its website. If you are interested in any of the programs listed, you may be eligible to receive financial support from Michigan Works. See The Career Education Consumer Report for more information.
2. Oakland University has created a special Financial Assistant Fund for students. Please contact OU Financial Aid, call 248.370.2550 or email finaid@oakland.edu
3. The School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS) has created the following programs.
   1. Skills Rebuilding Programs:
      These are certificate programs oriented toward building or rebuilding skills in various relevant aspects of engineering and/or computing. Through such certificate programs, the displaced workers could add to their existing portfolio and improve their marketability.
   2. Professional Development Programs:
      These are also certificate Programs based on existing graduate level courses within the SECS. These programs are oriented toward specialized skills enhancement. The courses under this program could transfer to a relevant graduate program should the person decide to pursue a regular program of study, subsequently.
   Usually a bachelor’s degree and relevant background is required for these programs.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities:

Automotive Research and Industrial Mentorship Program at Oakland University
This program is targeted to talented women and minority undergraduate students interested in working on exciting automotive research projects, in such fields as fluid mechanics, heat transfer, energy and/or tribology.

Interdisciplinary Research Experience in Electrical and Computer Engineering (IREECE)
IREECE is a 10-week summer program for undergraduates to experience research and development in cutting-edge interdisciplinary projects in various areas of electrical and computer engineering.

Undergraduate Computer Research at Oakland University
This program is a full-time comprehensive educational experience targeted to women and minorities in particular. It should be understood by the students that this position is not merely a summer job, but rather an educational experience where the students are treated as junior colleagues.

Summer Institute in Bioengineering and Health Informatics
The primary objective of the Oakland University Summer Institute in Bioengineering and Health Informatics is to promote graduate studies and careers in Bioengineering and Bioinformatics to bright and talented students pursuing degrees in Computer, Natural, Health Sciences, and other related majors. Although the institute is open to all students, our goal is to focus on enhancing career opportunities for African American and other minority students in the fields of bioengineering and health informatics.

Center for Creative and Collaborative Computing (C4)
The mission of the center is to provide an environment for students, faculty, and participating industry professional to collaborate and create novel information technology applications to keep our industry competitive and at the forefront of technology. The center is seen as an integral component of the future success of the computing and information technology related undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Oakland University.