EMU Today

YPSILANTI ­– The Eastern Michigan University College of Technology continues to extend its academic and collaborative footprint, welcoming a new partner from the United Arab Emirates to campus this month.

The college, which this year launched a new mechanical engineering program and is also starting a new program in electrical and computer engineering this coming academic year, mirrors the overall goal of the University and President James Smith in extending Eastern Michigan’s global reach and appeal to students from around the World.

On June 20 and 21, a delegation form Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates visited the Eastern campus. The delegation included vice chancellor Assaleh and chief of operations officer Al-khofash. The group met with University officers, including President James Smith, Rhoda Longworth, provost and executive vice president of academic and student affairs; and Mohamad Qatu, dean of the College of Technology, along with other University officers.

“The visit was highly productive,” Dean Qatu said. “A memorandum of understanding was signed between Eastern and Ajman University that outlined several collaboration opportunities, including developing student exchange programs, offering Eastern degrees on the Ajman campus, and developing dual degree programs.”

The recent visit aligns with Dean Qatu’s goal to provide COT students with high-demand programs that lead to jobs in today’s revolving technical and global economy.

With that goal in mind, the University is undertaking a planned $40M renovation to Sill Hall, home of the College of Technology. Early construction is targeted to begin January 2019, with substantial completion set for July, 2021. Eastern plans to again make Sill Hall its top priority in next year’s outlay request to the state of Michigan. The University will fund the first phase of the project, at a cost of $3 million.

In addition, Qatu and his faculty are modernizing the college in variety of ways this year, including adding a virtual reality lab, a robotics lab, advanced electronics lab and other enhancements.

The key? Prepare students for jobs in areas such as advanced manufacturing.

“There is a mismatch in the public perception of manufacturing; it is not going away,” Qatu said. “In fact, advanced manufacturing is moving up in Michigan. Yes, the days of cheap labor are going away, but there are good jobs in this area, and we seek to be highly competitive in preparing students to succeed.”

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 20,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.