EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University officials, including President James Smith and Dean Mohamad Qatu of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, recently visited Beibu Gulf University (BGU) in China to further strengthen the partnership between the two institutions. The joint college, established in 2021 following two years of planning, provides opportunities for engineering and construction management students at BGU to take courses taught by faculty from EMU’s GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology and, upon graduation, receive degrees from both universities.

A key element of the program provides an opportunity for BGU students in their fourth/senior year of the program, to travel to the United States complete their degrees at Eastern Michigan University – essentially a “3+1” model with the students taking their first three years at BGU and their final year at Eastern. The final year at EMU is not required to obtain the joint degree, but is an option for students who want to gain more international experience.

The visit was designed to strengthen the bond between the universities. President Smith and Dean Qatu, along with EMU faculty and BGU leaders, participated in an unveiling ceremony of a new sign reflecting the partnership – declaring the official name Eastern Michigan University Joint College of Engineering, Beibu Gulf University. EMU leadership also participated in the first in-person meeting of the Joint Management Committee, which establishes the foundation and operating oversight for the joint college.

Speaking to attendees, Smith said, “International education is a marathon rather than a sprint. Our team will provide long-term and continuous support to the joint college. We are committed to listening to feedback, addressing concerns, and removing barriers to ensure the sustainable development of the joint college.”

The first classes in the joint college launched in the fall of 2021 with 177 students. More than 200 students were admitted in the fall of 2022. As the joint college grows, EMU hopes to see a fall 2023 incoming class of approximately 240 new students and future classes in the range of 275 to 300 new students.

Majors offered at Beibu Gulf by the EMU’s GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology include mechanical engineering technology, computer and electrical engineering technology, product design engineering technology, and construction management.

Students at Beibu Gulf pursuing these majors at EMU will simultaneously pursue majors at BGU in mechanical engineering, vehicle engineering, mechanical design, manufacturing and automation, construction project costs, and Internet of Things engineering.

“The successful establishment of the joint college is a major breakthrough and milestone of internationalization at Beibu Gulf University,” said Junfeng Han, BGU executive. “Looking forward to the future, I sincerely hope to further enhance friendship and mutual trust with EMU, deepen cooperation and create a model for China-U.S. collaboration.”

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 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; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.